Boat handling lessons

paintitredinHC · 08-18-2015, 09:18 AM

My brother who is in the marine industry had a great suggestion for new boaters. Go to your local grocery store and practice by pushing a shopping cart around backwards. Meaning, push with the wheels that turn in the rear. This is exactly how a boat handles. Remember, boats do not handle like cars (i.e. point and shoot).... they steer from the rear. I see a lot of boaters drive like they are in their car and it usually doesn't pan out very well.

When docking in an I/O (Inboard/Outboard), which is what you most likely have on your Four Winns, approach the dock at a 45 degree angle while in gear. About 10 feet away from the dock with the boat still in gear, turn away from the dock for just a second. Put the boat in neutral to scrub some speed. Then turn the wheel again towards the dock and shift into reverse. This last action will pull the stern of the boat towards the dock.

As mentioned in a previous post, a direct drive or v-drive will handle much differently than I described above. You will also have to factor in other boats and wind into your attack angle and speed. Confidence is key. Good luck!

08-18-2015, 09:18 AM	#8
paintitredinHC Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 44 Thanks: 39 Thanked 19 Times in 13 Posts	Practice My brother who is in the marine industry had a great suggestion for new boaters. Go to your local grocery store and practice by pushing a shopping cart around backwards. Meaning, push with the wheels that turn in the rear. This is exactly how a boat handles. Remember, boats do not handle like cars (i.e. point and shoot).... they steer from the rear. I see a lot of boaters drive like they are in their car and it usually doesn't pan out very well. When docking in an I/O (Inboard/Outboard), which is what you most likely have on your Four Winns, approach the dock at a 45 degree angle while in gear. About 10 feet away from the dock with the boat still in gear, turn away from the dock for just a second. Put the boat in neutral to scrub some speed. Then turn the wheel again towards the dock and shift into reverse. This last action will pull the stern of the boat towards the dock. As mentioned in a previous post, a direct drive or v-drive will handle much differently than I described above. You will also have to factor in other boats and wind into your attack angle and speed. Confidence is key. Good luck!