6.4.3 Driving the boat

Going out in a motor boat involves responsibility not just to those on board, but also to others we meet on the water. Showing consideration for others makes boating comfortable. Everyone has the same right to be at sea, whatever kind of boat they go afloat in.

The physical laws that apply to a boat are rather different from, for example, those affecting a car, as are the possibilities of controlling it.

You can influence a boat’s behavior and the level of comfort on board primarily by adapting the speed to the prevailing sea conditions and by the intelligent use of the trim tabs. A planing boat rides almost level in the water at maximum speed. As the speed of the boat is reduced the trim angle increases and the bow rises slightly. This is normal, and is a prerequisite for good performance.