If you’re a boater, you know that sometimes you need to move your boat sideways. Whether you need to dock in a tight space, maneuver around other boats on the water, or simply want to impress your boating buddies, being able to move your boat sideways is a valuable skill to have. In this article, we’ll explain using your boat’s propulsion system.
Before we get into the details, it’s important to note that moving a single-engine boat sideways is often easier said than done. Depending on the size and weight of your boat, the wind and current conditions, and the design of your boat’s hull, you may need to use a combination of techniques to move your boat sideways.
That said, the most common technique for moving a single-engine boat sideways is called “sidestepping.” Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Approach the spot where you want to move sideways, at a 45-degree angle. Make sure your boat is in neutral.
Step 2: Turn your steering wheel all the way in the direction you want to go. For example, if you want to move your boat to the right, turn your steering wheel all the way to the right.
Step 3: Shift into forward gear, and give your engine enough throttle to create some forward momentum. As soon as you feel the boat start to move forward, shift quickly into reverse, keeping the steering wheel turned all the way in the same direction.
Step 4: As soon as the boat starts moving in reverse, shift quickly back into forward gear, again keeping the steering wheel turned all the way in the same direction.
Step 5: Repeat this process as many times as necessary to move your boat sideways. The key is to keep the boat moving forward and then quickly shift into reverse to create movement in the opposite direction. By keeping the steering wheel turned all the way in the same direction, you create a “pivot point” around which the boat will rotate.
While sidestepping is the most common technique used to move a single-engine boat sideways, there are other techniques you can try if you’re having difficulty. For example, you can try “walking” your boat into position by repeatedly shifting from forward to neutral and back again, while using the throttle to control your speed. You can also try using a spring line to pivot the boat around a fixed point like a dock or piling.
No matter which technique you use, remember that practice makes perfect. The more time you spend practicing these techniques, the more comfortable you’ll become with your boat’s handling characteristics, and the easier it will be to move your boat sideways when you need to. So get out there and practice – your boating buddies will be impressed before you know it.