Gear and Throttle Controls

Throughout this course, and when maneuvering under power, we talk about shifting gears, throttle control, and steering. Below we cover the basics, including some helpful tips for mastering each.

Boats in general, use their gears and throttle to control momentum. It’s unlike driving a car in that you have no brakes! Instead, you use your forward and reverse gears and throttle to both increase and decrease speed.

A simple example: if you’re moving forward and want to slow down, then you shift into reverse gear and apply the amount of throttle needed to slow down. And vice versa when in reverse, you shift into forward gear to slow down your reverse speed.

But keep in mind, no amount of throttle will stop you instantly like brakes on a car. However, everyone tries it and all they achieve is over revving the engine and hitting the dock.

Below is a diagram of a typical single, combination, gear, and throttle control lever. The middle is Neutral (you’re just idling with no forward or reverse), and then you can push it forward or pull it backward for Forward or Reverse gears. Since it combines the throttle, then pushing it MORE in one direction gives you more power (thus speed) in that direction.

*NOTE: some boats have separate gear and throttle levers, in which case think of the below diagram as 2 levers (one for gear and another for throttle).

Mastering Your Gears

Big Note: When shifting from forward to reverse or reverse to forward, always stop the lever in neutral for a few seconds first.  Abrupt gear changes at high speeds can damage the transmission. AND usually, you will abruptly change when you are in a panic because you’re going to hit something. An abrupt change in this case will result in a stripped gearbox AND hitting the dock/boat you’re trying to avoid. It’s just better to leave the stripped gear box out of that equation. Better yet be a master and don’t get yourself in that situation.

• Pause briefly in neutral before shifting to allow the engine to adjust – otherwise, you will allow several cogs to exit the gearbox.
• Shift gears decisively when shifting from neutral to forward or reverse, and if you shift too slowly the gears may grind.

Mastering Your Throttle

Mastering the throttle on a boat enhances your overall control and safety on the water. It requires a combination of smooth, deliberate movements, coordination with steering, and a keen awareness of your surroundings.

• Practice Makes Perfect: Spend time practicing throttle control in various conditions. The more familiar you are with your boat’s throttle response, the more confident you’ll be in different situations.
• Neutral Position: Use the neutral position effectively to pause and reassess your situation without shutting off the engine. This is particularly useful when you need to stop momentarily to avoid obstacles or during precise maneuvers.
• Smooth Acceleration and Deceleration: Avoid sudden jerks when moving the throttle. Smooth acceleration and deceleration prevent unnecessary strain on the engine and provide better control over the boat. Gradually increase or decrease the throttle to maintain stability.
• Short Bursts of Power: In tight spaces, during docking, or in the marina area, use short bursts of power instead of continuous throttle. In doing this, make your default gear neutral then shift into forward or reverse as desired at low throttle positions for short periods of time – 2-4 seconds then back to neutral. This concept is called “Floating” the gears as opposed to “Drive” when the gear is in forward or reverse continuously. Use the steer-before-gear method so that the boat behaves as you want during the short burst. Allow the vessel to respond to your maneuver and the intended movement to settle in before the next burst. This technique provides better control and allows for fine adjustments to the boat’s position and changing wind or current conditions.
• Maintaining a Steady Speed: When cruising, find the throttle position that allows the engine to run smoothly and efficiently. This not only conserves fuel but also reduces engine wear. Listen to the engine’s sound – a steady hum indicates optimal performance. Often, the throttle lever will not hold its position – monitor the RPM and boat speed.
• Docking and Mooring: Precise throttle control is crucial when docking or mooring. Approach at slow speeds (i.e., “Slow is Pro”) and make small adjustments to position the boat correctly. Use short bursts of throttle rather than continuous power to maneuver into place.
• Handling Rough Conditions: In rough conditions, use the throttle to maintain control and stability. Increase power to navigate through waves and reduce it when cresting. This technique, known as “throttling,” helps manage the boat’s momentum and reduces the impact of waves.

RPM for Manuevering Under Power

Understanding and effectively using RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) is crucial when operating a boat under power. Proper RPM management ensures efficient engine performance, fuel conservation, and smooth maneuvering.

What is RPM?

RPM measures the number of revolutions the engine’s crankshaft makes per minute. It is an indicator of engine speed and is directly related to the boat’s speed and power output. Higher RPM generally means higher speed and power, while lower RPM indicates slower speeds and reduced power.

When it comes to throttle, you have one primary gauge that tells you the engine output: your Tachometer! Your tachometer is typically a circular gauge (like on your car) that displays RPMs in thousands, such as 0 to 5000 RPMs. Simply, More RPM = More Power = Boat Goes Faster (within limits).

RPM Key Considerations:

1. Engine Specifications: Know your engine’s specifications – including the recommended RPM ranges for different operations – because each engine is different! This information is typically found in the engine manual and is crucial for optimal performance.
2. Fuel Efficiency: Operating at the correct RPM can maximize fuel efficiency.
3. Engine Load: The load on the engine varies with different conditions, such as wind, current, and sea state. Adjusting RPM according to these factors helps maintain a balance between power and efficiency.

Practical RPM Guidelines:

Check your engine specifications for the proper RPM ranges and limits for your engine and boat. These are just general guidelines, and engine specifications can vary! Gasoline engines typically operate at higher RPM than diesel.

• Idle Speed (600-1000 RPM) – Gasoline (600 – 1000 RPM): Use idle speed when the boat is stationary or maneuvering in very tight spaces. This low RPM range provides minimal thrust and allows for precise control during docking or when picking up a mooring.
• Cruising Speed: Diesel (1500-2000 RPM) – Gasoline (2500 – 4000 RPM): Always refer to your engine manual for the exact cruising RPM range recommended for your engine – which could be the RPM that maintains your vessel on a plane, or perhaps a steady speed while in displacement mode. This “cruising speed” RPM range balances, speed and fuel efficiency, allowing for smooth and economical cruising.
• Full Throttle: Diesel (2500-3000 RPM) – Gasoline (4500 – 6000 RPM): Use full throttle sparingly, typically only in emergency situations or when needing maximum power, such as against strong currents or high winds. Prolonged operation at full throttle can lead to excessive engine wear and increased fuel consumption.
• Avoiding Overloading: Avoid running the engine at low RPM for extended periods under heavy load, such as when motoring into strong winds or currents. This practice, known as “lugging,” can strain the engine. Instead, increase RPM to match the load demands.