Steering

On a small boat with an outboard motor, the motor's handle is used to steer the boat. Since the engine is mounted on the rear of the boat, it pushes the stern around, making the bow go in the opposite direction. To turn to starboard (right), move the handle to the left. To turn to port (left), move the handle to the right. You maneuver larger boats with a steering wheel, much like driving a car.

Speed

The speed of a boat depends on both the size of the motor and the boat. The speed of the motor is controlled by a throttle in much the same way a gas pedal works on a car.

Gearshift

The smallest outboard motors have no gearshift. The boat moves as soon as the engine is started. Larger motors have a gearshift lever. There are three positions—forward, neutral and reverse. Place the lever into neutral to start the engine, then, when it's running, put the lever in forward or reverse gear to move forward or backward.

Placing the shift lever in neutral will not stop the boat. Since a boat does not have brakes, you must learn to judge your speed and maneuver carefully, using the forward and reverse controls to avoid hitting docks and other boats or objects.

Float Plan

Play it safe, keep a stack of float plan forms on hand. Leave a copy with a friend, relative or local marina before heading out on the water. In case of an emergency, pertinent information will be right at their fingertips to enable them to contact the local marine police or Coast Guard with necessary details. A word of caution in case you're delayed and it's not an emergency …inform those with your float plan and be sure to notify them when you return so the float plan can be "closed out" and an unnecessary and costly search avoided.