Neptune Sail and Power Squadron

USPS and US POWERBOATING Videos

A capability that is a "must" for anyone operating a powerboat in close quarters or around other boats or persons in the water. Minimum control speed is the slowest speed at which you can operate and still maintain steering control. Typically, this is less than the speed produced when the engine is in gear and the throttle is set at idle RPM, and is accomplished by the use of intermittent power. With the throttle at idle RPM, shift from neutral to forward and back to neutral. This produces a short, gentle pulse of power to maintain steering control. Repeat this technique to keep the boat under control and moving slowly.