Does a modern motor yacht or speed boat have similar controls to a road car?

Question

I mean steering wheel for direction, gears, brake etc etc?

Basically could a car driver pilot a modern motor boat (out on clear, open water) with relative ease?

Thanks!

Answer 1

new yachts are the new aircraft fly by wire no more steering shift or throttle cables

Answer 2

Not at all similar to driving a car.

For a start unless a boat is secured by anchor or mooring it will move under influence of tide and wind without any input from driver or engine.  Without forward motion the steering does nothing.  When moving forward, steering is not instant like a car but there is a delay between moving the wheel and the boat turning.  Steering in reverse is a whole different art  and in either case it is very different if the prop drive turns as with an outboard or outdrive compared to fixed prop(s) and rudder(s).  Above all, out in open water you have to be aware that the boat is in the water and you only see the surface.  Avoiding shallow areas, floating or half submerged debris is a big thing these days.  A motor boat with a fishing net or rope around the prop is dead in the water.

Answer 3

Learning to drive a boat isn't that hard for the basics, the steering is the same in that you turn the wheel to the right you go right, give it gas, you go forward, you put it in reverse, you go back.

What you need to learn is the "Feel" of driving the boat, it doesn't handle the same as a car, you have wind and tide/current to affect your boat that are not car worthy to note unless the weather is extreme...

Learning the "Rules of the Road" for boats and Navigation will be another issue to deal with and many of the local Coast Guard Aux.'s have such classes or can put you in touch with someone that teaches them.

Unless you plan on just getting a small boat and put it into a small lake, I wouldn't worry too much except for basic seamanship skills and regulations that again can be gotton from the Coast Guard Aux. or State Boating regulations.

But to answer your question, yes....

Answer 4

In open water you could quickly learn,but contrary to all answer here there is braking on a boat its called reverse,

But the complex part is definitely docking. It worth spending a few afternoons in a marina and watch boaters dock!!!!

Answer 5

there is a steering wheel and a throtel lever but there the only gears are forward reverce and neutral and no brakes. it would be quite easy to have a go at driving in open water but you should have someone who knows what they are doing with you otherwise consider taking a power boating course see www.rya.org.uk

good luck

Answer 6

it has a steering wheel and a throttle lever and that's about it with the controls so yes why not a car driver  could pilot a modern motor boat out on clear, open water with relative ease?

Answer 7

You'll not need to use the handbrake unless you park on a sloping lake..............

Answer 8

no.

Answer 9

yes

Answer 10

Yes they are easy to "drive" but don`t stamp on the brakes under any circumstances, the noise frightens the ducks

Answer 11

There's a steering wheel for directional control and throttle lever for ahead and astern propulsion. There are no gears, controllable clutch or brake pedals.

Boat handling takes a different set of skills than car driving. The two are not similar, but they can be learned.

Answer 12

Piloting out in open water would be easy enough, but dockside may be a different story.  Boats don't maneuver at slow speeds very well, especially if there is a current or wind.   Might want to pick up a boating magazine to get some pointers as they often have articles directed to new boaters.  Also check the Coast Guard regulations as they have a ton of info on boater safety.  95% of boats use hand throttles and a shifter that allows for neutral, forward and reverse.  Smaller boats have the throttle and shifter incorporated into the same handle.  And pumping the brakes wont stop a boat.

Answer 13

You obviously know nothing about boats, so either get yourself trained with a course at your local RYA training centre or keep away from the  sea as you will be a hazard to everyone and a danger to your self.