How To Drive a Deck Boat

Whether it’s your first-time on a deck boat or you’re entirely new to boating, understanding the basics of operating this craft is important. It can be difficult to pick up a new skill for a foreign vessel, but Mark’s Leisure Time Marine is here to help. We can offer a bit of Deck Boat Driving 101 to help you familiarize yourself with the controls and have total confidence in navigating the waters ahead.

What is a Deck Boat?

First off, a deck boat is exactly as it sounds. Its open concept design maximizes deck space for you and your companions. It has an extended bow section and increased seating arrangements to give you the most amount of room to move around. This makes it perfect for watersport activities, entertaining guests, or fishing. 

The Steps

Now that you have a better idea of what a deck boat is, it’s time to learn the tips and tricks to driving one. Follow along to go from novice to pro:

1. Find out what engine is installed in your deck boat. If it’s gas-powered with an engine compartment, turn on the exhaust fan to clear out any fumes.
2. Next, insert your key into the ignition and enjoy the sweet sounds of a purring engine. However, sometimes the deck boat will have a push start button instead.
3. Secure the “kill switch” lanyard onto your life jacket and double-check to see if all of your gear and any passengers are on the boat with you.
4. Unfasten any lines and ropes that are holding the deck boat to the dock.
5. As you would with a car in a parking spot, slowly and gently pull away from the dock by pushing or pulling the throttle (depending on if the boat is backed in or not). You will feel it shift into gear.
6. Continuing to perform the same maneuvers as you would with a car, spin the wheel to readjust the deck boat to a straightforward position.
7. Be aware of other boaters in the marina and keep your distance while embarking on your outing, all while pushing on the throttle to reach your desired speed (a speed within reason, that is). 
8. To make turns or park, simply pull the throttle back towards the neutral position until the boat decreases in speed.
9. If you’re entirely new to boating, take some time to slowly maneuver around while driving the deck boat. The more time you practice, the more confidence you gain!

After reading these steps, we hope you have a better understanding of driving a deck boat! At Mark’s Leisure Time Marine, we have an elite selection of deck boats for sale that are easy to use and are modestly priced. Visit us in Conesus and Canandaigua, New York today! We also serve Rochester.