Factors above water affecting your driving

Do you feel your boat is easy to maneuver, or perhaps not? Several factors will affect your overall maneuvering experience. A major part is how your boat is constructed both above and below the waterline:

• Hull sides above water: The height of the hull sides above the waterline can vary a lot between different boat models. The higher the hull sides, the more your boat is affected by the wind - especially from the side and even more if there are gusts.

• Sidewalls above the hull sides: Some boats have fixed sidewalls, while others have removable canopies. If your canopies are designed with sections, you can choose to take them off as it will remove some of the boat's wind sensitivity.

• Center of gravity: The placement of weight in a boat can significantly impact its maneuvering experience and performance. In most recreational boats below 30 ft, the weight is located in the rear (stern). In some boats, mostly above 30 ft or older veteran models, the weight is located in the middle where the engine is situated. Generally, recreational boats tend to have a lighter bow and a heavier stern as the engine and passengers are typically situated towards the stern. A light bow is important for speed boats as it needs the best conditions for easy planing, stability, and response to wave impacts. Another factor affecting the center of gravity is everything else you bring onboard for your trip and where you place it.