Being in full control

Jon Mendez explains how to throttle and trim your outboard engine

- Jon Mendez

Knowing how to throttle and trim a planing boat correctly is a key skill, especially for owners of smaller, faster craft like RIBs and sportsboats. The first thing to sort is your driving position.

At speed, the relationship between the wheel and throttles becomes crucial, and it’s imperative, especially in smaller boats, to keep control of them even when being bounced about.

Your seating position is vital too: you need to be stable but relaxed so that you don't accidentally move the controls.

Lastly, the single most important item is the kill cord; this needs to be attached as soon as the engine is running.

When speeding up, the actions required are similar in any sea direction. What does differ is how you trim the engine and any trim tabs fitted to the boat. The first step is to have a good look round to ensure it’s clear, then with the helm straight, the engine trim in the fully down position and the tabs up, engage ahead at tick over. Now progressively push the throttle forward so that the boat starts to increase speed. As the bow rises, add more throttle until you are fully planing. You don't need to go that fast - many craft will plane at 15-16 knots. I find 20 knots a safe, sensible speed to practise at.