How to Make My Boat Get Up on a Plane

When a boat moves slowly through the water, it displaces the water in its path and moves it out of the way. When a boat moves quickly enough through water, the water has no time to move out of the way. Instead, the water forms a barrier that resists the intruding boat bottom. Rather than allowing the boat to move through it, the water forces the boat to ride up on top of it. This is known as "planing." To plane a boat, you must create this resistance in the water.

Instructions

    • 1

      Identify the type of bottom you have on your boat. Flat bottom boats require less speed to plane. Round and V-shaped bottom boats require more speed.

    • 2

      Place the outdrive in the down position.

    • 3

      Steady the steering wheel. Avoid making sudden moves from side to side.

    • 4

      Move the throttle into moderate speed.

    • 5

      Look to see if the boat is planing. If not, you will need to pick up speed. Move the throttle to full speed.

    • 6

      Trim, or move the outdrive up after it begins to plane to avoid a plowing that could affect your ability to steer. Avoid trimming too far up, as this could result in a bow-up condition that causes the boat to bounce.