Setting off

Step off from the back, keeping hold of the centre line in case the boat starts to drift.

Untie the front (bow) and back (stern) mooring ropes from the bank. Coil the ropes and stow them on the roof out of the way. Make sure your ropes can’t trail in the water and get caught in the propeller.

Bring aboard any mooring pins and hammer.

Because the boat steers from the back, you can’t drive away from the bank as you would drive a car away from the kerb. Instead, check the area is clear of boat traffic then push the front away from the bank – continuing to hold on to the centre line.

This will have the effect of pushing the back in tight to the bank, giving you plenty of time to walk down to the back and climb aboard. If you give the back a little push as you climb in, you will ensure that your propeller is in deep water before setting off.