Motorboating

A motorboat is a vessel propelled by an internal combustion engine driving a jet pump or a propeller. The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea defines a "power driven vessel" as any vessel propelled by machinery and even a sailboat while it has an engine running (i.e. under power) is technically a power driven vessel. Speedboats and even inflatable boats with a motor attached are also technically motor boats. Power boating can also be included under the heading of Motorboating. Generally a power boat has a high power to weight ratio and a hull design that allows for easy planing which in turn allows for higher speed and improved handling. Power boats are often used recreationally including waterskiing, wakeboarding and other similar activities. Motorboating in all it forms is a popular pastime, with more than 500,000 people partaking in the activity in the UK every year.

The national governing body for motorboating is the RYA. Visit their website at www.rya.org.uk