The first and most basic steering tip for beginners is to push the right rudder to go left and push the left rudder to go right. This “opposing advice” never worked for me. When someone asks me what it's really like to drive a narrow boat, my first answer is: “Great. It sounds simple and is a good starting point when you're trying to learn how to drive a cramped boat, but it's sure to take a while get used to it.
The only problem is that no one has told you how to drive a narrow speedboat, there's no driving test for boats, no aptitude test or even a requirement to be told anything, so you're on your own. It's not harder or easier than in a car, but it's something you should keep in mind when approaching curves or maneuvering in a narrow boat. It may mean that you have to turn later than you think to make a curve or it may mean that you have to turn much earlier if you try to move from a closed position, you'll soon get used to this fact, but it's something you'll have to know when you get out. Narrow Canal boats normally have a rudder steering, which is quite simple, however, you must remember that if you push to the right, the boat will turn to the left and vice versa.
Just like driving a narrow boat, keep an eye on the boat, the shores and the water, because if you get distracted and don't pay attention, you could end up floating outside of their course or hit an obstacle. It has been said that driving a narrow boat is like trying to drive a long chain of shopping carts. Learning to drive a narrow boat doesn't have to be overwhelming or scary, it's a really fun way to pass the time and it's easy once you get the hang of it.
