Powerboating

Experience the exhilaration of powerboating, where speed and freedom combine for an unforgettable on water adventure.

What is powerboating?

Powerboating offers both the gentle pace of a leisurely cruise and the high-speed thrill of flying across the open water.

Powerboats, canalboats, or motorboats are boats exclusively powered by an engine. This makes them ideal for day trips or short bursts of fun on the water. Able to cover longer distances in a shorter time, powerboats are suitable for all ages and are relatively intuitive to steer.

Get started

Whether you want to enjoy a laidback cruise around a secluded bay, go fishing, or venture further afield, powerboating is ideal for you.

Generally speaking, powerboats don’t require the same level of skill and knowledge as sailboats. This makes powerboating more accessible for those looking to take to the water without the more demanding aspects of sailing.

Powerboating also offers more control over your movement on the water, allowing you to manoeuvre, dock, and anchor your boat with precision and ease. For those who prioritise speed and convenience, powerboating is great way to focus on fun and adventure rather than the complexities of sailing.

Powerboating at night

Top tips to help you enjoy your local fireworks display on the water

two students using a rib with their instructor

Weather, wind, and waves

Former RYA Powerboat Trainer and Head of Lifesaving at the RNLI, Howard Ramm, covers staying safe in rough weather and understanding the waves

Tackling RYA Level 2 Powerboat Handling

Former RYA Communications Officer and Editor of InBrief, Emma Slater, shares her experience of the RYA Powerboat Level 2 course

close up of woman and man driving a motor cruiser

RYA Day Skipper Motor – Who’s it for and what’s involved?

The RYA Day Skipper course not only teaches you how to use your boat, but also how to enjoy it

Our favourite cruising destinations

With summer just around the corner here are some of our favourite sailing and motor cruising destinations…

Man sat on PWC while training group stand on dock

Personal watercraft safety

Riding a personal watercraft (PWC) is a great way enjoy the water

Powerboat courses

Looking to improve your skillset or try something new? A great way to get to grips with the basics of powerboats and RIBs is through a course. Around 165,000 people complete RYA training courses each year.

Alongside courses for recreational boaters, RYA powerboat certificates are also used by professional open boat skippers to prove their competence for work. In the UK the RYA Powerboat Level 2 certificate is the equivalent to a powerboat licence and is recognised worldwide.

So, whether you use powerboats for leisure, work, or in connection with another activity such as sailing or rescue, we have a course for you.

Two sailors sat at the helm of powerboat

Level 1 | Start Powerboating

Young sailors on a powerboat with instructor

Level 2 | Powerboat Handling

Woman in powerboat sailing towards sunny horizon

Powerboat Intermediate Course

Publications

To accompany our practical powerboat courses, you can master the theory behind motor cruising with the RYA’s publications. Whether you’re taking your first steps into powerboating or you’re a practised old hand looking for hints and tips, there’s something for everyone.

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RYA Start Powerboating

RYA Powerboat Handbook

RYA Navigation Handbook 2nd Edition

Where can I learn powerboating?

If you’re thinking of trying powerboating or want to find like-minded powerboaters, then joining a club is a great place to start. There are clubs all over the UK and our club finder tool will tell you where your closest club is and how you can get in touch with them.