Photos

Tres Martin’s Performance Boat Driving School

By Boating Staff

Updated: April 29, 2011

Tres Martin’s Performance Boat Driving School

Brad Schoenwald, (left) is a retired Coast Guard chief and co-instructor in Tres Martin’s Performance Boat Driving School. He and student Jim B Watt…. launched Jim’s DCB 35 after checking all sterndrive linkage while on the trailer. They pose for shot before pre-flighting the engine.

Tres Martin’s Performance Boat Driving School

Brad checks the oil and other fluids plus electrical connectors before beginning driving instructions. Tres Martin’s school begins with a full day of classroom instruction on hull hydrodynamics, safety and other critical skills needed to be a safe captain.

Tres Martin’s Performance Boat Driving School

Jim’s DCB is equipped with twin Merc 700 SCI’s and Smartcraft instruments plus Livorsi controls. Its a beautiful helm.

Tres Martin’s Performance Boat Driving School

After shaking down the boat, and warming it up, she hits 120 mph easily. But the devil is in the turning and a big part of safe handling at speed is understanding proper turning techniques. Tres and Brad teach a technique that involves pumping the helm to keep the prop in clean water and to alway be ready should it lose its grip. The exit plan in a snafu when turning? Never pull back on power, just straighten the helm. Regain control, then slow down and change your board shorts.

Tres Martin’s Performance Boat Driving School

Here’s Jim in a beautifully executed turn. Its so smooth, you can tell Brad is relaxed and comfy, kneeling between passenger seat and helm station. Jim has been driving performance boats all his life but finally wanted to make sure he was doing it right. It was easy to see him improve in just the short time I spent with Jim and Brad.