Making sure we use the correct verb for the vehicle we’re controlling is very important. We can drive a car, we can ride a bike, and we can fly a plane. But, can we drive a boat? No, we can’t, and this article will look at what we do instead.
Do You Drive A Boat?
You “pilot” a boat if you’re the captain and use the pilot’s wheel to control it. You “sail” a boat if you’re using a sailing boat to move across the water. You “steer” a boat more generally if you’re not the “pilot,” but you’re still in control of the wheel.
The definition of “pilot,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “a person with detailed knowledge of an area of water, such as that around a port, who goes onto a ship to direct it safely.”
While “pilot” seems to closely link back to “flying a plane,” the original term for “pilot” applied more to people who were capable of controlling and navigating a large ship across bodies of water. For that reason, the most official verb to use is “pilot.”
Correct Verbs For “Driving” A Boat
We briefly mentioned some of the most appropriate verbs above, but there are a few more that we thought we’d share. We’ll include examples of each one to help you understand when to use them all.
Pilot
“Pilot” is the most appropriate term to use when you control a boat. You’ll typically call the person in charge of steering in the pilot’s cabin by this name (hence why the cabin is named for the “pilot.”
“Pilot” means that someone is able to control a large ship or boat on a large area of water. It originates around ports and transport vessels and now applies to all forms of boats where a pilot’s wheel is present.
- I need you to pilot the boat while I’m away.
- You pilot the boat for your crew, don’t you?
- They pilot the boat in shifts.
Sail
“Sail” is one of the other most common terms you might come across. However, “sail” is more specific than “pilot” because it only applies when you’re talking about a sailing boat.
“Sail” means that you’re controlling a sailing boat. Sailing boats use the sails to catch the wind and move them across the water; it’s a method of transportation on a boat that’s very common for smaller vessels.
- I sail a boat with my crew every weekend.
- They sail their boats for the fun of it.
- We sail a boat together when we can.
Steer
“Steer” is another way you might talk about someone controlling a boat. It doesn’t always mean that someone is the official “pilot” of the boat, which makes it a suitable term to apply to more people.
“Steer” means someone is able to control the ship or boat by steering the wheel. It might be a direct order from the pilot, or they may simply need to do the steering if they don’t have a pilot.
- I steer a boat for the fisheries around here.
- He steers a boat with his girlfriend across the lake.
- We steer a boat when we get a chance.
Navigate
“Navigate” is a term we apply more traditionally to sailing or piloting a boat. It refers specifically to someone charting a course or making a plan for a route across a large body of water.
“Navigate” is a verb meaning to move a boat across a large body of water through a map or other navigation means.
- I navigate a boat with my crew.
- He navigates a boat when he gets the chance.
- You navigate this boat, right?
Helm
“Helm” is very similar to “steer.” In fact, it’s closely linked to the name “helmsman,” which is the name given to someone who is in control of steering the ship’s wheel, even if they’re not the captain or pilot.
“Helm” means that you can control the steering wheel of the ship. It’s synonymous with “steer” and means you have a specific role in turning the wheel and controlling the movement of the boat.
- I helm the boat for my father.
- We helm the boat together and work in shifts.
- You’re helming the boat, so why are you here?
Row
“Row” is similar to “sail” in that it only applies to a specific type of boat. As the name would suggest, you “row” on a rowboat, using oars to do so.
“Row” means that you can control a rowboat. However, a rowboat is often much smaller than the other boats listed here, and you’ll have an easier time navigating smaller bodies of water with them.
- I row a boat down the river.
- You row a boat for the club.
- Row, row, row your boat, gently down the stream.
Paddle
“Paddle” is also a specific type of verb used for one type of boat. We might come across a paddle boat, which is a very small boat we can use our legs to operate. Our legs act as paddles, turning a motor in the boat to get it moving across water.
“Paddle” is a very specific term that applies only to the smallest of boats, known as “paddle boats.”
- We paddle the boat out to the lake.
- I paddle the boat with her because I care.
- You paddle our boat.
Do You Pilot A Boat?
You pilot a boat when you’re in charge of steering the wheel. It’s a traditional verb we use to talk about someone who has complete control of a boat. While they might pass on their duties, they are still the official “pilot” and thus can “pilot a boat.”
Do You Sail A Boat With An Engine?
You can’t “sail” a boat that has an engine. Sailing works by using the wind to catch the sails in the right way and propel the boat across the water. If the boat has an engine, the wind isn’t needed to get it to move; therefore, “pilot” or “steer” are more appropriate verbs.
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Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here.
