Use power trim

Many outboards (and sterndrives) have power-trim as standard. This allows the helmsman to move the angle of the propeller in towards the transom (known as ‘trimming in) or out away from the boat (trimming out.) Trim is used a bit like an aileron on an aircraft – when accelerating, the leg is trimmed in to lift the stern up, and get the boat quickly onto the plane. When she’s there, trim the leg out to the mid-point to lift the nose slightly and find a level point for maximum efficiency. Good trim can increase your range by 8%.