The motor works much better if it pulls you rather than push.So the front of the boat is the back,leave the motor in the middle set your speed and steer with oars or fins.Works well trolling in a lake your facing your lines then.If you want to cover ground in a hurry you put the motor in rabbit and row at the same time.Works just as well on the river too,i steer with my fins to keep me just the right distance from shore,the motor runs to slow me down.Hope this helps..