a quick glossary
"gear and steer" is basically realizing that a boat doesn't steer like an automobile. If I'm backing the boat hard to port and I want to proceed forward to starboard, thus spinning the boat, I should first shift to neutral, count to three, and then shift to forward WHILE THE WHEEL IS STILL TO PORT since the rudder is still turning the boat. Don't turn the wheel to starboard until the boat comes to a complete stop. In other words, "gear" first, "steer" second. Once the boat begins to spin, learn to stop the spin with the throttle rather than the wheel. (Best to practice these things away from the harbor.) "back and fill" is a way to spin a boat in a tight fairway, utilizing prop walk. Assuming a RH prop, you would back the boat to port, pulsing the throttle to maximize prop walk to left (in reverse), once the boat begins to spin, you "fill" forward to starboard, using the "gear and steer" technique. With a fixed prop you should be able to spin a fin-keeled Hunter in less than 1 1/2 times its length, less than that if you're able to utilize a bit of breeze on the bow. Once again, practice somewhere you're dock neighbors can't see what you're doing.
