Even the most challenging American skiffs look effortless compared to the boats in Thailand. The propeller, mounted ten feet behind the boat, is attached to a small car engine. On the other side of the engine the captain accelerates and steers with a six foot rod. The entire driving apparatus is as long as a Lincoln Continental.

In open water the Thai boats seem simple enough. However, when docking or moving in tight quarters, the captains stand, yank and scurry all over the back. The driving experience strikes you as unnecessarily complicated. At least until you compare it to the Vietnamese boats, which are essentially giant bowls..

*A better angle to show the acrobatics involved in driving