If your props are racing and cavitation occurs, what should you do?

When cavitation occurs, it indicates that the propeller is losing its grip on the water due to air being mixed with the water flow, creating vapor bubbles that can lead to a loss of thrust and can even damage your props. Reducing your speed is the appropriate action in this situation because it helps to re-establish proper water flow over the propeller, reducing the likelihood of cavitation and restoring effective propulsion.

Maintaining or increasing speed in the presence of cavitation can exacerbate the issue, as greater speeds can lead to more severe cavitation effects and potential propeller damage. Similarly, steering away from the bank or adjusting the trim might not resolve the immediate problem of cavitation, as these actions do not directly affect the water flow over the propeller. Therefore, reducing your speed is the most effective and safest response to mitigate cavitation and protect the performance of the vessel.