Abstract: A waterway for a boat amusement ride comprising first and second water troughs connected by a basin such that water flowing in the waterway changes direction through a sharp turning angle in flowing from the basin inlet to the basin outlet. Vanes in the basin cause a boat buoyantly supported and propelled by the water flow to move laterally such that the end of the boat first entering the basin leaves the basin behind the end of the boat last entering the basin, the orientation of the boat thereby being reversed as it passes through the basin. Optional elements for moving the boat laterally include water jets directed by nozzles on sidewalls of the basin and a rotating pushing member for engaging the last entering boat end. The pushing member may also be actuated laterally while abutting the last entering boat end.