diff --git a/mods/ENTITIES/mcl_boats/init.lua b/mods/ENTITIES/mcl_boats/init.lua
index f5c1494085..4b3cf82f39 100644
--- a/mods/ENTITIES/mcl_boats/init.lua
+++ b/mods/ENTITIES/mcl_boats/init.lua
@@ -213,9 +213,9 @@ function boat.on_step(self, dtime)
 	end
 	local s = get_sign(self._v)
 	if not on_water and not in_water and math.abs(self._v) > 0.25 then
-		v_slowdown = math.min(self._v - 0.25, v_slowdown * 5)
+		v_slowdown = math.min(math.abs(self._v) - 0.25, v_slowdown * 5)
 	elseif in_water and math.abs(self._v) > 0.5 then
-		v_slowdown = math.min(self._v - 0.5, v_slowdown * 5)
+		v_slowdown = math.min(math.abs(self._v) - 0.5, v_slowdown * 5)
 	end
 	self._v = self._v - v_slowdown * s
 	if s ~= get_sign(self._v) then