diff --git a/mods/ENTITIES/mcl_boats/init.lua b/mods/ENTITIES/mcl_boats/init.lua
index 2a976c2f3..c2e84ab11 100644
--- a/mods/ENTITIES/mcl_boats/init.lua
+++ b/mods/ENTITIES/mcl_boats/init.lua
@@ -278,7 +278,7 @@ function boat.on_step(self, dtime, moveresult)
 			return
 		end
 		local yaw = self.object:get_yaw()
-		if ctrl.up then
+		if ctrl and ctrl.up then
 			-- Forwards
 			self._v = self._v + 0.1 * v_factor
 
@@ -287,7 +287,7 @@ function boat.on_step(self, dtime, moveresult)
 				self.object:set_animation({x=0, y=40}, paddling_speed, 0, true)
 				self._animation = 1
 			end
-		elseif ctrl.down then
+		elseif ctrl and ctrl.down then
 			-- Backwards
 			self._v = self._v - 0.1 * v_factor