How did Ariel know how to steer a boat?

I realize that she learned how to walk in about 5 seconds flat, but somehow she knew how to steer a boat with extreme precision. Ummm excuse me?

It should have been Prince Eric who saved Ariel, his character needed redemption from being saved earlier in the film.

What kind of message does this movie give to little girls? That you shouldn’t ask for help…..that a woman doesn’t need a man?