How Much do you Know About Powerboating? Test Your Knowledge!

At Yachts4Fun, we see people with all levels of powerboating experience. Some are certified and just want to rent one of our yachts while others have never been on a powerboat. We pride ourselves on being the go-to experience for anyone who wants to have an amazing day out on the water. Whether you’re a powerboat expert or a novice, it’s fun to test your knowledge. See how many answers you can get right and then head to our website to see more lessons.

(Answers are at the bottom of the page)

True or False

1. “Pitch” is the term that indicates how far the propeller (or boat) would advance with each complete rotation if there was no slippage.
2. The pivot point on a boat is approximately one-quarter to one-third of the way aft from the bow when backing.

 Multiple Choice

 Moderate:

1. Which of the following must a helmsman always do when shifting from forward to reverse?

1. Increase engine RPM slightly to maintain momentum
2. Pause in neutral to give the propeller(s) time to stop turning
3. Make sure the boat is stopped completely using “boater’s eye”
4. Center the wheel to straighten the rudder

2. When preparing your docking plan, which of the following may be used to determine the direction of the wind?

1. Passing clouds directly overhead
2. Flags or pennants flying on shore
3. Birds flying directly above
4. Boats tied up in their slips nearby

Advanced:

3. Which of the following is NOT one of the four “Basic Rules of Boat Handling in Current”?

1. Current on port side ferrys vessel to starboard
2. Current on starboard side ferrys vessel to port
3. Always hold station with stern to current
4. Allow plenty of room downstream when vessel is beam to the current4.

4. Your boat is docked “port side to” against a pier at a marina restaurant. Your vessel is between two boats – one at the bow and one at the stern – and the wind is pinning you against the pier. Which of the following is the best choice to get your boat safely off the pier and underway?

1. Attach a forward spring line to your bow cleat and back against it using the port side engine and hard left rudder to pivot the stern.
2. Execute a split engine pivot turn with hard right rudder to pin your bow against the pier to pivot the stern away from the pier until you can back away safely.
3. Get the owners of the two boats to reposition their vessel to give you more maneuvering room.
4. Attach an after spring line to your bow cleat and maneuver forward against it to pivot the stern away from the pier until you can back away safely.

Answers T/F

1. True
2. False

Answers Multiple Choice

1. b
2. b
3. c
4. d