Alabama Boaters Boat Handling & Operating Skills 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the safest way to turn a boat around in a narrow channel?
- Make a sharp U-turn at speed
- Use a three-point turn with alternating forward and reverse (Correct answer)
- Reverse the entire length of the channel
- Anchor and wait for other vessels to clear the channel
Correct answer: Use a three-point turn with alternating forward and reverse
A three-point turn using alternating forward and reverse allows you to safely reverse direction in a confined space.
Question 2: When operating in reverse, what happens to the steering response on most outboard-powered boats?
- Steering is more responsive than going forward
- The boat steers in the opposite direction than the wheel indicates
- Steering response is reduced and the stern may swing unpredictably (Correct answer)
- Reverse has no effect on steering behavior
Correct answer: Steering response is reduced and the stern may swing unpredictably
Most outboard and stern-drive boats handle poorly in reverse, with reduced steering response and unpredictable stern movement.
Question 3: What is the recommended safe speed when operating in heavy fog?
- Normal cruising speed with lights on
- Half of your normal cruising speed
- A speed that allows you to stop within your visible distance ahead (Correct answer)
- Any speed as long as you sound your horn regularly
Correct answer: A speed that allows you to stop within your visible distance ahead
In restricted visibility you must travel at a speed slow enough to stop within the distance you can actually see ahead.
Question 4: When two power-driven vessels meet head-on, both vessels should:
- The faster vessel yields to the slower one
- Both alter course to starboard so each passes on the port side of the other (Correct answer)
- Both alter course to port so each passes on the starboard side of the other
- The vessel with the larger tonnage has right of way
Correct answer: Both alter course to starboard so each passes on the port side of the other
In a head-on situation, both vessels alter course to starboard, passing each other port-to-port.
Question 5: What is 'prop walk' and how does it affect maneuvering at low speeds?
- The tendency of the propeller to walk on the bottom in shallow water
- The sideways force a propeller creates that pushes the stern to one side in reverse (Correct answer)
- The forward momentum of a boat after the engine is cut
- The vibration a damaged propeller causes at high speed
Correct answer: The sideways force a propeller creates that pushes the stern to one side in reverse
Prop walk is the sideways thrust created by propeller rotation that pushes the stern port or starboard, especially noticeable in reverse at low speeds.
Question 6: What should you do if your boat's engine stalls in a shipping channel?
- Stay in the channel and try to restart — you have right of way
- Deploy an anchor if safe to do so and try to restart the engine, and signal distress if needed (Correct answer)
- Swim to shore and call for help
- Blow your horn continuously and wait for help in the channel
Correct answer: Deploy an anchor if safe to do so and try to restart the engine, and signal distress if needed
Anchoring in a safe spot outside the channel, attempting a restart, and signaling distress keeps you from becoming a hazard to larger vessels.
Question 7: How does a trim tab affect boat performance?
- It controls the fuel mixture to the engine
- It adjusts the running angle of the boat hull to improve efficiency and handling (Correct answer)
- It regulates cooling water flow to the engine
- It controls the anchor winch speed
Correct answer: It adjusts the running angle of the boat hull to improve efficiency and handling
Trim tabs are adjustable plates on the transom that change the hull's running angle to improve speed, fuel efficiency, and passenger comfort.
Alabama Boaters Boat Handling & Operating Skills 3
What is the safest way to turn a boat around in a narrow channel?