Boat Handling & Operating Skills Flashcards
7 cards from real ALABAMA BOATERS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Boat Handling & Operating Skills flashcards as text
When entering an unfamiliar inlet or harbor, which is the safest approach?
Answer: Enter slowly, consult a chart, watch for markers, and sound the depth if needed
Entering unfamiliar waters slowly while using charts, navigation markers, and depth soundings prevents grounding and collision.
What is the primary danger of operating a boat in a strong cross-current?
Answer: The boat may be pushed sideways off course, especially when docking or passing bridges
Cross-currents can push a vessel sideways, making it difficult to maintain course and creating danger near docks, bridges, or other vessels.
What is the correct procedure when your boat runs aground on a sandbar?
Answer: Turn off the engine, assess the situation, check for hull damage, then try to free the boat gently
After grounding, shut down to avoid prop damage, check for hull damage, and then use gentle techniques to free the boat.
What is the effect of operating at high speed with a sharp turn?
Answer: The outside of the turn lifts and the inside dips, potentially capsizing the boat
At high speed, a sharp turn causes centrifugal force to raise the outside and lower the inside gunwale, creating a serious capsize risk.
When mooring to a cleat, what is the correct technique?
Answer: Make a figure-eight pattern over the cleat horns and finish with a half hitch
A proper cleat hitch uses a figure-eight wrap over both horns finished with a locking half hitch for a secure, easily released hold.
What is hydroplaning (porpoising) in a powerboat, and how is it corrected?
Answer: The hull skipping off the water surface at high speed — corrected by trimming the drive down or reducing speed
Porpoising is when the bow rhythmically rises and falls at speed; trimming the drive down or reducing speed eliminates the problem.
How should you approach a person who has fallen overboard (man overboard)?
Answer: Circle back, approach from downwind or upcurrent slowly, stop with the victim at midship
Approaching from downwind or upcurrent at slow speed and stopping with the victim at midship allows safe recovery without propeller danger.