WISCONSIN BOATER'S SAFETY EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWER S.
Question :Which side of the vessel is the port side?
Correct answer:Left
Question :Which part of the vessel is the stern?
Correct answer:Rear
Question :What are the two basic types of vessel hulls?
Correct answer:Displacement & Planing
Question :What are the three basic hull shapes?
Correct answer:Round Bottom, Flat Bottom, Vee Bottom
Question :What are the four length classes of vessels?
Correct answer:Less than 16ft, 16ft to less than 26ft, 26ft to
less than 40ft, 40ft to less than 65ft
Question :What are the four types of engines?
Correct answer:Outboard, Inboard, Stern Drive and Jet Drive
Question :What do stern drive and inboard engines have in
common?
Correct answer:They are both automotive engines adapted for
marine use.
Question :How does the US Coast Guard classify a PWC?
Correct answer:As an inboard vessel
Question :Are PWC subject to the laws and requirements of
other vessels?
Correct answer:Yes
Question :What do you call a device that is used to pump and
force water under pressure through a steering nozzle at the rear of a vessel?
Correct answer:Impeller
Question :What information is displayed on the capacity
plate of an outboard powerboat?
Correct answer:Capacity in pounds or number of people and
recommended maximum horsepower.
Question :Name three things that should be included on your
float plan before you embark on an extended outing.
Correct answer:Vessel Description, Passengers, Trip Plan
Question :What three things should you do while filling the
fuel tank of your vessel?
Correct answer:Keep the nozzle in contact with the tank
opening, fill tank slowly and avoid spilling fuel, and never fill and tank to the brim.
Question :What rule of thumb is used to prevent running out
of fuel?
Correct answer:1/3 Out, 1/3 In, 1/3 In Reserve
Question :When should you get the next larger trailer to tow
your vessel?
Correct answer:If the combined weight of the vessel and its
engine is more than 90% of the recommended load capacity of the trailer.
Question :What is tongue weight?
Correct answer:The amount of the loaded trailer's weight that
presses down on the towing hitch
Question :How should two strong safety chains be secured to
support the trailer's coupler in case it comes disconnected from the towing vehicle?
Correct answer:Crisscrossed
Question :Where should you prepare your vessel before
launching it from the trailer?
Correct answer:Well away from the boat ramp
Question :Name three engine answer:Red light on the port (left) side, green light on the starboard (right) side, and a white light
Question :What must a 16ft canoe away from the dock after
dark have on hand?
Correct answer:At least a flashlight or lantern
Question :What are two visual distress signals (VDSs) that
can be used at night?
Correct answer:Red Flares, Red Meteors, Electric Light
Question :What does a divers flag look like?
Correct answer:Red flag with a white diagonal stripe
Question :If an observer is on board when pulling a skier
behind a vessel, how many people should that vessel be rated to carry?
Correct answer:At least three
Question :May a water-skier be towed at night with proper
lighting?