Rhode Island Boater Practice Test

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the Rhode Island Boater Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Get exam-ready today!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

If your inboard/outboard boat runs aground, what action should you take in addition to shifting the weight away from the point of impact?

Stop the engine and lift the outdrive
Put the boat in reverse and gun the engine
Put the boat in forward and gun the engine
Keep the engine running and drop the anchor

The correct answer is: Stop the engine and lift the outdrive

When an inboard/outboard boat runs aground, one of the immediate actions to take is to stop the engine and lift the outdrive. This action is essential because leaving the engine running while the boat is aground can exacerbate the situation. The propeller may spin freely in the water and cause damage to both the propeller and the outdrive unit. Furthermore, lifting the outdrive can help to prevent any potential damage by keeping it clear of the bottom, allowing for a safer potential recovery. In contrast, attempting to put the boat in reverse or forward and gunning the engine could lead to increased strain on the boat’s mechanical parts and may damage the propeller or outdrive. Additionally, keeping the engine running while dropping the anchor doesn't address the immediate problem of being aground and may also cause harm to the boat’s propulsion system. Hence, the best practice is to stop the engine and lift the outdrive to focus on assessing and resolving the grounding situation effectively.