Powerboating Course Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What should you check for in the exhaust outlet?

Consistent water flow.

A diesel inboard engine inspection should include checking the oil level, coolant, fuel tank level, and the condition of the fuel line and connections, as well as ensuring that the engine control levers operate _____.

smoothly

Which of the following is part of the diesel inboard engine start procedure? (Select all that apply)

Preheat with glow-plug control (correct)

Completely shut off all gauges

Put gearshift in neutral (correct)

Turn battery switch to correct setting (correct)

How are diesel engines stopped?

By depriving the engine of fuel. Signup and view all the answers

How do the majority of inboard engines cool?

Using seawater. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are types of drives? (Select all that apply)

Stern drives Signup and view all the answers

What is a stern drive?

A combination of both an inboard engine and an outboard motor. Signup and view all the answers

What should be inspected in a jet drive?

The jet drive control operation and hydraulic oil level. Signup and view all the answers

What are two main ways of securing a boat to the dock?

With a stern line and a bow line. Signup and view all the answers

What are your life jacket requirements? (Select all that apply)

Should be an appropriate size Signup and view all the answers

Where are the best places to get weather reports? (Select all that apply)

VHF radio Signup and view all the answers

When turning with a tiller, you should turn in the opposite direction you want to _____.

go Signup and view all the answers

When turning with a wheel, you should turn it in the direction you want it to _____.

go Signup and view all the answers

What are displacement boats?

Boats with hulls that move through the water at slow to moderate speeds Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are characteristics of displacement boats?

Speed limited by length Signup and view all the answers

What is hull speed?

The maximum speed for a displacement boat when the hull is trapped between waves. Signup and view all the answers

What type of boats transition from displacement to planing?

Planing boats Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristics apply to planing boats?

Optimum speed at planing Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of hulls with their characteristics:

Flat bottom hulls = Good load carrying, rough riding in waves Vee bottom hulls = Good at holding direction, deeper V's perform better in rough water Cathedral hulls = Good tracking, resistance to rolling Soft-inflatable hulls = Lightweight, but vulnerable to damage Signup and view all the answers

What are the two essential types of powerboat drive units?

Propeller and water jet Signup and view all the answers

How does a water jet work?

Water enters through an intake, gets accelerated by a pump, and produces thrust through a nozzle. Signup and view all the answers

What happens if dual function control doesn't turn on?

Check to make sure the lever is in the neutral position. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are parts of a boat?

Stern Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of outboard motors?

Two stroke and four stroke Signup and view all the answers

What precautions should be taken when fueling a boat?

Don't smoke, check fuel levels, avoid static electricity buildup, and ventilate properly. Signup and view all the answers

What types of fuel do inboard engines use?

Gasoline or diesel. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Displacement Boats

Displacement boats have hulls designed to move through water at slow to moderate speeds.
Characterized by good maneuverability, directional stability, load capacity, and performance not significantly impacted by load.
Their speed is limited by hull length, experiencing excessive rolling when waves hit sideways.

Hull Speed

Hull speed is the maximum speed of a displacement boat when waves trap the hull between the bow and stern.

Planing Boats

Planing boats transition from displacement to semi-displacement, then to planing, achieving higher speeds.

Characteristics of Planing Boats

These boats consume more fuel past planing speed due to increased friction and are uncomfortable in rough conditions.

Types of Planing Boats

Include flat bottom hulls, Vee bottom hulls, cathedral hulls, soft-inflatable hulls, and Rigid-Inflatable Boats (RIBs).

Flat Bottom Hulls

Flat bottom hulls are inexpensive to build, have good load capacity, but struggle to maintain course at low speeds and provide a rough ride in waves.

Vee Bottom Hulls

Vee bottom hulls excel in maintaining direction at speed; deeper V shapes perform better in choppy waters but may roll at rest.

Cathedral Hulls

Cathedral hulls feature multiple forward V shapes transitioning to flat aft sections, offering good low-speed tracking and rolling resistance but are uncomfortable in rough seas.

Soft-Inflatable Hulls

Soft-inflatable hulls are lightweight and portable, with high buoyancy but low directional stability, leading to a rough and wet ride.

Characteristics of Rigid-Inflatable Boats (RIBs)

RIBs combine stability and buoyancy of inflatables with performance of Vee hulls, excelling in rough waters.

Multihulls

Multihulls have multiple hulls (e.g., catamarans) and exhibit good speed stability, rolling resistance, and shallow drafts.

Personal Watercraft (PWC)

PWCs operate using a water jet drive, allowing various riding positions. They provide good agility, speed, and maneuverability.

Propulsion Systems

Powerboat drive units typically consist of an engine and a propulsion type - propeller or water jet.

Propeller Functionality

The propeller generates thrust; its direction of rotation determines forward or reverse motion. Prop size is determined by diameter and pitch.

Cavitation

Cavitation occurs when low pressure on propeller blades creates vapor bubbles, disrupting flow and reducing thrust.

Water Jet System

Water jets operate without a propeller; water is drawn in, pressurized, and expelled to move the boat.

Trim and Tilt Control

Adjusting the drive angle improves boat performance.

Engine Controls

Includes dual function controls (combine throttle and gearshift), single function controls, throttles, and joystick controls.

Boat Dimensions

Key dimensions include length overall, beam (width), draft (depth), freeboard (height above water), and waterline length.

Outboard Motors

There are two main types: two-stroke and four-stroke motors, differentiated by lubrication methods and power strokes.

Outboard Engine Components

Important components include choke, primer pumps, tilt lock-release level, throttle and gearshift controls, and safety features.

Fueling Procedures

Distinct procedures for two-stroke and four-stroke engines include mixing oil with gasoline and ensuring proper venting and securing of fuel tanks.

Inboard Engines

Inboard engines function similarly to automotive engines, adapted for marine environments.

Diesel vs. Gasoline Inboard Engines

Diesel engines offer reliability and torque for larger boats, while gasoline engines are lighter, catering to high-performance applications.

Inspection and Starting Procedures

Thorough inspections ensure safe operation, covering oil levels, fuel lines, leaks, and proper engine starting sequences.

Cooling Systems

Most inboard engines use seawater for cooling; regular checks on the exhaust flow are crucial to prevent overheating.

Drive Types

Various types of drives exist in marine technology, including stern drives, fixed propeller shaft drives, and jet drives.### Stern Drives
Also known as inboard/outboard (I/O), combine features of inboard engines and outboard motors.
Engine is mounted inside the boat, with a power train passing through the transom to a stern drive mimicking the lower part of an outboard motor.
Stern drives can be tilted upward when not in use and are turned for steering.

Stern Drive Inspection

Check hydraulic fluid for power trim control; typically found in a reservoir mounted inside the transom.
Inspect propeller blades and neoprene sleeve for integrity.

Shaft Drives with Fixed Propellers

Propeller shaft extends from the gearbox transmission through a sealed stern tube in the hull.
A rudder is necessary for steering since the propeller does not swivel.

Propeller Shaft Through-Hull Seal

Sealing mechanisms vary; common types include PTFE (Teflon) "dripless" seals and packing boxes using flax rings.
Packing boxes intentionally allow a small amount of water leakage for lubrication as shafts rotate.

Jet Drives

Utilize a large water pump impeller to accelerate water flow for propulsion, powered by gasoline or diesel engines.
Offer excellent steering capabilities at all speeds, except when slowing down.
Mid-to-large jet drives use deflectors for steering and reverse, while PWC and sport boats may utilize swiveling nozzles.

Jet Drive Inspection

Ensure smooth operation of the jet drive control.
Verify hydraulic oil level and inspect jet drive impeller condition through access cover (ensure engine is off and transmission is neutral).
Confirm that the jet drive rotates freely.

Pod Drives

Enhance maneuverability, especially in close-quarter situations.
Improve performance and fuel efficiency.
Usually installed as twin pods on powerboats over 30 feet in length and controlled with a joystick.

Pod Drive System Components

Consists of a propeller drive unit with contra-rotating propellers, either rear-facing or forward-facing.
Includes a transmission control unit located inside the hull and an engine, which can be diesel or gasoline.

Life Jacket Requirements

Must be appropriately sized and fit properly to avoid riding up in water.
Favorably bright colors (like yellow or orange) are preferred for visibility.

Captain's Responsibilities

Monitor local weather conditions, tides, and potential hazards while boating.
Maintain a lookout for other vessels and adhere to navigation rules to prevent collisions.
Ensure safety management and compliance with legal measures while operating.

A navigation plan details the intended trip with navigational aids and compass headings.
A float plan left onshore includes route details, planned times, and emergency contacts.

Boarding Procedures

Ensure the boat is securely tied to the dock and board from the closest side.
Maintain balance while boarding to keep the boat level.

Operator Responsibilities

Adhere to maximum capacity limits and ensure passenger safety.
Monitor fuel levels and stay aware of weather updates through channels like VHF radio.

Capacities Plate/Label

Required on all powerboats under 20 feet built after October 31, 1972, clearly displaying capacity limits.
Absence of a label necessitates calculating capacity based on the boat's dimensions.

Types of Lines and Their Uses

Nylon: Strong, elastic; ideal for anchor and dock lines.
Polyester/Dacron: Less stretchy, gentle on hands; multipurpose use.
Polypropylene: Floats, difficult to knot; suitable for waterskiing towlines.

Knot Types and Uses

Cleat hitch: Attaches a line to a cleat securely.
Bowline: Creates a non-slipping loop at line end.
Round turn with two half hitches: Secures fender lines.

Docking Techniques

Use a bowline fastened to the bow and run forward, alongside stern and spring lines for effective securing.
Adapt looping techniques to accommodate other boats' lines.

Coiling Techniques

Twisted line should be coiled clockwise in rounded loops to prevent kinking.
Braided line coiling direction is flexible; figure-8 loops prevent tangles.

Heaving a Line

Secure one end to the boat, throw underhand aiming next to the person, not directly at them.

Securing Boats to Docks

Employ either bow-stern configuration or double-stern and bow lines to firmly secure the boat.

Weather Report Sources

Obtain updates via the Internet, TV, or NOAA marine weather from VHF radio.

Engine and Transmission Shift Practice

Shifting gears should occur at idle RPM to avoid engine or transmission damage.

Stopping Techniques

Coasting stop: Gradually reduce throttle, shift to neutral while allowing distance to stop.
Quick stop: Involves immediate throttle reduction, a brief pause in neutral, and shifting to reverse to halt movement.

Steering with Tiller and Wheel

Tiller: Turn opposite to desired direction for effective maneuvering.
Wheel: Turn in the same direction as intended travel.

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Description

Test your knowledge of displacement boats with these flashcards that outline their characteristics and definitions. This quiz will help reinforce your understanding of how these boats perform in various conditions and their design features.