HAMPSHIRE BOATING EXAM STUDY GUIDE
QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT SOLUTIONS
2026/2027 LATEST UPDATE
Which of the following best describes "headway speed" in New
Hampshire boating law?
A. The slowest speed at which it is still possible to maintain
steering
B. The speed at which the vessel does not disturb other boaters
C. A speed that is too slow to maintain steering and headway
D. A slow speed at which your vessel can drift on it's own -
✔✔✔ANSWER>>>>A. The slowest speed at which it is possible to
maintain steering
You are towing a water-skier behind a vessel. What are you required
to have on your vessel?
A. Ladder or steps to retrieve the waterskier
B. Two-Factory installed review mirrors
C. Observer at least 13 years old
D. Red or Orange skier down flag - ✔✔✔ANSWER>>>>C.
Observer at least 13 years old
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,What age must passengers be to be required to wear a pfd at all times?
A. 8
B. 10
C. 13
D. 16 - ✔✔✔ANSWER>>>>C. 13
How many yards from a Navy vessel must you begin slowing down?
A. 100
B. 150
C. 300
D. 500 - ✔✔✔ANSWER>>>>D. 500
When preparing to dock, what is the safest way to stop the forward
motion of your boat?
A. Shift into reverse
B. Use your arms and/or legs
C. Use the boats rear breaks
D. Toss a mooring line around a clear - ✔✔✔ANSWER>>>>A.
shift into reverse A sailboat operating under sail at night. Which of
these lights should be used?
A. Orange masthead light B. Blue sternlight
C. Yellow masthead light
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, D. White sternlight - ✔✔✔ANSWER>>>>D. White sternlight
Which of these would you consider a safe speed?
A. Being able to respond quickly in an emergency
B. Being able to stop within an appropriate distance
C. Being able to swerve at the last moment to avoid a collision
D. Being able to leave a wake in high winds and rough waters -
✔✔✔ANSWER>>>>B. Being able to stop within an appropriate
distance
What Statement regarding vessel maintenance is true?
A. When storing a vessel for a long time, it is best to keep it in the
sun and uncovered.
B. When cleaning a vessel, use regular household detergents and
cleaners.
C. When replacing parts on a vessel never use automotive parts.
D. When preparing your vessel for cold weather use antifreeze that
contains ethylene glycol - ✔✔✔ANSWER>>>>C. When replacing
electrical parts on a vessel never use automotive parts
What is the best way to approach a dock when there is strong wind or
current?
A. With the wind or current
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QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT SOLUTIONS
2026/2027 LATEST UPDATE
Which of the following best describes "headway speed" in New
Hampshire boating law?
A. The slowest speed at which it is still possible to maintain
steering
B. The speed at which the vessel does not disturb other boaters
C. A speed that is too slow to maintain steering and headway
D. A slow speed at which your vessel can drift on it's own -
✔✔✔ANSWER>>>>A. The slowest speed at which it is possible to
maintain steering
You are towing a water-skier behind a vessel. What are you required
to have on your vessel?
A. Ladder or steps to retrieve the waterskier
B. Two-Factory installed review mirrors
C. Observer at least 13 years old
D. Red or Orange skier down flag - ✔✔✔ANSWER>>>>C.
Observer at least 13 years old
Page 1 of 16
,What age must passengers be to be required to wear a pfd at all times?
A. 8
B. 10
C. 13
D. 16 - ✔✔✔ANSWER>>>>C. 13
How many yards from a Navy vessel must you begin slowing down?
A. 100
B. 150
C. 300
D. 500 - ✔✔✔ANSWER>>>>D. 500
When preparing to dock, what is the safest way to stop the forward
motion of your boat?
A. Shift into reverse
B. Use your arms and/or legs
C. Use the boats rear breaks
D. Toss a mooring line around a clear - ✔✔✔ANSWER>>>>A.
shift into reverse A sailboat operating under sail at night. Which of
these lights should be used?
A. Orange masthead light B. Blue sternlight
C. Yellow masthead light
Page 2 of 16
, D. White sternlight - ✔✔✔ANSWER>>>>D. White sternlight
Which of these would you consider a safe speed?
A. Being able to respond quickly in an emergency
B. Being able to stop within an appropriate distance
C. Being able to swerve at the last moment to avoid a collision
D. Being able to leave a wake in high winds and rough waters -
✔✔✔ANSWER>>>>B. Being able to stop within an appropriate
distance
What Statement regarding vessel maintenance is true?
A. When storing a vessel for a long time, it is best to keep it in the
sun and uncovered.
B. When cleaning a vessel, use regular household detergents and
cleaners.
C. When replacing parts on a vessel never use automotive parts.
D. When preparing your vessel for cold weather use antifreeze that
contains ethylene glycol - ✔✔✔ANSWER>>>>C. When replacing
electrical parts on a vessel never use automotive parts
What is the best way to approach a dock when there is strong wind or
current?
A. With the wind or current
Page 3 of 16
