Wisconsin Boater's Safety Exam 2025
Questions and Answers
Which side of the vessel is the port side? - ....ANSWER ...-Left
Which part of the vessel is the stern? - ....ANSWER ...-Rear
What are the two basic types of vessel hulls? - ....ANSWER ...-Displacement &
Planing
What are the three basic hull shapes? - ....ANSWER ...-Round Bottom, Flat
Bottom, Vee Bottom
What are the four length classes of vessels? - ....ANSWER ...-Less than 16ft, 16ft to
less than 26ft, 26ft to less than 40ft, 40ft to less than 65ft
What are the four types of engines? - ....ANSWER ...-Outboard, Inboard, Stern
Drive and Jet Drive
What do stern drive and inboard engines have in common? - ....ANSWER ...-They
are both automotive engines adapted for marine use.
How does the US Coast Guard classify a PWC? - ....ANSWER ...-As an inboard
vessel
Are PWC subject to the laws and requirements of other vessels? - ....ANSWER ...-
Yes
…FOR STUDENTS ONLY…©️2025 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED… 1
, 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? - ....ANSWER ...-Impeller
What information is displayed on the capacity plate of an outboard powerboat? -
....ANSWER ...-Capacity in pounds or number of people and recommended
maximum horsepower.
Name three things that should be included on your float plan before you embark on an
extended outing. - ....ANSWER ...-Vessel Description, Passengers, Trip Plan
What three things should you do while filling the fuel tank of your vessel? -
....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.
What rule of thumb is used to prevent running out of fuel? - ....ANSWER ...-1/3
Out, 1/3 In, 1/3 In Reserve
When should you get the next larger trailer to tow your vessel? - ....ANSWER ...-If
the combined weight of the vessel and its engine is more than 90% of the recommended
load capacity of the trailer.
What is tongue weight? - ....ANSWER ...-The amount of the loaded trailer's weight
that presses down on the towing hitch
How should two strong safety chains be secured to support the trailer's coupler in case it
comes disconnected from the towing vehicle? - ....ANSWER ...-Crisscrossed
Where should you prepare your vessel before launching it from the trailer? -
....ANSWER ...-Well away from the boat ramp
…FOR STUDENTS ONLY…©️2025 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED… 2
Questions and Answers
Which side of the vessel is the port side? - ....ANSWER ...-Left
Which part of the vessel is the stern? - ....ANSWER ...-Rear
What are the two basic types of vessel hulls? - ....ANSWER ...-Displacement &
Planing
What are the three basic hull shapes? - ....ANSWER ...-Round Bottom, Flat
Bottom, Vee Bottom
What are the four length classes of vessels? - ....ANSWER ...-Less than 16ft, 16ft to
less than 26ft, 26ft to less than 40ft, 40ft to less than 65ft
What are the four types of engines? - ....ANSWER ...-Outboard, Inboard, Stern
Drive and Jet Drive
What do stern drive and inboard engines have in common? - ....ANSWER ...-They
are both automotive engines adapted for marine use.
How does the US Coast Guard classify a PWC? - ....ANSWER ...-As an inboard
vessel
Are PWC subject to the laws and requirements of other vessels? - ....ANSWER ...-
Yes
…FOR STUDENTS ONLY…©️2025 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED… 1
, 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? - ....ANSWER ...-Impeller
What information is displayed on the capacity plate of an outboard powerboat? -
....ANSWER ...-Capacity in pounds or number of people and recommended
maximum horsepower.
Name three things that should be included on your float plan before you embark on an
extended outing. - ....ANSWER ...-Vessel Description, Passengers, Trip Plan
What three things should you do while filling the fuel tank of your vessel? -
....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.
What rule of thumb is used to prevent running out of fuel? - ....ANSWER ...-1/3
Out, 1/3 In, 1/3 In Reserve
When should you get the next larger trailer to tow your vessel? - ....ANSWER ...-If
the combined weight of the vessel and its engine is more than 90% of the recommended
load capacity of the trailer.
What is tongue weight? - ....ANSWER ...-The amount of the loaded trailer's weight
that presses down on the towing hitch
How should two strong safety chains be secured to support the trailer's coupler in case it
comes disconnected from the towing vehicle? - ....ANSWER ...-Crisscrossed
Where should you prepare your vessel before launching it from the trailer? -
....ANSWER ...-Well away from the boat ramp
…FOR STUDENTS ONLY…©️2025 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED… 2
