LESSON ONE KNOW YOUR BOAT Key Topics n

LESSON ONE KNOW YOUR BOAT

Key Topics n Vessel classifications n Hull types and shapes n Vessel parts n Kinds of engines n Personal Watercraft (PWC) n Sailboats

Objectives You should … ► be able to identify the different types of hulls and their performance characteristics. ► be able to identify the basic parts of a boat, a PWC, and a sailboat. ► be able to identify the different kinds of engines commonly found in recreational vessels and their uses.

Length Classes Vessels divided into classes by length which dictates equipment necessary to comply with federal and state laws.

Length Classes (cont. ) Four most common length classes are: n Less than 16 feet (Class A) n 16 feet to less than 26 feet (Class 1) n 26 feet to less than 40 feet (Class 2) n 40 feet to less than 65 feet (Class 3)

Hull Types and Shapes Displacement hulls are designed to cut through water. Planing hulls rise up and glide on top of the water.

Hull Types and Shapes (cont. ) There are four basic hull shapes Hull Shapes Advantages Disadvantages Flat Bottom Hull Planing hull with shallow draft; good for fishing in small lakes and rivers. Rides roughly in choppy waters. Deep Vee Hull Planing hull gives smoother ride in rough water. Takes more power to move than a flat bottom hull; may roll or bank in sharp turns.

Hull Types and Shapes (cont. ) Hull Shapes Advantages Disadvantages Round Bottom Hull Typical displacement hull that moves easily through water even at slow speeds. Has a tendency to roll unless it has a deep keel or stabilizers. Multi-Hull Another displacement hull; has greater stability because of wide beam. Needs large area when turning.

Vessel Terminology

Vessel Terminology (cont. ) Transom: Vertical surface at the back of the hull

Engine Types—Outboards n Complete power unit n Higher HP-to-WT ratio than other engine types n Separate fuel tanks n Internal combustion engines n Steered by controlling tiller or steering wheel

Engine Types—Inboards n Mounted inside hull’s midsection or in front of transom n Four-stroke automotive engine adapted for marine use n Two-stroke engine on PWC n Steering is controlled by rudder behind the propeller (except PWC and jet drive boats) n PWC steering controlled by jet flow of water

Engine Types—Stern Drives n Known as inboard/outboards (I/O) n Mounted inside vessel and attached through transom to drive unit n Four-cycle automotive engines adapted for marine use n Steering controlled by drive unit that swivels like outboard

Engine Types—Jet Drives n Jet drives propel vessel by jet of water forced out back of vessel. Directing jet steers vessel. n PWC are most common type of vessels using jet drive.

Engine Types—Jet Drives (cont. ) n May power larger vessels—commonly used for vessels designed for shallow water conditions. Jet boats can have inboard or outboard jet drives.

Personal Watercraft (PWC) n PWCs are small vessels which use an inboard jet drive as primary source of propulsion. n U. S. Coast Guard includes PWC in group of inboard vessels, less than 16 feet in length. n PWCs are subject to same laws and requirements of any other vessel plus some specific to PWCs.

Personal Watercraft (cont. )

Sailboats basically consist of four components: n Hull n Rigging n Keel or centerboard n Rudder