New Jersey Boating Certification Practice Test

What do you do if you run aground while boating?

1. Jerk the steering wheel

2. Lift the outdrive

3. Reverse the engine immediately

4. Call for assistance

The correct answer is: Lift the outdrive

If you run aground while boating, lifting the outdrive is the appropriate action to take. When a boat runs aground, it can have its propeller and lower unit obstructed by the ground or debris, potentially causing damage to the propulsion system. Lifting the outdrive, which includes raising the boat’s propulsion unit out of the water, helps to free the propeller from any obstacles and reduces the risk of further damage. This allows the boat to be more buoyant and can help in assessing the situation safely to understand if it’s possible to float free or if additional actions are necessary. Other responses might seem plausible but can lead to further complications. For instance, jerking the steering wheel could lead to loss of control, increasing the risk of injury or further grounding. Reversing the engine immediately can also be risky, as it might cause the boat to dig deeper into the ground or create more drag, making the situation worse. Calling for assistance, while sometimes necessary, may not be the immediate solution you can take to address the grounding effectively if there are options available to free the boat first.