New Jersey Boating Certification Practice Test

What is the first action to take if your boat's motor dies in the water?

1. Call for a tow boat

2. Attempt to restart the motor

3. Raise the anchor

4. Drop sails and drift

The correct answer is: Attempt to restart the motor

If your boat's motor dies in the water, the first action you should take is to attempt to restart the motor. This is because a non-functioning motor may simply be a temporary issue that can be resolved with a quick restart, allowing you to regain control of the vessel and navigate to safety without needing outside assistance. It's important to act quickly to minimize the risk of drifting into hazards or other boats. Calling for a tow boat could become necessary if restarting the motor does not work, but it is usually a secondary action after you have attempted to solve the immediate problem yourself. Raising the anchor is not relevant in this situation unless you are anchored and need to regain your position or maneuver, which would not be applicable if the motor is not functioning. Similarly, dropping sails and drifting might be an option for a sailing vessel, but for a motorized boat, it is not the most effective initial response to a motor failure.