Oregon Safe Boating Course

Chapter 1: The Boat

1.1 Boat Terminology

There are specific boating terms used to describe the various parts of a boat. Each end and side of the boat, the length and width, and boat accessories have specific terms. Every boater should be familiar with the following terms before operating a boat:

	Bow: front part of vessel
Port: left side of vessel		Starboard: right side of vessel
	Stern: back of vessel

1.2 Boat Lengths

Boats are identified in classes by length. Federal and state laws require certain equipment aboard boats depending on the class or length of the boat.

• Class A: less than 16 ft
• Class 1: 16 ft to less than 26 ft
• Class 2: 26 ft to less than 40 ft
• Class 3: 40 ft to less than 65 ft

A boat's length is measured along its centerline from the outside of the bow to the outside of the stern. This measurement does not include any attachments such as swim platforms, wakeboard towers

1.3 Boat Hull Designs and Uses

Boat bottoms or 'hulls' come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Each unique hull type is designed to either displace or plane through the water. Sailboats and large cruise ships use displacement hulls because they allow larger boats to move through the water smoothly. On the other hand, smaller powerboats are typically built with planing hulls that are designed to rise up and ride on top of the water at higher speeds than displacement hull boats.

1.3.1 Hull Types

	Flat bottom - These boats are generally designed for slow speeds and calm water. Flat bottom boats tend to be less stable than other hull types in rough water.
	Round bottom - Round bottom boats, like canoes, move smoothly through the water with little effort. Boaters must be cautious when loading, entering and exiting a round bottom boat - due to the hull design, these boats roll very easily.
	Deep-V hull - The deep V-hull is the most common hull type for powerboats. These boats move through rough water, at higher speeds and a smoother ride than flat bottom or round bottom boats. These boats require larger engines than flat bottom or round bottom boats.
	Multi-hull - Multi-hull boats are the most stable of the hull types. These boats require plenty of room to steer and turn. Catamarans and pontoon boats use the multi-hull design.

1.3.2 Engine Types

	Outboard - Outboard engines are typically two-stroke engines. Two-stroke engines require oil to be mixed with the fuel to lubricate the engine. An outboard is mounted on the transom of the boat. Steering of outboards is controlled by a hand tiller or a steering wheel which moves the entire engine when steering is adjusted.
	Inboard - Inboard engines are typically four-stroke automotive engines that are modified for use on the water. An inboard engine is mounted inside the hull of the boat and powers the drive shaft which is connected to a propeller. Steering is controlled by a rudder, positioned directly behind the propeller.
	Stern Drives - Stern drives are often called inboard/outboards (I/O) because they have features found on both inboard and outboard engines. Similar to inboards, stern drives use four-stroke automotive engines that are modified for use on the water. Stern drive engines are mounted inside the boat and attached through the transom and powers the drive shaft which is connected to a propeller. Similar to outboards, the entire engine moves when the steering wheel in a stern drive is adjusted.

1.4 Boat Capacities

Be aware of the Small Vessel Regulations pertaining to engine power and load capacity.

Federal Law mandates that boats of less than 20 feet in length must have a Capacity Plate in the steering or helm area. As a boat owner or operator you should know that the "recommended gross load capacity" that can be safely carried in the hull:

1. Includes the total weight of persons, equipment, stores, fuel, motor assembly and steering controls;
2. Is indicated with the "equivalent number of adult persons"; and
3. Is indicated on a Capacity Plate which, if fitted, is permanently attached to the pleasure craft.

The capacity plate also indicates the "recommended safe limits of engine power" for the hull concerned. This calculation is based on the recommended gross load capacity.

1.4.1 Overloading or Over-Powering

Beware of Bad Weather

Take much lighter loads in poor weather conditions to ensure boat stability.

An overloaded boat or over-powered boat can be extremely dangerous. An over-powered boat may cause the stern to sit lower in the water, making the vessel susceptible to being swamped by its own wake or that of a passing boat. Similarly, too much weight in the stern or the bow will make the vessel prone to swamping. Additionally, it is important to spread the load evenly throughout the vessel. Too much weight on either side will make the vessel less stable and more apt to capsize. Take extreme caution in loading your vessel properly.

1.4.2 Safe Loading Guidelines (for small boats)

To determine the Horsepower Capacity for small, flat-bottomed boats, multiply the boat length (ft) by the transom width (ft) and compare the resulting value to the following chart:

1.4.3 Person Capacity:

Manufacturers take a number of variables into account when determining the maximum person capacity for a boat (which is displayed on the capacity plate). The maximum person capacity is a guideline. Keep in mind that most manufacturers assume an average weight per person of 150 lbs. If you have passengers over or under 150 lbs - you should adjust the maximum person capacity accordingly.

1.5 Hull Identification Number (HIN)

All new pleasure crafts manufactured since 1972 are permanently marked with a Hull Identification Number (HIN), which is the 12 character serial number of your vessel. To identify and register your vessel properly, HINs are marked at the stern on the starboard (right) side, or as close to that area as possible.  You must NOT deface or alter the HIN. The HIN indicates:

• the boat manufacturer
• its serial number
• the month and year of production

1.6 Boat Registration Requirements

1.6.1 Boat Registration and Numbering

All motorized boats, regardless of state, must be registered. Some other boats must be registered as well.

Federally Documented Vessels: Large recreational boats can be federally registered with the U.S. Coast Guard.

Reciprocity Regulations: All states allow boats registered in another state to operate within state waters for a period of time. Eventually, owners must transfer boat registration to the state of principal use.

1.6.2 Oregon Registration Requirements

Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB):
The OSMB is responsible for regulating the state boating laws in Oregon.

1.6.2.1 Registration/Titling

All vessels propelled by machinery, including gasoline, diesel and electric motors, and principally operated on Oregon waters must be titled and registered by the OSMB.

Exemptions to the boat registration requirements include:

• Vessels that do not have a mechanical means of propulsion
• Sailboats that are under 12 feet long
• U.S. Coast Guard documented vessels that are principally used in another state
• Vessels that are properly registered in another state and that are operating on Oregon waters for no more than 60 consecutive days

1.6.2.2 Certificate of Title

Boat owners must keep their Certificate of Title in a safe place

Successful titling & registration results in a Certificate of Title and a Certificate of Number (registration card) and decals. Boat numbers must:

• Be affixed on both sides of the bow;
• Be block letters, three inches high and contrasting with the color of your boat;
• Letters must be separated from the numbers by a space or a hyphen.

• This is a federal and state requirement.
• The decal which is provided to you by the OSMB should be displayed on both sides of the boat.
• Lack of the correct documentation may result in delays and fines.
• Make sure all boats are properly marked and documented. It's important to keep your Certificate of Number with the boat.

Transfer of Title — Boat title transfers must be made within 30 days of purchase to avoid a late penalty.  Please contact the OSMB for further information.

1.6.2.3 Certificate of Number

Boat owners must have at least a temporary permit before they can operate in Oregon waters. Upon receipt of the Certificate of Number please note the following:

• It must be carried onboard when operating the vessel.
• It is valid for two calendar years and expires on December 31^st of the second year.
• The OSMB must be notified within 30 days if the boater changes residences.

The Certificate of Number, validation decals and title are obtained by application to an authorized boat registration agent or to:

Oregon State Marine Board
P.O. Box 14145
Salem, OR 97209-5065

1.6.2.4 Registration fees

Chapter Summary

Upon completion of reading Chapter 1 material, you should have knowledge of:

• Specific terms that are used to name/describe the parts of a boat
• Various boat classes that are identifiable by length
• Types of boat hulls and their characteristics
• Engines
• Boat capacities
• What a Hull Identification Number is and what it should indicate
• State boat registration regulations, requirements and allowances

Quiz Answers

1. True
2. C
3. Class A, class 1, class 2, and class 3
4. Multi-hull, deep-V hull
5. Outboard, inboard and stern drive engine
6. 20 feet
7. D
8. True
9. 2, December 31st
10. False

Oregon Safe Boating Course