A powerboat with high freeboard and a large cabin is manoeuvring in a marina. How does the wind affect handling at low speed?

A. Wind only affects lightweight RIBs — displacement powerboats are immune to windage

B. Wind has no effect on powerboats at speeds below 5 knots

C. A large cabin increases stability and reduces wind effect in all conditions

D. At low speed (below steerage way) the hull acts like a sail — wind pushes the boat sideways and pivots the bow or stern depending on the windage distribution. High-freeboard vessels are very susceptible to windage and must plan manoeuvres to use wind assistance rather than fight it

A. The kill cord is only required when travelling above 15 knots

B. If the driver is thrown from the helm, the cord pulls the kill switch stopping the engine — preventing the vessel continuing at speed unmanned (a "circle of death" where an uncontrolled powerboat circles at full throttle striking the crew in the water)

C. The kill cord prevents fuel surging at high speed

D. Kill cords are advisory only — they are not required by law for leisure powerboats

A. Check fuel and kill cord only — all other checks are annual service items

B. Fuel (level, no leaks, correct mix if 2-stroke); oil (4-stroke: check dipstick); engine mounting bolts tight; kill cord condition and function; propeller (no damage, cotter pin present); safety equipment (lifejackets, flares, VHF, bailer, paddle); kill cord attached before starting

C. Run the engine in the water for 10 minutes before departure — no pre-launch checks needed

D. Only check fuel level — outboard engines are self-maintaining