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Stuff Every Motorboat Scout Should Know: the Study Guide

Practice facts for the Motorboating merit badge. Not an official Scouting America credential. Grab a snack: this guide is the friendly version, with the answers explained and a groan-worthy joke waiting at the end of most cards.

Knowing Motorboat Scout saves you money, time and the occasional embarrassment.

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Chapter 1: Boat Basics and Capacity

What does a boat's hull type reflect?

Short answer: Its use and the waters where it will be used

Hull design is chosen to match how and where the boat will be used.

Groan of the day: The hull knew its job was to reflect, so it stayed calm and shiny.

Sources: Motorboat

What is a skiff an example of?

Short answer: A gross configuration of motorboat

Skiff, day cruiser, bow rider, pilothouse, and cabin cruiser are motorboat configurations.

Groan of the day: That skiff really skiffed across the bay.

Sources: Motorboat

What is a bow rider an example of?

Short answer: A motorboat configuration

Bow rider is listed among common motorboat configurations that vary by size and features.

Groan of the day: The bow rider took a bow after a smooth ride.

Sources: Motorboat

What is a day cruiser an example of?

Short answer: A motorboat configuration

Day cruiser is one of the common motorboat configurations listed.

Groan of the day: The day cruiser cruised by day and dreamed by night.

Sources: Motorboat

What is a displacement hull one of?

Short answer: A hull type

Displacement hull is listed among hull types from a design point of view.

Groan of the day: The displacement hull displaced the water and the competition.

Sources: Motorboat

The cheat sheet

The whole guide on one screen. Screenshot it, print it, stick it on the fridge.

  • A motorboat is defined by motor propulsion, not wind or human power.
  • Most motorboats carry one or more outboard motors installed at the stern.
  • A sterndrive keeps the engine inboard while the gearbox and propeller sit outside.
  • A V-type hull helps the boat slice through water and improves stability.
  • A deep V-hull keeps the bow down at low speed, improving visibility.
  • V-hulls stabilize a boat in rough conditions and aid maneuvering.
  • Motorboats serve work, recreation, sport, and racing uses.
  • Boat engines can run on fuels including gasoline and diesel.
  • Motorboat hulls are mainly built from wood, reinforced fiberglass, or metal.
  • Metal hulls are made of either aluminum or steel.
  • A motorboat that cruises much faster is also called a speedboat.
  • Some motorboats use pump-jet propulsion instead of propellers, though rarely.

Pop quiz

Think of your answer first, then peek.

  1. What does a motorboat use for propulsion?
    • A motor only
    • Wind and sails
    • Human paddling
    Show the answer

    A motor only. A motorboat is defined by motor propulsion, not wind or human power.

  2. What is a motorboat capable of much faster cruising also called?
    • A rowboat
    • A speedboat
    • A sailboat
    Show the answer

    A speedboat. A motorboat that cruises much faster is also called a speedboat.

  3. Which first aid topic covers cold water exposure?
    • Motion sickness
    • Blisters
    • Hypothermia
    Show the answer

    Hypothermia. Hypothermia is a first aid topic for motorboating injuries and illnesses.

  4. What should you explain about recreational boating rules?
    • The rules or laws in your area
    • The rules of other hobbies
    • The rules of the road for bikes
    Show the answer

    The rules or laws in your area. Scouts explain the rules or laws that apply to recreational boating locally.

  5. What should you do after mooring, docking, or beaching the boat?
    • Abandon the boat
    • Secure all gear
    • Leave gear loose
    Show the answer

    Secure all gear. Scouts moor, dock, or beach the boat and secure all gear.

Now make it stick

Read a chapter, then play the deck and see how much stuck.

This guide covers the 50 free cards. The other 30 are in the game for members.

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