How can cavitation be prevented while operating a boat?

Master powerboating skills and enhance safety knowledge. Study with interactive questions and explanations. Boost your confidence for the exam!

Preventing cavitation is crucial for maintaining the efficiency and performance of a boat’s propulsion system. When cavitation occurs, it leads to a loss of thrust and can damage the propeller.

Reducing throttle allows the propeller to "re-grip" the water. Cavitation often occurs when the propeller operates at high speeds or when it is under a heavy load, causing it to lose contact with the water. By reducing throttle, you lower the propeller's speed, which helps to increase water pressure around the blades. This allows for more stable water flow over the propeller, reducing the chances of cavitation occurring.

Other options might suggest immediate action, changing directions, or adding more weight; however, these typically don't directly address the root cause of cavitation. Instead, they may lead to further complications or do not effectively assist in stabilizing the water flow around the propeller. Hence, reducing throttle is the most effective method to prevent cavitation.

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