What should you do if your boat's engine fails while on the water?

When a boat's engine fails while on the water, using oars or paddles to navigate is a practical and effective response. This method allows you to maintain control of your vessel and maneuver it to a safer location, such as the nearest dock, shore, or another boat. Utilizing paddles or oars empowers the boater to correct their situation actively, rather than remaining passive and risking drifting into potentially dangerous areas, such as busy channels or hazards.

Also, trying to restart the engine continuously may drain the battery or worsen the situation, while relying solely on someone else to come by may lead to a prolonged period of vulnerability on the water. Calling for help is advisable in certain circumstances; however, it may not be the immediate action to take if you can manually steer your vessel to safety. Therefore, using oars or paddles is often the best first step to ensure safety and regain control.