The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission changed the guidelines for distance learning. So, the old Boat Pennsylvania boating license course and test was discontinued on July 1, 2008.

• Take the NEW Boat Pennsylvania Online Course!
• Or, you can order the Boat Pennsylvania Video Course

The course material below remains as a resource for all who boat on Pennsylvania's waters—particularly experienced boaters who need a refresher, but not a boater's license.

Chapter 1: Know Your Boat
Sailboats

Use of the wind is one of the oldest forms of powering a vessel. Sailboats range in size and complexity, but all have basically the same four components.

• The hull carries the passengers and supports the rigging.
• The rigging includes many parts of the sailboat, such as the lines (sheets and halyards), mainsail, headsail (jib), boom, and mast.
• The keel or centerboard is attached to the bottom of the hull and keeps the boat from sliding sideways through the water.
• The rudder is used to steer the sailboat, turned by a tiller or steering wheel.