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AhaBulb: Stuff Everyone Should Know · ahabulb.com/boat-sail-and-engine-power-driven

A sailboat has its sails up but is also using its engine for propulsion. Under the Navigation Rules, it counts as what?

A power-driven vessel.

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  1. A sailing vessel
  2. A power-driven vessel ✔
  3. A vessel not under command

Why: Inland Rule 3 calls a boat a sailing vessel only when it is under sail and any engine is not being used for propulsion. Under sail and engine power, it follows the power-driven rules.

Huh, didn't know that: By day, a vessel under sail and power shows a cone, point down, though boats under 12 meters may skip it.

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References

Answer: A power-driven vessel. Inland Rule 3 calls a boat a sailing vessel only when it is under sail and any engine is not being used for propulsion. Under sail and engine power, it follows the power-driven rules.

  1. 33 CFR 83.03 General definitions, Inland Rule 3 (eCFR) www.ecfr.gov/current/title-33/section-83.03
    The term sailing vessel means any vessel under sail provided that propelling machinery, if fitted, is not being used.
    Checked 2026-10-08.
  2. USCG A Boater's Guide to the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats (2023) www.uscgboating.org/assets/1/AssetManager/Boaters-Guide-to-Federal-Requirements-for-Receational-Boats-20231108.pdf
    A sailing vessel or human-powered vessel (Canoe/Kayak/SUP) under mechanical propulsion is considered a power-driven vessel.
    Checked 2026-10-08.

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