Maryland Boating Certification Practice Exam

What is tongue weight?

1. The weight of the boat motor

2. The amount of loaded trailer's weight pressing down on the towing hitch

3. The weight of the boat alone

4. The total weight of the gear in the boat

The correct answer is: The amount of loaded trailer's weight pressing down on the towing hitch

Tongue weight refers to the amount of weight that a loaded trailer exerts downward on the towing hitch of a vehicle. It is an essential factor for safe towing since it affects vehicle stability and handling. Proper tongue weight ensures that the trailer remains balanced and reduces the risk of swaying while in motion. Generally, the recommended tongue weight is about 10-15% of the total trailer weight, which helps maintain optimal control while towing. In contrast, the other options do not capture the essence of tongue weight. The weight of the boat motor is just one component of the entire boat's system, while the weight of the boat alone does not account for how it interacts with the trailer. Similarly, the total weight of the gear in the boat represents a subset of the overall load but does not address the specific weight distribution at the hitch. Understanding tongue weight is critical for safe trailering practices.