What happens when you go forward or backward without a rudder?

• A. You will have no lateral control
• B. You will have greater speed
• C. You will automatically maintain course
• D. You will slow down to stop

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is that a rudder provides the ability to steer by creating a sideways force on the water, allowing you to change your heading. Without a rudder, you lose that sideways control, so you cannot steer left or right. Your boat can still move forward or backward due to engine thrust, but the direction you’re pointing can’t be adjusted—external forces like wind and current may push you off course, and you won’t be able to alter your path. Speed isn’t determined by the rudder, and there’s no automatic maintenance of course or automatic stopping just because the rudder is missing.