Which statement best describes external bow thrusters?

Which statement best describes external bow thrusters?

• A. They bolt to the hull and are easy to install on small boats, but create drag when down.
• B. They are installed inside the hull and require no holes.
• C. They are retractable and do not affect hull drag.
• D. They are used only on large ships.

Answer: (A)

External bow thrusters are propulsion units mounted on the outside of the hull and bolted to the hull itself, which makes them relatively easy to fit on small boats. The main point is that using them adds drag, because the thruster becomes a protruding obstruction in the water and disrupts the hull’s smooth flow when it’s deployed. So, the statement that matches is that they bolt to the hull and are easy to install on small boats, but create drag when down. The other descriptions mix up internal installations, retractable units with no drag, or usage only on large ships, which aren’t accurate.

External bow thrusters are propulsion units mounted on the outside of the hull and bolted to the hull itself, which makes them relatively easy to fit on small boats. The main point is that using them adds drag, because the thruster becomes a protruding obstruction in the water and disrupts the hull’s smooth flow when it’s deployed. So, the statement that matches is that they bolt to the hull and are easy to install on small boats, but create drag when down. The other descriptions mix up internal installations, retractable units with no drag, or usage only on large ships, which aren’t accurate.