Bank cushion near a bank tends to push the bow outward and pull the stern toward the bank. Which choice correctly describes this effect?

• A. The bow outward, and the stern inward
• B. The bow inward, and the stern outward
• C. No movement of either end
• D. Both ends move outward

Answer: (A)

Bank cushion happens when a boat is very close to a bank. The water between the hull and the bank is squeezed, creating a pressure pattern that pushes sideways on the boat. This increased pressure on the bank side acts to push the bow away from the bank. At the same time, the flow around the stern interacts with that same pressure pattern so the stern tends to be drawn toward the bank. The combined effect is that the bow moves outward (away from the bank) while the stern moves inward (toward the bank), matching the described outcome.