Which component of a boat is responsible for steering?

The component of a boat responsible for steering is the tiller. The tiller is a lever that is attached to the rudder, which is the actual part that moves in the water to change the boat’s direction. When a boater moves the tiller, it pivots the rudder and alters the flow of water around it, directing the boat to the left or right.

While the rudder itself is crucial for steering, it cannot be operated directly without a mechanism to control it, which is where the tiller comes in. In contrast, the hull is the body of the boat that sits in the water, the mast is a vertical pole that supports the sails, and neither of these components is involved in steering the vessel. The distinction of the tiller as the control mechanism is what confirms its role in steering the boat effectively.