What are guards on a vessel designed to do?

Guards on a vessel are specifically designed to provide a physical barrier around the propeller, which is crucial for safety. This design helps to prevent accidental contact with the propeller, significantly reducing the risk of injury to passengers, swimmers, or personnel who may be near the vessel when it is in operation. By acting as a protective measure, guards ensure that the propeller is safeguarded during normal boating activities, thereby promoting a safer boating environment.

The decorative appearance of a vessel is certainly important for aesthetic purposes, but it is not the primary reason for the existence of guards. Additionally, guards are not restricted solely to racing vessels but are more commonly found on various types of boats, including those used for recreational purposes. Lastly, while speed is a consideration in vessel design, guards do not play a direct role in increasing a vessel's speed; their primary function is safety rather than performance.