What component is typically used to steer the boat in small vessels?

The tiller is a crucial component in small vessels that is used to steer the boat. It is a pole or handle that is attached to the rudder, which directs the boat's movement in the water. When the operator moves the tiller to one side, the rudder pivots and changes the direction of the boat, allowing for precise steering. This is particularly effective in smaller boats, where the simplicity of a tiller allows for both quick adjustments and an intimate control over the vessel's trajectory.

The other options, while related to boat structure and operation, serve different purposes. The cockpit is the area where the operator sits and controls the boat, but it does not directly influence steering. The transom is the flat surface at the stern of the boat and provides structural support, not propulsion or steering. The rudder itself is integral to steering, but it is the tiller that the operator manipulates directly to control the rudder’s position and thereby steer the vessel.