Final answer:
In 'The Open Boat' by Stephen Crane, the men do not row the boat directly onto the beach because of the dangerous waves and currents. It would have been risky and could have caused the boat to capsize.
Step-by-step explanation:
The men in the story 'The Open Boat' by Stephen Crane don't row the boat directly onto the beach because it is difficult and dangerous due to the waves and currents. The waves were described as being 'wrongfully and barbarously abrupt and tall' and each froth-top posed a navigation problem. Attempting to row directly onto the beach would have put the men at risk of capsizing the boat and being thrown into the ocean. Instead, they steer the boat towards the shore using caution to avoid being swamped by the waves.