Question 305461
Word problems are meant to confuse you. 
Who in their right mind could imagine that a math student would be able to read  and do math?
If one boat goes south and another boat goes west, how could you figure out the distance between them?
look at a map. or draw n on the top of your paper. s on the bottom w on the left side and e on the right side
start in the middle. draw a line going  west
go back the starting point in the middle. draw a line going  south.
now connect the two end points. label that part 8
What did you draw ? a circle, rectangle or triangle?
What is special about it?
look at the angle in the middle.

What is the formula for distance?
rate (speed) times time =distance
r*t=d
time we are told is one hour
t=1
boat x is going x mph for one hour
boat y is going y mph for 1 hour
x=y+2
distance =1*(y+2)
distance =1*y

y^2+(y+2)^2=8^2
why?
y is the speed of boat y
y+2 is the speed of boat x
You will solve the equation for y but the question asks for x so add 2 to y to get x
Have fun.