ianfortey
Articles by ianfortey
How Do Hydrodynamics Affect Boating?
There is a lot of science at play in the world of boating. In particular, the effect of hydrodynamics is something most boaters don’t know about. The forces at work as it relates to water flow, wave resistance and friction are all at play. The hull shape of your boat, the weight, and the amount…
How to Back Up a Boat Trailer
When you first get a new boat it can be very exciting. Getting out on the open water, having fun, enjoying the sun and the sea. But there is one part of boat ownership that many boaters find intimidating. Backing up your boat trailer. It’s just something many boat owners struggle with at first. When…
What You Need to Know About Small Boats
Small boats are the best option out there for beginners. Or for seasoned boaters who just don’t want to need a big boat. But understanding what a small boat even is may be harder than you think. Likewise, learning what you need on your small boat can be a challenge. Under some definitions, a small…
What to Do If Someone Falls Overboard
Boat safety is the most important priority any boat owner has. When someone goes overboard and ends up in the water, you need to act fast. The best bet is always to prevent a man overboard situation. But if that’s not an option, then knowing how to react quickly and calmly is key. When a…
What are the Different Classes of Boats?
Classes of boats and types of boats are two different things. Every type of boat fits into one of four classes of boats. While a type of boat can vary significantly in appearance and function, class is easy to understand. Boat classes are all determined by the overall length of the vessel. The class of…
The Basics of Boat Parts and Terms
The boating world operates on a different level than your day to day life. Boating has been a part of human history for literally thousands of years. That’s part of the reason why boating terms are so unique. Most boating terms represent a long history of the activity. There are specialized parts of a boat…
What Does Buoyancy Mean for Boaters?
When you’re looking for life jackets and other PFDs you may run across pounds buoyancy. Floatation devices all have a buoyancy rating. Understanding what that means will allow you to choose the right PFD for you. Everyone on a boat should have access to a personal flotation device. One that fits and they know how…
Why are Boats Referred to as “She”?
Naming vessels these days is a fun task for any boater. Head to your local marina and you’ll see dozens of clever names emblazoned on hulls. They’re often puns or little jokes. Historically, ships often bore the names of females. Think of some famous ships from books such as The African Queen. The Arabella from…
How Do Sailboats Work?
To a casual observer, a sailboat makes perfect sense. Wind pushes the boat forward on the water. The boat goes in the direction of the wind. The true physics of sailing a boat are definitely more complicated. How do you sail against the wind? Why does the sailboat move forward if wind hits the sails…
Best Marine Toilets for 2023
Choosing a marine toilet is not always the easiest job. You have a variety of marine head types to choose from. You need to decide if you want an electric marine toilet or a manual toilet. You may want a composting toilet as well. Does it have a piston pump? How big is the water…
How Does the Moon Affect Tides?
There is a lot to understand about how weather and the sun and moon will affect the sea. In terms of tides, the moon does govern them. The moon’s gravitational pull is the main force affecting high and low tide. Understanding how the moon’s gravitational pull affects ocean tides is important. Knowing when to expect…
How to Wire Boat Trailer Lights
When you first get a brand new boat trailer, things are great. It looks good, it’s reliable, and it works well. As time goes by, things begin to get a little sketchy. Used and old trailers are notorious for lighting problems. Sometimes even new ones can be difficult to wire with certain tow vehicles. Wiring…
What You Need to Know About Chart Symbols
Learning to drive requires you to learn how to read a map sometimes. Learning how to sail means you need to know how to read charts. Of course, we have a lot of electronics that can do this job for us these days. If you’re ever stuck without power and you need to read a…
The Basics of Boat Sound Signals
There are several occasions on a boat when you need to use sound signals. In particular, when visibility is limited, boat sound signals are of the utmost importance. Other boaters need to be aware of where you are and what you’re doing at all times. Learning what these sound signals mean and how to…
The 3 Best Bilge Cleaners 2023
The bilge on a boat is one of the least respected parts of the craft, despite its importance. As boat owners, we know that we need to clean it regularly, but it happens much less frequently than it should. Consider that if the bilge pump stops working you risk sinking. It makes sense to keep…
Identifying Regulatory Markers
Regulatory markers are used to advise you of situations, dangers, or directions. They may indicate shoals, swim areas, speed zones, etc. They can be easily identified by the orange bands on the top and bottom of each buoy. On the water, you will find these markers posted on the sides of buoys to aid in…
Getting Help on the Water
Always be prepared is the Boy Scout motto, and it’s a good one. No one wants to endure an emergency at sea, but you must be ready for one. The quicker and more efficiently you can act, the better. Quick thinking and preparation can save lives. According to the US Coast Guard, there were…
What is GPS? Everything You Need to Know
Global positioning system GPS is a satellite-based navigation system. The GPS satellite system has completely changed the way humans navigate the globe. And its uses extended well beyond navigation. Search and rescue had changed for the better as a result as well. Thanks to GPS, military users and civilians have access to an extensive satellite…
PRE-DEPARTURE CHECK LIST
Heading out on the water should be fun. Whether you are going to take your vessel out for fishing or just to sail. Make a pre-departure checklist part of your boating trip routine. It doesn’t need to take a lot of time. Doing so can save a lot of hassle, however. Going over a pre-departure…
What You Need to Know About Day Shapes
Communication with other vessels is essential on the water. The use of day shapes is how you can ensure that you are able to communicate what you were doing to other boats. Likewise, they can communicate with you important information. Masthead light and running lights can only be seen at night, don’t forget. What is…
What To Do If You Think You’ve Caught a World Record Fish
People fish for several reasons. Maybe it’s just to relax. Maybe to bond with friends. Or to get dinner. But if you like fishing for sport, then catching a world record fish is a dream. Who wouldn’t want to say they snagged the biggest fish ever caught? If you are fishing for sport and you…
Boating Accidents: What You Need to Know and Do
Statistics show that recreational boating accidents have been decreasing for the last 20 years. There were 4168 boating accidents logged by the U.S. Coast Guard in 2019. That included 2559 injuries and 613 boating fatalities. In the year 2000 there were 7740 boating accidents and 701 boating fatalities. So while accidents have decreased, boating fatalities…
Tilt and Trim: What’s the difference?
If you’re new to boating you may have heard the terms trim and tilt in relation to how your boat’s motor operates. Oftentimes tilt and trim are referred to in odd ways. It might make you think they are actual components on your outboard motor that need to be maintained. That means things like…
Understanding the Danger of Propeller Strikes
Often when discussing boat safety one aspect is overlooked. Boat propeller safety is something any boater needs to be aware of. 18% of boating fatalities are caused by propeller accidents. For that reason, understanding what a propeller is and how it works is important. Because of hydrodynamic forces, a person in the water come in…
Why You Need a Float Plan
When making plans to head out on a boat we often put a lot of effort into thinking what’s going to come with us. The important things that you need to have on your boat. You need to make sure the radio works. Also that you’ve got extra fuel, you have life jackets, all…
PWC Fire Extinguishers: What You Need to Know
What’s the last thing you expect to experience when you head out on the water in a jet ski? Fire. Boating and fire have a long and dangerous history. Fires do not occur often on personal watercraft, but they do happen. As temperatures get hotter, the potential becomes higher. Operating on hot days, engines can…
What You Need to Know About Running Aground
So your boat has run aground, what now? Few things are more frustrating and potentially scary on the water. A boat running aground could cause serious hull damage and be a safety risk. First, remember to keep calm. Nearly every boater is going to run aground at some point. If it hasn’t happened yet, it…
Help Prevent Drowning with These Tips
Drowning prevention is hands-down the most important thing to learn when you do anything around water. It doesn’t matter if you’re swimming, fishing, or boating. Drowning prevention is something everyone needs to be aware of. Water safety has to be our first priority at all times. Taking a first aid course is probably the…
How to Prevent Seasickness
Seasickness can affect almost anyone. It’s a kind of motion sickness. You can get the same feeling driving in a car or flying on a plane. Seasickness is often worse, however, due to the unique motion of a boat. Some say you don’t need anything other than your sea legs to overcome it, but that’s…
All About Fuel and Your Boat
Choosing the right boat fuel for your boat takes some effort. It’s not as simple as rolling up to the gas station and filling your tank. The environmental protection agency has certain requirements for boat fuel. This includes rules about hydrocarbon emissions. You need to know what kind of fuel your boat engine takes. That…
