nauticalknowhow
How To Winterize A Boat
Do you know what winterization is? You need to know how to winterize your boat. And you’ll need to know how to winterize your boat before those freezing temperatures roll in. Fortunately, you don’t need to pay a pro to winterize your vessel, even though that is an option. We can offer When the temperature…
Hypothermia Symptoms and Causes
Hypothermia is a real danger even when you don’t expect it. Understanding the symptoms and causes of hypothermia can help you both prevent and deal with it after the fact. Cold temperatures can lead to body heat loss, and severe hypothermia can set in. When your core body temperature drops, symptoms of hypothermia happen quickly….
The Ultimate Guide to Boating Safety Tips
We could all use more boating safety tips when we’re out on the water. Sure, boating is supposed to be fun, but you can’t have fun if you’re not being safe. The statistics for boating accidents are still too high every year, which means we’ll keep sharing boating safety tips as long as possible. There…
What do Mark Twain and your depth sounder have in common?
What Does Mark Twain And Your Depth Sounder Have In Common? A recent trip to Disney World in Florida and a subsequent ride on a paddle wheeler reminded me of something I had long forgotten. Thought some of you might be interested in how depth was measured in the “Ol days.” Actually, lead lines are…
Understanding and Utilizing the Secrets of Waves
Understanding and Utilizing the Secrets of Waves Any time you picture a body of water larger than a puddle, one of the first things that comes to mind are the rolling waves, or the surf lapping at the shore. Well, at least that’s what happens with me… But waves are much more than tranquil anomalies,…
International Code Flags or Signaling Flags
International Code Flags or Signaling Flags Although you may never see them displayed except at fleet parades, around naval installations, and areas with heavy international shipping traffic, International code flags are used to signal between two ships or between ship and shore. Also called signaling flags, they are a set of ship flags of different…
The True Origination and Meaning of SOS Revealed
Harmony asks “Do the letters in the term SOS represent three words? If so, could you let me know what they are?” Thanks to Neal McEwen for allowing us to use some information from his articles “SOS”, “CQD” and the History of Maritime Distress Calls. There is much mystery and misinformation surrounding the origin and…
Everyday Phrases and their Nautical Origins
Nautical terms and phrases have found their way into so much of our everyday speech. Though some terms make it obvious, like when you refer to something holding you back as an anchor, or maybe how a few drinks made you feel three sheets to the wind, other phrases are not. These everyday terms have…
Boating Basics Glossary of Nautical Terms
The world of boating has a pretty unique vernacular, and it’s important that you understand the differences between sailing words and land lubber words before you head out onto the water! Nothing highlights a newbie quite like the wrong use of a word! You might know the difference between a bow vs stern, port or…
Hull ID Numbers: A Comprehensive Guide
Did you ever wonder what that strange series of letters and numbers on the transom of your boat are. Well, if you have taken the Nautical Know How course you know they are Hull Identification Numbers (HIN) and that they are required. But, what does a Hull Identification Number mean? What Is A HIN? All…
Ceremony for Renaming Your Boat
Ceremony for Renaming Your Boat Everyone knows that renaming your boat will bring nothing but bad luck and make your boating experience something that you will want to forget. But what happens when, after months of searching, you find your dreamboat with a name that you just cannot live with. For example, my first love…
Marine Fire Extinguishers and Boat Fires
A fire extinguisher should be one of the staple pieces of safety gear on any boat. Along with personal flotation devices, this is a must-have item. Fires are devastating on land but can be even worse at sea. Let’s look at some fire types and why marine fire extinguishers are essential. And finally, here are…
