nauticalknowhow
U.S. COAST GUARD MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR RECREATIONAL BOATS
This is the current up-to-date list of the U.S Coast Guard’s minimum safety requirements for recreational boats with sizes of up to 65 ft (19.8m) in size. These requirements detail what boating safety equipment must be present on board, and other necessary features that must be installed to comply with federal laws. It’s worth noting…
How To Winterize A Boat
BRRR – It’s Almost That Time Again! How To Winterize A Boat With the boating season winding down in most parts of the country, it’s time to start thinking about protecting your valuable recreational asset. Winterizing a boat reminds me of the old commercial that says “pay me now or pay me later.” The time…
Boat Safe this Spring or Fall – Avoid Hypothermia
During the cold weather, hypothermia is a major concern. You need to be aware of the symptoms of hypothermia anytime you’re on or near icy water. Cold temperatures can lead to body heat loss, and severe hypothermia can set in. Death is even a possibility. When your core body temperature drops, symptoms of hypothermia set…
Boating Tips and Articles
Boating Tips and Articles Anchoring Steps to Smooth Anchoring Anchoring Tips – by Bill Wallace Boat Operation & Handling Tilt? Trim? What Those Trim Tabs Do Tilt & Trim for Outboards and I/Os Boat Docking – An Introduction by Charles Low Docking Broadside to Wind by Charles T. Low Station Keeping by Charles Low Boat…
How To Choose The Right Life Jacket For Your Needs
A life jacket is a personal flotation device (PFD) that comes in a variety of shapes, colors, sizes, and materials. Some life vests are made to be more rugged and last longer while others are made to protect you from cold water. No matter which life jacket you choose, be sure to get the one…
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…
What Does SOS Mean?
What is the Meaning of SOS? 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 information from his article “SOS”, “CQD” and the History of Maritime Distress Calls . There is much mystery…
Everyday Phrases and their Nautical Origins
Everyday Phrases and their Nautical Origins A-K Admiral An admiral is a senior ranking officer in the US Navy, and the word signifies a commander of a fleet, or part of a fleet, in all maritime nations. From the Arabic word amir meaning prince or leader. Adrift Not moored, at the will of the…
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
Hull ID Numbers Play The Numbers Game: (What Is A HIN?) 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…
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 they can be even worse at sea. Let’s take a look at some fire types. Also why marine fire extinguishers are important….