Boating Knowledge Base

Have a sailing question? Access NauticEd’s sailing and boating knowledge base, and gain in-depth answers to your sailing questions. If you’re interested in powerboating, visit our new powerboating blog.

Action by a Stand-On Vessel Nav Rule

Strangely enough, the written text for the action of a Stand-On vessel is longer than that of a Give-Way vessel.
August 31, 2023/by Grant Headifen
VHF marine radio with distress alert, important for boating safety and emergency communication.

Raising the Alarm in Emergencies

A comprehensive list of how and the equipment used to raise the alarm in sailing emergencies
October 22, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Sea spray splashes over a vast ocean surface under a clear sky, capturing the excitement of open water sailing adventure.

Waves, Swells, and Depth

Since waves are primarily the result of surface wind action, they can be accurately predicted. Waves have troughs and crests.
October 15, 2023/by Grant Headifen

The Nautical Chart on a Charter

Even though most sailboat charters are within island groups where the next landfall is typically within sight, every boat should be equipped with complete large-scale charts of the area.
April 5, 2024/by Grant Headifen

Air Flow over the Sails

Similar to steady flight, we've got to keep the air flowing over the sails smoothly...
August 22, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Diagram showing forces: left image in equilibrium, right image with misaligned forces creating a moment.

Docking Force Alignment and Moment Balance

When you are docking, if your boat pulls on a line attached to the dock, the line pulls back on your boat. If the forces are aligned, then nothing really happens.
June 9, 2024/by Grant Headifen
Sailors securing a sailboat to a mooring buoy at sunset, against a backdrop of tranquil ocean and distant islands.

Mooring on a Charter

Most developed chartering locations throughout the world have established zones in which mooring balls have been permanently implanted.
April 12, 2024/by Grant Headifen
Diagram illustrating a sailboat's interaction with strong wind, showing movement and wind direction.

Planning to use springlines when docking

Like a work of fine engineering, a spring maneuver requires a design. The key is to plan the maneuver by considering the wind, current, and other obstacles, then design the placement and directions of the forces and moments.
May 13, 2024/by Grant Headifen
Close-up of a sailboat cockpit with winch, steering wheel, and navigation instruments under a clear blue sky.

Starting the Engine – Getting Familiar with a Charter Boat

Regarding the starting procedure, we’re assuming that since you’re actually commanding a sailboat you pretty much know how to turn the key and all the other safety precautions.
April 4, 2024/by Grant Headifen
Bulldozer moving sand at a construction site, operated by a person in the driver's seat, surrounded by earthy terrain.

Getting the General Feel of Maneuvering a Catamaran

Some have compared maneuvering a catamaran with driving a bulldozer. Well . . . perhaps!
May 19, 2024/by Grant Headifen

Vessels in Restricted Visibility

What is the safe speed at night, in fog? As safe as it needs to be under good seamanship.
August 28, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Person relaxing on an inflatable chair near a sailboat at sunset, serene ocean views, perfect for a peaceful sailing adventure.

Selecting an Anchoring Spot

Selecting an Anchoring Spot - Charts, both electronic and paper will tell you where the reliable anchoring spots are.
April 12, 2024/by Grant Headifen
Sailing yacht gliding through ocean waves at sunset, sailor steering from deck, capturing adventure and freedom at sea.

Rigging

At boat shows, we see folks huddled down in the vessel’s salon oohing and aahing at the leather cushions to sit on, and at the electronic gadgets for navigation and entertainment.
October 24, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Diagram showing three sailboats docking with wind direction labeled, demonstrating optimal approach angles.

Leaving the Dock – End Ties

Wind pushing you away from the dock - This is the simplest scenario. Once you are confident of your plan, release and stow dock lines, then allow the wind to push the boat clear of other obstacles.
May 5, 2024/by Grant Headifen
Sailboat cutting through ocean waves, showcasing the bow's sleek design and dynamic sailing movement.

Maintaining a Lookout

The Rule Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing as...
August 28, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Sailboats passing port to port with horn signals, showing nautical right-of-way on open water.

Head-on Nav Rules Situation

The Rule (a) Unless otherwise agreed when two power-driven vessels are meeting on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal...
August 26, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Monument of Discoveries sculpture in Lisbon with sailors set against a clear blue sky and a view of the Tagus River.

Navigation Introduction

The history of navigation is fascinating and dates back to as many centuries as we can imagine.
October 15, 2023/by Grant Headifen

Keeping the Telltales Flying Steady

As a sailor we are doing one of two things when it comes to sail trim, either holding a course or trimming to our sails...
August 24, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Spectra Watermakers device with pressure relief valve and vibration-absorbing rubber mounts for efficient sailing desalination.

Water and Water Making on Bareboat Charter

Aboard, drinkable water is indeed a limited supply - very limited.
April 13, 2024/by Grant Headifen
Diagram depicting a water circuit with components analogous to electrical elements like generator and resistor.

Electrical Measurements

To be prepared and understand electrical power usage on a modern vessel, it is important to learn a few basic terms and concepts.
October 17, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Sailboat engine cooling system diagram showing fluid flow through heat exchanger and pumps.

Sailboat Diesel Water Systems

Diesel engines run hot because of high compression and therefore need to be cooled. Fortunately, ample cooling is readily available from the water the vessel is sailing in.
October 22, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Father and daughter enjoying sailing, adjusting ropes on a sunny day at sea.

Kids on a Sailing Charter

If you're considering a charter and considering taking your kids - DO IT.
April 3, 2024/by Grant Headifen
Large cargo ship in open water with humorous text on the bow reading, If you can read this, say goodbye to your mommy.

Action to Avoid Collision

When you reach the section on who is responsible to give way to whom - in certain circumstances...
August 23, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Sailboats racing in the ocean with crews managing sails, showcasing competitive sailing dynamics and teamwork.

Sails

Sails are sophisticated objects. It is not only the materials they are made from that are important, but also, the way they are cut and sewn.
October 13, 2023/by Grant Headifen

Last updated on December 6th, 2024