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.

Two sailboats, one red and one blue, are connected on the water.

Towing

The following diagram shows how you can tow another vessel. Form a “bridle” from the rear cleats...
October 24, 2023/by Grant Headifen

Electronic Navigation

We are well into the 21st century. Chances are that within 30 feet (10 meters) of you right now there are 2-3 GPS-enabled potentially lifesaving devices...
October 20, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Assorted sailboat hardware: snap hook, swivel block, cleats, shackles, rope jammer, jib sail hank, turnbuckle, pad eye.

Sailboat Running Rigging

A sailboat’s running rigging consists of those items controlling the sails and helping the sails to capture the wind’s energy.
October 18, 2023/by Grant Headifen

Action by a Give-Way Vessel

The Nav Rule Every vessel which is directed to keep out of the way of another vessel shall...
August 23, 2023/by Grant Headifen

Docking Maneuvers with Dual Rudders

With Dual Rudders there is no ability to spring the boat onto or off the dock! You have no water velocity over the rudders from either boat velocity or propwash.
May 24, 2024/by Grant Headifen
Rule 2000 heavy-duty bilge pump with red and blue design for efficient water removal on boats.

Bilge Pumps

An emergency bilge pump(s) is a very significant electrical device on any vessel. This pump is used to pump out water that may collect, for whatever reason, in the bilge.
October 23, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Satellite image of hurricane approaching Caribbean islands, highlighting storm path critical for sailing safety.

Weather Predictions

While we have touched on weather concepts in this Module, no one can expect you to be a meteorologist (unless you are one) and do a good enough job at predicting the weather with enough quality to guarantee your safety.
October 13, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Diagram of green light patterns: Flashing (2), Flashing, Occulting, Quick Flashing, ISO for nautical navigation signals.

Lights on ATONS

Lights are installed on some ATONS. The lights are usually alternating on and off on some consistent interval to distinguish one ATON from another.
October 24, 2023/by Grant Headifen

Holding a Constant Heading while Adjusting the Sails

We're heading to a specific point on land or a compass heading. Thus we need to keep the sails flying effectively...
August 22, 2023/by Grant Headifen

Sailboat Diesel Engine Fluids

Diesel engines make use of a variety of fluids, including raw and coolant water, diesel fuel, and lubricating oil. A problem in the flow of any one of these fluids can cause problems...
October 22, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Sailboat race diagram illustrating tactical positions and wind direction on open water.

Crew Overboard

Crew ("Man") Overboard (MOB) is fortunately relatively rare, but chances are that in your sailing career it will happen.
October 21, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Comparison of lifejacket and buoyancy vest, illustrating flotation differences in water safety gear.

Types of PFDs

Types of PDF's Here is a graphical explanation between a lifejacket and a buoyancy vest. PFD Type ratings are being phased out...
October 18, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Nautical chart symbols for rocks, wrecks, and obstructions, detailing dangers and depths for safe navigation.

Chart Symbols

Studying a harbor layout does very little good without understanding the symbols and what they signify. It pays to
October 17, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Illustration of a sailboat viewed from above, showing sail, mast, and keel, highlighting basic sailing structure.

Using Spring Lines for Docking

A spring line is just a dockline that is placed strategically from the boat to the dock to help maneuver and turn the boat in place - get it safely into the dock or safely away.
October 24, 2023/by Grant Headifen

Sail Twist Basics

How can the wind direction be different between the top of the mast and the bottom?
August 17, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Sailboat demonstrating heaving-to maneuver with labeled parts: backwinded headsail, helm position, and sideways wake.

Sailing Heave To

When you have successfully hove-to (heaved-to), your sailboat will be in a stable situation with the mainsail and headsail still up. Your forward speed will be minimal and...
October 12, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Diagram of aerodynamic forces on an airfoil and sail, showing lift, drag, and pressure differences for sailing dynamics.

Sailing and Wind Forces

A sailboat moves in upwind and downwind directions. Downwind is intuitive; it just gets blown downwind. But just how does a sailboat move into the wind?
October 24, 2023/by Grant Headifen

Electric Devices and Standards

A word of caution whenever using any home AC appliances on a vessel. Generally, these devices will work fine
October 16, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Sailor in a red jacket braving rough seas, harnessed on a wet deck with splashing waves, focused on handling the sail.

Sailing Safety Equipment

There is a plethora of equipment specially designed for a variety of emergencies at sea. Some are inexpensive...
October 16, 2023/by Grant Headifen

More Basic Sail Twist

The wind at the top of the mast has more heeling leverage on the boat than the wind lower...
August 21, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Satellites orbiting Earth in space, illustrating global connectivity and navigation technology.

Global Positioning System

GPS stands for global positioning system. It uses a network of satellites in orbit. Although the GPS is used as a navigation device, it is also a form of communication to the vessel.
October 14, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Red and blue waterproof sailing jackets, perfect for marine adventures and protection against harsh weather.

Clothing for Sailing

Dressing appropriately for weather conditions is an important but often overlooked topic. Weather in the marina may be considerably different from weather beyond the marina and conditions can drastically change during your venture.
October 17, 2023/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

True Wind vs. Apparent Wind

Learn the basic difference between True Wind and Apparent Wind...
August 27, 2023/by Grant Headifen

Last updated on December 6th, 2024