Boating Knowledge Archives

Crew Safety Briefing

October 24, 2023/by Grant Headifen

You can avoid many emergencies by conducting a proper safety briefing before leaving the dock.

Non-Electronic Communications

October 24, 2023/by Grant Headifen

Sailing has been around for thousands of years. Electronic Communications has been around for less than 100 years (not counting the telegraph).

Sailboat Solar Power

October 24, 2023/by Grant Headifen

Solar panels produce DC power and are used to charge the batteries. A relatively small solar panel such as 1 square foot (0.1 m2) can produce about 1½ amps at…

Sailboat Design

October 24, 2023/by Grant Headifen

Surely, the first sailboat was invented by a five-year-old child with a block of wood. He or she stuck a twig through a piece of animal skin and then down into a knothole in the wood.

Using Spring Lines for Docking

October 24, 2023/by Grant Headifen

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.

Anchoring is not simply throwing a “hook” and letting out a line. However, after watching some sailors, this seems to be their theory. Successful anchoring requires a plan considering all the factors.

Sailboat Wind Power Generators

October 23, 2023/by Grant Headifen

Wind-power generators are typically installed only on ocean-crossing vessels, where the vessel is away from the marina for extended periods of time and where there is a need for conserving onboard fuel.

Standing Rigging

October 23, 2023/by Grant Headifen

To keep the mast from toppling over, an array of rods, cables, ropes (lines), and wires are attached at various spots on the mast and run down to the bow, stern, and sides of the vessel.

Running Aground

October 23, 2023/by Grant Headifen

In the information age, running aground is usually caused by an amateur mistake, and besides the potential damage, it is also highly embarrassing.

Clouds, Fog, Thunderstorms

October 23, 2023/by Grant Headifen

Clouds can give a relatively easy and quick look at what might be coming in the future. These clouds then are a good indication of possible changing weather in the next few days.