Sailing Education Archives

The Engine – Getting Familiar with a Charter Boat

April 4, 2024/by Grant Headifen

While this is a sailing boat propelled by the wind and mostly without the need for burning fossil fuels the most devastating breakdown besides hull failure is the engine.

The Fuel System – Getting Familiar with a Charter Boat

April 4, 2024/by Grant Headifen

While it is reasonably rare to have a fuel problem on a charter it can certainly happen and you should be prepared to apply the (sometimes simple) solution below.

Starting the Engine – Getting Familiar with a Charter Boat

April 4, 2024/by Grant Headifen

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.

How to Book a Sailing Charter

April 4, 2024/by Grant Headifen

There are a few things you need to know about booking a charter.

The Types of Sailing Charters

April 4, 2024/by Grant Headifen

There are two types of sailing charters; captained and bareboat. The captained charters have a professional captain on board to navigate and operate the vessel, and usually…

Plumbing and Tankage – Getting Familiar with a Charter Boat

April 4, 2024/by Grant Headifen

A diaphragm pump below directs flow from the water tank(s) to various faucets throughout the boat. You’ll always begin a charter with full water tanks but understand that water conservation is still required.

Seacocks – Getting Familiar with a Charter Boat

April 4, 2024/by Grant Headifen

Seacocks are designed to let water flow out of the hull safely. They are not one-way valves so any loose clamps around the seacock itself create leaks around the hoses and can allow water to enter into the boat. This is usually bad – right?

Heads on a Charter Boat

April 4, 2024/by Grant Headifen

You don’t need trouble with the waste system, especially when on vacation.

Electricity and Charging Your Devices on a Charter

April 4, 2024/by Grant Headifen

It’s a given, we can’t live without electricity. At home, we have all the conveniences and all the chargers we need. But what about on a boat on a sailing vacation? What can I charge and what voltage is available?

Generators on a Charter Boat

April 4, 2024/by Grant Headifen

Some charter boats have generators. These are small diesel engines that convert fossil fuel to DC electricity that is stored in the battery banks and AC electricity that is used to run the air conditioning, microwave, and AC outlet plugs around the boat.