Boating Basics


Anchoring a boat.

How to Anchor a Boat: Step-by-Step Guide

Charles Plueddeman · Jan 10, 2024 · Updated Jan 11, 2024

You may most often use an anchor to hold your boat in place in a secluded cove for a few hours of swimming, but that anchor is also an essential [...]

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inboard vs sterndrive engines

Inboard vs. Sterndrive: Pros & Cons of Each Propulsion System

Boatsetter Team · Jan 8, 2024

Boat propulsion systems can include inboard engines, outboard motors, outdrives also called sterndrives, jet drives and electric pod drives. Here, we’ll look at the pros and cons of inboard engines [...]

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Best boats for rough waters

Best Boats for Rough Water: 6 Qualities that Make for a Smooth Cruise

Zuzana Prochazka · Dec 13, 2023

Most boats will perform well on calm water but when the sea kicks up, there are a few design elements that ensure a more stable ride. Some of these characteristics [...]

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Double-anchoring a boat

How to Double-Anchor a Boat

Kim Kavin · Dec 12, 2023 · Updated Jan 11, 2024

Double-anchoring (or dual anchoring) a boat is exactly what it sounds like: Two anchors hold the boat in place. How to double-anchor a boat depends on a number of variables, [...]

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tips for light up boat parades

7 Winning Tips on Decorating Your Boat for the Lighted Boat Parade

Diane Byrne · Nov 17, 2023 · Updated Nov 30, 2023

Shine your way into the hearts and minds of the crowd—and judges—with our advice. With the holidays fast approaching, all sorts of festive celebrations are in the planning stages, including [...]

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Boating licenses basics

Understanding the Basics: Boating Licenses

Kim Kavin · Oct 31, 2023

According to the United States Power Squadrons, unless you live or go boating in Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Maine, South Dakota or Wyoming, you might fall into the category of people [...]

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Boat Propeller Types

Everything You Need to Know: Boat Propeller Types

Zuzana Prochazka · Oct 12, 2023

Most boats are driven by propellers and there are many kinds and sizes. The optimal choice of propeller will depend on boat type, length, weight, use, and engine power. The [...]

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Boating Right of Way Rules

Boating Right of Way Rules: Understanding Meeting, Crossing, & Overtaking

Diane Byrne · Oct 12, 2023

Memorize the basics when it comes to whether the Rules of the Road favor your boat over another during encounters on the waterways. Think back to when you took your [...]

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Understanding Tides as a Boatsetter.

Understanding Tides as a Boatsetter

Diane Byrne · Sep 30, 2023 · Updated Oct 3, 2023

Here’s a primer on the various types of tides and how to handle them when you’re heading out for a day’s enjoyment. As much as it’s crucial to understand the [...]

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How to Read a Nautical Chart.

How to Read a Nautical Chart

Diane Byrne · Sep 25, 2023 · Updated Nov 3, 2023

Raise your hand if you’ve ever driven your car with a good old-fashioned paper map or modern-day navigation device providing help. For boats, nautical charts are the utmost resource for [...]

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Boating Superstitions.

5 Boating Superstitions that Give Skippers the Chills

Kim Kavin · Sep 18, 2023 · Updated Sep 29, 2023

Since the beginning of (mari)time, sailors have developed superstitions that skippers continue to pass down from generation to generation of boaters. Sure, some people think boating superstitions are silly, but… [...]

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Navigating rough waters.

3 Boating Tips on Navigating Rough Waters

Kim Kavin · Sep 18, 2023

Chop, currents, tides, and all kinds of other turbulence can turn a fun day on the boat into a nightmare that you, your crew, and your passengers want to forget. [...]

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