Boating Basics
How to Anchor a Boat: Step-by-Step Guide
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: Pros & Cons of Each Propulsion System
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 Water: 6 Qualities that Make for a Smooth Cruise
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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How to Double-Anchor a Boat
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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7 Winning Tips on Decorating Your Boat for the Lighted Boat Parade
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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Understanding the Basics: Boating Licenses
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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Everything You Need to Know: Boat Propeller Types
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: Understanding Meeting, Crossing, & Overtaking
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
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
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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5 Boating Superstitions that Give Skippers the Chills
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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3 Boating Tips on Navigating Rough Waters
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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