Boating Basics


Backing a Boat Trailer.

How to Back Up a Boat Trailer in 7 Easy Steps

Charles Plueddeman · Aug 11, 2022

At a busy launch ramp, with boaters lined up behind you, you’ll want to ensure you’ve mastered the art of backing up your boat’s trailer. Backing up a boat trailer [...]

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Dock and Dine.

Dock and Dine Basics: Seven Tips for Success

Kim Kavin · Aug 8, 2022

Dock and dine experiences are a must-do for any boater. Not only is it great fun to arrive at a restaurant by the water, but it’s also usually an afternoon [...]

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Boat Navigation Lights.

Boat Navigation Lights: Understanding the Basics

Chuck Warren · Jul 15, 2022 · Updated Jul 19, 2022

For many boaters, the best way to end a beautiful day on the water is to watch the sun slowly drop below the horizon while it lights up the clouds [...]

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Affordable Boating.

Affordable Boating: 7 Tips to Save Money on the Water

Kim Kavin · Jul 8, 2022 · Updated Jul 19, 2022

Affordable boating is a goal that everyone should want to thrive for, including us. The good news is that there are several ways to lower your boating costs without compromising [...]

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Running Out of Gas on a Boat.

Running Out of Gas on a Boat: What Now?

Chuck Warren · Jul 8, 2022 · Updated Jul 19, 2022

Almost everyone has run out of gas while driving their car. A phone call to a family member, friend, or roadside assistance can usually resolve the issue with little danger [...]

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Sleeping on a boat.

Sleeping on a Boat Overnight: 3 Options to Consider

Zuzana Prochazka · Jul 7, 2022 · Updated Jul 8, 2022

Part of boating is going out on extended adventures, some of which may last longer than one day and that means you’ll need to sleep aboard. Sleeping overnight on a [...]

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boating checklist

Pre-Departure Boating Checklist: 20 Things to Do Before Leaving the Dock

Charles Plueddeman · Jun 22, 2022

Ever have that feeling you’ve forgotten something? Take a cue from airplane pilots and make a pre-departure boating checklist for your boat and it could prevent a significant inconvenience or [...]

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Cleat hitch knot.

Tying a Boat to a Cleat Using a Cleat Hitch Knot

Lenny Rudow · Jun 21, 2022

Learning the cleat hitch knot is a basic but imperative part of boating. There are many knots for boaters that are important to learn, but none can trump the cleat [...]

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How to drive a boat

Driving a Boat: 10 Tips for Operating a Boat

Lenny Rudow · Jun 17, 2022 · Updated Aug 17, 2023

The next time you take out your own boat or rent a boat, you want to make sure you’re ready to take the wheel safely and with confidence, but what [...]

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7 Common Boating Fails, and How to Avoid Them

Charles Plueddeman · Mar 9, 2022 · Updated Aug 17, 2023

Boating is fun, but it does have a learning curve. Like any activity, boating has jargon (see 50 Nautical, Sailing & Boat Terms for Beginners), rules, and customs, and it [...]

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how to get a boating license

How to Get a Boating License or Boater Safety Certificate

Kim Kavin · Feb 15, 2022 · Updated Nov 3, 2023

When you rent a boat with Boatsetter, you always have the option of adding a captain—which means you don’t actually need a boating license to enjoy a day out on [...]

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sailing and sailboat terms

50 Nautical, Sailing & Boat Terms for Beginners 

Zuzana Prochazka · Jan 28, 2022 · Updated Sep 29, 2023

Boating has its own vocabulary and if you’re going to be spending time on the water, you should understand a few basic boat terms. Knowing these will make you safer [...]

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