DISTANCE

on July 26, 2024

Distance can be determined with some simple tools. Got a tape measure and a piece of string? You can use them to find out how far away you are from, say, a lighthouse. Measuring distance off by vertical sextant angle is an old navigation technique. It was used for keeping a safe distance from an object of known height, such as a lighthouse, the height of which is shown on a chart. Now, with modern […]

Lightning

on July 20, 2024

Lightning-powerful, dangerous, highly unpredictable. A direct lightning strike that results only in ringing ears and a few toasted electronics is considered lucky. While the odds of a boat being struck by lightning are only about one out of 1,000 boats, the consequences of a lightning strike call for some strategies to avoid disaster: Timing A strategy of boating only on sunny, cloudless days may work well in places like California, but that would mean almost […]

RIGHT OF WAY

on July 13, 2024

Boating Right of Way Basics There are a few boating right of way basics to follow, to make sure you boat safely with others everywhere.

Choppy Water

on July 6, 2024

Many boats handle choppy water different, so know your boat type. Power boats are designed with rough water in mind. Hull designs such as the deep V and even double hulls have made choppy waters less of a problem, but the burden is on the captain, that’s you, to get it right. Well designed boats are half the equation; the other half is you. Choppy Water Basics: 1. Batten down. No matter how skillfully you […]