General Boating Info category encompasses a range of articles that provide valuable insights into various boating topics, from understanding the art of Marlinespike, ropes, and knots, to essential pre-underway checklists, boating regulations, accident statistics, and nautical equivalents, aiming to equip boaters with comprehensive knowledge for a safer and more informed boating experience.
Spring Prep Checklist – Necessary & Helpful Items
BEFORE YOU LAUNCH: Inspect and lubricate seacocks. Hoses and hose clamps should be inspected and replaced as necessary. Replace deteriorated zincs. Inspect prop(s) for dings, pitting and distortion. Make sure cotter pins are secure. Grip the prop and try moving the...
A Handy Pre-Underway Checklist
Print this page and keep it with your boat, boatbag, briefcase, logbook, or wherever most convenient. As skipper, review the checklist aloud for all members of your crew and passengers before departure. By using this checklist, or one you develop yourself,...
The Art of Marlinespike, Ropes, Lines, & Knots
The nautical term Marlinespike comes from the name given to a sharply pointed, iron pin that is used to splice line. The word is also used today to describe knots and bends used in nautical applications. Every boater should know basic Marlinespike, including the reef...
Boating Regulations
Recreational boaters need to be well-versed in the boating regulations which are appropriate to the waters in which they operate. On some waterways, for example, there may be Federal, State, and Local regulations that apply. In sole state waters, you must generally...
Metric & Nautical Equivalents
Here are just a few helpful nautical and metric equivalents. There are sometimes inconsistencies between sources on many of the measurements and values, so I’ll be quick to disclaim any responsibility if you use them and get yourself into a jam. If you’d...