BROWSE POWERBOATING ARTICLES

Red and blue boating ropes tied in various essential knots, perfect for secure docking and sailing efficiency.

Let’s Get Knotty

September 12, 2024

You have to admit that both sailors and truck drivers are probably the best in the world at tying knots.

Powerboats maneuvering in a marina with docks, guided by wind direction and arrows, illustrating effective docking techniques.

Maneuvering Mastery

September 12, 2024

A story (for a reason) from Grant Headifen, Global Director of Education and author of this Maneuvering Under Power Course.

West Marine Deep Cycle 105 battery, Group 31, 12-month warranty. Ideal for reliable powerboating energy needs.

Boat Batteries

September 10, 2024

The source of DC power is usually one or more marine-grade batteries, normally 12 volts each. They are similar to automobile batteries, except sturdier—and of course more expensive.

Ocean view from a coastal cliff with distant waves and blue sky, perfect for peaceful powerboating adventures.

Current Interaction With Waves

September 9, 2024

Currents are the movement of water from one place to another. They can be large-scale and consistent, like the Gulf...

Raymarine autopilot display showing 326 degrees, essential for precise navigation in powerboating.

Moving Your Stern

September 8, 2024

Fighter pilots are familiar with the term VIF-ing. VIF stands for "vectoring in flight." It means that you can move your plane sideways, up, or down while in flight.

Sailboat anchor diagram shows wind effect lifting anchor shank off seabed, preventing flukes from digging in.

Rode and Scope

September 8, 2024

To hold a sailboat, the anchor must naturally be attached to the vessel. This is accomplished by using “rode,” which is either all chain or a combination of rope (nylon line) and chain.

Compact marine generator, dimensions 23x22x36, weight 600 lbs, ideal for efficient powerboating performance.

Generator or Large Battery Bank?

September 6, 2024

Dedicated electric generators on board boats are usually only reserved for large boats because of their weight and size.

Diagram showing differences between low and high pitch propeller blades in powerboating for optimal performance.

Propellers

September 6, 2024

Propellers are a critical component for powerboats, as they directly affect the boat’s performance, efficiency, and handling.

Rule 2000 Heavy Duty bilge pump with red and blue accents, ideal for efficient water removal in powerboats.

Bilge Pumps

September 5, 2024

An emergency bilge pump(s) is a very significant electrical device on any vessel. This pump is used to pump out water that may collect, for whatever reason, in the bilge.

Satellite view of a hurricane near Florida and the Caribbean, capturing path crucial for powerboat navigation safety.

While we have touched on weather concepts in this blog, no one can expect you to be a meteorologist (unless you are one) and do a good enough job at predicting the weather with enough quality to guarantee your safety.

Stevedore Stopper Knot

September 4, 2024

The Stevedore knot is another stopper knot. It is less likely to slip undone than the Figure 8 and is used to prevent a rope from slipping out of a device or from running through a block or hole.

Boat throttle control diagram showing forward, neutral, and reverse positions for RPM adjustment.

Gear and Throttle Controls

September 4, 2024

Throughout this course, and when maneuvering under power, we talk about shifting gears, throttle control, and steering.

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