Category: iNavX: How To
by B.J. Porter (Contributing Editor) It’s that time of year again, when everyone in the temperate zones is scrambling to get their boats in the water. By April, the most hard core folks are already out there boating in their foulies, but for the rest of us aiming for Memorial Day, it’s commissioning season. And […]
by B.J. Porter (Contributing Editor) Years ago, when I was shopping for my first set of foul weather gear after we got our first boat, I asked my wife if she’d like to go try some on too. “Absolutely not,” she said. “If we need foulies, I don’t want to be out there sailing.” We […]
by B.J. Porter (Contributing Editor) In the world of electronic charting, you may come across two types of charts – Vector and Raster. You may use both types with iNavX, and most chartplotters and navigation software can use either type. So…what’s the difference? Is one better than the other? Should you use one preferentially? Neither […]
by B.J. Porter (Contributing Editor) Last month we talked about standing rigging – the fixed, permanent parts of your boat. This month, we’re on to running rigging – the various lines that you move, pull, and release to sail the boat. Running rigging has at least one free end. For this article, we’re talking about […]
by B.J. Porter (Contributing Editor) Hey New Boaters: a lot of nautical terminology may sound pretentious or unnecessary. And some of it is. But when things are happening quickly, it’s critical to say the correct thing without fumbling for imprecise words. If you don’t know the word, you’ll be yelling stuff like “Move the thing…and […]
by B.J. Porter (Contributing Editor) VHF radio can be a chaotic and noisy place, and a few considerations for how to use it and an awareness of the rules (and laws!) make it much more useful for everyone. Even if you’re an old salt, a refresher before the new season is never a bad idea. […]
by B.J. Porter (Contributing Editor) “Oh! Piglet,” said Pooh excitedly, “we’re going on an Expotition, all of us, with things to eat. To discover something.” “To discover what?” said Piglet anxiously. “Oh! just something.” Winnie-the-Pooh, by A.A. Milne If you take your boat anywhere for the night, you almost always bring a dinghy. This sturdy […]
by B.J. Porter (Contributing Editor) A ship’s log is a permanent record of where you’ve been, what happened on the way, and what you’ve done with your boat. For commercial shipping, it’s a requirement, and logs can be requested if there are any incidents or problems. So details and procedures can be quite formal. Many […]
by B.J. Porter (Contributing Editor) All of us have dreamed about finding the perfect boat that suits every sailing wish and desire. Fast around the buoys, but light and comfortable at anchor, with enough space and comfort for the family or another couple for a week without getting in everyone’s way. Of course, there are […]
by B.J. Porter (Contributing Editor) It’s that time of year again. Fall, the dreaded end of boating season. This month, we’re going to take a quick look at what you can do to make sure your batteries make it through the season in the best condition, so you’re ready for spring. The exact steps will […]
