Category: Boating Tips
by B.J. Porter (Contributing Editor) Welcome to a new multi-part series on Getting Started in Boating! Over the next few months, as the northern hemisphere slowly freezes solid and experienced boaters climb the walls waiting for spring, we’re going to walk down that path that can get you out on the water some day as […]
by B.J. Porter (Contributing Editor) Or “why every boat owner should understand a little about electricity.” Unless your only boat has no lights and no battery, electricity will be a part of your boating experience. Like every part of the boat, the more you understand, the better your experience will be. Knowing a little about […]
by B.J. Porter (Contributing Editor) Over the past years, we’ve about a lot of boat electronics, like what’s an MMSI and what do you need DSC for. We’ve touched upon the Automatic Information System (AIS) briefly, but never discussed it extensively. Now it’s time for that deep dive. Because AIS an important tool for any […]
by B.J. Porter (Contributing Editor) By the time Thanksgiving rolls around, northern boaters have their boats entombed in shrink wrap and are bracing for the cold. But there are still parts of the country where you never put the boat away, and there are a lot of Americans out there cruising the world year round. […]
Everything Boaters Need to Know about VHF Radios, Licensing & MMSI Numbers
October 10th, 2024 by team
by B.J. Porter (Contributing Editor) If you ask a long time sailor, they may tell you about the olden days when you had to get a VHF license for your boat before you could talk on your radio. I’m old enough to remember that, but the rules have changed and recreational boaters in U.S. waters. […]
by B.J. Porter (Contributing Editor) The other day I was reading about navigation and charts, and I came across a detailed bit of information about chart labeling that I was completely unfamiliar with. I’ve used charts for years of course, and started with paper. I thought I knew them well. But here was this silly […]
by B.J. Porter (Contributing Editor) Recreational boaters often wonder about licensing, training, and what you need to buy or operate a boat. And the terminology over it can be confusing, and the rules and regulations differ by country. For private U.S. boaters in domestic waters operating their own vessels with family and friends on board, […]
by B.J. Porter (Contributing Editor) It’s been said that the two happiest days in a boat owner’s life are the day they buy a new boat, and the day they sell it. I can’t say I agree that’s always true. True confession time: the last time I sold a boat, I was bawling like a […]
by B.J. Porter (Contributing Editor) To sail successfully, you need to observe with great care. You need to identify what the wind and the water are telling you and then find a way to execute, to reach whatever goal you’ve set, be that simply making it home or winning a race. Diane Greene Sailors live […]
by B.J. Porter (Contributing Editor) Most beginning boaters have heard the “Red, Right, Returning” rule, which tells you how to pass certain markers to avoid the dangers they’re keeping you off of. It’s a handy rule, and easy to remember, and will serve you well sailing in the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean and any other […]
