The Ships Logg

So here we are again, sitting at home looking out the window as the wind blows the leaves around the yard.   Maybe even some of us are looking at snow.   We are wondering how another boating season has gone by so quickly.   For those of you who live in places like Miami or Phoenix this does not apply to you, so I guess you can skip this paragraph and move to the next one.   For the rest of us, we are once again wondering how to pass the winter months as landlubbers.   Here is a suggestion:   Learn how to tie some knots. Here are six of the most useful knots for boaters, what you should use them for, and how to tie them. Bowline This is definitely one of the most versatile knots you can have in your arsenal.   I have heard a lot of boaters claim that if you only learn one knot it should be the bowline.   Some call it the life saver because it is taught to sailors as the knot to use to tie themselves to a lifeline should they fall ove...

I am a die-hard boater and even in cold weather, you will often find me on my boat.   Often times when I walk down my dock, I find that I am the only one there.   While many boat owners leave their boat in the water during the winter months, a good percentage of them tie them up in the fall and do not return until warm weather comes back.   Because of this, I make it a point to walk the dock, checking lines and fenders on all of the boats to make sure there are no issues.   I know that some of my dock neighbors that come up in winter months do the same.   One of the things that I consistently notice is that many boats do not have the proper lines securing them to the dock.   Let’s take a look at what types of lines should be used for various purposes on your boat.   Dock Lines Nylon is the best material for dock lines.   This is because it is strong and it also stretches.   Stretch is important because it allows the l...

We do a lot of things on out boats but some of the most enjoyable time you can spend on your boat is at night.   The peace and tranquility of staying out under the stars, the water gently rocking you into a mode of relaxation while looking up at the moon and the stars just cannot be matched by any other experience.   If you have done this before, then you know what I mean.   If you have never done this, you are missing out.   It’s time you started sleeping on the hook. Night time on the water can be very relaxing. Of course, if you plan on doing this, just like everything else, it is a good idea to be prepared so you can make the best of your peaceful time on the water.   There are boats of all sizes and types with all of them being equipped somewhat differently, but for the purposes of this article, I will assume that your boat has these basic features: 1.        Engine and Electrical System – Clearly a powerboat h...

Anchoring your boat is pretty easy if done the right way but can also be difficult if you are not using the right technique or the right anchor.   In this article, we will discuss how to choose the right anchor for your boat and proper anchoring technique. First of all, know that it is advised to have an anchor and rode on your boat even if spending time on the hook isn’t one of your chosen ways to pass the time out on the water.   I have talked to many boaters who claim that they do not need an anchor because all of their time spent on their boat is either at a dock or underway.   My question to them is always the same:   What if you are underway and you have engine problems or, in the case of a sailboat, you rip a sail?   Are you comfortable drifting around at the whim of the wind and current?   If your boat does not have an anchor, get one. Ground Tackle An anchoring system (or ground tackle) for your boat is comprised of three components: ...