Boating Basics


channel markers

Channel Markers & Navigation Aids: 3 Types of Buoys

Chuck Warren · Feb 24, 2023

Almost 72 percent of the Earth is covered in water, making it seem like a boater’s paradise where sailors and powerboaters alike can climb onboard their vessel and head for [...]

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What Is a Sandbar Party?

What Is a Sandbar Party? 7 Things to Expect

Kim Kavin · Feb 22, 2023 · Updated Jul 12, 2023

Sandbar parties are like any other party— great food, cold drinks, fun people, and good times… EXCEPT it happens to take place on a sandbar (a shallow beach-type spot where [...]

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What Is Propeller Pitch?

What Is Propeller Pitch?

Chuck Warren · Feb 14, 2023

Your boat needs to perform properly to keep cruising speeds up and keep fuel consumption down. Both of these are important considerations to boat owners who are renting their boat [...]

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How to Anchor at the Beach.

Beaching a Boat: How to Anchor on a Sandbar

Lenny Rudow · Feb 13, 2023 · Updated Nov 3, 2023

Knowing how to anchor a boat at the beach will come in handy when the desire strikes to laze near the shore of a deserted beach or join a sandbar [...]

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Who Is Responsible for Avoiding a Collision on the Water?

Who Is Responsible for Avoiding a Collision on the Water?

Chuck Warren · Jan 17, 2023 · Updated Nov 3, 2023

One of the most dangerous, and expensive, situations for boaters is a collision with another object— especially with another vessel. While fiberglass and aluminum can be repaired, physical injuries caused [...]

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Docking a Pontoon Boat.

Docking a Pontoon Boat: 6 Easy Steps

Chuck Warren · Jan 10, 2023 · Updated Aug 17, 2023

Pontoon boats have exploded in popularity in the last decade, making them one of the most common types of boats on the water today. With lots of seating and enough [...]

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How to Start Boating.

Boating for Beginners: How to Start Boating

Kim Kavin · Dec 28, 2022 · Updated Dec 1, 2023

America’s waterways have more beginner boaters than ever before! Since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, many people have discovered boating as their new hobby, and more just keep coming. Most [...]

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What to Wear on a Sailing Trip.

What to Wear on a Sailing Trip

Zuzana Prochazka · Nov 17, 2022 · Updated Sep 1, 2023

Going sailing for the first time and wondering what to wear? Time, place, type of sailing, and boat will necessitate different preparation. Start with these questions: Are you sailing for [...]

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Boat Camping.

Boat Camping 101: 8 Tips for Success

Charles Plueddeman · Oct 27, 2022 · Updated Aug 16, 2024

Boat camping is a great way to make the most of a weekend on the water. Boat camping can mean using the boat to reach a campsite on land or [...]

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Launching a Boat.

Launching a Boat: Step-by-Step Guide

Charles Plueddeman · Aug 18, 2022 · Updated Jan 11, 2024

Learning how to launch a boat or personal watercraft (PWC) is key to expanding your boating skills. Once you know how to back up a boat trailer and properly launch [...]

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How to Load a Boat on a Trailer.

How to Load a Boat on a Trailer (Retrieving Your Boat)

Charles Plueddeman · Aug 17, 2022 · Updated Aug 18, 2022

You and your crew had a day of fun and adventure on the water, you’re nearing the dock, and it’s time to load your boat back onto its trailer. Also [...]

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Watersports Basics: How to Get Started

Kim Kavin · Aug 16, 2022 · Updated Feb 18, 2026

Some of the greatest moments in boating are spent trying out the various watersports! Our waterways hold a wealth of enjoyment. Watersports can be relaxing, they can be thrilling, and [...]

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