Boating has its own language. Many of the terms used in boating had their origins centuries ago, when the great ships plied the seas and provided an important means of transporting both people and goods. Onboard a boat, you don't speak of "right" or "left," or of "front" and "back"; you must know and use the proper terminology: - Port -- left. (This is the side that always came nearest to land when the boat docked.)
- Starboard -- right.
- Bow -- front.
- Stern -- back.
Dana Williams and DIY boating expert Craig Campbell have a few suggestions to help you remember the difference between port and starboard: - "Port" and "left" both have four letters.
- Port is the only red wine left, and the port side of a boat is marked with a red light.
- After a boat came into port, the crew would go to the other side and look up at the stars to get their bearings.
Campbell also offers a couple of safety tips of his own: - Always tell someone when you're leaving, where you're going and when you intend to be back.
- Learn the laws of boating. They're in place for a reason!
- Take plenty of sunscreen and a good hat when you go out on a boat.
- Always go up and down ladders backward, and get a good grip of the ladder.
Web extra: More on boating with Dana Williams What was the first boat you ever had?
The first one that my folks had that I remember was an 18-foot Starcraft. It had a 75-horse outboard Johnson on it. And then I remember my daddy traded the engine and got a hundred-horse mercury and put it on, and boy, we thought that was the best! Where would you most like to take your boat?
There's one lake out in Nevada and I just would love to take my boat out there. Where Hoover Dam is, you know? I'd love to take my boat up there, but I'll be dogged if I'm going to drive and pull this thing all the way out there [laughs]. Does your boat have a name?
We just call it the Cobalt, man. And she's a lady. They're always a lady. Do you ever go boating with your bandmates?
Me and Jimmy, our guitar player in the band -- he comes out with me. And we got a thing on the kneeboard and the inner tube we call the super-centrifugal, and we try to sling one another off with as much pressure as we can give a dude in a turn. But it's hard to get old Jimmy off! What is your favorite aspect of boating?
I just really love everything to do with just the whole boating thing. I like eating out here on the boat, you know -- just making your sandwich and getting the ice and gassing up and just -- everything to do with boating. I just enjoy fooling with it, you know. I guess that's a true hobby. Any tips for new boaters?
Well, if you have kids under 12, make sure they have a lifejacket on at all times, unless the boat is anchored or docked. I got a ticket for not doing this -- learned the hard way. Any navigation tips?
I don't know if this is the proper way, but my daddy always taught me that if you're driving a boat heading straight at another boat, hold your course. Let the other boat make the first move. That way, at least one of you has a plan. Of course, if everybody did this, we'd have a big problem!
RESOURCES :
Boat Engines: A Motor Boat and Yachting Book
Model: 1898660042
Author: Dick Hewitt
Order this book from Amazon.com.
Fernhurst Books
Boat Repair Made Easy -- Engines -- Diesel and Gasoline ...
Model: 1892216035
Author: John P. Kaufman
Order this book from Amazon.com.
Bristol Fashion Publications
The Motorboat Electrical and Electronics Manual
Model: 1574091492
Author: John C. Payne
Order this book from Amazon.com.
Sheridan House
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