Boating terminology is often a complex mix of archaic words and modern approximations, confusing mixes of parts of traditional vessels…
Category: Boat Parts
What Is an Outdrive Boat?
There are a few things that get boaters talking, comparing notes, and sharing opinions. If you want to start a…
Red and Green Light on a Boat: All You Should Know
What is the green light on a boat? What is the red or white light on a boat? This article…
Things You Never Thought to Ask About the Boom on Sailboat
Most sailboats have one because they’re awfully handy. But sailboat booms are also one of the most dangerous parts of…
Sailing Knots and Their Uses — A Beginner’s Guide
Boat knots intimidate a lot of would-be boaters. Some people even avoid sailboats altogether simply because they can’t get their…
All About the Rudder on a Sailboat
The rudder on a sailboat is one of those important parts that often gets overlooked. It’s hidden underwater most of…
Why Are Boat Steering Wheels on the Right? Answered!
In different countries, cars steer on different sides of the road. For example, in the U.S., cars drive on the…
Pontoon Boat with Bathroom – GUIDE
When nature calls, you don’t want to be out of sight of land. Unless you’re prepared, of course. Many boats…
Do Boats Have Transmissions?
What is a transmission? Before you can understand if a boat has one, you’ll have to decide what a transmission…
Points of Sail Explained
The points of sail refer to the boat’s current angle compared to the wind’s direction. For example, if you are…
Semi Displacement Hulls – A Detailed Guide For Owners
Understanding some of the basics is fundamental to understanding all the latest trends and most exciting technologies in boat design. …
Boat Fuel – Types & Which You Should Be Using
Boats come in all shapes and sizes, so you might be wondering what fuel do boats use. The answer is…
Illustrated Guide to Sailboat Parts [Updated 2023]
![Illustrated Guide To Sailboat Parts [updated 2022]](https://mycruiserlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/maxresdefault-105-768x432.jpg)
The lingo of sailing is baffling to many newcomers. While the actual sailing is pretty easy, it’s hard to wrap…
Where Should a Boat Compass Be Mounted? Answered!
We live in an amazing time for navigation. Today, we can cross oceans using satellite technologies without knowing anything about…
What Is the Transom on a Boat? EXPLAINED
Transom is an old word deeply rooted in tradition, like many nautical terms. The word is also used in architecture…
How to Tell if Your Outboard Water Pump is Bad
Operating a marine engine in your boat is a little different than a car. A boat engine uses seawater to…
What Color Is a Boat’s Sternlight?
You can learn a lot about boat lights if you just think about what they are for and what they…
Working with Sail Dimensions
Why measure sails? Sailmaking is a complex discipline that blends elements of science and art. Perhaps you want to get…
Winterizing an Outboard Motor – GUIDE
Winter is coming! If you are a boat owner, it’s time to learn how to winterize a boat motor. Winterizing…
Inboard vs Outboard Motors: How to Choose the Right One
Inboard-outboard, inboard, and outboard motors. All terms describe different types of engine setups on boats. Which is best, and how…
Starting Motor Out Of Water: How to Do It Safely
You might want to start a boat out of the water for many reasons, from boat maintenance to just running…
Do Sailboats Have Motors? Types, Speeds & More EXPLAINED
Sailboats are designed to harness the wind and travel where ever they want to go, right? But many people don’t…
How to Remember Port and Starboard: 8 Fun Ways
When you first learn about boats, one of the trickier nautical terms to get your mind around is the use…
What is the Boat Steering Wheel Called? Answered!
There’s a ton of jargon to learn when you’re new to boating. Simple things – like what you call the…
Basics of Sailboat Hull Design – EXPLAINED For Owners
There are a lot of different sailboats in the world. In fact, they’ve been making sailboats for thousands of years.…
Sailing Materials – What Are Sailboat Sails Made of?
Of all of the sailing materials found on the modern cruising or liveaboard sailboat, the sailing fabrics that make up…
Types of Sails on a Boat – Complete GUIDE for Cruiserlife
There are dozens, if not hundreds, of names for the many varied types of sails found on sailboats. Sailboats have…
What is a Boat’s Beam? Your Guide to the Beam on a Boat
A boat’s beam is the widest point of the boat. It’s an important measurement to know, just like the length…
What are Those Numbers on Sails? More #BoatLife Knowledge
Have you ever noticed how most sailboats have numbers on their sails? It’s one of those small details that you…
What is a Swing Keel? Advantages & Vs Centerboards, Lifting Keel, Canting Keels
Swing keels are an often misunderstood sailboat feature. They stand unique as a capable offshore sailboat with good windward performance…