Month: July 2022

Here are some interesting questions. Boat rope is a very important element in ships and you come across it everywhere in your boat. Many people don’t know that we don’t use the word rope in the boat, but we refer to it with other words. And it varies according to the type of use. In this article we will look at why the word rope has become a taboo for sailors and what the proper terms are.

According to tradition

From generation to generation, it is a tradition that there is only one ship’s rope on a ship. This is the bell. To this day, ships have only one rope on board? They still respect this custom. It has even become a saying.

According to seafarers’ vocabularies

According to the lexicon of seafarers, each rope has its own name. This individualism is due to the specificity of their respective uses. However, to designate the rope and avoid the word “rope”, the most used generic word is ” bout ” and it is pronounced as “boute”.

To designate heavy ropes, in 1358 the word cordage appears. However, we can use the word rope, if the rope is outside the boat as the following expressions:

• “Rope fenders” to designate if we use it in fender,
• “Rope fenders” if used in fender protection, “restraining ropes” if used in cargo loading,
• “Fleeing with masts and ropes” when we are escaping the wind.

To differentiate each rope in a ship and avoid the word taboo, the maritime lexicon gives various names according to their respective role. So it’s all about the ropes inside the boat itself. Here are some examples:

• Grelin: for towing
• Mooring: to keep your position at sea
• Tie down; to connect the bottom of the net with the safety net
• Garcette: for mooring equipment
• Halyard: to attach to a pontoon
• Sheet: to adjust the angle of a sail
• Stay line: to connect the top of the mast to the hull
• Downhaul: to raise and support the boom
• Topping lift: for manoeuvring adjustments

The word rope and the story of mutineers

In a boat, it is strongly forbidden to say or refer to the rope with this word. However, you can use similar expressions like buttons, manoeuvres. But why is this taboo or even forbidden?

Because seafarers sometimes rely on legends or stories that have marked their lives. One of these beliefs is the time of mutineers, i.e. people who rebelled. They were hanged with ropes. And since that time, this word reminds us of this dark story. And invoke what they were hung with. That is why this word is hardly ever used on board a ship.

A boat anchor is a heavy weight that is placed in the seabed to stabilise a vessel. It is made of concrete, steel, stainless steel or aluminium depending on the type of material. It is used when anchoring. But how does an anchor work?

Characteristics of the anchor

Boat anchors come in a variety of forms. You can choose between permanent and temporary anchors. In the first case, they are attached to a dead body such as a buoy. They come in several shapes. The mushroom shape is suitable for a muddy or sandy bottom. They can support weights from 5 kg to several tons. This category is also characterised by screw anchors for fish farms and suction anchors for oil tankers.

As with permanent anchors, the temporary types also depend on the type of bottom in which they will be fixed. These are stowed on board the vessel. This category includes flat anchors, for sandy or soft bottoms, and ploughshare anchors, which are suitable for rocks. The grappling hook is also used in this area, but its use requires great care in relation to the coral.

How to anchor?

This device is used to counter the weight of the boat. The boat anchor is attached to a chain that links it to the vehicle. Anchoring is done in a few steps. Firstly, you need to locate the place where you are going to moor. This is to assess the type of seabed, but also the weather. Ideally, you should anchor in sandy or muddy ground. The tide also determines your mooring. As a general rule, the length of the chain should be three times the height of the sea. The pull of the chain also depends on the strength of the wind. If the wind is strong, you should let go of the chain.

Mooring techniques differ according to these conditions. The first method is to strike a line on the front of theboat anchor. This method makes it easier to pull it up. When the wind increases, the anchor is set with two anchors at the end of the chain. This procedure can also be replaced by the back anchor. In this case, the devices are placed on both ends of the boat. Finally, you can slacken your mooring. This keeps your yacht stable by using two anchors with chains at equal distances.

Successful anchoring

Certain criteria must be respected to ensure the success of the boat anchor. Firstly, the length of the chain must be 3 to 5 times the depth of the water depending on the weather conditions. The diameter varies between 8 mm for a 4.5 tonne boat, 10 mm for those between 4.5 and 12 tonnes, and 12 or 14 mm for larger boats. The traction of the latter must remain horizontal to keep your vehicle stationary. This force increases as the anchor sinks into the ground. In this case, make sure you choose the right type of anchor to use.

A bilge pump is a compulsory device on a boat that allows water to be drained from the interior. Its presence guarantees better safety at sea, especially in the event of water infiltration. Not only can it be used in case of an accident, but it can also discharge stagnant water into the boat during heavy rainfall. What are the different types of bilge pumps? Which bilge pump should you choose for your boat?

What are the different types of bilge pumps?

There are four types of bilge pump:

• Offset turbine pump: This is a transcendent type designed for installation above the waterline. Its strong point is that it can withstand waste and salt water. This pump is available in 12 and 24 volts. Its bronze body allows for continuous use. It operates with a flow rate of up to 4500 litres per hour.
• The manual diaphragm pump: As the name suggests, it is operated manually by muscle power. It has a flow rate of between 25 and 100 litres per minute. It must be maintained regularly, as it is too fragile. Generally, the manual diaphragm bilge pump should be accessible from the cockpit.
• The electric submersible pump: Because of its watertightness, it is designed to be fully submersible. This model operates on 12 and 24 V with a consumption varying between 1.5 and 4 A. To be fully submerged, this type of pump must be placed in the sump or in the lowest part of the boat. It has a flow rate of 1500 to 4950 litres per hour. During the winter season, don’t forget to check the filter to ensure that the pump is working properly. Easy to handle, you have the possibility to handle it automatically by using an automatic switch.
• The manual siphon pump: compact and light are the great advantages of this type of bilge pump, as it can have access even to small corners. In addition, it does not require regular maintenance. However, the flow rate is quite low compared to other pumps.

Which bilge pump should you choose for your boat?

Here are the criteria to consider before choosing a bilge pump:

The type of bilge pump is the first criterion to consider. If you want to use a manual pump, note that it offers a fairly low flow rate. However, if your choice is for an electric pump, you should consider the flow rate, as this will determine the power of your boat’s battery and the pump’s motor. However, the flow rate must correspond with the length of the boat.

• For a boat measuring 3.5 to 5 m in length, a bilge pump with a flow rate of about 1900 litres per hour will be the best solution.
• For a boat between 5 and 7 m in length, a bilge pump with a flow rate of at least 3000 litres per hour is the best choice.
• For boats longer than 9 m, choose a bilge pump with a large flow rate and which operates on 12 V or 24 V. In addition, you have the possibility to install several bilge pumps in this type of boat. However, it is advisable to place the most powerful pump under the engine or in the sump.

Discharge height and space in the bilge should also be considered when deciding which pump is best suited to your boat. The best idea would be to oversize the pump if your bilge has enough space and can support the electrical installation.

But the brand also plays an important role in the choice of a bilge pump. To ensure the best quality, we advise you to look for models from well-known brands such as Attwood, Rule or Seaflo.

A boat mooring can be done in several ways. This procedure consists of tying the vessel to a fixed point in order to immobilise it in ports. However, when there are a large number of sailors in the area, it is necessary to tie up to a dead body. How do you set up the manoeuvre in this case?

What is a dead body?

A deadweight is a concrete slab or heavy object that lies on the bottom of the water. It is attached to a buoy or trunk by means of a chain to allow boats to attach themselves to it. These are mainly located in secureboat moorings . They allow boaters to use a mooring technique perpendicular to the quay and thus save more space when disembarking.

Theboat mooring areas at a dead body are areas managed by an association. In general, the buoy to which you tie your vessel belongs to you all year round. However, the use of mooring lines and boat hooks is still essential in the manoeuvre.

The different methods of mooring a boat to a dead body

To ensure the success of the procedure, a number of steps are required. Firstly, you must prepare yourself to carry out themooring of the boat. This is the last step in the docking process. Before arriving at the mooring, your equipment must be in good working order. In preparation, you will need a hook. This is used to pull the boat towards the buoy or trunk.

This step helps to prepare the mooring. The deadweight should be close to the bow to get a better field of vision. This allows the captain of the vessel to adjust the speed of the vessel so that the crew can secure the mooring to the trunk. This step requires great care and communication between each member. Once the dead body and the ship are at a suitable distance, the crew can begin the securing. However, the vessel must remain stationary for some time to complete the procedure.

Manoeuvres to reach the dead body

If you are sailing alone, there are two methods you can use. The first is to moor your boat on a buoy facing the wind. In this method, you will have plenty of time to prepare your mooring while the boat floats along with the current. Take a rope from the front of the boat so that it connects to the cockpit from outside the rigging and stanchions. This procedure makes it easier to attach because you will not have to move the cockpit to secure theboat . You can also apply this method in reverse.

The second technique is used when the mooring areas have strong currents and strong winds. In this case, you must anticipate your manoeuvres. This requires prior observation of the boats already attached to the buoys, which is called dunnage. After this study, adjust the speed of your vessel so that you can arrive in neutral near the buoy.

A boat flag is far from being a simple boat accessory. Necessary to mark the nationality of your boat, this equipment plays important roles. This is why it is currently governed by standards and rules. What is a flag? What are its uses? What are its types? Find out everything you need to know about it in this article.

The different types of ship’s flags

Flags are undoubtedly among the most widely used visual signals. Presented in the form of a flag, this accessory exists in multiple types:

The national flag identifies the nationality or status of the vessel. It should be noted that this does not necessarily have the same appearance as a national flag. In the case of France, the national flag and the national flag have some differences. On the national flag, you can see bands with a much more pronounced width.

• The courtesy flag
• The “Q” flag
• The club flag
• The owner’s flag
• The guest pavilion
• The race pavilion
• Regional flags

In addition to these, there are flags from the “International Code of Signals”, each of which has its own meaning. The choice of flag depends entirely on your needs. Don’t hesitate to ask for advice from an expert in the field to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Equipment for easy identification

The good reason to install a boat flag is to facilitate the identification of your origin. It is a sign of respect for the country you are entering. This is why in some cases its possession is an obligation. It should be noted that there are certain dimensions that must be respected for this accessory. These must be in line with the size of your boat. The choice should therefore not be made in any way.

For the national flag, there are standards and rules to be respected. This accessory is essential:

• When entering or leaving a port
• When sailing into port between 8am and 8pm
• When anchored between 8am and 8pm, without having to go past sunset
• At sea

A tool to facilitate communication

In addition to facilitating the identification of your vessel, a boat flag is also a good way to communicate. As mentioned above, each model has its own meaning. Some of them even have codes that highlight key words and letters.

Using a ship’s flag gives you the privilege of communicating with other ships, even those that do not speak the same language as you.

In addition to this, a boat flag is also necessary when participating in yacht races. It is a way of indicating that you are ready to race. A flag can be used individually or in combination. As you can see, the boat flags have many advantages. Before embarking, it is necessary to know the meaning of the vast majority of them.