Which Boats Capsize the Most?

North Pacific 43 Pilothouse cruising on calm waters with couple at helm

Boating is a beloved pastime, but it comes with its share of risks, including the possibility of capsizing. While any vessel can flip under extreme conditions, some boats are more prone to capsizing than others due to their design, size, and intended use. So, which boats capsize the most, and why? In this article, we’ll […]

What is the Minimum Size Yacht to Cross the Atlantic?

North Pacific custom white pilothouse yacht cruising near marina and forested coastline

The minimum size yacht to cross the Atlantic depends on safety, seaworthiness, fuel range, and crew readiness. Crossing the Atlantic Ocean is a dream for many yacht enthusiasts, but it’s a journey that requires careful planning and the right vessel. One of the most common questions aspiring transatlantic sailors ask is: what is the minimum […]

How Much Horsepower Does a Pilot Boat Have? Real-World Specs and Ratings

North Pacific pilothouse yacht cruising in calm harbor waters on a sunny day

There is no single horsepower rating for a pilot boat. The useful answer comes from a particular vessel’s engine specification: the number of propulsion engines, the rating of each engine, and the hull and service configuration associated with that rating. Two published Safehaven Marine examples show 1,000 hp and 1,400 hp of combined installed power; […]

Do Boathouses Have Bathrooms? What Determines If Plumbing Is Feasible

White custom pilothouse trawler yacht by North Pacific Yachts on calm blue water

Yes, some boathouses have bathrooms. Whether a particular boathouse can include one depends on the kind of structure, its approved use, available utilities and local requirements. A restroom in a public boating facility does not establish permission to add plumbing to a private boat-storage shelter. Identifying the Structure: Storage Sheds, Floating Moorage, or Onboard Heads […]

Are Pilot Boats Self-Righting? What Capsize Recovery Really Demands

North Pacific yacht cruising on calm waters with open sky and distant shoreline

Some pilot boats are designed to self-right; the pilot-boat label alone does not establish that capability. Self-righting means recovering to an upright position after capsize. Whether a particular vessel can do that depends on its design, configuration and the conditions covered by its documentation. What Self-Righting Actually Means in Marine Design Capsize recovery and resistance […]

How Big of a Boat Can You Pilot Without a License?

White custom pilothouse trawler yacht by North Pacific Yachts on calm blue water

Vessel length alone does not answer whether someone may take the helm of a boat. Boaters often assume maritime law mirrors road regulations, where a standard passenger car requires one license tier and a heavy commercial truck demands another. In Washington, the Boater Education Card conditions concern the operator’s age and a motor of 15 […]