How Much Horsepower Does a Pilot Boat Have?

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

Pilot boats are essential for maritime safety, guiding vessels through congested harbors, tricky waterways, and challenging weather conditions. To handle these demanding tasks, pilot boats are equipped with engines that deliver significant horsepower. But just how much horsepower does a pilot boat typically have? The answer depends on the boat’s size, purpose, and the conditions […]

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

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

Boating is a beloved pastime that offers freedom, adventure, and a connection to the water. However, if you’re considering taking the helm, you might wonder about the legalities: how big of a boat can you pilot without a license? The answer depends on where you are and the type of watercraft you’re operating. Licensing requirements […]

Do Boat Houses Have Bathrooms?

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

Boathouses have long been cherished as functional and scenic structures, blending practicality with the charm of waterfront living. Whether they serve as a place to store watercraft or as cozy retreats by the water’s edge, one question often comes to mind: do boathouses have bathrooms? The answer varies based on design, purpose, and local regulations. […]

Are Pilot Boats Self Righting?

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

Pilot boats play a critical role in maritime operations, ferrying harbor pilots to and from large vessels in challenging conditions. These boats are designed to operate in treacherous waters, often battling rough seas, high winds, and unpredictable weather. Safety is paramount for these vessels, as they must reliably transport crews without compromising their mission. A […]

Why Do People Live on Yachts?

North Pacific Yacht cruising on calm waters at sunset with mountains in the distance

The idea of living on a yacht evokes images of endless horizons, tranquil waters, and a life untethered from the constraints of land. For some, it represents a dream of adventure and exploration; for others, it offers a minimalist, yet luxurious, way of life. Whether anchored in bustling marinas or drifting through remote seas, life […]

Why are Yachts Female?

Luxury trawler yacht cruising on open water with passengers relaxing on deck

The tradition of referring to yachts—and ships more broadly—as “female” is a practice deeply embedded in maritime culture, sparking curiosity and debate over its origins and meaning. This linguistic custom, often reflected in the way vessels are named and spoken about, carries historical, cultural, and even emotional significance. From the pilothouse, where critical navigation decisions […]

What is the Difference Between Pilot and Captain Ship?

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

In the world of maritime operations, the roles of a pilot and a captain often intersect, yet they serve distinct and crucial purposes aboard a ship. Both positions are integral to the safe and efficient navigation of vessels, and their collaborative efforts are often centered in the pilothouse, the nerve center of a ship’s navigation […]

What is a Raised Pilot House?

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

A raised pilot house is a distinctive feature in maritime design, often seen on a variety of vessels ranging from expedition yachts to commercial ships. Its elevated position on the vessel is not only a hallmark of functionality but also an integral part of its overall aesthetic. This design element plays a crucial role in […]

Are Pilot boats Unsinkable?

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

Yachting is not only a lifestyle but an exercise in safety and engineering, especially when it comes to specialized vessels like pilot boats. Pilot boats are crucial for navigating challenging waters and guiding larger vessels through difficult or congested waterways. This unique purpose raises a common question: Are pilot boats unsinkable? To address this, we’ll […]

What is the Difference Between a Pilothouse and a Wheelhouse?

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

When it comes to yachting and marine vessel design, two terms frequently arise: pilothouse and wheelhouse. While both spaces serve essential roles in operating a vessel, they have distinct features and functionalities. In this post, we’ll explore the differences between these structures, how they impact yacht operation, and what makes each one unique in the […]