Every marina has an old salt with an opinion. Some of it is hard-won wisdom. Some of it is folklore that's been repeated so often it sounds like fact.
Here are seven boating "truths" we hear constantly. Keep score as you go: one point for every one you've believed (no judgement, we've all been there).
Myth 1: "A bigger anchor means I'll never drag."
Verdict: Myth. A good anchor matters, but size alone doesn't keep you in place. What the seabed is made of, how much chain and line you've put out compared with the depth, and how well the anchor has set all play a part. And a wind shift in the middle of the night can undo a perfectly good set.
Myth 2: "I've got a bilge pump, so the bilge looks after itself."
Verdict: Myth. A bilge pump is brilliant at hiding a problem. If it's quietly clearing more water than it used to, the pump is doing its job, and the boat is still taking on water. Pumps can fail too, and they depend on your battery.
Myth 3: "If my battery reads 12 volts, it's healthy."
Verdict: Myth. A single reading is a snapshot. A battery can look fine at rest and still struggle once it's asked to do real work. What tells you the most is the trend over days and weeks, not one number on one afternoon.
Myth 4: "Diesel keeps forever."
Verdict: Myth. Fuel that sits for months can pick up water, and water can invite microbial growth (the dreaded "diesel bug"). Fuel that's been sitting is one of the most common reasons an engine sulks after a long lay-up.
Myth 5: "A marina berth is the safest place for a boat, so it doesn't need checking."
Verdict: Myth (mostly). A berth is a great place to leave a boat, but it isn't a guarantee. Lines chafe, tides and weather change, and bilges still fill. Safe is not the same as unattended.
Myth 6: "A calm forecast means calm conditions."
Verdict: Myth. Forecasts cover broad areas. Conditions at your exact spot can differ, and they can change quickly. Always check what's happening where your boat actually is.
Myth 7: "I visit every weekend, so I'd know if something was wrong."
Verdict: Myth. Most problems don't wait for a convenient moment. A slow leak, a failing battery or a boat that's shifted can start the day after you leave. Visiting regularly is great; it just can't cover the days in between.
Tally Up Your Score
0-2 myths believed: Salty Veteran. You know your stuff. The old salt at the marina nods at you respectfully.
3-5 myths believed: Honest Sailor. Perfectly normal. Most of us have believed at least a few of these, usually right up until the day one of them bit.
6-7 myths believed: Welcome Aboard. No shame. Everyone starts somewhere, and you've just saved yourself some expensive lessons.
The Common Thread
Look back at Myths 2, 3, 5 and 7. They all come down to the same thing: problems build in the gaps between your visits.
That's the gap YachtPilot's sensors are made for. They watch your bilge level, battery voltage and boat position around the clock, and alert your phone the moment something drifts outside normal, so you hear about it early instead of on your next visit.
How did you score? Tell us on our socials and send this to the mate who still swears by Myth 4. 😉
