Boats are fascinating. Although they can be very big, they can travel large distances on the water. Here are five cool facts you may not have known about marine history.
1. Cats Are Good Luck
Ever heard of the superstition that black cats are unlucky? On boats, any kind of cat is good luck. This makes sense because they are good rodent killers. Mice and rats are definitely not welcome aboard.
2. Boats Measure By Knots
Back before there was technology to track speed, ship crews would track speed by throwing a log overboard tied to a rope with several knots. After a certain amount of time, they would count the knots to determine their speed. Although new technology has taken the place of this method, the device used to track speed is still called a log.
3. Ships Take a Long Time To Build
A typical cruise ship takes about a year to build. From marine engine room parts to dining tables, it takes a lot of work and time to build something that is safe and comfortable on the water. The titanic took a little over 26 months to build.
4. Floating Vessels Have Been Around For a Long Time
Although they may not have been very advanced, human civilization has utilized boats as early as 5000 BC. The Chinese were the first to develop a compass, and there have been thousands of ship designs created all over the world throughout history. Sailing has been a known skill for thousands of years!
5. Boats Have Pretty Long Life Expectancies
Despite being on the water for so long, most boats last decades. A steel-hulled yacht can last over 100 years with proper maintenance. Seawater boats won’t last as long, but the average ocean-going cargo ship lasts about 20-30 years.
Boats are exciting! They carry hundreds of experiences. There are many more facts out there that can help you appreciate these vessels.