1. What is Boat Speed?

Boat speed, measured in knots (nautical miles per hour), is a fundamental measurement in marine navigation. It helps determine travel time, fuel consumption, and is critical for safe passage planning.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the basic speed formula:

Where:

• \( Distance \) — Distance traveled in nautical miles (nm)
• \( Time \) — Time taken in hours (h)
• \( Speed \) — Result in knots (nautical miles per hour)

Explanation: This simple calculation divides the distance covered by the time taken to cover that distance.

3. Importance of Speed Calculation

Details: Accurate speed calculation is essential for voyage planning, fuel estimation, arrival time predictions, and compliance with speed regulations in certain areas.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter distance in nautical miles and time in hours. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will automatically compute the speed in knots.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why measure speed in knots?
A: Knots (nautical miles per hour) are used in maritime and aviation because they relate directly to latitude measurements on navigational charts.

Q2: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The calculation is mathematically precise, but actual boat speed may vary due to currents, wind, and other environmental factors.

Q3: Can I use statute miles instead of nautical miles?
A: You can, but the result won't be in standard knots. 1 nautical mile = 1.15078 statute miles.

Q4: What if my time is in minutes?
A: Convert minutes to hours by dividing by 60 before entering the value (e.g., 30 minutes = 0.5 hours).

Q5: How does this differ from GPS speed?
A: This calculates average speed over a known distance, while GPS shows instantaneous speed through water or over ground.