Boats refer to “knots” as nautical speed measurements instead of miles and kilometers. A knot is the general metric used to assess factors like boat speed or the flow of the current. For some context one knot is closely equivalent to 1.15 miles an hour.
This parlance can be a bit confusing to a boating newbie; for clarification, knots are used as the standard unit of measurement because they help boats to navigate the global system of latitude and longitude.
The terminology dates back as far as sailors using it in the 17th century and the language has stuck. It might feel a bit awkward at first, but the more time that you spend submerged in a true boating community, the more rapidly you will quickly find yourself speaking the lingo of a master boater without having to think twice.
To learn more about all things boating in Jacksonville and northern Florida, visit the community of water lovers and boaters at the Jax Boat Club.