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What does Knot mean?
A knot is a unit of speed equal to one nautical mile per hour. It can also mean a tied fastening in a line, so context matters.
Why it matters when choosing a sailboat
Boat speed through the water and speed over the ground can differ because of current. A single speed figure does not establish passage time, fuel use or sailing performance. Ask what was measured and under which conditions.
A practical example
At five knots over the ground, covering twenty nautical miles takes four hours if that speed is maintained.
A question to ask before buying
Is the quoted speed through the water or over the ground, and what wind, current and engine conditions produced it?
Related sailboat terms
Put the term to work.
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