Boatnerd Discussion Forum

There seems to be some confusion by some of the posters as at what is old and what is new. This search page is the old version, which allows one to post anonymously after entering a word in the Question box below.

The new version requires a one to create an account before posting or replying to a question. An account is only needed for the new search pages and not for any other area of the website.

I seem to be having trouble finding the new daily photo page can someone please post a link? Do i have to register to see the photos? Thanks in advance.

I'm finding the new format quite enjoyable. As with all change it takes a little while to get used too but I do like the addition of more photos.
Thank you to all the volunteers whose tireless efforts keep this site relevant and informative!

What exactly is the problem with logging into the new site? I never have to log in, per se, to post...at least not here on the information search, just the usual security question. I wonder if I'm missing something. Also, someone down the line in this discussion mentioned logging into the old site as opposed to the new site, as if the old one were still functioning out there in web land...And he spoke of his posts on the information search disappearing or something and using the old information search...this sounds fishy to me.

Re: Do we need a new user name and password for the "new" website?

Yes, I had to create a new login and password for the new site, the old credentials didn't work there. I had to look up my old info to post this tonight, since I don't like posting as "guest".

Although it's a nuisance for the casual user, having to log in to post does help keep the spam down, easing the workload on the volunteers. Also, I was always confused when multiple "guests" posted comments on the same topic, and there WERE a few cases where anonymity helped breed snarky and rude comments.

I had more thoughts on some of the dumber "guest" comments, but when I re-read it I decided I had wandered into "snarky and rude" a bit myself :)

A big "THANK YOU" to all the Boatnerd volunteers that make this site happen. I'm not really up to speed on all the new features yet, but I'll get there eventually. I appreciate this site for what it provides, and I'll continue to support it even if I can't find what I'm looking for easily just yet.

JMarx wrote: my experience has been that Boatnerd is such a niche site that there really isn't an issue with forum spamming. (maybe I'm wrong)

I have no idea how much spam the old forum has been experiencing. Since nothing is posted on that forum without being checked by a volunteer, the amount could be nil, little or an incredible amount. Given the internet, I would bet on "an incredible amount".

I have tried to log in to the new site. No luck and I'm fairly adept at navigating web sites. I emailed the Boatnerd website about my problem, no response. So I keep using the old site where there are more comments / activity.

I also think the new site looks fantastic, and really enjoy the news w/pictures on the front page. The updated galleries look great and the discussion boards are well layed-out.

The only concern I want to share with the admins is the need to register to post (i.e., inability to post as a guest). I believe someone on the new board mentioned that requiring registration is common practice to manage spam etc., but my experience has been that Boatnerd is such a niche site that there really isn't an issue with forum spamming. (maybe I'm wrong) And I truly believe many casual watchers of the website like myself, that may want to occasionally ask a question, might get discouraged to do so if they need to go through the registration process. I'm only one person, but had I needed to register I may have never bothered to ask my first question on Boatnerd. I have only posted a handful of times to ask questions so the idea of remembering another password is a bummer. Just feels with a niche board that doesn't have tons of traffic we could get away with the guest posting option, and that on the balance is probably more beneficial to the overall forum conversation vs any potential spam.

I know smart people are managing the board so there are probably other considerations I'm not aware of, but thought I'd share my two-cents. I'm sure I'll eventually register... :-)

Overall am very thankful for those that dedicate time to this site...the new site is great!!

Like any other updated website just give it a bit and it will feel normal again, I would just like to thank the powers that be that spend lots of there own time too keep this invaluable website up!!

Does anyone here know if vessel passage will be updated on the new website?

Do we need a new user name and password for the "new" website?

The old site was originally created by Neil Schultheiss back in 1995. I remember when I first went on the internet back in 1996 (thanks to an AOL cd-rom!!) the first thing I looked for was Great Lakes shipping, so it was a pleasant surprise to find a website dedicated to such an interest.

The problem with the old website is that the web standards have changed over the years and that resulted in issues such as page rendering in different web browsers. And then you have to factor in that over the past 10 years or so, mobile internet use has increased astronomically. But websites have to be rebuilt or code re-written to make the site work correctly for mobile. Security issues also need to be addressed and again a website has to have upgrades made - witness issues with the search pages and people posting inappropriate content.

I understand that some are finding the new site difficult to use because it's different and not the tried-and-true navigation and rendering as before. And some areas of the site have not been implemented yet - such as search in the information search pages. But that will come in due time.

- Brian

It's taken a bit of retraining my mind, eyes, and fingers, but I enjoy the photos and more in-depth coverage on the new Boatnerd News Page.

Guest wrote:I really dislike the new boatnerds format. It’s way more difficult to find what your looking for. The old boatnerds main page was easy to use and quick to click on what you were looking for. Change isn’t always good!

Personally I think its better then the old look. Sure there are a few things I miss but its still nice. The old sight had a lot of glitches so this is definitely an upgrade in my opinion.

Change was necessary. Site was based in 1995 technology and could not be sustained. Some areas are still under development.

I really dislike the new boatnerds format. It’s way more difficult to find what your looking for. The old boatnerds main page was easy to use and quick to click on what you were looking for. Change isn’t always good!