On Thu, 09 Mar 2006 13:50:04 GMT, Mys Terry
wrote:

On Thu, 09 Mar 2006 07:45:04 -0500, JohnH wrote:

On Thu, 09 Mar 2006 04:33:40 GMT, "otnmbrd" wrote:

I've always considered it a nautical term for a tenth of a mile.


"JohnH" wrote in message
...
If a boat is a "cable's length" away from another, how far apart are the
two boats?

Is it true that a sea mile is a little longer than a land mile and a lot
wetter?
--
'Til next time,

John H

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Well, at least you and Mys Terry are in the same ballpark, but would you be
thinking a land mile or a sea mile. If a sea mile, then the 1/10th would
bring a 'cable's length' to about 608 ft, if Reggie is correct, which is
not far from Mys Terrry's estimate of 600 feet.

Very interesting. Thanks.

It would also help in your research to use the terms "Nautical mile"
and "Statute Mile"

A Nautical mile is equal to one minute (1/60 degree) of latitude, and
is essentially unrelated to the term "cable", which was originally
derived from the standard length that rope was manufactured. A full
piece of uncut rope was called a cable and was about 600 feet long. It
had to do with the length of the ropewalk where the ropes were made.

A statute mile is 5,280 feet.


Your point is well taken, however, I was using the terms from the books I
am currently reading. Actually, the second question was made in jest!
--
'Til next time,

John H

******************************************
***** Have a Spectacular Day! *****
******************************************