What is a major mistake to avoid when writing naval fiction?
Short answerDo not let a ship stop instantly. Anchors, chain, drag, and friction slow a vessel over distance rather than cancelling momentum at once.
NotesA ship continues carrying momentum after engines reverse or an anchor is dropped. An anchor works through its hold on the bottom, the weight of chain, and resistance accumulated over distance. It cannot cancel a moving hull's energy at the point where the order is given. Fictional manoeuvres feel more credible when they allow room and time for the vessel to lose way, especially near docks or other ships.