NIGHTTIME BOATING TIPS

on August 26, 2020

10 Tips for Boating at Night Slow down, visibility is reduced at night. Share the lookout duties. Tap into your preparations list. Preserve your night vision. Don’t use headlights or spotlights. Look for the red and green. Listen, listen, listen. Trust your navigation instruments. Bring along a towel—for many uses. Dock with extra caution. 1. Slow down Visibility is reduced at night. Distances are harder to judge, obstacles are difficult to see, and moisture and […]

DRIVING A BOAT

on August 19, 2020

All boat models are more or less unique, but some require special attention. Step By Step On How to Drive a Boat If your boat is powered by gasoline and has an engine compartment, run the “blower” (an exhaust fan) as per manufacturer’s recommendations prior to starting the engine, to make sure there isn’t a build-up of fumes in the compartment. This is a good time to run through your pre departure checklist. Put the […]

HOW TO REACT TO A SUDDEN STORM

on August 12, 2020

When A Squall Comes Calling Fortunately, most afternoon thunderstorms last less than half an hour. But even a “routine” squall can turn threatening and scary when combined with mechanical failure. You might be able to make it to a protected anchorage before the squall arrives and then be on your way afterward with no drama. Or, you can employ several effective techniques to deal with oncoming threatening weather. First, check your weather before going boating, […]

CONTEMPLATING A MOVE FRESH WATER?

on August 7, 2020

Here’s an article by Rich Armstrong about moving from freshwater to salt. A change of maintenance habits — and anodes — is the key to transitioning from inland to coastal waters. When moving from freshwater to salt, your boat’s engine and anodes require special attention to keep everything running well. You don’t need census statistics to tell you that plenty of lifelong freshwater boaters eventually head south to spend their retirement in warmer climes, such […]

COUNTDOWN TO SURVIVING A STORM

on August 5, 2020

COUNTDOWN TO A STORM Here’s a day-by-day guide to getting your boat ready once a storm has been forecast for your region. Keep in mind that every tropical storm moves at its own speed, so treat this a rough guideline. The goal is to finish your boat preparations well before the first big winds start to blow. Day 0: Advance Preparations The first round of storm preparations is best addressed at the beginning of boating […]