NAUTICAL FLAGS

on March 27, 2021

So you are new to boating, and curious as to the meaning behind boat signals, here’s some nautical flags know-how. 1. Shapes and types are important. Nautical flags mostly take the forms of squares, though you’ll also see pendants, which are triangular with a flat tip. You’ll additionally see what’s called substitutes (alternately called repeaters), which are triangles. Since this is a “flags 101” article, we’ll focus on the squares and pendants. They’re the ones […]

Power Lines Hazard

on March 20, 2021

High-voltage power lines can present a hazard as they carry hundreds of thousands of volts across rivers and bays. Power lines that cross navigable waterways are marked on charts with their clearance listed. Usually from the height of mean high water (MHW), which is an average of several years of high tides information. If you encounter power lines which are near a bridge, the lowest clearances are required to be higher than the bridge. Never […]

Your Impact on The Environment

on March 13, 2021

Regardless of your choice of boat cleaner, you can determine the impact you have on the environment. Your usage has as much impact as the toxicity and bio degradability of the product itself. Factors such as how much you dilute a product, how much you use, and where you clean your boat, all contribute to the amount of product that ends up in the environment. Here are some tips to remember: Rinse and clean your […]

LISTEN TO THE NOISE

on March 6, 2021

Your boat is talking to you. Listen to the noise. Some problem noises are obvious. Some are not. Get into the habit of listening to your boat’s noises. Critical components- things like the fresh- and raw-water pumps, alternator, transmission, all have a distinct sounds. A gravelly noise from a component with bearings can indicate that the bearings are about to fail. The alternator and recirculating pump are prime suspects when you hear this. A belt […]

TITLING AND REGISTRATION

on March 3, 2021

Titling and registration are two very different things. A title establishes ownership, while registration proves that you have paid taxes or use fees in the place where you keep your boat. Your boat’s registration number is what you see in big numbers and letters on the hull. (often along with a yearly sticker that shows you’ve paid the required fees) In non-title states, registration is as close as you can get to proof of ownership […]