There are two basic types of boat insurance—“agreed value” and “actual cash value.” An “agreed value” policy covers the boat based on its value when the policy was written. While it can cost more up front, there is no depreciation for a total loss of the boat (some partial losses may be depreciated). “Actual cash value” policies cost less up front, but factor in depreciation. In other words, the policy will only pay up to […]
Helping your your kids learning while onboard your boat can be beneficial. We know ongoing learning is not only good, but also enjoyable. Here are some ways to bring learning onboard your boat this summer, without your kids grumbling over the lesson plan. Knot Tying The minute your kids can tie their shoes, they can learn to tie a bowline. Graduate them on to a clove hitch, a square knot, a figure-eight knot, and more. […]
Nothing will pay better dividends than washing your boat the right way. Wash Most boat soaps suggest several ounces of soap per gallon of water for washing a boat. That gets a good suds going and, when applied with a sponge or soft brush, does a good job of lifting dirt. It also does a good job of wasting soap. A utility spray bottle from a discount or hardware store costs a couple of bucks […]
Old outboard motors require just the right touch to start. In the past, you had to learn how to start an outboard motor. Carbureted two-strokes can be fussy, especially when cold. Now, there’s still plenty of carbureted two-strokes in service. And how to start a 2-stroke outboard motor is as important as ever. Maybe you own one, or you’re considering a used boat that’s fitted with one. Here’s a basic 5-step starting procedure you can […]
Weighted blankets capture the cozy feeling of waking up under a heavy comforter on a winter’s day. And there’s some scientific theory behind the idea: applying pressure to your skin stimulates neurotransmitters like serotonin and melatonin that calm your brain. They’re blankets stuffed with pellets—usually made of glass or a plastic like polyethylene—and can weigh as much as 25 pounds. Who Uses Weighted Blankets Occupational therapists frequently use weighted blankets for something called sensory integration […]