For boaters having a good pair of sunglasses is critical. Ophthalmologists see photo keratitis on a regular basis among people who spend a lot of time in areas covered with snow, ice, or water, all of which reflect sunlight and increase the overall load on your eyes. And while the symptoms (redness and discomfort, a gritty feeling in the eyes, and extreme sensitivity) are short-term, over time, exposure to excessive UV rays can also do […]
Do you ride out hurricanes at dock? We might have dodged a bullet this month, but that doesn’t mean we are out of the woods yet. According to members of the BoatUS Catastrophe team, as many as 50% of the boats damaged during hurricanes could have been saved by using better dock lines: lines that were longer, larger, arranged better, and/or protected against chafing. If you decide to leave your boat at a dock, you’ll […]
I ‘m often asked, When is the best time to think about a cruise vacation ? It’s a question that really has a lot of answers. Really, it’s not an easy one If you want to see Fall foliage for instance, you will find September and October the best time to take that Canada/New England cruise. If you are into water sports or have a young family you probably prefer to sail the region in […]
Here’s some short steps to follow for reliable small boat anchoring. Many boaters — whether fishing, swimming, or socializing aboard — spend their best hours anchored rather than underway. With that in mind, let’s look at ways to keep your time at anchor comfortable and safe. Find a good Spot A good anchorage offers protection from wind and waves, swinging room, and a quality bottom. Choosing an anchorage that’s protected from waves is the best […]
Don’t get hosed, all hoses are not created equally. All hoses are not created equally Boat owners are constantly changing hoses, at least, they should be checking them regularly. But you need to get make sure that you use the right hose for the job. Not all hoses are the same, AND NOT ALL HOSES ARE THE RIGHT SIZE FOR THE JOB.. Hoses are sized by their inside diameter (ID) and hose fittings are labeled […]
Many times your water adventures lead to hunger, and well, what’s cooking? Here’s an attempt to explain how to safely cook on a Boat Plan Ahead Whether you’re heading out for an afternoon cocktail party or a two-week offshore voyage, it’s important to think through and write down what you plan to cook ahead of time. A boat away from the dock means you can’t just run to the store to pick up forgotten items. […]
Heat exhaustion is typically seen in people exercising strenuously in hot weather
Hurricanes are unpredictable. Understanding the Hurricane is vital. Its that time of the season, where we need to be aware and understand just what to do, and what everything means when it comes to a hurricane. Creating A Graphic Track When a hurricane is forecast, the National Hurricane Center (NHC), part of NOAA, produces a map of the likely track of the hurricane. Some boaters look at the map and wrongly assume that the widening […]
Boating with Poison Ivy: What to Know Before You Set Sail Summer is the perfect time to hit the water, but if you’ve had a recent run-in with poison ivy, your boating plans might feel a bit… itchy. Whether you’re recovering from a rash or worried about exposure while exploring the shoreline, here’s what you need to know about boating with poison ivy. First, What Is Poison Ivy? Poison ivy is a plant that contains urushiol, […]
This fourth of July, follow these tips for staying safe. Avoid Sensitive areas Always avoid sensitive areas and operating your watercraft in shallow waters or near shorelines at high speeds. Launch at designated spots Travel Slow Tips for staying Safe – Boat where you are allowed File a Float Plan