Blog
Dinghy Basics
on April 26, 2025
The Dinghy Basics are important to everyone. While the legal requirements will vary based on the type and size of your dinghy, typical safety equipment includes a life jacket of the correct size for each person, a sound-producing device (air horn, whistle), bailer, and, if operating after dark, proper navigational lighting. A throw able flotation device, such as a buoyant seat cushion, is also good to have. Dinghy Grab Bag The key to ensuring your […]
Running Inlets
on April 19, 2025
Running inlets involves on-the-spot decisions, based on what you see and feel, combined with your skills and your knowledge of your boat: Tide Flow Schedules Get tide-flow schedules for inside the inlet. A raging inlet may calm a short time later when the tide slackens and starts flooding. Watch the Waves Watch the waves ahead and astern at all times. Have a helper watching for aids to navigation. A sail can help with steadying and […]
Don’t
on April 5, 2025
Here’s some Spring don’t s to consider. Don’t change your 4 stroke oil by emptying the old oil out that little hole that some manufacturers put in the aft end of the lower unit. No matter how hard you try, you’re going to spill it and then the EPA and the state environmental people and everyone else will criticize, castigate and penalize you for the transgression. Draw that oil out the dip stick hole even […]
DROWNING
on March 29, 2025
Don’t be that guy (or gal) who wonders what they could do if someone is drowning. WHAT TO DO IF SOMEONE IS IN DANGER OF DROWNING It’s something none of us ever want to imagine doing — jumping in the water to save someone. Did you know in many cases a person or child needing help ends up drowning their rescuer? Knowing what to do can save the victim’s life and yours. If you are […]
Land Breezes
on March 22, 2025
As we get set for another boating season, thought we should touch on the often misunderstood land breezes. What is a Land Breeze The opposite of a sea breeze is a land breeze. While sea breezes occur during the day, land breezes occur at night. Despite the difference in times at which the land breezes and sea breezes occur, the reason for the land breeze’s formation is the same as the sea breeze, just the […]
St. Patrick’s Day
on March 15, 2025
St. Patrick’s Day, originally a religious feast day in Ireland, has evolved into a vibrant celebration of Irish culture, especially in the United States. The first recorded St. Paddy’s Day parade in America took place in 1601 in St. Augustine, Florida, organized by an Irish priest. Later, Irish soldiers in the British Army held a parade in New York City in 1762, marking the beginning of the city’s famous annual tradition. As Irish immigrants arrived […]
Changing the Clock
on March 8, 2025
In March, we always look forward to changing the clock. Some things seem to signal the change from winter to spring. The first crocus. The sound of birds chirping. Turning the clocks ahead an hour. On Sunday, March 9, at 2 a.m., people in most areas of the U.S. will turn their clocks ahead one hour to Daylight Saving (not “Savings”) Time. You may have already noticed that it’s staying lighter later, thanks to the […]
Rules of the Road
on March 1, 2025
Rules of the Road(the waterway) Rules of the road are the accepted system of right of way, which you must follow to be courteous and safety-minded. These rules are numerous and detailed but if you learn just a few, you should be covered in most recreational boating situations. For example: the “stand-on vessel” has the right of way, and the “give-way vessel” needs to accommodate the other.
Steps for a Better Survey
on February 22, 2025
Here’s some steps for a better survey. Don’t Get In The Surveyor’s Way Most surveyors like it when the buyer is at the survey. They can answer questions and point out things of interest on the boat that may not find their way into the survey report. That being said, it makes the job slower if you hover. Allow the surveyor to do his job — you’ll get a complete written report about everything he […]