No matter how good you are at routine repairs and maintenance work, don’t wait for a breakdown to find a good technician. The best time is before an emergency occurs. If your boat and engine are still covered by the manufacturers’ warranties, your local dealer will be your first stop. Even if the problem isn’t covered by warranty, it’s a good idea to discuss the problem with the dealer because work done by a non-dealer […]
There are many ways to assist us in making boating easier. Let’s explore some common fixes Avoid Seized Snaps Boating is easier if you pay attention to your snaps. Damaged canvas due to unyielding snaps is nearly always due to neglect. Snaps should be kept clean and lubricated. Wash all your snaps regularly, either with pressure from a nozzle or with a container of fresh water and a toothbrush. A little petroleum jelly or teflon […]
Winter storage, It’s no surprise that when freezing temps blast an area where annual winterization isn’t the norm, damage claims are sure to follow. If your winter storm-prep plan consists of hanging a garage drop light in the engine compartment and calling it good, you may want to beef it up with some of the following tasks. Just because its not freezing all winter down here, doesn’t mean you should ignore these tips. Engines: Because […]
The California wildfires, particularly the Palisades Fire, have been devastating, but could they impact our East Coast? Ways the wild fires might affect the East Coast: Could Florida experience wild fires like California? Yes, Florida can experience wildfires, although they are generally less intense and widespread compared to those in California. Florida’s wildfire season typically peaks during the dry season, from late winter through spring. Factors such as drought conditions, high temperatures, and strong winds […]
Your Obligation as a Fellow Boater It’s 2025, Federal law (Federal Code 46-2304) stipulates that “the master or person in charge of a vessel is obliged to assist others in danger unless rendering such assistance would place his/her own vessel, crew or passengers in serious danger.” The duty does not extend to saving property (such as another boat), but to saving “any individual found at sea in danger of being lost.” Federal statutes contain a […]
New Years resolutions – Every year, we seek to start out a new year, with the best of intentions. Seriously though, here are some realistic steps to getting the New Year off to a healthier start. Things to Eliminate in 2025 to Be Healthier Many of you are planning on cutting back on the unhealthy things in your life. But that doesn’t always mean just junk food or sweets — here’s somethings that might be […]
SOONER OR LATER, WE ALL HAVE TO FACE THAT SANTA QUESTION Here’s a quick breakdown of how it can go. Son: “Dad, I think I’m old enough now. Is there a Santa Claus?.” Dad: “Ok, I agree that your old enough. But before I tell you, I have a question for you. You see, the “truth” is a dangerous gift. Once you know something, you can’t unknow it. Once you know the truth about Santa […]
Ever wonder about the Christmas tree tradition? In 16th-century Germany fir trees were decorated, both indoors and out, with apples, roses, gilded candies, and colored paper. In the Middle Ages, a popular religious play depicted the story of Adam and Eve’s expulsion from the Garden of Eden. A fir tree hung with apples was used to symbolize the Garden of Eden — the Paradise Tree. The play ended with the prophecy of a savior coming, […]
The tradition of Christmas stockings originated in the deeds of a nobleman named Nicholas who was born in 280 A.D. in Asia Minor. Nicholas dedicated his life to following the principles of Jesus Christ, using his wealth to help impoverished and suffering people. He became the Bishop of Myra in his young years, and was immensely popular for his kind, generous heart. Living a lifetime of celibacy, Nicholas never married or had children, but he […]
Air Raid On Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7 This week we remember an important anniversary. On December 7, 1941, Japanese planes attacked the United States Naval Base at Pearl Harbor. Hawaii, killing more than 2,300 Americans. The U.S.S. Arizona was destroyed and the U.S.S. Oklahoma capsized. A total of twelve ships sank or were beached in the attack and nine additional vessels were damaged. More than 160 aircraft were destroyed and more than 150 others damaged. […]