Blog
IS YOUR FIRE EXTINGUISHER UP TO CODE
on July 18, 2022
As of this year, if any disposable (nonrechargeable) fire extinguisher has a date of manufacture stamped on the bottle older than 12 years, the extinguisher is now considered “expired,”. It needs to be removed from service, and replaced. UL Classifications The new regulation doesn’t change the type (U.S. Coast Guard-rated), quantity, or requirement for fire extinguishers aboard. It does specify the minimum Underwriters Laboratories (UL) classification of extinguishers to be carried aboard certain vessels, depending […]
Electronics Issues
on July 9, 2022
The first step in troubleshooting a piece of electronics gear or system is something you’ve hopefully done before the problem arises: read the owner’s manual.
FOG
on July 5, 2022
Its no fun when you get caught in fog. Avoid restricted-visibility situations altogether when possible. Monitor the weather and adjust your departure plans accordingly. If the forecast calls for a brief period of morning fog, enjoy that second cup of coffee and allow it to burn off before getting underway. If you do get caught up in fog, here are some tips. Tips For Reduced-Visibility Situations Ensure all navigation lights are on and working properly. […]
SHIFTING GEARS
on June 27, 2022
Shifting gears and throttle control are two skills that, in conjunction with steering-wheel control, will dictate how well you handle your boat. If you drive a car, you’re used to working the gears and using a gas pedal. It’s tempting to ask, how different can it really be? Well, if you’ve ever been to a busy dock area, especially on a windy day, you already know the answer. There are a variety of shift and […]
CHAINS
on June 21, 2022
While chain may be tougher than rope, it’s not maintenance-free. Store your chain clean and keep it as dry as possible (especially off-season when the boat is on the hard). This reduces corrosion and helps keep the unhygienic smell of Davy Jones’ gym locker from your vessel’s interior. Giving both locker and chain an occasional freshwater wash down helps with the above, while also letting you verify that the locker drains properly. Avoid exposing your […]
NEED A LIFT
on June 14, 2022
It’s important to ensure that the boat is secured to the lift. This is important to do as a matter of course, but especially critical when extreme weather is predicted
Right of way
on June 6, 2022
There is no right of way on the water. Every boater is obligated to do what is required to avoid collision. In any meeting of boats, one is deemed the stand-on vessel and the other the give-way vessel. The rules of the road explain the situation more completely and can be learned in a boating safety course. Crossing If the other boat is to your starboard (right), it’s considered the stand-on or privileged vessel and […]
BOATING ACCIDENT
on May 30, 2022
When involved in a boating accident, it is a good idea to consult a boating accident attorney.
Walk Before You Run
on May 23, 2022
walk before you run Most people will be best off if they build up to bigger trips by starting with smaller trips
SUNGLASSES
on May 15, 2022
Sunglasses with polarized lenses have been an important piece of navigation equipment since they came on the market 40 years ago. With polarized filtered lenses, side glare from windshields, water and shiny surfaces are eliminated. In more recent years, popular thinking says blue-mirror sunglasses and gray-base lenses are best for offshore, and copper or amber-base lenses with green, gold or copper mirror are best inshore in brackish, brown or green water. When ot comes to […]