Blog
GRILLING ON YOUR BOAT
on April 27, 2021
Choose the Right Boat Grill The big trick to grilling on a boat is having the right kind of boat grill. Size of course matters, depending on the number of mouths you plan to feed, and durable construction is key for the marine environment. If you plan to do a lot of grilling, then the smart option might be to mount the grill to the boat for stability. Why take the chance of a rogue boat […]
Accessories for Your Dog while Aboard
on April 18, 2021
Dogs love to be aboard boats, and having yours on board with you, means bringing his accessories along for the ride too. Here’s a look at some of the best dog boat accessories. Life Jackets for Dogs Doggie life jackets should be the number one accessory. Luckily, there are a number of different brands that offer these types of specialty PFDs (personal floatation devices). Water Bowls Most dogs enjoy napping in the warm sunshine, but […]
What to do if you strike a submerged object
on April 11, 2021
For most boaters, the question is not if they will strike a submerged object, but when. The well-being and safety of you and your passengers is priority number one, while taking action to mitigate further damage to your vessel is priority number two. Here’s a game plan: 1.When you realize that you may have struck a submerged object, bring the vessel to dead slow or stop. 2. If you’re in danger — always assume that […]
AFFORDABLE BOATING
on April 3, 2021
Boating is more affordable than you think. With an idea of the type of boat you want, narrow things down with practical considerations that fit your budget. A new boat has both factory freshness and a warranty; a used craft may need to be checked out, but allows you to stretch your budget. If you consider all of the weekend activities and vacation expenses a small family can incur throughout the year, boat ownership is […]
NAUTICAL FLAGS
on March 27, 2021
So you are new to boating, and curious as to the meaning behind boat signals, here’s some nautical flags know-how. 1. Shapes and types are important. Nautical flags mostly take the forms of squares, though you’ll also see pendants, which are triangular with a flat tip. You’ll additionally see what’s called substitutes (alternately called repeaters), which are triangles. Since this is a “flags 101” article, we’ll focus on the squares and pendants. They’re the ones […]
Power Lines Hazard
on March 20, 2021
High-voltage power lines can present a hazard as they carry hundreds of thousands of volts across rivers and bays. Power lines that cross navigable waterways are marked on charts with their clearance listed. Usually from the height of mean high water (MHW), which is an average of several years of high tides information. If you encounter power lines which are near a bridge, the lowest clearances are required to be higher than the bridge. Never […]
Your Impact on The Environment
on March 13, 2021
Regardless of your choice of boat cleaner, you can determine the impact you have on the environment. Your usage has as much impact as the toxicity and bio degradability of the product itself. Factors such as how much you dilute a product, how much you use, and where you clean your boat, all contribute to the amount of product that ends up in the environment. Here are some tips to remember: Rinse and clean your […]
LISTEN TO THE NOISE
on March 6, 2021
Your boat is talking to you. Listen to the noise. Some problem noises are obvious. Some are not. Get into the habit of listening to your boat’s noises. Critical components- things like the fresh- and raw-water pumps, alternator, transmission, all have a distinct sounds. A gravelly noise from a component with bearings can indicate that the bearings are about to fail. The alternator and recirculating pump are prime suspects when you hear this. A belt […]
TITLING AND REGISTRATION
on March 3, 2021
Titling and registration are two very different things. A title establishes ownership, while registration proves that you have paid taxes or use fees in the place where you keep your boat. Your boat’s registration number is what you see in big numbers and letters on the hull. (often along with a yearly sticker that shows you’ve paid the required fees) In non-title states, registration is as close as you can get to proof of ownership […]
PREVENTING SPILLS
on February 27, 2021
Prevent Fuel Spills Here’s some useful tips to prevent fuel spills with your boat. 1. Make sure that you’re putting fuel into the correct tank. Insurance carriers claim that each year they get hundreds of claims from people pumping fuel into a rod holder or water tank. A easy way to prevent a fuel spill. 2. Fill tanks only to about 95% capacity to allow for expansion and sloshing as the boat moves. 3. Do […]