Blog
ANTIFREEZE ISN’T EQUAL
on October 10, 2021
Antifreeze is antifreeze, right? Wrong. Antifreeze isn’t equal! Not only are there different kinds, the temperature at which they freeze is different, too. And that’s important because, if they do freeze, your boat is likely to be damaged. Even In the temperate South, its a good idea to winterize. Many claims are filed in instances where a boat wasn’t winterized, or where the boater was depending on a heater to keep the engine from freezing […]
ELECTRIC BOATS
on October 3, 2021
With electric boats, there are no fumes, no engine noise on deck, and no more expensive visits to the fuel dock.
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
on September 22, 2021
What’s in a name? Well many Florida locations are derived from famous people of the past. Take the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village”, a true jewel in the northeast. Many are drawn to Florida’s wealthy fish population and high-quality deep-sea fishing, Captain Leonard Destin made his way to the Gulf Coast in the 1840s. He settled west of the Panhandle, just east of Pensacola, on an island-like peninsula. Years after his death, his best mate, Captain […]
BOAT SHOWS
on September 12, 2021
With COVID seemingly still rampant, attendance at Boat Shows is expected to be at an all time high. Tips For Making The Most Of A Boat Show 1. Dress comfortably. You’ll walk miles, so comfortable slip-on shoes are best for getting on and off a lot of boats. Most dealers ask that you remove shoes before boarding. Wear loose-fitting clothes, avoid dangling jewelry, pack light, and bring water, a hat, and sunscreen — and a […]
CURRENTS
on September 7, 2021
Currents can have a wide range of effects on virtually every aspect of boat handling. No matter what situation you may be dealing with, there’s one overriding fact you must always be aware of when you’re in dealing with currents: You have more control heading into it than you do when it’s pushing against your transom. Heading into currents, the water is flowing faster across your rudder or outdrive, so steering maneuvers have a greater […]
Generator Safety Tips
on August 29, 2021
For those affected by these wild storms, here are some generator safety tips to help you get by during and after the storm. Use proper care. One of the most important generator safety tips is the use of proper ventilation. Proper ventilation is critical when using a generator. It reduces the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from a generator’s engine exhaust. Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a common, serious danger that can cause death if […]
Accountability of Boaters
on August 22, 2021
I get questions about the accountability of boaters all the time, and if there are penalties for non compliance. A boater is always accountable for their actions. Florida law requires that anyone convicted of 2 non-criminal boating safety infractions within a 12-month period must enroll in, attend and successfully complete any NASBLA/State of Florida-approved boater education course. (“Attend” means you must attend a classroom course or take the course on-line.) The course needs to be […]
RUNNING OUT OF FUEL
on August 14, 2021
Face it, sooner or later you may be facing running out of fuel. Here are some tips to help you avoid running out of fuel. What Should I Do if I’m Running Out of Gas on My Boat? Stay calm, and take steps to secure the boat and your crew. Make sure everyone on board puts on a life jacket. Drop your anchor to maintain your current position. Call for assistance—that may be to a […]
Lightning Strikes While Boating
on August 8, 2021
Powerful, dangerous, highly unpredictable — all are common descriptions of lightning strikes while boating. A direct lightning strike while boating can result in ringing ears and a few roasted electronics; That is considered lucky. Unlucky is experiencing through-hulls blown out, a sunk boat or worse — possibly serious injury or death. Odds While, the odds of a lightning strike while boating are only about one out of 1,000 boats in any year, the dire consequences […]