Blog
MARINE AND BOATING ACRONYMS
on April 22, 2020
Below is a list of acronyms used in the past. If there are other marine abbreviations you need an explanation for, or some you think we should include, email us and we’ll do our best to answer or add them. ACR: An automatic charge relay is a one-way gate for voltage that allows the second battery in a system to be charged when the motor is feeding the system via the alternator without having to select […]
MARINE SURVEYS – IT’S NOT ABOUT THE COST
on April 15, 2020
Don’t choose a surveyor on price alone. Of course you need to know up front what the cost of the survey will be, but it could be a case of “if you don’t pay now, you’ll pay later.” That bargain-basement-price survey could cost you in the long run should the surveyor miss some important fault on the boat. If problems are caught before inking the deal, you have the option of renegotiating the price or […]
BE ALARMED
on April 8, 2020
High-water alarms are installed on all boats built to its standards, for good reason: These simple devices typically use a switch to activate an alarm when water reaches a predetermined level and can save your boat. Statistics have shown that 69 % of boats sink while at their dock — a good reason to connect the sensor to the boat’s horn so others will know if your boat is taking on water. If your boat […]
USE YOUR TIME TO PERFORM MAINTENANCE
on April 1, 2020
Regardless of your boat’s size and systems, routine inspections and maintenance can alert you to potential problems. Changing engine oil, and checking fluid levels are the best way to keep your boat running smoothly. Even well maintained engines will show signs of age. Leaks from steering cables, drips from the last oil change, or fuel from leaky fittings can all find their way into the bilge. While we have some down time, why not put […]
SOME FLORIDA RESTRICTIONS
on March 25, 2020
With all the inaccurate information out there, here’s some facts as are available now: Are Florida Keys beaches, parks and attractions open? The island destination is closed to visitors since 6 p.m. Sunday, March 22. Florida Keys lodging businesses are directed to close at that time. Many Florida Keys attractions are closed or are planning to close. The City of Marathon has closed Sombrero Beach and all city beaches. Key West’s Smathers Beach is closed as […]
STAYING ON THE WATER LONGER AS YOU AGE
on March 17, 2020
Anyone who spends a good chunk of their lives on the water will proudly recount the various craft they’ve enjoyed across the sweep of their boating life. The chronology generally follows an upward trend, starting with a modest skiff or sailing dinghy and navigates through increasingly bigger and better boats. But just as our wants, needs, and priorities change at various life stages, so do the boats that fit our lifestyle. There’s “moving up” and […]
SMELLING TROUBLE
on March 11, 2020
FIND THE STINK BEFORE YOU SINK Your nose knows when something is amiss. Any changes in the way your boat smells — either when you open it up for the weekend or while running — could mean a problem is developing. Fuel fumes (either gasoline or diesel) must be dealt with right away. Often a leak is caused by vibration of a fuel line against another part of the engine. If this isn’t corrected, it […]
GET THAT BOAT CHECKLIST OUT
on March 4, 2020
Finally, it’s time to ready your boat for the upcoming season! But all may not be well, as the photos and firsthand experiences below will show. Overlooking small things during spring commissioning can translate to big problems. It’s almost spring — when all our plans for the boating season ahead are positive and hopeful. This is an important time; many Insurance claim files show over and over that it’s the little things missed during spring […]
ASH WEDNESDAY
on February 26, 2020
What is the significance of Ash Wednesday?Ash Wednesday is important because it marks the start of the Lenten period leading up to Easter, when Christians believe Jesus was resurrected. During this period, Christians show repentance and mourning for their sins, because they believe that Christ died for them What is the Meaning of Ash Wednesday and What Happens? During Mass (for Catholics) or worship service (for Protestants), the priest or pastor will usually share a sermon that is […]
PICKING THE BEST BOATYARD
on February 19, 2020
GUIDELINES ON HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF Over the years, Consumer Protection statistics have shown details of hundreds of repair-shop complaints. So we kind of know what’s most likely to go wrong and how to avoid it. These tips can help you prevent problems and help you resolve them. Find out if the shop uses contractors. Will your outdrive be rebuilt in-house? Do they contract out for fiberglass repairs? Who ultimately will be responsible for the repairs […]