Blog
TIPS ON BOAT LINE USUAGE
on May 29, 2019
Here’s some useful tips on boat lines. By David and Zora Aiken for BoatUS Experienced cruisers share their line on slipping a boat into its berth with stress-free grace. Docking a boat isn’t as easy as parking a car, something novice boat owners learn quickly; the helmsperson simply can’t steer to a stopping point and hit the brakes. Traction is not a factor and there are outside influences the car driver never needs to consider, […]
MARITIME WITNESS – WHAT IS IT?
on May 22, 2019
A maritime expert witness is a person who possesses knowledge of matters relating to the construction of ships, marine shipping, or navigation and who offers this expertise in a court of law. They prepare an analysis of situations and present the information to attorneys, judges and juries. They offer general insight on the cause of an accident, reconstruct the events of an accident and determine environmental threats. They also may be called upon to analyze […]
ITS GRADUATION TIME
on May 15, 2019
IT’S THAT TIME OF THE YEAR! Another class of students emerge into the cold reality of the world we live in. It’s okay to be scared but don’t let it stop you We all are scared. Even those of us who have been emerged in it for decades. But, trust me, you get used to it. Take Will Ferrell, describing his own career journey, Ferrell said he graduated in 1990 from USC with a degree in Sports […]
INVERTERS
on May 8, 2019
What Inverters Do Inverters operate somewhat like battery chargers in reverse: they take DC power from a battery and, utilizing sophisticated circuitry, change it into 120 Volt AC current. The ship’s batteries are the inverter’s fuel tank and, by nature, inverters can consume a lot. They will only provide 120 Volt AC power as long as there is ample juice left in the 12 Volt batteries. It is strongly recommended that you have a separate, […]
CARING FOR YOUR VINYL
on April 24, 2019
Proper care will add years to the useful life of clear plastics while improper care can shorten it to a single season. Glass windshields remain crystal clear with little or no attention, but the same is not true for plastic windows. Soft or hard, clear plastics are damaged by exposure, inevitably losing clarity over time. Care varies by the material. Soft plastics that can be rolled away are usually made from vinyl. Here’s some sage […]
DON’T FORGET YOUR ELECTRONICS
on April 17, 2019
It all begins with your electrical system. Your electronics performance depends on it. Here are some key inspection points and procedures for checking your electrical and other systems. When were your batteries last replaced? Consider replacing them after three to four years. Ensure battery terminal connections are tight and free from corrosion buildup. Check that the wiring connections for all electronic and electrical devices make solid contact. Terminal connections can and do come loose from […]
LETS GET THAT BOAT BACK OUT ON THE WATER
on April 10, 2019
SPRING BOAT COMMISSIONING BASED ON AN ARTICLE By Frank Lanier Finally, it’s time to ready your boat for the upcoming season! Check Those Thru-Hulls Springtime is the right time to check each of your composite (plastic) thru-hulls for cracks and deterioration. Degradation due to ultraviolet light is the main culprit; however, stress caused by an unsupported hose bouncing around inside also can be a factor. Failure typically begins as a crack where the body of […]
PROPANE & YOUR BOAT
on April 3, 2019
HOW TO HANDLE PROPANE ON A BOAT Here’s a great article by Mark Corke about Propane handling. Propane is heavier than air, which means any escaping gas can end up in your bilge. The results could be deadly. A locker for propane should contain the cylinders, often called bottles, properly secured, and nothing else Note the drainpipe to safely vent spilled gas overboard away from the boat interior. (Illustration: ©2018 Mirto Art Studio) […]
SPRING HAS ARRIVED
on March 20, 2019
The spring equinox (also called the March equinox or vernal equinox) falls on Wednesday, March 20, 2019, at 5:58 P.M. EDT. This event marks the astronomical first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. WHAT DOES THE EQUINOX MEAN? The word equinox comes from the Latin words for “equal night”—aequus (equal) and nox (night). On the equinox, the length of day and night is nearly equal in all parts of the world. With the equinox, enjoy the increasing sunlight hours, with earlier dawns and later sunsets. WHAT HAPPENS ON THE MARCH EQUINOX? On the […]
MAKING A THRU HULL CONNECTION
on March 13, 2019
TIPS FOR SEACOCKS AND THRU-HULLS Connecting equipment to an existing thru-hull or installing a new one can make anyone nervous. After all, an analysis of BoatUS Marine Insurance files shows that about 20 percent of boats sinking at the dock are caused by thru-hull issues. But with some common sense and the right materials, you can rest well knowing your boat is secure. First, keep in mind that any hole below the waterline has the […]