Blog
Emergency Words
on February 15, 2025
There are three emergency procedure words that carry extra importance when you’re communicating by radio. In order of decreasing severity, they are mayday, pan-pan, and sécurité. Emergency Words Word Derivation Meaning When To Use Comment MAYDAY From the French “m’aidez,” which means “help me” A vessel and/or crew is in grave and imminent danger Life-threatening medical emergency; possibility of losing the boat Use for imminent danger only PAN-PAN From the French “panne,” which means “broken” […]
SUPER SNACKS
on February 8, 2025
Why not have some super snacks when you watch the Super Bowl? Below are two of my favorite Super bowl go to super snacks. SUPERBOWL SNACKS (my SECRET WEAPONS) Those that know me, know I tinker in the kitchen. WARNING: I take no responsibility if you pay more attention to the food than the game. Chicken Parm Bites Ingredients Directions Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Go balls to the wall for these buff chick meatballs. Ingredients Directions […]
Don’t Wait for a Breakdown
on February 1, 2025
No matter how good you are at routine repairs and maintenance work, don’t wait for a breakdown to find a good technician. The best time is before an emergency occurs. If your boat and engine are still covered by the manufacturers’ warranties, your local dealer will be your first stop. Even if the problem isn’t covered by warranty, it’s a good idea to discuss the problem with the dealer because work done by a non-dealer […]
Making Boating Easier
on January 25, 2025
There are many ways to assist us in making boating easier. Let’s explore some common fixes Avoid Seized Snaps Boating is easier if you pay attention to your snaps. Damaged canvas due to unyielding snaps is nearly always due to neglect. Snaps should be kept clean and lubricated. Wash all your snaps regularly, either with pressure from a nozzle or with a container of fresh water and a toothbrush. A little petroleum jelly or teflon […]
Winter Storage
on January 18, 2025
Winter storage, It’s no surprise that when freezing temps blast an area where annual winterization isn’t the norm, damage claims are sure to follow. If your winter storm-prep plan consists of hanging a garage drop light in the engine compartment and calling it good, you may want to beef it up with some of the following tasks. Just because its not freezing all winter down here, doesn’t mean you should ignore these tips. Engines: Because […]
Wild Fires
on January 11, 2025
The California wildfires, particularly the Palisades Fire, have been devastating, but could they impact our East Coast? Ways the wild fires might affect the East Coast: Could Florida experience wild fires like California? Yes, Florida can experience wildfires, although they are generally less intense and widespread compared to those in California. Florida’s wildfire season typically peaks during the dry season, from late winter through spring. Factors such as drought conditions, high temperatures, and strong winds […]
Your Obligation
on January 4, 2025
Your Obligation as a Fellow Boater It’s 2025, Federal law (Federal Code 46-2304) stipulates that “the master or person in charge of a vessel is obliged to assist others in danger unless rendering such assistance would place his/her own vessel, crew or passengers in serious danger.” The duty does not extend to saving property (such as another boat), but to saving “any individual found at sea in danger of being lost.” Federal statutes contain a […]
New Years Resolutions
on December 28, 2024
New Years resolutions – Every year, we seek to start out a new year, with the best of intentions. Seriously though, here are some realistic steps to getting the New Year off to a healthier start. Things to Eliminate in 2025 to Be Healthier Many of you are planning on cutting back on the unhealthy things in your life. But that doesn’t always mean just junk food or sweets — here’s somethings that might be […]
THAT SANTA QUESTION
on December 21, 2024
SOONER OR LATER, WE ALL HAVE TO FACE THAT SANTA QUESTION Here’s a quick breakdown of how it can go. Son: “Dad, I think I’m old enough now. Is there a Santa Claus?.” Dad: “Ok, I agree that your old enough. But before I tell you, I have a question for you. You see, the “truth” is a dangerous gift. Once you know something, you can’t unknow it. Once you know the truth about Santa […]
Christmas Tree
on December 14, 2024
Ever wonder about the Christmas tree tradition? In 16th-century Germany fir trees were decorated, both indoors and out, with apples, roses, gilded candies, and colored paper. In the Middle Ages, a popular religious play depicted the story of Adam and Eve’s expulsion from the Garden of Eden. A fir tree hung with apples was used to symbolize the Garden of Eden — the Paradise Tree. The play ended with the prophecy of a savior coming, […]