Blog
Types of Boat Insurance
on August 28, 2022
There are two basic types of boat insurance—“agreed value” and “actual cash value.” An “agreed value” policy covers the boat based on its value when the policy was written. While it can cost more up front, there is no depreciation for a total loss of the boat (some partial losses may be depreciated). “Actual cash value” policies cost less up front, but factor in depreciation. In other words, the policy will only pay up to […]
LEARNING WHILE ABOARD
on August 21, 2022
Helping your your kids learning while onboard your boat can be beneficial. We know ongoing learning is not only good, but also enjoyable. Here are some ways to bring learning onboard your boat this summer, without your kids grumbling over the lesson plan. Knot Tying The minute your kids can tie their shoes, they can learn to tie a bowline. Graduate them on to a clove hitch, a square knot, a figure-eight knot, and more. […]
Washing a Boat
on August 15, 2022
Nothing will pay better dividends than washing your boat the right way. Wash Most boat soaps suggest several ounces of soap per gallon of water for washing a boat. That gets a good suds going and, when applied with a sponge or soft brush, does a good job of lifting dirt. It also does a good job of wasting soap. A utility spray bottle from a discount or hardware store costs a couple of bucks […]
STARTING AN OLD MOTOR
on August 8, 2022
Old outboard motors require just the right touch to start. In the past, you had to learn how to start an outboard motor. Carbureted two-strokes can be fussy, especially when cold. Now, there’s still plenty of carbureted two-strokes in service. And how to start a 2-stroke outboard motor is as important as ever. Maybe you own one, or you’re considering a used boat that’s fitted with one. Here’s a basic 5-step starting procedure you can […]
WEIGHTED BLANKETS
on August 1, 2022
Weighted blankets capture the cozy feeling of waking up under a heavy comforter on a winter’s day. And there’s some scientific theory behind the idea: applying pressure to your skin stimulates neurotransmitters like serotonin and melatonin that calm your brain. They’re blankets stuffed with pellets—usually made of glass or a plastic like polyethylene—and can weigh as much as 25 pounds. Who Uses Weighted Blankets Occupational therapists frequently use weighted blankets for something called sensory integration […]
WHY BOATS CAPSIZE
on July 24, 2022
Why Nearly all boat capsizing can be assigned one of three causes. The most common is too much or poorly distributed weight. Small boats are much more susceptible to an extra person or two or a couple of heavy coolers aboard than larger boats. Older boats especially may have gained weight over the years as more gear is stored aboard. On boats with cockpit drains, an extra beefy friend or a second cooler might be […]
IS YOUR FIRE EXTINGUISHER UP TO CODE
on July 18, 2022
As of this year, if any disposable (nonrechargeable) fire extinguisher has a date of manufacture stamped on the bottle older than 12 years, the extinguisher is now considered “expired,”. It needs to be removed from service, and replaced. UL Classifications The new regulation doesn’t change the type (U.S. Coast Guard-rated), quantity, or requirement for fire extinguishers aboard. It does specify the minimum Underwriters Laboratories (UL) classification of extinguishers to be carried aboard certain vessels, depending […]
Electronics Issues
on July 9, 2022
The first step in troubleshooting a piece of electronics gear or system is something you’ve hopefully done before the problem arises: read the owner’s manual.
FOG
on July 5, 2022
Its no fun when you get caught in fog. Avoid restricted-visibility situations altogether when possible. Monitor the weather and adjust your departure plans accordingly. If the forecast calls for a brief period of morning fog, enjoy that second cup of coffee and allow it to burn off before getting underway. If you do get caught up in fog, here are some tips. Tips For Reduced-Visibility Situations Ensure all navigation lights are on and working properly. […]
SHIFTING GEARS
on June 27, 2022
Shifting gears and throttle control are two skills that, in conjunction with steering-wheel control, will dictate how well you handle your boat. If you drive a car, you’re used to working the gears and using a gas pedal. It’s tempting to ask, how different can it really be? Well, if you’ve ever been to a busy dock area, especially on a windy day, you already know the answer. There are a variety of shift and […]