Blog
LOOKING TO SAVE SOME BUCKS?
on January 13, 2021
Here’s some tips to save from our friends at BoatUS: CONSIDER NON-MARINE PRODUCTS In general, purchase marine products, especially anything electrical. But some items, such as oil filters, air cleaners, cable ties, spray lubricants, quality stainless fasteners, and sandpaper, can be bought at local hardware stores or online at a lower cost than at a marine retailer. Read labels and specs to be sure that a product is not inappropriate for your boat and circumstances. […]
DON’T RELY SOLELY ON CHART PLOTTERS
on January 6, 2021
BASED ON AN ARTICLE IN BOATUS Data, Not Intelligence Chartplotters have made everyday navigation a dream. But, like all technology, they have their limits. The first is the user. As in the case above, if you’re going fast enough it’s possible that the screen might not refresh quickly enough to keep up with your position. That could be because of processor speed, but it could also be a function of the GPS chip, and the […]
WHEN DID RESOLUTIONS FOR NEW YEARS START?
on December 30, 2020
When did New Year’s resolutions start? Religious origins: The Babylonians made promises to their gods at the start of each year that they would return borrowed objects and pay their debts. The Romans began each year by making promises to the god Janus, for whom the month of January is named. How long does the average person keep their New Year’s resolution? Surprisingly, 75% of resolutions will be continued through the entire first week of January, but only 46% make it […]
THE TRADITION OF TREE
on December 23, 2020
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, and so was often performed during the Advent […]
EVER WONDER WHY WE WRAP GIFTS?
on December 16, 2020
The art of gift wrapping has been around for centuries. It’s origins are found in Asia, where the first bits of paper date back to Ancient China in the 2nd Century B.C. In the Southern Song dynasty (960 to 1279), gifts of money were distributed to government officials in envelopes called “chih poh”. This wrapping paper was made of hemp, bamboo fibers, and rice straws. In Japan, the traditional reusable wrapping cloth called the “Furoshiki” […]
FLUSHING
on December 9, 2020
DON’T FORGET TO FLUSH Back in the day, flushing an outboard with fresh water was done only one way. A set of “ear muffs” or “flush muffs” was fitted around the engine’s gear case to cover the water intakes, connected to a garden hose with a good water supply, and the engine was run for five to 10 minutes Why Salt and brackish water is a corrosive killer of the aluminum from which outboards are […]
THE BOAT’S ADVOCATE
on December 2, 2020
An independent marine surveyor speaks for the boat. A marine survey is also a useful tool for buyers when negotiating price based on what repairs or upgrades the boat needs. And finally, insurance and lending companies that need to know the true condition and fair market value of a vessel often require it. Insurance company underwriters carefully read through a marine survey to make a determination as to whether the vessel is a good risk, […]
THE ART OF CARVING THE THANKSGIVING BIRD
on November 25, 2020
I repeat this every year, your welcome guys!! Every year, countless families cringe as the annual carve the turkey debate rages on. So in the interest of harmony and Thanksgiving, here’s what the pro’s say. Six steps to serving the perfect Thanksgiving bird by Gerry Brown Carving, and serving, the perfect turkey Many beautiful Rockwellian Thanksgiving feasts have been spoiled when the golden brown turkey is hacked to pieces by an improperly trained carver. Whether […]
SOME THANKSGIVING THOUGHTS
on November 18, 2020
With about a week or so to go, thoughts start to turn to Thanksgiving. THANKSGIVING IN AMERICA Thanksgiving is most commonly celebrated at home, with family and friends. This is one of the things which makes Thanksgiving such a meaningful day and full of traditions with those closest to us. According to most historians, the pilgrims never observed an annual Thanksgiving feast in autumn. In the year 1621, they did celebrate a feast near Plymouth, […]
VETERAN’S DAY
on November 11, 2020
Veterans Day is intended to honor and thank all military personnel who served the United States in all wars, particularly living veterans. It is marked by parades and church services and in many places the American flag is hung at half-mast. A period of silence lasting two minutes may be held at 11am. Some schools are closed on Veterans Day, while others do not close, but choose to mark the occasion with special assemblies or […]