Blog
KEEPING YOUR BOAT CLEAN
on September 23, 2020
Problem: Fishblood Stains On Nonskid While evidence of catches on your deck means you had a great day on the water, it’s just plain yucky to look at. SOLUTION The best method is to wash down any affected surfaces before the blood has a chance to dry. Should you miss a spot, sprinkle some Bar Keepers Friend on clean, wet nonskid, scrub, and rinse. Alternatively, try hydrogen peroxide or OxiClean (or generic equivalent) for really […]
NEED A FASTENER?
on September 16, 2020
BUYING QUALITY FASTENERS For marine applications, the fastener material of choice, excluding aluminum rivets, will nearly always be stainless steel. Bronze is equally good but only for fastening bronze hardware. Avoid entirely typical hardware store offerings of brass and plated steel. Where do you get high-quality marine fasteners? Your local boat-supply store should carry a good selection. Many hardware stores also stock stainless fasteners. However, not all stainless steel is created equal. Try to get […]
GOT THAT BUYING ITCH?
on September 9, 2020
So you have decided to get a boat. Getting an inspection can save you countless problems down the line. Behind most successful used-boat transactions, there’s a Purchase Agreement and Bill of Sale that clearly spell out how the boat was bought or sold. While not perfect, this goes a long way to alleviate any misunderstandings. “A Purchase Agreement is necessary if you intend to buy a boat, but require that certain things must be done […]
SELLING YOUR BOAT
on September 2, 2020
PRESENTATION PAYS Deciding where to invest in fixing up your boat for sale comes down to two questions that every boat owner should ask themselves: What will it cost to make the repair or upgrade? What will it cost if I don’t? Fortunately, there are a few easy and inexpensive things you can do, which will always improve the marketability and speed up a sale. Here’s what the pros had to say: “De clutter by […]
NIGHTTIME BOATING TIPS
on August 26, 2020
10 Tips for Boating at Night Slow down, visibility is reduced at night. Share the lookout duties. Tap into your preparations list. Preserve your night vision. Don’t use headlights or spotlights. Look for the red and green. Listen, listen, listen. Trust your navigation instruments. Bring along a towel—for many uses. Dock with extra caution. 1. Slow down Visibility is reduced at night. Distances are harder to judge, obstacles are difficult to see, and moisture and […]
DRIVING A BOAT
on August 19, 2020
All boat models are more or less unique, but some require special attention. Step By Step On How to Drive a Boat If your boat is powered by gasoline and has an engine compartment, run the “blower” (an exhaust fan) as per manufacturer’s recommendations prior to starting the engine, to make sure there isn’t a build-up of fumes in the compartment. This is a good time to run through your pre departure checklist. Put the […]
HOW TO REACT TO A SUDDEN STORM
on August 12, 2020
When A Squall Comes Calling Fortunately, most afternoon thunderstorms last less than half an hour. But even a “routine” squall can turn threatening and scary when combined with mechanical failure. You might be able to make it to a protected anchorage before the squall arrives and then be on your way afterward with no drama. Or, you can employ several effective techniques to deal with oncoming threatening weather. First, check your weather before going boating, […]
CONTEMPLATING A MOVE FRESH WATER?
on August 7, 2020
Here’s an article by Rich Armstrong about moving from freshwater to salt. A change of maintenance habits — and anodes — is the key to transitioning from inland to coastal waters. When moving from freshwater to salt, your boat’s engine and anodes require special attention to keep everything running well. You don’t need census statistics to tell you that plenty of lifelong freshwater boaters eventually head south to spend their retirement in warmer climes, such […]
COUNTDOWN TO SURVIVING A STORM
on August 5, 2020
COUNTDOWN TO A STORM Here’s a day-by-day guide to getting your boat ready once a storm has been forecast for your region. Keep in mind that every tropical storm moves at its own speed, so treat this a rough guideline. The goal is to finish your boat preparations well before the first big winds start to blow. Day 0: Advance Preparations The first round of storm preparations is best addressed at the beginning of boating […]
SURVEYS AND SEA TRIALS
on July 29, 2020
Surveys and Sea Trials A survey inspection of the boat prior to purchase can either make or break a deal. A professional marine surveyor is an expert who should be well versed in boat construction, as well as safety and manufacturing laws, requirements and practices. Surveys cost an average of $10-$15 per foot, depending upon the size of the boat and region. The boat should be inspected in and out of the water. Although hiring […]