Blog
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 […]
STOPPING YOUR BOAT USING THE ANCHOR
on July 15, 2020
Using A Kedge To Stop The Boat An anchor deployed from the stern is the obvious choice if we have to come alongside under sail with the wind or tide behind us and can’t slow or stop the boat by any other means. Provided the anchor is big enough to dig in easily and the bottom will provide adequate holding, just drop it a couple of boat lengths from the dock, and surge out the […]
DOES STAINLESS STEEL RUST?
on July 12, 2020
Stainless steel can and does rust. Whoever named stainless steel must have been an optimist. Stainless steel certainly can and does rust, though if you know why, you can avoid using it in places where it’s less suitable. Most marine-grade stainless used on production boats is from the 300 series. Type 304 is a good multipurpose steel. The Gateway Arch in St. Louis is clad with 304. Types 316 and 316L have a slightly higher […]
BOATING IN THE CHOP
on July 8, 2020
Choppy Water How you handle choppy water is a skill that you need to develop if you want to enjoy boating. This article covers the basics of boating safely through chop. Many boats handle choppy water different, so know your boat type. Power boats are designed with rough water in mind. Hull designs such as the deep V and even double hulls have made choppy waters less of a problem, but the burden is on […]
REMEMBERING THE REASON WE CELEBRATE THE FOURTH OF JULY
on July 1, 2020
So we don’t lose track of it, here’s a brief overview of why we celebrate the 4th. We have had differences over the years, we are free and able to work out our differences. The Story of the Fourth of July The Declaration of Independence We celebrate American Independence Day on the Fourth of July every year. We think of July 4, 1776, as a day that represents the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the […]
KEEPING COOL ON THE WATER
on June 24, 2020
Here’s some great solutions for keeping the air flowing in and out of your boat this summer. Thanks Carolyn Shearlock. Port Visors For those of us in rainy areas, Port Visors allow us to keep ports open in all but the nastiest squalls. Admittedly, in nice conditions they may block a little airflow, so you have to balance how often they’ll improve ventilation versus how often they’ll restrict it. Port Visors are made of UV-resistant Lexan […]
FLORIDA BOATING DESTINATIONS THAT EXCEL
on June 17, 2020
Florida Keys The Keys. Within this 100-mile-long stretch of islands, you will find world-class offshore and inshore fishing, numerous reefs and wrecks for snorkeling and diving, tropical sandbars, and warm, gin-clear water that’s incredibly inviting. In addition, you’ll find a long list of waterfront watering holes and dining options to choose from, and diversity within each community that’s sure to satisfy the homebody or the party-goer. Jupiter/Palm Beach Perhaps the nicest place on the east coast […]
WHAT YOUR KIDS NEED TO KNOW BEFORE HITTING THE WATER
on June 10, 2020
Safety Comes First Just as seat belts keep everyone safe in the car, life jackets (also known as PDF’s) save lives on the water. Teach your kids to buckle up; it’s the law. Also make sure any life jackets you used last year still fit properly. If they’re too small, see if local officials or a boating organization will accept them as donations, for loaner programs. Reds and Greens Guide Your Way Speaking of safety, […]
HOW TO GET HELP WHILE IN YOUR BOAT
on June 3, 2020
Lighted Beacons The Coast Guard has approved certain lighted beacons as visual distress signals. These include the Sirius Signal Electronic Flare Distress Light from Weems and Plath ($99, weems-plath.com). It is approved as a day-night flare in coastal waters. It is battery-powered and flashes an SOS signal via an LED light that’s visible up to 10 miles for up to 60 hours. Flags During the daytime, you can also use an orange distress flag to signal […]