Blog
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 […]
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 […]