Chris' Blog

The ABC’s of Docking

2011-11-08T16:12:07Z

Survey any group of boaters about what they like least about boating, and 9 out of 10 will say docking. That’s everyone from twin-screw cruiser pilots all the way down to the tiller-handled outboard jon boat fisherman. It’s kind of like when hacker golfers step up to the first tee, and there’s a crowd behind them. Your heart starts pounding, your palms start sweating, and you are desperately trying to remember all the “advice” you’ve ever been given about how to do it properly.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. Nope. There are a few things to remember, sure, but the main thing is to take it slow (or as slow as the prevailing current and boat traffic allows) and keep your cool. Many good and experienced boaters take more than one shot to back their boat into a slip. You shouldn’t feel too much pressure to get it perfect every time. Life’s too short, and that sort of self-imposed anxiety flies in the face of everything that boating should be about. So there you go. Read these tips, and remember to take your time. You’ll be fine.

• Practice. I know, it sounds crazy, but the folks that are really good at docking a boat have done it hundreds of times. Pick a time when nobody’s around (except a trusted dockhand) and take a run at it. Shoot too far? Cut the wheel sooner. Come in too fast? Slow down. You’ll get it quicker than you think.

• Use what you’ve got. Windy day? Let it push you where you want to be. Strong, ripping current? You won’t be the only one with docking problems. Plenty of room? Ahhhh….take a big, easy angle and work your way in slowly. Always cut a good tight corner on the side of the boat closest to the dock and turn the wheel with authority.

• Don’t lose your momentum. Most docking efforts go awry when you try to pull back too early. If you drop your momentum, you wind up over-compensating and making things worse. Pick a target speed that’s a little slower than you think it should be and stick to it. You can always pull out and start over, but don’t panic and drop the throttle before you get the position you need.

• Understand your prop. You may not know it, but your propeller is your friend. But like any friend, you’ve got to spend some time getting to know it…understanding how it ticks, so to speak. First, and this is where your practice comes in, you should know that your prop-driven boat will tend to “walk.” That means it will want to thrust toward one side more than the other. And it’s not uncommon for that to happen more in reverse than forward gear. If you’ve ever been backing up and felt like you were moving sideways instead of backwards, you know the drill. As long as you respect that phenomenon (it’s different for nearly all boats) then you can compensate and be that much closer to a stress-free trip to the slip.

Helpful Tips for Launching and Retrieving Your Boat

2011-11-08T16:09:04Z

If you’re new to boating, you should know that there are a few unwritten rules. Several of them pertain to the way you put your boat into the water from a trailer and the way you take it out. They are time-tested and absolutely guaranteed to make sure you’re one of the “good guys” out of the hordes of Saturday fun-seekers lined up on the boat ramp trying to get out on the water.

• Start at home. Before you ever leave your driveway, make sure you check a few things before you leave. Make sure your trailer tires are inflated to the correct pressure. If you pulled out the drain plug for the ride home, now would be a great time to put it back in. Check the charge on your battery…it seems like someone always leaves the radio on with the volume turned all the way down! Know the sequence you’ll want to detach the boat from the trailer, leaving (of course) the bow hook on until you’re in the water.

• Try a trial run. This is the ultimate way to reduce stress before your first primetime boat launch. Trailer over to the ramp early one morning or evening during the middle of the week. You’ll have the place to yourself, and you can take your time backing down, correcting and dialing in your entry strategy. Take a few passes. If someone shows up, pull up and out of the way, and resume your practice run in peace. And if you have any questions about what you’re doing, now would be the time to ask a fellow boater.

• Park and load. You might be surprised by how many folks wait until they are at the end of the ramp to load up their coolers, floats, pets, and whatever else they’ve lugged to the lake on this beautiful Saturday. The better move is to go ahead and park (hey, that shady spot looks good) and take your time transferring your gear from the SUV to the boat. This might even give the kids time to inflate their tube, the dog to do his business and Mom time to feed the baby. That way everyone’s good to go and focused on the task at hand.

• Be polite. Everyone’s anxious to be out on the water enjoying their boat. It’s probably hot outside. There may be people who haven’t read this article and are struggling with, ummmm, efficiency of motion. Put a smile on your face. Give a nod or a wave to the other “good guys” and maybe even lend a hand to help move things along.

• Be deliberate. Think ahead about what ramp line feels more comfortable for you. Some folks like the left side, some folks like the right. Give everyone on your crew a job. Your buddy can be your guide on the ramp. Your kids can relay messages and let you know if you’re getting too close to the curb. Everyone can help undo the straps. Mom can pull the tow vehicle up and park while you pull the boat over to the temporary dock for passenger loading. Remember: hands at the bottom of the steering wheel while backing the trailer up…then push the direction you want the trailer to go. Best trailering tip ever.

Trailering your boat can be the perfect solution for you and your boating lifestyle. By taking a few minutes to master the “unwritten rules,” you can make launching and retrieving your boat almost as enjoyable as a day on the water. Almost.

Using a Nautical Chart

2011-11-08T16:16:14Z

In these days of built-in, onboard GPS systems it’s easy to lull ourselves into a false sense of security that we’ll always seem to know where we are on the water. Even our phones have mapping features on them. But ask anyone who has had their 12-volt power fail, and they’ll tell you that even on a body of water you know like the back of your hand, your best friend can be a good, up-to-date nautical chart.

While day trippers may choose to stay close to home or frequent the same cove or sandbar, you never know when you’ll need to make a fuel run or follow another boater to a new restaurant, only to find you’re turned around and nothing looks familiar on the way home. So it’s a good idea to buy a paper (or, even better, laminated) chart and store it someplace easy to find.

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your nautical chart:

Do a little homework. Study up to get your bearings before you ever leave the house. Once you leave that boat ramp or dock, you’ll be surprised how quickly false coves and trap channels can get you turned around. That’s particularly true if the water levels have been changing since last season.

Know your terms and scale. Reading a chart is like reading a map, but it’s not exactly like reading a map. Terms like soundings (depth readings), channel boundaries (main boating traffic route), sea marks (just like landmarks), and tidal races (strong currents associated with tide changes). Since, like land maps, nautical charts come in many different scales, make sure you have a good understanding of what ratio is used.

Determine major landmarks. You can get out of many jams by simply knowing your major landmarks like bridges, dams, marinas and inlets. You’ll be tired and distracted after a full day of sun and fun, so check your instincts against these key land features. If you remember that Rusty’s Bait & Tackle should be on your left returning to the dock, you’ll have one less thing to worry about.

Check for hazards. This is one of the great reasons to buy a new chart every season. Note new submerged hazards, channel marker locations, bridge clearances, power lines and anything else that you may be cruising past on the way to your destination. Dredging and other maintenance-related obstructions should also be noted.

Share the knowledge. Get your crew, especially children, involved with helping you plot your course and orienting themselves with the surroundings. This will help build their confidence on the water and teach them valuable boating skills. Plus, they’ll be ready and able to assist in case of an emergency.

Keep it current. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) now provides updated nautical charts you can print from your home computer. While these won’t be as user-friendly as your typical dock-store laminated chart, it will be a good source for anything that’s changed since that chart was printed. This is particularly important if you’re venturing into a new area. Just go to nauticalcharts.noaa.gov for more information.

How and When to Use a Float Plan

2011-11-08T16:11:01Z

A float plan is kind of like jumper cables. You won’t need it at all until you really need it. Then, you will look like the smartest, best-prepared, sharp-as-a-tack boater on the water. Until then, however, you should get into the habit of using a float plan, if not every time you’re on your boat, at least every time you plan on venturing beyond your well-populated comfort zone.

So, what is a float plan? Simply put, it’s a way to let someone know where you’re going and when you’re likely to return and/or check in. Float plans can cover a few hours, a few days or even months for extended voyages, such as The Big Loop. The idea is that, in the case of an emergency, someone will know where to come look for you or, if needed, help the authorities narrow down the search area.

The best way for a float plan to help (again, when you really need it) is to be short, to-the-point, and in writing. That way, there’s less room for misunderstanding if your plan is needed. Here are some tips for creating an effective float plan.

• Make sure it’s in writing. Did we say that already? Yep…and it deserves repeating. Telling someone over the phone leaves too much to chance. Your plan should be in writing (either on paper, email or even a text). Give (or send) the plan to a family member or friend. It will help if they live in the area you’ll be boating. If you don’t have family or friends close by, you can leave your written plan in your tow vehicle or with a marina neighbor or dockmaster.

• Be as detailed as possible. The plan should include a description of the general area where you’ll be boating, any stops you plan on making, when you’ll be returning and a list of anyone who is going with you. Make sure you include your boat’s brand, model, year, boat name (if you have one), hull identification numbers, and anything else that could help someone spot you on the water. Dark hull? Wake tower? Flag or burgee? Racing graphics?

• Specify where you departed. If you’re trailering, include the name and location of your boat launch ramp, along with your tow vehicle make, model, and tag number. If you’re leaving from a marina, include the marina’s contact information.

• Cover your plans. If you’re making a fishing run out to the weather buoy off the coast of Cape Canaveral, Florida, you can get the exact coordinates from the National Data Buoy Center website (www.ndbc.noaa.gov) and include those in your plan. It is not uncommon for boaters to use a sea mark like a buoy when making a run. Make it easy to find you if you run into any problems.

• Always check in on time. This is the easiest way to make sure you get help if you need it. If you are consistently late checking in as your plan describes, you run the risk of delaying help when you have a legitimate emergency. A quick call that you’ve made it to your destination or check-in spot will let everyone know that you’re okay and help send

Towing your boat? Build your confidence with practice

2011-09-23T16:39:55Z

If you’re one of the many trailer boaters out there, you know that sometimes the trip from the garage to the launch ramp can be as challenging as a full day on the water. But with a little practice and some preparation, you can master the fine art of towing and spend less time behind the wheel and more time on the water.

• Make a checklist. Of all the things that can ruin a boater’s day, there are two that are easy to avoid: failing to replace your drain plug, and not strapping your boat to the trailer properly. And the best way to eliminate those scenarios is to have a simple checklist. Not a fan of paper checklists? Use the “notes” function on your smart phone. While you’re at it, make sure the lug nuts are tight on your trailer wheels and your tires are inflated. Check that the runaway chains are crisscrossed and attached to your tow vehicle. Finally, secure the outdrive or motor in the upright trailering position.

• Remember to turn wide. It’s easy to forget when you’re cruising along that you have an extra 26 feet of trailer and boat behind you. Whipping into an available gas station, grocery store parking space or fast-food drive through without considering your “wide load” is asking for trouble. Your trailer has a tighter turning radius than your tow vehicle. Period. If you’re barely clearing that curb with your truck, your trailer won’t.

• Compensate for weight. Let’s see…trailer, boat, full tank of fuel, three packed coolers, carload of passengers… You get the idea. You will not exactly see the typical performance out of your tow vehicle that you’re used to. That’s okay. That will translate into a full day of fun when you get the to river, but how about exercising a little patience on the journey? Pay particular attention when you’re merging into traffic and when stopping.

• Make sure you can stop. Okay, so once you’ve got that much-heavier-than-usual payload up to speed, consider how much longer it will take to come to a stop. You’ve got thousands of extra pounds and the laws of physics working against you. And don’t be lulled into a false sense of security by having trailer brakes. Assume they will fail. They probably won’t, but at least you will give yourself ample room to stop. It is a harrowing feeling to be pushed into another vehicle or out into the middle of a busy intersection when you misjudge the stopping distance. One of the side effects of slamming on the brakes is that it can lead to jackknifing or cause dangerous trailer sway. Gradually apply pump brakes to bring the heavy load under control.

• Hands on the bottom of the wheel. If you grew up around boat ramps, you’ve no doubt heard this great bit of trailering advice. When you’re backing up, place your hands on the bottom of the steering wheel. Then, move your hand in the direction you want the trailer to go. It’s that simple. Aim toward the passenger side of your tow vehicle and the trailer will go right (from your perspective). Face forward and let your mirrors be your guide. This tip will have you up and down ramp to launch or retrieve like a pro.

The most important things to remember are to slow down, don’t panic and use common sense. Trailering a boat can be the perfect solution for your boating lifestyle. These tips can make sure you spend more time enjoying your time on the water.

Top secrets to finding the best fishing spots on vacation

2011-09-23T16:38:10Z

Sure, you know your home fishing hole like the back of your hand. You know what bait to use and when to use it. You know exactly where everyone dumps old Christmas trees in the lake to build up a perfect fish structure. You know where the hardcore, on-the-water-at-4 a.m. guys go before the rest of us even think about getting up and heading to the boat ramp. You know all that. What you may not know is where to find those honey-holes while you’re on vacation. Here are some secrets to help you tap into that “local knowledge” and get you on the fish quickly.

Plan Ahead

Whether you’re hitting the Gulf Coast, Flaming Gorge or Lake Texoma, you’ll do yourself a favor by doing a little legwork before you hit the road. Spend some time on the Internet, and you’ll be amazed at what you find. Many times the Chamber of Commerce or the local fishing guide association will have posted some great information to influence anglers like you to spend some time (and money) in their community. You may not find too many specifics, but you’ll likely track down what’s biting when and get a good idea about the proper bait and gear you’ll need. Also, check out www.takemefishing.org. You won’t believe how much good information they have, plus you can download a free smartphone app that uses your location to find launch ramps, bait shops and just about anything else you’d need for a fishing trip.

Go Local

Once you’ve done your computer research, it’s time to go old school and start “talking” to people. You know that bait shop you found? It’s in their best interest to put you on some fish. You’ll be back. And you’ll buy fuel, snacks, ice, and, of course, more bait. And anything else you forgot. Just make sure you’re listening to the guy behind the counter, and not the silver-tongued angler who’s just hanging around the shop. He may have a vested interested in steering you the wrong way. Another great source for information is local guides. In fact, you can take some of the pressure off and get to the fish faster if you hire a guide for your first day. For a reasonable fee, they can get you to the secret fishing holes quickly, and you can spend more time hauling in your catch.

Finally…Be Respectful

If you’re on vacation, chances are other anglers might have the same idea. As you spend time with the locals, show them the appropriate respect. You’re a visitor. Be a good one. That means paying up for current fishing licenses for you and your family (as required) and knowing the keeper species and catch limits. Practicing a catch and release policy for any fish you don’t plan on consuming during your trip is the responsible thing to do. And it provides a good lesson for the young anglers on your crew. And make sure that you pack out a little more than you packed in. Nothing can ruin a great fishing hole like out-of-towners who leave a body of water more polluted than they found it. Go beyond “No Littering” and pick up extra trash you see.

Winterizing Your Self-Contained A/C System

2011-09-23T16:35:45Z

Proper Use of A VHF Marine Radio

2011-09-23T16:37:21Z

Buying a Marine Air Conditioning System – Considerations for Boat Owners

2011-09-23T16:21:21Z

Buying a boat for the first, second, third or tenth time is always an adventure and outfitting it with the latest hi-tech gear is all part of the fun. This should also be the case when selecting your on-board air conditioning (A/C) system. To make choosing the right system for you a care-free experience, just ask yourself these questions:

Do I need one?

It’s a common misconception that air conditioners simply cool the air, but in fact, there’s a lot more to it. Quality A/C systems can also ensure a comfortable on-board environment by providing year-round heating and cooling capabilities, removing moisture from the air, preventing dampness, rot and mold and controlling humidity, not just in the living spaces but other parts of the yacht too. So, if the temperature in the location you normally boat in is not particularly warm, there are still other factors to consider such as high humidity of air due to close proximity with water.

What kind of system is best for my boat?

When determining which system to buy, the size of your yacht is very important. Marine air conditioning systems use water cooling methods rather than air, which is logical considering the vast amount of water provided by the sea, and this allows us to build a more compact unit to suit space limitations on-board. For smaller boats up to 40ft, self-contained systems are the best choice due to the lower cost and easy DIY installation, which is usually under a bunk or settee. Larger yachts up to 80ft should consider split-gas air conditioning systems, which have the condensing unit in the engine room and air handler in the living space. Chilled water systems are the ideal option for larger boats and superyachts and can be tailored to specific needs by specialist manufacturers.

Which one should I get?

The cheapest option is not necessarily the best and you should remember that buying an air conditioning system is not something that should happen often. High-quality, innovative engineering is a must as is a manufacturer’s history in producing rugged systems that can withstand the harsh marine environments and work efficiently with the boat’s power source. Check out the brand’s reputation and whether it has a service networkfor instance – you never know when you might need it.

What maintenance is required?

If the air conditioning unit is properly manufactured to a high standard, then only minimal maintenance will be required to ensure maximum performance and longevity of the system. For boat owners with self-contained systems, some DIY summer and winter preparation is recommended. This includes checking areas such as the seawater strainer, thru hull and heat exchanger for any debris pulled in with the seawater as well as the condensate pan to make certain it is draining properly. Alsocheck the system’s hoses, coils and other piping for leaks and check your return air filters to make certain they are clean and free of debris. In winter, you should run a little biodegradable antifreeze through the unit. Maintaining a split-gas system takes a little extra effort because different components are located in different parts of the boat but the principles remain the same, just ensure there are also no refrigerant leaks. Chilled water systems will require regular service checks by on-board or local service engineers due to the complexity of the system.

What about electrical requirements?

Most marine A/Cs run on alternating current (AC) power and come in different power configurations, but the electrical consumption depends on the size of the air conditioner. Specification sheets will show the running current information for the unit and will also advise how to select the right circuit breaker, but make sure a generator, inverter or shore cord can handle the inrush current of the compressor when an air conditioner starts.

By Doug Curtis, Vice President of Marketing, Dometic Marine.

Dometic Marine is the world’s leading supplier of marine air conditioning systems. The company’s expert engineers work closely with boat owners and offer an extensive range of problem-solving products. For further information, visit www.dometic.com.

The pros and cons of living aboard

2011-09-12T15:54:14Z

What are the pros and cons of living aboard my boat?

Of course you’ve thought about living aboard your boat. Who hasn’t? Where do you feel most relaxed? Where do your kids forget to check their cell phone every five minutes? Where else do small, simple meals taste so wonderful? Right…it’s out on your boat.

There are, however, some things to consider:

1) The right vessel. You'll want a boat with enough room and comforts to make your decision to abandon land-living worth it. Smaller is cheaper, but once you’ve lived aboard a month or two, you may find it’s not much of a value. Sure, you’ve got a great view for your morning coffee, but if your living quarters are too tight, or the restroom facilities have your wife unnerved, you may not have given it the proper consideration. It’s a big lifestyle change to live on a boat. Spend the time to evaluate all your options. And don’t forget the most important thing. Talk to folks at your marina or club that already live aboard. Not only do they know the pitfalls and rewards, but they are always willing to share their story.

2) Understand the true costs. Living aboard can be an amazing lifestyle for the right folks. It can be much less expensive to live on your boat compared to a house, so it’s an attractive option for certain demographics like retirees, constant business travelers or folks who can “work anywhere.” But make sure you conservatively estimate your maintenance, applicable taxes, marina fees, eating out more often, insurance, depreciation, and other costs. Taking an honest assessment of your live aboard situation can mean the difference between a committed, enjoyable life on your boat and a short-lived fantasy.

3) Be willing to scale down. This is a big one for some people. Let’s say you’ve lived, worked and raised a family in a traditional single-family house for 30 or 40 years. You can accumulate a lot of “stuff” over that time. Unless you want to take on the burden of putting many of your worldly possessions in storage, you’re going to have to face the truth that you need to downsize significantly. Work with the 10-percent rule here: If your house is 3,000 square feet, plan on scaling down to 300 feet on your boat. It’s tough, but it can be done. Just be realistic while you’re planning.

Living aboard can be one an incredibly rewarding lifestyle. You will not find better neighbors, you will not have a better night’s sleep anywhere, and if you get tired of the view, you can always hoist your anchor and move along to the next port. Remember it’s a lifestyle that requires some thought and planning to make it work. But when it works, you’ll wonder how all those land-lubbers live on dirt.