Tuesday, November 08, 2011
#
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.
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.
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.
Friday, September 23, 2011
#
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.
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
.jpg)
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.
At the end of a glorious boating season, few owners want to think about preparing their boats for the winter, least of all the 
on-board systems, which are commonly forgotten. Although your air conditioning system becomes useless while your yacht is in the boat yard, not preparing it for the cold months ahead can cause problems or make a small issue a major concern when the warm months return – delaying your return to the water next year. To avoid lengthy summer preparation, be sure to perform vital maintenance during the fall.
Specifically designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the marine environment, self-contained air conditioning systems are commonly used on yachts of 30ft to 65ft, providing cooling, heating and de-humidifying capabilities within a compact and easy-to-install unit. Carrying out a few simple maintenance tasks prior to storing your boat for the cold months can go a long way in maximizing performance and longevity of the system and preventing A/C failure.
Clean
With self-contained A/C systems, a seawater pump circulates raw ocean water through the unit which can often pull in debris such as mud, seaweed, barnacles and plastic bags. Most materials are captured in the mesh basket of the seawater strainer (which should be checked daily or weekly during boating season), but microscopic organisms can get into the seawater cooling system. If left during the winter, seawater organisms can die off inside the unit, causing unpleasant smells and blockages. When the system is operational such blockages will inhibit sufficient water flow and prevent the unit from cooling, so debris must be removed before the boat is stored. This can be achieved by using lots of fresh water and high pressure to loosen debris and clean the strainer and cooling system. 
Drain
One of the most common causes of A/C system failure is damage caused by water that has frozen and expanded over the winter. Therefore it is essential to drain the system thoroughly, including the pump and hose. Before draining, run fresh water through the unit for 5-10 minutes to wash away any remaining salt. If the boat is kept in the water for the winter, you should close the seacock attached to the water in-take hose.
Protect
There is always a chance that some residual water remains in the system, so to avoid freezing, you should run a little biodegradable antifreeze through the unit. Use a 50/50 nonpolluting biodegradable antifreeze/water solution. Any method that causes the antifreeze solution to flow downward is the method of choice. By this means, the antifreeze solution displaces any trapped water and eliminates the possibility of it freezing in hidden areas.Pump antifreeze solution into the overboard thru-hull fitting, and discharge through the intake thru-hull fitting.
Another winterization option is to use pressurized air to expel any trapped water from the system. You can either inject it at the seawater intake fitting to force system water through the seawater overboard discharge fitting, or use pressurized air injected at the overboard discharge fitting to force system water through the seawater intake fitting.In addition, since the seawater pump utilizes a magnetically driven impeller, remove the impeller from the wet-end assembly, wipe with an alcohol solution, and store in a warm, dry area until commissioning takes place.
Of course, if you ever come across a more serious problem with your air conditioning when winterizing your boat or when it comes to putting it back in the water, seek advice from your air conditioning system’s manufacturer.
If there’s one piece of safety equipment on your boat that rivals a life jacket in terms of being valuable for you (and your
guests) in an emergency, it’s your VHF marine radio (either handheld or fixed-mount). When you’re out of cell phone service coverage (or the battery’s dead or you left it on your charger at home), your VHF radio can summon the help you need in the case of an accident. Certain frequencies, such as channels 9 and 16, are monitored by the Coast Guard (or other boating law enforcement agency) and, when used properly, a marine radio can be an effective way to communicate with other vessels, along with harbormasters and marinas, for various reasons.
It’s important to respect the etiquette for using a VHF radio to make sure your messages are clearly understood and a proper response can be put into effect. Here are some key points to remember when using your marine radio.
• Although recreational power boats under 65 feet in length are not required to have a marine radio on board, it’s really a good idea to have one whenever you go out. Fixed-mount radios are just that, fixed to the helm like your CD player. Handhelds can be stowed out of the way, but always know where it is. Emergencies can happen quickly, whether it’s you or another vessel.
• When your radio is on but not transmitting, keep it on Channel 16. You are required to come to the aid of other vessels and Channel 16 is used for hailing other boaters. You can switch to another agreed-upon channel after contact is made. This channel is also used for weather alerts and reports of hazards to navigation.
• Don’t ever say “mayday” unless you have a real emergency that threatens someone’s life or puts property in danger. Other boaters and the Coast Guard will converge on a mayday distress call, and you will not be popular if a child or crewmember is goofing around with the radio. Mayday is a 911 call on the water. Make everyone on board knows the rules. If you do have a legitimate mayday call, say it three times, followed by your location and your situation.
• Conduct radio checks on Channel 9, not Channel 16. Tune to Channel 9, press the microphone button and announce: “Radio check on Channel 9, radio check on Channel 9.” Follow that with your boat’s name and location. Other boaters will respond with something like: “Radio check loud and clear” then announce their vessel name and location. Conclude the transmission with: “Radio check thank you, over and out.” This lets both vessels know their radios are working properly and that the conversation is over.
• Don’t use bad language or broadcast anything besides clear, easy-to-understand requests or instructions. For that reason, make sure you supervise use by children and anyone not familiar with the rules.
• VHF radios work like walkie-talkies, not telephones. For that reason, only one person can talk at a time. You press the button, send your message (boat name, radio channel, location, and “over”), release the button and wait for a response. Remember that others may be trying to use the channel as well, so make sure you listen first and make sure they are finished before starting your transmission.
• Because of the technology and the less-than-perfect conditions VHF radios are often used, remember that it’s often hard to understand numbers and certain letters. When stating numbers, say each number individually. If you’re at channel marker 316, say “three-one-six” instead of “three-sixteen.” Also, there’s a reason the phonetic alphabet has been around a long time. It works. Study up! Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, Echo, Foxtrot, Golf, Hotel, India, Juliet, Kilo, Lima, Mike, November, Oscar, Papa, Quebec, Romeo, Sierra, Tango, Uniform, Victor, Whiskey, X-ray, Yankee, Zulu
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.
Monday, September 12, 2011
#
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.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
#
As Labor Day weekend approaches, it is important to be aware of safety on the water, especially if traveling on a vacation for the long weekend. Recreational boaters are flocking to local waterways to beat the heat. Stay safe with these tips form ACE Recreational Marine Insurance!