Author: Arran James

Categories
Boating & Marine Accessories

4 Steps Involved in Choosing a Compass

A magnetic compass is a critical piece of boating equipment. A properly installed compass can help to give a real-time reading on the direction headed.

Boat CompassGoing with the right compass for a motor-driven or sail boat can be a difficult process because of the wide-ranging choices in the market. Plus, this type of instrument should be seen as a must-have item of safety gear.

Here are four of the major issues to consider in the process of installing and adjusting the right compass:

Brand

A high-end compass should come from a reputable and established manufacturer. The best compasses rely on the latest engineering methods to ensure a dependable and accurate reading is possible at all times.

Mount Type

A compass is installed using one of several different types of mount systems. A preferred mount technique will relate to the set-up of the specific boat – which mostly relates to the space and layout of the piloting area. Common mount types include:

  • Bracket (easy to mount to the deck or dash area)
  • Flush (a space-saving option with its ability to recede into the dash)
  • Surface (similar in design to the flash unit, but rests on the surface of the dash area)
  • Dash (easy to mount in a vertical position)
  • Bulkhead (a practical choice to save space or avoid issues with interference)
  • Binnacle (comes complete with case and light-protecting lib)

Dial Type

  • Direct read – An easy to read dial like that direct read is intended to be read when in front and close to the eye level.
  • Flat card – A flat card dial makes it easy to read a compass that is flat on a deck or similar area.
  • Combi dial – A combi dial is a versatile option and makes it possible to read the compass in both a flat card and direct read, so able to permit reading of dial at any angle.

Size

The size of compass dials can vary quite significantly from about 2 to 6 inches in diameter. Compass size is likely to match the size of the vessel and length of voyage. If planning to travel at greater distances, it benefits to have a large compass that is easy to read at regular intervals.

Compass size guidelines:

  • Motor-driven boat < 16-ft = 2 inch dial
  • Motor-driven boat < 20-ft = 2.25 inch dial
  • Motor-driven boat and Sail boat < 24-ft = 2.75 inch dial
  • Motor-driven boat and Sail boat < 28-ft = 3 inch dial
  • Motor-driven boat and Sail boat 25 to 34-ft = 3.75 inch dial
  • Motor-driven boat and Sail boat 29 to 42-ft = 4.5 inch dial
  • Motor-driven boat and Sail boat > 30-ft = 5-6 inch dial

Maintenance and Protection

A compass should be protected from long spells of exposure to direct sunlight when out of commission. Use the protective cover if applicable, to help minimize these issues. Also, to avoid issues with interference make sure to create a safe, non-magnetic environment that will not be disturbed by steel or iron items within close proximity.

Categories
Go Boating

11 Boating Apps to Help Get There And Back Again

It is really amazing the number of helpful apps that are now available for the Android and iOS platforms.

Boating Apps

Here is a selection of some of the high-quality yachting, boating, and sailing apps sold for the mobile devices-

Navigation, Charts, and Maps

One of the most essential applications to download to the iPhone is likely to relate to the charts and maps for helping to navigate the open waters. They are likely to be highly desirable if you are doing a bareboat charter.

  • Navionics Nautical Charts: An app with the ability to include nautical maps worldwide (US Coasts, Mediterranean, Europe) is likely to be highly desirable, and works perfectly if you are able to download to a larger screen device, like tablets or iPad.
  • Boat Beacon: If you want to remain fully aware of boats that might be in your local area, using the Boat Beacon app is certain to help with avoiding collisions. Its collision detection capabilities are designed to detect other boats within a radius of 60 miles.
  • Anchor Alert: A simple yet effective app to give an alert in the event the anchor is being dragged.
  • Flashlight: A simple app like the Flashlight is intended to give a high-intensity light that is great for working in low-light conditions such as reading the serial number on boat equipment or supplies. Plus, this app can double up and provide SOS and strobe lighting as well.
  • Windbuoy: This app will give reliable notifications of water and air temperature, wave heights and periods, wind speeds, gusts, and direction that are sourced from a high number of NOAA buoys.
  • Cheap Gas Plus: A great idea for the trailable boats. This app is designed to help identify a cheap gas station en route to the planned cruising waters.

Tides and Weather

In an attempt to guarantee a safer sailing trip, an app programmed to monitor the tides, currents, and weather is likely to be highly desirable. If you want to keep constantly up-to-date with the local conditions, using the right app means this information is always just seconds away.

  • AyeTides: An ability to read the currents and tides in almost any port is likely to be highly desirable for increased safety in mooring up in one of the ports worldwide.
  • NavClock: A quick and easy reference to same important information is possible with the Nav Clock app. This application is designed to indicate with large graphics the location, weather, time, and date.
  • WeatherAlert: A basic app that is designed to give an instant notification of weather issues in the local area.
  • YachtWeather: If you are planning on hiring a boat for the day, a slick weather app like the YachtWeather offers wide-ranging information, including humidity, rainfall risk, storm risk, wave period, wavelength, wave height, wind speed and direction, and temperature. Data is updated at regular intervals to make certain you always have the most up-to-date information.
  • Emergency Distress Beacon: Emits a call of distress (and provide location) to someone that can provide assistance or alert the authorities.

Categories
Boat & PWC Rental

Charting the Right Boat for a Vacation

One of the first steps that need to be taken in the process of deciding on the type of sailing vacation is to match the circumstances to know more about the available sailing options, including the services provided and the types of boats available.

Boat Vacation

Depending on the specific requirements, a sailing adventure is likely to be that much more enjoyable if able to make the right choices in relation to the type of boat hired; Sailing, Motorboat or Catamaran. The size of the vessel is likely to relate to the group budget and the number of people on board. Even if you are very limited in relation to practical sailing experience, a yacht can be chartered with a full time skipper on board who can take complete control of the navigating, while you are left to completely relax and enjoy the experience.

Choices of boat include:

Catamaran

A highly popular choice for the sailing holidays, a multi-hull like the catamaran is available to hire in a wide range of sizes and shapes from the large size cruising boats to be much smaller and easier to manage boats. A catamaran is likely to offer a very exhilarating and fast sailing experience. Many of the catamarans are likely to require at least two experienced sailors on board to manage and navigate them.

Keelboat

A keelboat is certain to be able to offer a very smooth and pleasant experience on a sailing holiday. A charter sailing boat is available in a wide range of sizes and configurations to make certain you are always able to hire the most appropriate type of boat to match the needs. They are very comfortable to sail by a skipper and one or more crew and likely to feature a range of comforts including the bathroom (head), toilet, kitchen (galley) area, and sufficient beds (bunks).

Motorboat

If you’re searching for a charter boat able to offer easy handling and higher speed performance, a motorized boat is certain to be the more desirable option. A motorboat offers a perfect opportunity to explore the local coastal waters at home or in an exotic destination and able to offer a variety of comforts for a day trip.

Canal Boat

A memorable journey is certain to be had on the fabulous rivers and canals throughout continental Europe, UK, and Ireland. A canal boat is among the easiest to control, while also being cost-effective, self-contained, and comfortable. It is a very versatile option and perfect for singles to groups and honeymoons to families. A high-end canal boat can be luxurious inside and come complete with a fully fitted galley, air conditioning, central heating, satellite navigation, comfortable cabins, and similar comforts expected at home.

Sport Fishing Yacht

A purpose-make sports fishing yacht is certain to make it possible to enjoy the unrivaled thrills that come with the epic battles against the ocean fish. A specially equipped boat will make it easy to get to the best fishing sites fast and outfitted with the proper supplies (bait, lures, line, reels, rods, etc.)

Categories
Fishing

11 Must-Have Items to Include In Fishing Tackle Box

The contents of the tackle box will vary in relation to the type of fishing, but it helps to be prepared with the proper stuff to make the fishing better and easier.

Fishing Lures and Tackle BoxA tackle box checklist should consist of items like extra fishing line, sinkers, scales, insect repellent, sharp knife, needlenose pliers, hooks, swivels, floaters, sunscreen, and leaders.

Here are eleven of the useful tools that feature in a well-prepared fishing tackle box:

1 – Adjustable Wrench

An adjustable wrench is a practical tool to add to the tackle box and comes in handy for tightening bolts to opening reel covers.

2 – First-Aid Kit

A complete first-aid kit is certain to be an instant remedy for treating minor injuries when out on the water. Plus, include aspirin or similar over-the-counter medication to help treat headaches, aches, or pains. Also, include other regular medication that is needed for the general health.

3 – File

A reliable file will help with sharpening the knife and keeping hooks sharp. The most promising files are the triangle or flat models. Alternatively, a whetstone can be kept in the tackle box to offer a similar function, although the file is more lightweight and versatile.

4 – Flashlight

A flashlight is a versatile tool and helps in a variety of situations including signaling for help.

5 – Kitchen towel

A roll of kitchen towel or similar is certain to help with wiping up sunscreen to starting a fire. A Ziploc bag is a perfect place to keep the supplies that should be kept free of moisture.

6 – Knife

A knife in stainless steel is certain to offer long-term performance and less likely to rust in the damp environment. Sharp knives are useful in a variety of applications, from cutting fishing line, opening tins, cutting bait, etc. A multi-function knife can also come with a scaling blade.

7 – Lighter

A simple lighter can offer a versatile tool in a variety of situations where heat can benefit. It can be used to repair damage to plastic worms to melting the tips of nylon rope to avoid issues with fraying.

8 – Lures

A tackle box is never complete without a varied selection of lures. Make sure to pack the lures to match the type of fishing and species to ensure the activity is more productive. Plus, include a lure dye to help instantly change the color of the fish bait in seconds.

9 – Nail Clippers

A pair of nail clippers is perfect for clipping fishing line.

10 – Needlenose Pliers

Use a set of needlenose pliers to help remove hooks from the captured fish. Most of these pliers have cutters to help with clipping the line. Plus, these versatile tools can also help with crimp leaders, mash splitshot, and similar other duties.

11 – Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a must for those fishermen that will be exposed to strong sunlight for long periods of time while out fishing. Repeat applications are necessary to put back on what is lost as you sweat throughout the day.

Categories
Go Boating

Bayliner Boats: Inexpensive Runabouts to High-End Cruisers

Bayliner manufactures a series of well-made power boats for families which range in length from 16 to 33 ft. Bayliner boats were established 1957, and has produced popular cruising, fishing, and water sports boats for the newly initiated to the experienced boater. Plus, these boats are very easy to drive and set-up.

Bayliner Deckboat

Most of the models include a forward-beam design which makes it easy to move about the cockpit, bow, and cabin. Also, a generous amount of storage space is provided to avoid issues with a cluttered boat.

By investing in a Bayliner you will have a high-quality vessel that comes at a very affordable price and is certain to give multiple seasons of on water activity.

Here are the some of the featured models

Bayliner Element boats

The series of Bayliner Element boats is perfect for the person or family that is just starting out with this water-based activity. Boating is completely in reach for those searching a performance packed recreational watercraft. Popular characteristics include class leading safety features, high-quality stability, and automotive-style handling. Plus, these vessels come at quite affordable prices.

Bayliner Sport Boats

Bayliner design and make several different sport boat models that are perfect for day trips and fully outfitted for fishing and water sport activities. This series of runabouts consists of 10 models that range in the region of 16 to 23 ft in length. The Flight series is certain to help entertain those interested in water sports, while the Ski & Fish models are sure to delight the fishing enthusiasts.

Bayliner Deck Boats

A relaxing time on the lakes is certain to be experienced on the Bayliner deck boats which are spacious enough to easily fit a number of friends and family members. Plus, these deck boats come with a wide range of amenities to ensure the desired comfort is provided while out on the water.

Bayliner Cuddy Boats

A Bayliner Cuddy provides the versatility of a Bowrider with great storage space, power, and ability to accept two people in its cabin. The power boats in this series are 21.4 and 24.6 ft in length and built for entertaining, lounging, and cruising in open waters. The cabin V-berth is fitted out with a wide range of amenities such as a removable Porta Potti, transom shower, and foldaway faucet, which can make the boats great for the occasional overnight trip or weekend getaway.

Bayliner Cruisers

At the high-end of the market is the series of Bayliner cruisers at 25 to 33 ft in length. These are built with a private head, spacious galley, well-equipped sleeping quarters, and a very bright internal space. A generous cockpit area makes it very comfortable to control the cruiser. Even though these vessels are powerful and provide great storage, they are still within the affordable range. The larger models are configured with the joystick maneuvering system for complete ease in handling, as well as twin Sterndrive engines. There is no restriction on the type of cruise to enjoy, so go ahead and explore the wide-ranging opportunities at sea.

Categories
General Boating

How to Protect the Rental Boat from Theft

Being pro-active in relation to theft prevention is certain to be highly beneficial when it comes to hiring a high-end sail or motor-driven boat for the boating vacations.

Boat Trailer Lock

Here are some of the basic steps that can be taken to prevent theft:

Keys

Remember to be careful with the keys. A simple step that can be taken to avoid a potential threat is to be very careful with the keys and to make certain they are never left in the ignition slot when the vessel is unattended or not in use.

Lay-up

Secure the vessel in the most appropriate way. Whether the boat is on land or on the water there is a wide range of steps that can be taken to avoid theft.

Hitch Lock

If on land and the vessel is a trailer sailor, a high-strength hitch lock is certain to be ideal for giving the ideal level of protection for the short periods that the boat and trailer are left unattended. Although, if planning on leaving a trailerable boat for a significant period of time, you might want to look at removing one or two of the wheels from the trailer and securing the frame to an unmovable object with a heavy duty chain.

Secure Equipment

If you are mooring up in a quiet and secluded spot, you always want to make certain all items of equipment are safely on board. A tender dinghy for instance is often a target for theft, you really want to make certain that this item is stowed on board if possible or secured with a padlock and chain to the main vessel.

Marine Berth

If a boat is likely to be moored in a marina, choose a safe destination which is able to offer the ideal lighting and security. A full-time security service is likely to be most beneficial to guarantee the safety of the charter vessel.

Personal Items

Avoid leaving personal items, like the fishing equipment or portable electronics, on board the vessel when it isn’t in actual use. If you aren’t easily able to remove these items to a safer location, you should at least make certain that they are all concealed inside the cabin out-of-sight.

Anti-theft alarm and/or tracking system

A high-tech anti-theft alarm or tracking system installed is certain to make a motor-driven boat, sail boat, or PWC less attractive to attempt to steal.

Cabin Locks

A vessel can be made more secure by the rental company such as replacing the standard spring-latch locks with a more efficient deadbolt-type lock assembly.

Regular checkups

If planning to leave the boat unattended whilst ashore sight-seeing it can benefit to check on the boat at regular intervals to ensure it is safe.

In summary

A would-be thief will strike as soon as an easy opportunity is detected. By taking simple precautions it is possible to avoid theft of the boat or equipment. Make sure the proper preventative measures are taken to increase the time it would take to gain access and remove the boat from the mooring or place of storage.

Categories
Go Boating

Use the Proper Lay-up Techniques for a Sail Boat

Nothing is likely to cause more long-term damage to a sailing boat than neglect.

Sail Boat in Action

If the proper lay-up techniques aren’t put into practice for the duration of the off-season, a boat is certain to notice the ill effects. A significant aspect of preparing a boat for the lay-up is to avoid potential damage from freezing conditions. Liquids or fluids need to be protected or removed. Anything that might be damaged by poor weather needs to be removed from the vessel.

Preparing a checklist

If you really want to make certain that you are properly prepared for winterizing a vessel an in-depth checklist is certain to help with completing the ideal steps. By writing out a complete checklist of things to do at the season end, this should ensure a vessel is more likely to be in a high state of repair when spring next arrives.

Winter lay-up responsibilities include:

Empty lockers

A simple step is to clear lockers of can, bottles, and perishables or similar such items that don’t need the left on board the sailing boat.

Pump out the tanks

In an attempt to avoid the freezing liquids, it will be highly beneficial if you are able to drain the water heater, pump out the holding tank, and empty all freshwater tanks.

Remove sails and rigging

If the sails, rigging, and canvas are less exposed to the winter conditions – whether this might be furled or folders – it is certain to shorten the overall lifespan of these items.

Use lubrication on the furling system

A good time to lubricate the furling system is at the season’s end.

Remove the electronic equipment

If you are able to remove electronics and navigational equipment (VHF radios, radar displays, chart plotters, fish finders, etc.) from the vessel and store them in a safe and protected location for the winter period this is certain to prolong the overall usable lifespan. A further reason to take the electronics off the sailing boat is to protect against theft. Plus, make sure to wrap loose connectors or cable ends with high-quality electrical tape.

Also ensure other boat related equipment (ski ropes, fenders, flares, fire extinguishers, dock lines, life jackets, etc.) is protected throughout the off-season. Protect all gear on board that might be subjected to moisture and dirt.

Place marine batteries in a safe area like a workbench or similar that isn’t on the ground. Give the battery terminals and cables a clean and light coat of good quality grease.

Secure the trailer

If planning to winterize the boat on its trailer make sure to prevent the possibility of theft by blocking up the axles on the trailer. Plus, removing the tires during the lay-up is certain to help minimize the chance of flat spots appearing after a long period of resting in one position.

Fight against moisture

Avoid problems with a build up of moisture in the bilges by ensuring this area is free of oil, dirt, or standing water. This inspection should also apply to the storage areas, fish holds, livewells, drawers, or other similar lockers.

Categories
General Boating

Different Types of Sailing Boats

A sailboat differs from most other classes of boat due to the fact they are driven entirely or partially by wind.

Sailing Boat in Sea

Sailing boats use one or more sails to help with converting the energy from the wind into the necessary force to push the vessel through the sea. A sailboat can vary quite significantly, with each of the different classes offering their own characteristics, like those relating to use, number of sails, keel type, hull configuration, and size.

Here are some of the main types of sailing boats:

Sloop

A sloop is a single-mast vessel (with one or two sails) and likely to be the most favored of the types of sailing rig. It is able to optimize upwind sailing and includes a spinnaker if sailing downwind.

Ketch

A ketch is outfitted with two masts which are rigged fore-and-aft and includes a shortened mizzen and larger mainmast. If a sailing vessel includes two masts it is referred to as a yawl or a ketch. A typical ketch is laid out with a main mast ahead of the rudder. A ketch isn’t likely to be ideal for the absolute beginner since they are often a handful to maneuver.

Yawl

Similar in design to the ketch, a yawl sailing vessel is outfitted with a fore-and-aft rigging set up with the two masts, but is equipped with a small sized jigger rather than the mizzen mast, which is located closer to the rear. A very distinctive vessel in appearance and likely to use just a mizzenmast and storm jib in gale force winds.

Schooner

A schooner is likely to have two or more masts with fore-and-aft rigged sails, with the front mast almost similar in size to the others, although a schooner can be rigged in several different ways. A yawl and ketch is both equipped with two masts, but with the smallest of the masts located at the rear, whereas with the schooner the smaller mast is more likely to be at the front.

Cutters

The cutters are built with rigs that include an extra sail referred to as a staysail which is positioned between the headsail and the mast. A cutter rigged sailing boat isn’t classed as a Bermudan sloop, but will instead get the name of a cutter-rigged sloop.

Cutters are designed with the foresail set in a position at the front on a bowsprit while the forestay is mounted aft of the foredeck or to the stem-head in place of the foresail

Gaffers

A gaffed rigged sailboat (also referred to as gaffers) is rarely witnessed on the latest yachts on the market. The mainsail on the gaffer gets its supported from a spar. The majority of the gaffed-rigged sailboats come with a topsail style of rigging which is a practical choice in lighter airs. This type of rigging setup is quite expensive, which is a reason that few of the latest sailboats include the gaff rigs.

Categories
Go Boating

15 Sailing Terms for Beginners

Whether a complete novice or an experienced sailor, it is highly beneficial to have knowledge of the many sailing terms used in the day-to-day operation of a boat.

Sailing TermsBy having a fundamental grasp of the vocabulary used in sailing it will be that much easier to learn the different components of a boat and the relevant maneuvers. A sailor who is able to relay the right sailing terminology is certain to be that much more confident when it concerns conveying the right information and safely guiding a vessel.

Here are 15 useful sailing terms for the beginners:

  • Aft: aft relates to the rearmost region of a sailing boat.
  • Ballast: ballast is vital in sailboats to help weigh down or steady the boat to compensate for the lateral force of the sails. A sailboat with insufficient ballast is likely to heel or tip significantly in high winds.
  • Bilge: the bilge relates to the lowest and rounded region of the sailing boat, so forms the area between the sides and bottom of the hull.
  • Boom: the boom is designed to attach to the mast in a certain position to help with holding the foot or bottom of the mainsail.
  • Capsize: a boat that overturns is referred to as capsized.
  • Centerboard: a sector of the boat that is mounted to the bottom section of the vessel and helps with balancing and preventing the boat from drifting.
  • Helm: the helm relates to the equipment for steering the sailing boat, or an able skipper who is able to control such apparatus.
  • Keel: the keel is a structure of the hull which sticks down into the sea from the bottom region of a sailing boat, and helps with balance and avoids rolling.
  • Leeway: leeway relates to the drift or movement that is experienced by a sailing boat due to the wind or current.
  • Luffing: this is a term that relates to a sail that isn’t yet set and isn’t in a taught position and continues to move in the wind
  • Mast: the mast is there it help with supporting the mainsail. It is kept in a vertical position to the boat hull.
  • Rudder: the rudder is a suitably sized piece of plastic, metal, or wood which is mounted to a sailing boat to help with steering or turning the vessel. It helps with changing direction by altering the direction in which water or air pushes past a boat.
  • Seaworthy: relates to the condition of a vessel and ensures it is in a safe state to operate.
  • Starboard: relates to the right-side of a sailing boat (the opposite side of the boat is known as port).
  • Wake: a boats wake relates to the water mark that follows behind a faster moving vessel like a speed or a motorboat.

Categories
Boat & PWC Rental

When Is It Necessary To Hire A Professional Skipper?

If you are looking at going on a sailing vacation there might occasions where it is necessary to hire the services of a professional skipper and crew.

Boat CharterIf a charter company isn’t willing to accept the details supplied relating to your competence as a skipper, the only alternative to hiring a sailing charter is to use the services of a local skipper.

Why hire a professional skipper?

In order to successfully charter a sailing boat it is a requirement for the skipper to clearly illustrate (provide relevant certificates) that they have the competence to handle the rental boat. Also, in certain countries such as Greece it is generally a requirement that at least two qualified people are on board. If you’re in a situation where you aren’t able to supply any official certificates of sailing competence issued in your own country, it might be possible to provide alternative documentation, like a written reference from a local sailing club where you are a member. Beyond just the sailing certificates, some of the charter companies might also require a full sailing CV to illustrate your sailing experience in the last five years.

A charter company is always likely to insist that a professional skipper is hired for the duration of a charter when they deem the existing sailing skills aren’t adequate for the type and class of the vessel being hired.

Enjoying a relaxed boating experience

Elsewhere, in many situations it can be quite common for the qualified skipper to rely on the services of the professionals in order to create a more relaxed and carefree sailing holiday. A further quality to relying on the hired skipper is that they are more familiar with the local customs and unique places to explore.

What are the likely costs involved?

Many of the hire companies are able to steer you in the right direction to hiring the services of the qualified professional skipper to match the specific period and that you will require the services. If planning on hiring a skipper it will be necessary to work this into the budget since their services can be quite expensive on an extended break. They might cost in the region of $125 to $150 per day for a sailing holiday in the Mediterranean for instance.

What to take on a sailing adventure

When going on a short break on a motor-driven or sail boat, make sure to pack the essentials like medications, towels, personal hygiene, clothes, etc. Plus, a high-quality selection of waterproof jackets and clothing should be included in episodes of bad weather. Also, the shoes worn on board should be appropriate for the type of boat. A well-planned assortment of food and drink is also a must-have to have on the boat.

Where will the skipper sleep and do I cover the costs of food or similar expenses

Most vessels that require the services of a professional skipper have a cabin available to rest when not laid-up or moored for the evening. Plus, the cost of food or similar expenses should is usually covered by the person that has hired the boat.