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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.

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Safety at Sea

6 Safety Items to Include on Pleasure Craft

A well-prepared selection of safety equipment is certain to help in difficult situations.

Buoyancy Aid

Here are six of the most common items to keep on board the vessel:

Smoke alarm

A high-quality smoke alarm is designed to emit a LOUD noise which should be easily heard over other sounds on the boat, such as the engines. Also, a loud smoke detector is practical for alerting the offices at the boat yard should a fire break when the vessel is left unoccupied.

Fire extinguishers

A vessel should be installed with a sufficient number of fire extinguishers to match the type and size of vessel. Plus, boats with a cabin or cooking facilities can benefit from a fire blanket. An automatic fire extinguisher system is highly recommended in vessels with an enclosed engine space. A small fire extinguisher located by each cabin is a practical option. Plus, a carbon monoxide alarm is helpful for vessels with cookers or similar applications with flames.

Emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB)

An EPIRB is a radio transmitter that emits a signal on a specific channel in the event of emergencies or distress. Signals emitted from the radio beacon are recognized by satellites and these are effective at pinpointing the location of the signal. This information is then passed on to the rescue services.

An emergency position indicating radio beacon can be registered with the local coastguard service to make it easier to identify the boat in distress, while also giving information on contacts that are shore based.

Distress flares

An instantly recognizable signal of distress is the inshore or coastal flares. Distress flares should form part of any well-packed inventory of safety equipment.

First aid kit

A fully stocked first aid kit is likely to be the most common piece of safety equipment that is kept on board a vessel.

Life jackets and buoyancy aids

There are two types of personal floatation devices: Life jackets and buoyancy aids

A regular buoyancy aid is effective at keeping anyone in the water afloat and on the surface. It is a practical choice while involved in a sports activity or similar. However, this type of buoyancy aid isn’t helpful if the person is unconscious and their face is facing down.

The preferred choice for life safety is the life jacket which has built-in buoyancy to help turn a person so that they are facing up, which is a practical benefit for those knocked unconscious. A proper life jacket is critical in situations of abandoning ship or similar emergencies. Plus, an infant or child life jacket is available to ensure the right fit and support is given.

What to wear?

Buoyancy aid: Use the buoyancy aid when engaging in water sport activities like water skiing, canoeing, kayaking; windsurfing, riding a personal watercraft (PWC), or using a sailing dinghy.

Life jacket: A life jacket is the safety option when on a small open or power boat. A boat should have one life jacket for each person on board. Use a life jacket at all times for the non-swimmer when out on rivers, lakes, canals, or other open waters.

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Boating & Marine Accessories

6 Security Devices to Protect Your Boat

Marine crime can vary significantly and range from a stolen vessel to acts of vandalism.

Boat Alarm SystemA would-be intruder has the potential to attack hundreds of boats that are left unattended in marinas or boat yards up and down the country. Boats can be left unoccupied for 3-4 weeks in marinas and harbors or estuaries and rivers. Plus, most high-end electronics can easily be sold on.

Here are six of the most-effective security methods to help deter the would-be thief:

Alarm (Equipment)

A vessel is often left moored up with a wide range of vulnerable equipment left on the deck. This gear is mostly too big, dirty, or heavy to store elsewhere. An equipment alarm is possible with one of the high-tech perimeter systems which can be located around the equipment that is appealing to the would-be thief. A cable is easily connected to all relevant items and will emit a loud noise should it be cut or otherwise tampered with.

Boat alarm

Modern boat alarms range from high-end sophisticated models to basic systems. Alarms at the low-end of the scale are designed with a sensor to detect the opening of doors and hatches. A boat owner is alerted to any intrusion by a LOUD audible alarm that is installed within the vessel. A more high-tech system is built with an alarm that transmits a signal to a remote monitoring center to ensure security personnel are alerted as soon as possible. Alternatively, a boat alarm can connect to a CCTV system to enable remote monitoring of the boat from the office or home.

Doors and hatches

Boats with built in hatchways rely on a sliding hatch and drop-in boards to help with securing the vessel – although a padlock system is the most reliable. A more secure system relies on a rim lock or similar that is installed on the inside of the vessel. Plus, a vessel with sliding doors can be made more secure by installing the plunger type locks.

Outboard motor

Most of the small-size outboard motors are secured using screw clamps or similar which makes it possible for the boat owner to lift off and relocate elsewhere if required. This means of attaching to the transom is not theft resistant.

Outboard motor security is easily upgraded with a proprietary lock such as the stainless steel tubes that have a barrel lock at one end and slot to prevent the removal of the motor once mounted to the transom.

Wheel clamp

The most efficient method to secure a road trailer against theft is to attach a wheel clamp when left unattended. A further issue to factor in the purchase is the chosen wheel clamp is approved and accepted by the insurance company. A hitch lock and wheel clamp is the most effective method to protect the trailer against theft.

Windows

Even if the motor-driven or sail boat is fitted with reliable door locks the windows might let the security down, especially if installed with clips or similar light security. Upgrade clips that are easily forced with proper lockable systems.

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Boating & Marine Accessories

Must-Have Gear and Equipment for the Day Sailor

There are a variety of ways to enjoy a sailing adventure, from the offshore passages to the day sails, but certain things need to be in place to guarantee a fun and enjoyable trip.

Sailing KnivesA quality selection of essential sailing equipment and gear is certain to help the skipper and passengers on board, and might include:

Foul Weather Gear

If you are likely to experience foul weather on a sailing holiday it is worth investing in a high quality selection of foul weather gear, which should make certain you are kept warm and dry at all times. A quality selection of gear is certain to make a complete difference between having a miserable time and a great time where you can be kept dry and warm even in conditions of torrential rainfall.

Grab-Bag

A personal grab-bag is perfect with storing valuables such as a cell phone, visa, passport, keys, wallet, insurance documents (plus other important paperwork), and refill medications. A grab-and-go bag can be kept in a zip lock or dry bag to ensure the contents are kept safe and dry at all times.

Handheld light

A handheld light (or headband) is the perfect tool to illuminate the outside in low-light conditions. A preferred type of light is a white light that is high intensity with an option to include a red filtered light that toggles on and off. Red filters are appreciated for giving the option to maintain the night vision.

A headband light is a practical choice to keep the hands free while working at night, such as checking the sail trim, working in the engine space, and charting the navigation.

Knife

One quality knife on board a sail boat is certain to benefit the dinghy sailors and racers and acts as an item of personal safety equipment. Use the knife to cut ropes or other synthetic materials that are common on sailboats. Knives come in a wide range of styles and sizes, such as the simple units to those with LED lights built-in.

Lifejacket or Personal Flotation Device

If you really want to make certain that you are safe at all times on a boating holiday, a quality set of PFDs should be in attendance for all those that are on board the vessel. Many of the modern life jackets are quite unobtrusive and comfortable, which should ensure you aren’t left wearing something that is overly bulky and uncomfortable for a considerable period of time. A quality PFD is likely to be equipped with comfortable mesh padding and an ability to inflate automatically in those times of difficulties.

Sailing Gloves

A specialized pair of sailing gloves is certain to help with improving the grip when it comes to hauling the lines. If you are likely to be involved in handling the sailing boat, a quality pair of sailing gloves is certain to be a wise investment. Many of these gloves feature cutoff fingers and padded palms, which is able to provide a great balance between flexibility and comfort.

Categories
Safety at Sea

What to Expect With the First Sailing Lesson

Even though it is possible for the sailor to self-tutor using a boat and a book, the more effective option is likely to relate to attending an official sailing school.

Sailing Lesson

There is a varied range of sailing schools that offer many opportunities to learn the beginner to advanced skills for helming a sailboat. A learn to sail vacation is certain to be enjoyed by those that want to experience a practical sailing vacation.

The right way to learn

An essential aspect of learning to sail is to learn it the right way. Safe operation of a sailboat goes far beyond putting on a life-jacket. A more advanced aspect relates to learning the movement of the wind and waves. If planning to sail on the open waters, it is critical to have at least a basic understanding of the unpredictable nature of the conditions. Gaining the proper skill and knowledge is certain to help handle the conditions more effectively and efficiently.

Classroom setting

In the early lessons most of the sailing schools – commercial, community, or yacht club – are likely to start with a classroom setting. Prior to stepping on board a vessel for practical lessons, you really need to have a full appreciation of what to expect and experience. A classroom might be a pier or beach instead of a regular room, but you are still getting the same fundamental learning advice and guidance.

Starting out, a student is likely to be instructed on the basics, like marine terminology and parts of the sailing boat, since this is certain to be different from our day-to-day language. A need to have sailboat literacy is highly beneficial if you want a good understanding of what the instructor is communicating once the practical lessons start.

Learn the fundamentals of boating

It also helps the student to have a fundamental understanding of how the boat operates, such as how the sails and hull harnesses the wind. In many situations it is likely to be easier to explain these types of issues ashore with the help of pictures, drawings, and model boats.

Begin with the practical tuition

Once the practical tuition starts, a motivated individual that is able to receive intensive training over a two or three day period is certain to be able to rig a small sailboat, launch from the beach or dock, and experience an incident-free sailing trip for a number of hours. On return, and they will also be able to go through the motions of unrigging and laying up the vessel.

With the basics of sailing leant, a sailor is soon able to advance to sail single-handed with the larger sized day sailing boats in local waterfront towns or for hiring a charter vessel in a more exotic destination for a sailing holiday.

Get familiar with the boat

Spend a lot of time with a sailboat to become familiar with handling. Get to the point of becoming familiar with the different movements made by the boat. Over time the actions made in the boat will start to become second nature and this makes it easier to understand the effects of wind and waves.

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Boating & Marine Accessories

5 Tips to Choosing Dock and Mooring Lines

Choosing a mooring line involves a variety of issues, such as the rope’s length, diameter size, and material.

Polyester Mooring LineEnsuring the proper mooring line is in place is critical to protecting the vessel on its mooring and keeping it safe when unattended.

1 – Abrasion potential

Deterioration of the mooring line can result from within the rope or external factors. A preferred type of mooring line is the single braid rope because it is simple to inspect for signs of internal defects. A significant issue with choosing a mooring rope is to get the right material that doesn’t degrade over time. A rope that has high abrasion properties is certain to be the nylon line.

2 – Construction

A mooring line can come with a braided or single-strand design. A strong and resilient line is the braided type, but this rope is more difficult of the two to repair. Plus, certain ropes are given jackets to up the all-round strength. These jackets are effective at protecting against abrasion – although they still aren’t able to withstand a high amount of chafing.

A jacketed rope is more difficult to repair. A positive of the non-jacketed lines is the ease in inspecting and repairing if necessary. Ease in repair and maintenance is certain to be a critical factor when deciding on the right type of mooring line.

3 – Diameter size

Boat length has a significant impact on the diameter of the mooring rope. A vessel not exceeding 25-ft is safely moored with a line at 3/8 inch, a vessel up to 45-ft will benefit from a 5/8 inch line, while a vessel in the region of 65-ft is certain to favor a 7/8 inch line.

Also, as the diameter of the mooring line increases the stretchiness starts to reduce. Use the proper diameter size to match the boat to increase the overall control provided, and not to just go with the biggest rope possible.

4 – Length

A mooring line is best sized at a length that offers enough space to pass over the mooring cleat to hold the motor-driven or sail boat to the dockside. A rope that is excessive in length can leave the boat less than secure and this means more risk.

5 – Material

A mooring line is made from several different types of materials. Each type has different characteristics which need to be carefully considered to match the specific use or application.

Common materials include:

  • Polyester – A strong material that gives minimal stretch, isn’t able to float, and resistant to sunlight.
  • Nylon – A nylon rope is cost-effective, resists long-term exposure to the sun, very stretchy, and very strong.
  • Polypropylene – A low-quality option which is very inexpensive, but unable to withstand sunlight for long periods and has a low breaking point.

The positives and negatives of each of the rope’s materials should be carefully considered. For instance, a stretchy and strong rope is in nylon, which is usually the most favored choice in the market. The second most popular is mooring lines in polyester. Because of the low-break point of the polypropylene rope this isn’t the most practical choice to use on a mooring.