Category Archives: boating safety

Boat Compass

Posted on by

Boat Compass

Boat Compass? Who needs one. I realize most people like the new GPS systems for navigation. However, I also want a compass. Here are a few tips on how to choose the right compass (besides getting one as a gift.  Hint, hint!) and decide where to place it.

Many people opt for GPS navigation and neglect the old reliable compass navigation systems.  The GPS can be simpler to use and often more accurate for the novice, but a good reliable compass is almost a necessity in my mind.  I have had GPS screens fail, database corrupt and numerous other problems.  While reliability is very high on the new electronics I always like a backup system, especially if I am going on a long trip with little service available.

What kind of Compass?

Many companies manufacture compass units.  One is ComNav Marine (www.comnavmarine.com).  They offer numerous models of compasses and autopilot systems that couple to the compass.

compass

Their recommendations come from four basic questions;

What kind of boat is the compass going to be used on?

Sailboats and powerboats have different damping characteristics and heeling angle limits.  These differences require a different design in the compass to compensate for those limits.

What size is the boat?

ComNav states that “the further the compass will be from the helmsman, the larger the compass you should have.  If your boat is greater than 8 meters (approximately 26 feet), consider a 100 Series or larger capsule”.  Lets note here that ComNav compass models are named for the apparent size of the compass card.  For example, the compass card on a 70 Series compass has an apparent size of 70 mm (2 3/4 “) while the 125 Series has an apparent size of 125 mm (4.9”). ComNav says “apparent” size since the dome and fluid inside the compass magnify the actual card size.

Where will the compass be mounted? 

Compass manufacturers do a very good job of designing compasses to be mounted in almost any location or position.  Typical mounting styles include: bulkhead, flush-mount and bracket-mount. The biggest mounting concerns are to make sure you can easily see the compass and to keep it away from things that could effect its operation (anything that creates magnetic fields or iron.)

What kind of compensators do you need?

The more steel in the boat (steel hulls) the more important compensators will be.  ComNav recommends the use of “compensators for all compass applications where the compass will be used for navigation”. They also offer a reminder that “the distance to the source of interference is more critical than the strength of it”.

 

 

 

 

Boat winter checklist

Posted on by
I might have posted this before, but you can never be too careful when putting your boat away for the winter. Even if you live in the warmer climate’s where taking the boat out because of ice isn’t a problem…its still good to do a number of the items regularly. 

Cleaning buildup from the pontoons.
Taking a boat out of service requires the owner to take preventative steps to prevent corrosion and damage to the boats and its systems.  In the Northern states it is often called winterization, but in reality any time the boat is in a “lay-up” situation for a number of months, the owners should take steps to protect their investment.  Most of the following items can be done on the trailer, in the slip on the lift or in a shop. If you have a larger boat that stays in the water you will also want to makes sure that your boat is protected from the lake freezing by using bubblers to prevent ice build up against the hull.
Each boat is different and the options and systems on yours might need additional items serviced.  If you are planning on doing all the work, make sure you have a copy of the boat, engine and systems service manuals.

By following a simple checklist and with a little elbow grease, you can protect your boat during lay-up. If you are uncomfortable doing any of these items, call a professional. 
  1. Add a fuel stabilizer to preserve both the fuel and the fuel tank for the upcoming winter and spring months.
  2. Run the engine, checking the timing and basic operations. This also distributes the fuel stabilizer through out the fuels system.
  3. Remove the boat from the water and inspect the exterior for damage.  Make and repairs or notes to remind you in the spring and give the boat a coat of wax.
  4. You will need to protect the internal passage ways of the engine from freezing. Depending on the type of engine and cooling system you may need to add antifreeze to the cooling system (partial or fully closed cooling systems).  And/or you might need to drain the water from the engine block and manifolds and refill with marine grade non toxic antifreeze.  This can be done using an inexpensive flushing adapter, garden hoses and antifreeze. 
  5. During the time you are flushing and refilling the cooling system, spray sticky “fogging” oil in the carburetor or intake while the engine is running. Fogging oil will stick to the engine internal passage ways giving the inside of the engine a protective coating against corrosion.
    Fogging spray
  6. After you have filled the cooling passages with anti freeze and fogged the engine, shut the engine off and inspect the lower unit. Remove the bottom plug in the lower unit and remove any water that might be mixed with the oil (hopefully there will not be any water or you might need more repairs in the spring).
  7. Inspect the throttle, steering and shift cables for binding and wear
  8. Apply anti corrosion grease to all fittings, linkages and steering cables
  9. Check all the belts, hoses and the general condition of the engine, drive unit and lower unit.
  10. Remove any items from the cabin that might freeze.
  11. Remove and food that would attract rodents and bugs.
  12. Place some type of anti moisture containers (like Damp Rid) through out the cabin to help reduce any moisture build up that could cause mold and mildew over the winter.  Often times it’s a good idea to place the cushions and mattresses on an edge or lifted up with small blocks so there can be airflow over more surface areas. You don’t want to be asleep on a twin mattress thinking it’s comfy when it’s really moldy!
  13. If you have a water system, galley and head, you will need to drain the water and refill the system with non toxic marine grade anti freeze also.
  14. Last, cover the boat to keep out the elements, animals and bugs. Tarps or shrink wrap doesn’t matter.  If it’s too airtight the boat will get large amounts of condensation leading to mold and mildew. Make sure however you cover the boat it is tight but still has air flow.

Finally, Spring is here. Time to start getting the boat ready.

Posted on by

The boat has been stored waiting for the first signs of spring. Depending where you live, now might be the time to start preparing for the boating season.  

First let me start with a quick outline of what I think makes a good spring checklist for boat owners. In the next posting I’ll go into more detail.


This is just a very brief overview of the preparation a boat owner needs to go through to get ready for the season.  Each boat will be a little different depending on the specific systems. If any of this seems like something the boat owner doesn’t want to undertake, call the boat service center and have them get the boat ready. 
Before you take the boat to the water
1.     Exterior inspection
a.     Wash, wax and repair
b.     Fitting and cleats
2.     Interior    
a.     Clean and patch  cushions and carpet
b.     Clean and protect wood
c.     Bilges, tanks and through hulls
3.     Systems
a.     Head
b.     Water
c.     Galley
4.     Engines
a.     Oil change
b.     Fuel systems
c.     Cooling systems
d.     Drive units
e.     Propellers
5.     Trailer
a.     Couplers
b.     Tires and wheels
c.     Bearings
d.     Lights
6.     Extras
a.     PFD
b.     Fire protection
c.     Registrations
d.     Insurance