General Boating Articles

For boaters who enjoy shore power, shore cords are a must. However, harbors are reporting a number of unsafe aspects and are asking boaters to take a few moments to review their cords.

Hazzards

It is important to use shore cords approved for marine applications. Unapproved cords are dangerous and should not be used. Also inspect for any damage to the cable and replace if necessary.

Sometimes, cords strung between dock sections can be pinched by the hinges or end up hanging in the water. Extra cable, if not coiled properly, can be hazardous to boaters walking on the docks.

Both recreational boaters and boating cottagers share the same concerns about safe enjoyment and environmental protection of our waterways. The following code* is offered to assist all boaters; cruising yachtsmen, cottagers venturing up the shore for a cruise or going to and from the marina or anyone using smaller craft-be they resident or visitor. This code has been developed cooperatively by both the Ontario Boating Forum and the Georgian Bay Association to set responsibilities and expectations to help ensure that we continue to peacefully coexist.

Boats that are outfitted with eight or more pieces of zippered canvas, create a confusing puzzle. With a looming summer thunderstorm closing in on you from across the lake, putting up the canvas can be a frustrating, nerve-racking, temper raising experience, as you try to sort out which piece fits where. Inevitably, you get the wrong piece of this puzzle zippered in place inside out then nothing else fits. You know the story.

How to Solve the Puzzle for FREE

Just like Spring cleaning at home or at the cottage, Spring cleaning on the boat isn’t much fun but necessary. It makes the rest of the season more enjoyable and easier to keep the boat looking it’s best for you, your family and friends and, if you’re like me, the easier the better.

Make sure your boat has what it needs and not what it shouldn't, to make your trips safe and fun. Doing this one job as soon as your boat goes in the water could save you gas money, keep you safe, and make your boating more enjoyable.

Be sure to ...

Boaters usually welcome guests aboard, but there are some uninvited guests you want to keep off your boat. Foodborne illnesses don’t take a holiday and could be a threat to your boating enjoyment. Take steps to eliminate this enemy and kill those unwanted, uninvited guests.

Reminders about washing hands before and after handling food are plentiful in the news and discussions about reducing bacteria. But, there are many other kitchen "smarts" that we often forget when on board. Although many people believe that they can tell if food might cause foodborne illness by looking at it or smelling it, most harmful bacteria are invisible and, therefore, escape the eye and nose.

You never know what to expect. Sometimes, you’d rather not shower because the washrooms are so disgusting.

Usually there aren’t enough hooks to hang up your clothes and towel. There isn’t always a stool to place your overnight kit with your soap, shampoo etc. I’ve even gotten into the shower to find the shower head doesn’t work or there’s no water pressure. The floor is usually wet and sometimes dirty before you start. After the shower, you have to balance on one foot while maneuvering the other foot into your shoe without touching the floor, then do it all over for the other foot.

"On your mark. Get Set. Go!" Is your boat going to be ready as soon as the season starts? Summer is not far away and there are a number of things you can do in the next couple of months to prepare your boat for the season. One is checking your flares and, if they need replacing, there are some things you should know.

Do your flares need replacing or are you just going to get some new ones and add them to the existing flares on board? If so, you may want to think twice about it.

Before you race out and just grab what’s on your marine store’s shelf, consider the following.

Trim Tabs are the flaps installed on the transom of all the larger power boats to improve acceleration and planing. With trim tabs, boats get onto plane faster, use less fuel and don‘t hide the horizon behind the bow during acceleration. Boats with trim tabs can plane at a lower rpm and lower speed, because the tabs hold the bow down, and at the same time, the back end up; otherwise, the boat would fall off of plane at that rpm and speed.

Doug and I were boating in the Bahamas for two months as you may have gathered from previous newsletters. It was a wonderful experience and we enjoyed life on the water in the Abacos during April and most of May. With our laptop on board, we were able to send and answer emails, make phone calls, send newsletters and look after our website.

But, like all holidays, it had to end so we headed to Florida, cleared customs in Lake Worth and headed north on the ICW (Intracoastal Waterway).