Why Do So Many Boats Sink in the Spring?

We recently published a pre-season check list to assist in dewinterizing our boat for the upcoming boating season. According to BoatUS insurance division there are five things that are often overlooked that can result in you boats first trip being one that isn’t on the water but under the water.

The Top Five Reasons Why Boats Sink in the Springtime:

1. Missing or damaged hose clamps: These clamps are often removed in the fall to winterize the engine, and then forgotten about in the spring when the boat is launched. Tight spaces in engine compartments make it difficult to see some unsecured or deteriorated clamps.
2. Unsecured engine hoses: Over the winter, freezing water can lift hoses off seacocks (valves).
3. Spring rains: Combine heavy rains with leaking ports, deck hatches, cracked or improperly caulked fittings, chain plates and even scuppers clogged by leaves and your boat could be on the bottom soon. 
4. Broken sea strainer: Glass, plastic and even bronze strainer bowls can be cracked or bent over in the winter if not properly winterized, allowing to water trickle in when the seawater intake seacock is in the open position.
5. Leaking stuffing box: If equipped, a steady drip from an improperly adjusted stuffing box (the “packing” around the prop shaft) has been known to swamp a boat.   

Boater’s Spring Commissioning Tips for Saving Fuel

With gas prices forecast to remain high here are six tips on spring commissioning that can be done now to save you money on fuel all summer long:

Lighten the load is one of easiest no-cost things to save on fuel. Clear out all of that junk that’s been stored aboard the boat over winter.

Get a tune-up: An annual tune-up is a must if you’re truly serious about saving fuel.

Check the prop: Props with little dings should be taken to a repair shop now. This is also the time to ensure you are happy with your prop’s performance – have a discussion with your marina or local prop shop to ensure you still have the right prop installed based on your current boating needs.

Paint the bottom: For boats docked in salt or brackish water, keeping the fuel-robbing “green gunk” growth from adhering to your boat’s hull can save a lot of fuel. But you’ll need to ensure the vessel has a new coat of bottom paint put on, making it difficult for anything to grow on the hull bottom.

Check the trim tabs: Unbalanced boats chew up the fuel. During spring commissioning, ensure that trim tabs function properly. Check the reservoir for leaks.

Semi-Annual Safety Checklist

Twice a year we recommend going through our checklist to insure you boat is in great shape. It is a good idea to do this when you bring it out and get it ready for the season and prior to winterizing your boat for the winter again .

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

• Check for wear or abrasion, weak or torn seams, secure straps and buckles. For the PFDs onboard for children, try to assess whether they will still fit in the spring. Perhaps a new PFD would be a great Christmas gift. Some types of PFDs are equipped with inflation devices; check to be sure cartridges are secure and charged.

Fire Extinguishers

• Do you have all required quantities and types of fire extinguishers?
• Have they been checked within the past year?
• Are serviceable units tagged by a licensed facility?
• Are units accessible?
• Is at least one accessible from the helm or cockpit?
• Are you and your crew familiar with their operation?

Fuel System

• Is the system properly grounded at the filter, tank, deck, pump, etc.?
• Is the fuel tank free from rust or contamination?
• No leaks from tank, hose or fittings.
• Hoses U.S.C.G. approved and free of cracking or stiffness with adequate slack to account for vibration.
• Is tank secured?
• Fuel shut-off valve on tank and at engine.
• Engine compartment and engine clean and free of oily rags or flammable materials.
• Blower switch at remote location.
• Is your fuel system protected from siphoning?

Safety Equipment

• Lifelines or rails in good condition.
• Stanchions or pulpit securely mounted.
• Hardware tight and sealed at deck.
• Grab rails secure and free of corrosion or snags that may catch your hands.
• Non-skid surfaces free from accumulated dirt or excess wear.

Ground Tackle

• At least two anchors on board.
• Anchor and rode adequate for your boat and bottom conditions.
• Tackle properly secured.
• Length of chain at anchor.
• Thimble on rode and safety wired shackles.
• Chafing gear at chocks for extended stays or storm conditions.
• Anchor stowed for quick accessibility.

Stoves

• Labeled and designated for marine use.
• Properly ventilated to remove carbon-monoxide from cabin.
• Retainers or rails for pots and pans while underway.
• If built-in, properly insulated and free from combustible materials, CNG and LPG (propane).
• Stored in separate compartment from boat’s interior and engine room.
• Tightly secured shut-off valve at tank.
• Proper labeling and cautions in place at tank location.
• Hoses, lines and fittings of approved and inspected type.
• Compartment is ventilated overboard and below level of tank base.

Electrical System

• Wiring approved for marine applications.
• System is neatly bundled and secured.
• Protected against chafing and strain.
• Adequate flex between bulkhead and engine connections.
• Clear of exhaust system and bilge.
• System is protected by circuit breakers or fuses.
• Grounds to Zincs if required.
• Wire terminals and connections sealed to prevent corrosion.

Bilge Pumps

• Will pump(s) adequately remove water in emergency? Do you have a manual backup? Are bilges clean and free to circulate (clear limber holes)? Do you check bilges frequently and not rely on automatic pumps?

Corrosion Prevention

• Through-hulls, props, shafts, bearings, rudder fittings, and exposed fastenings free of non-destructive corrosion.
• Zincs are adequate to provide protection.
• Through-hulls are properly bonded.
• Inspect the steering cables, engine control linkage and cables, engine mounts and gear case for corrosion.
• These items are properly lubricated or painted to prevent undue corrosion.

Through-hulls

• Strainers, intakes and exhaust or discharge fittings are free from restrictions such as barnacles, marine growth or debris.
• Inspect sea valves for smooth operation.
• Handles are attached to valves for quick closure.
• Hoses are in good condition and free from cracking.
• Double hose-clamps below the waterline.
• Anti-siphon valve fitted to marine toilet.
• Through-hull plugs are near fittings or attached to hose in case of emergency.

Batteries

• Stored in non-corrosive, liquid tight, ventilated containers.
• Non-conductive covers are fitted over posts.
• Batteries are well secured.

Pre-Season Checklist – Dewinterizing Your Boat for the Season

Spring is here and it is time to start thinking about dewinterizing your boat for the season. Even if you live in an area where the “boating season” doesn’t begin with the start of spring, your “season” will be here before you know it.

Because there are so many variables depending on the size and type of boat you have, we have categorized this list for your convenience.  In order to assure a safe and uneventful season make sure that you go through the list below and make a note of any discrepancies that need attention.

Applicable To All	Large Boat	Small Boat	Sail Boat
General Hull Deck Fittings Required Equipment	Below Decks Electrical System Inboard Engine(s) Head System Water System Galley	Outboard Motor(s) Trailer	Sails Mast & Rigging

GENERAL:

• Do a general cleaning of hull, deck and topsides using a mild detergent
• Make sure drains and scuppers are clear
• Put on a good coat of wax
• Clean and polish metal with a good metal polish
• Clean teak and oil
• Clean windows and hatches
• Clean canvas, bimini and dodger
• Clean interior including bilges
• Check spare parts and tools and replace as necessary
• Make sure registration is current and onboard
• Check and replace wiper blades if necessary

HULL

• Check for hull abrasions, scratches, gouges, etc. and repair
• Check and replace zincs
• Check for blisters and refinish is necessary
• Check rub rails
• Check swim platform and/or ladder
• Inspect and test trim tabs
• Check shaft, cutlass bearing, strut and prop
• Check rudder and fittings
• Touch up or replace antifouling paint

DECK, FITTINGS, SAFETY EQUIPMENT:

• Check stanchion, pulpits and lifelines for integrity
• Check ground tackle, lines, fenders, etc.
• Check chainplates and cleats
• Check hull/deck joint
• Check deck, windows, and port lights for leaks
• Inspect anchor windlass and lubricate
• Clean and grease winches
• Check and lubricate blocks, pad eyes, etc.
• Check dinghy, and life raft

BELOW DECKS:

• Check, test and lubricate seacocks
• Check condition of hoses and clamps
• Make sure below waterline hoses are double clamped
• Check bilges pumps for automatic and manual operation
• Check for oil in bilges
• Check limber holes and make sure they are clear of debris
• Lubricate stuffing boxes, shaft and rudder logs

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND COMPONENTS:

• Check battery water level
• Check/recharge batteries
• Check terminals for corrosion, clean and lubricate
• Check bonding system
• Inspect all wiring for wear and chafe
• Test all gauges for operability
• Check shore power and charger
• Check for spare fuses
• Check all lighting fixtures (including navigation lights) and make sure you have spare bulbs
• Check all electronics for proper operation
• Inspect antennas

REQUIRED AND RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT:

• Sound signaling device
• Check distress signals and expiration date
• Check Pfds
• Inspect life rings and cushions
• Check fire extinguishers and recharge if necessary
• Check and adjust compass
• Check navigation lights
• Check charts and replace as necessary
• Check radar reflector
• Check and replace first aid supplies
• Check bailer and hand pump

INBOARD ENGINE(S):

• Change oil & filters – have spare onboard
• Check and change fuel filters – have spares onboard
• Check and change engine zincs
• Check cooling system change coolant as necessary – have extra onboard
• Record engine maintenance log, especially date & hours of last oil changes
• Check belts for tension
• Check transmission fluid
• Check and clean backfire flame arrestor
• Check impeller
• Check and clean water strainer
• Check bilge blower
• Empty water separator filters

HEAD SYSTEM:

• Checked for smooth operation – lubricate and clean as necessary
• If equipped with treatment system, have chemicals on hand
• Y-valve operation checked, valve labeled & secured

WATER SYSTEM:

• Flush water tank
• Check water system and pump for leaks and proper operation
• Check hot water tank working on both AC and engines
• Check for tank cap keys on board
• Check and clean shower sump pump screens

GALLEY:

• Fill propane tank, check electric & manual valves, check storage box vent to make sure it is clear
• Check refrigerator, clean and freshen, operate on AC and DC
• Clean stove, check that all burners and oven are working
• Check microwave, if fitted

OUTBOARD MOTOR:

• Replace spark plugs
• Check plug wires for wear
• Check prop for nicks and bends
• Change/fill gear lube
• Inspect fuel lines, primer bulb and tank for leaks
• Lubricate and spray moveable parts

TRAILER:

• Check for current registration
• Check rollers and pads
• Check and lubricate wheel bearings
• Clean and lubricate winch
• Lubricate tongue jack and wheel
• Test lights and electrical connections
• Check tire pressure and condition
• Check brakes (if equipped)
• Check safety chains
• Check tongue lock

SAILS:

• Check general condition
• Look for wear and chafing
• Check battens and batten pockets
• Check all sail attachments
• Inspect bolt rope

MAST AND RIGGING:

• Check mast and spreaders for corrosion or damage
• Inspect spreader boots and shrouds
• Inspect rivets and screw connections for corrosion
• Check reefing points and reefing gear
• Clean sail track
• Check rigging, turnbuckles and clevis pins for wear and corrosion
• Inspect stays for fraying and “fish hooks”
• Check forestay and backstay connections
• Check masthead fitting and pulleys
• Check and lubricate roller furling
• Check halyards and consider replacing or swapping end for end
• Tape turnbuckles, cotter pins, and spreaders

Relieve Cabin Fever with a Good Read This Winter

Now that the holidays are over and it’s too cold to enjoy boating to its full extent, why not keep your boating skills sharp through reading and re-education.

For some heavy reading, the consummate compendium on boating and seamanship is “Chapman Piloting,” the 66th edition published by Hearst Marine Books. This comprehensive resource is recommended by both the U.S. Power Squadron and the USCG Auxiliary as a reference.

“Chapman Piloting” covers all the basic topics of boating and seamanship (weather, handling, docking, anchoring, knots, etc.), a broad review of related information, and the etiquette of proper boating, including flag display and dockside behavior.

I would recommend this publication to any boater, new or experienced, who is interested in pursuing the details of boating and seamanship. It makes a complete library almost by itself.

Chapman Piloting : Seamanship & Small Boat Handling (66th Edition)
by Elbert S. Maloney, Charles Frederic Chapman, Published by Hearst Books, Reviewed by: Dr. Steve Batson
You can order Chapman Piloting from amazon.com right now

If you have been following the BoatSafe Blog, you know that I have published a couple of articles warning of the dangers of relying solely on GPS as your primary navigation source. Why not use the winter to learn or relearn additional navigation skills, to get you from one place to another without depending on GPS?

The Nautical Know How navigation course is a combination of a printed text/workbook for home study, sample and real time chart work, online animated demonstrations and testing, and email instructor assistance.

Topics covered in the course include:

Introduction to Navigation Understanding Latitude & Longitude Reading the Nautical Chart Finding Latitude, Longitude & Distance Finding Direction Distance, Speed & Time Calculations Getting to Know Your Magnetic Compass Dead Reckoning

Two & Three Bearing Fixes Running Fixes Finding Set & Drift Estimated Position Finding Course to Steer Finding Relative Bearings Tide and Current Calculations Publications: Coast Pilot, Light List, Local Notice to Mariners Publication Excerpts Putting It All Together Final Exam

For additional information and to order the course go to: http://boatsafe.com/navigation/index.htm

If you’re more in a philosophical mood you might want to check out the following:

First You Have to Row a Little Boat : Reflections on Life & Living
by Richard Bode
Jon Ayers sends the following review:

It’s really a book about life, in which the author relates what he learned through his experiences with small boats while growing up on the south shore of Long Island, and how those experiences guided him later in life.

In a questionnaire sent three years ago to all owners of Nonsuch yachts, which generated some 300 responses, this book was mentioned as a favorite more than any other.
It’s what I would call a ‘dear’ book, in that there is no single overpowering message, but when you finish it, you realize that you have thought a great deal about your own life. You can order this book from Amazon.com

If your boat sports an outboard motor you might want to read: The Outboard Boater’s Handbook : Advanced Seamanship and Practical Skills by David R. Getchell , Sr. (Editor)
Owners of larger boats have their bibles, but, until now, outboard boaters have been neglected. This comprehensive manual shows you how to go places and do things you never thought possible in a small outboard motorboat. Covers all the popular types – and some alternative craft – as well as methods that might change your entire boating outlook.
Topics include

• judging a boat’s potential based on design and construction
• how to upgrade an older boat
• how to handle a little boat in big seas, surf or shallow water
• how to navigate
• how to read the weather
• how to head upriver or offshore
• how to trailer your boat
• how to manage and equip it for camp cruising
• how to care for boat and motor

You can order The Outboard Boater’s Handbook from amazon.com

When a Loose Cannon Flogs a Dead Horse There’s the Devil to Pay : Seafaring Words in Everyday Speech

by Olivia A. Isil, Paperback, Published by Intl Marine Pub

Ever wondered about the origin of big-wig, flogging a dead horse, mind your P’s and Q’s, or three sheets to the wind? These commonly used colloquialisms all have nautical backgrounds and entertaining histories. This collection of more than 250 of these fascinating words and phrases also includes yarns, legends, superstitions, weather lore, poetry, rhymes, songs, and more.

You can order When a Loose Canon Flogs a Dead Horse from amazon.com

For other books recommended by http://boatsafe.com visit:

http://boatsafe.com/books/booklist.htm

Coast Guard Warns Boat Owners of Danger From Excess Snow and Ice

The Coast Guard is advising boat owners about the danger posed to their vessels by the recent and continuing snow storms and severe icing.

The Coast Guard has responded to several incidents recently where recreational or small fishing vessels sank at their pier or mooring due to excess weight from snow and ice. With the accumulation from this week’s significant winter storm, more vessels may be at risk.

“Harbormasters, marina owners and operators, and owners of recreational or small fishing boats still in the water should consider examining their boats for excess snow and ice,” said Capt. Verne Gifford, commander Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England. “If safe to do so, they may want to remove some snow and ice to to prevent sinking from the extra weight. Owners may also want to consider removing their boats from the water altogether.”

VESSEL SPARE PARTS LIST

The fact is that some things just disappear and no one knows where they go. There must be a stash of single socks and gloves somewhere in the heavens.

The same thing happens over time on your boat. So the winter season is a good time to check your onboard tool kit and spare parts to make sure none of those have disappeared into sock and glove heaven. That will give you time to replace what’s missing before your spring boating debut.

Every vessel should have a basic mechanic’s tool kit onboard. This kit should include, at minimum, the following:

TOOLS
Socket set – 3/8 drive (3/8″ – 13/16″) Open and box wrenches (3/16″ – 1″) Screw driver set – slotted & Phillips Crescent wrenches – 8″ and 12″ Pipe wrench – 1 3/4″ opening Vise grips – 8″ Pliers – regular and needlenose Channel locks Assorted allen wrenches Hammer	Wire cutters/strippers DC test light Volt/ohm meter Utility knife Hacksaw and blades Tape measure Spanner wrench(oil/fuel filter) Drill and bits Assorted punches Spark plug wrench
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
Flashlight and extra batteries Wire #10 and #14 Tie wraps Electrical tape Assorted screws, nuts & bolts	Two-part epoxy Wooden bungs, assorted sizes Silicon Assorted electrical connectors WD-40 or slick lube
SPARES
Fuses, assorted ratings Bulbs, every type used on board Oil filters Fuel filters Air filters Impellers	Belts Hose clamps, assorted Hoses Flexible fuel line Oil Transmission fluid

Prevent Fuel Emissions with a Portable Fuel Tank

With all the winter boat shows and marine flea markets taking place in the next couple of months we thought we should issue a reminder regarding portable fuel tanks. The following article was supplied by Attwood Marine.

In an effort to reduce emissions from marine fuel systems, the EPA has created new regulations. These standards that went into effect on January 1, 2011, require that all new portable marine fuel tanks follow a zero-emissions policy. Therefore, fuel systems and their component parts needed to be re-designed to handle an inevitable build-up of pressure from limited ventilation, while still maintaining proper fuel flow and optimum engine performance.

Attwood Marine re-engineered their new fuel system components to handle tank expansion and keep the system safe under intense amounts of pressure and extreme temperatures. 

Within this “closed” environment, each component of the fuel system also increases the potential for restricted fuel flow. Attwood components work together to alleviate this risk and ensure engine performance by maintaining flow requirements for marine engines.

Attwood’s engineering team took a cue from the automotive industry that has been utilizing multi-layer construction for years to help meet safety and emission standards. Consequentially, their new specially designed portable fuel tank boasts multi-layer construction with strong automotive-grade materials. Designed with the new EPA regulations in mind, the fuel tanks are tough enough to handle the expansion caused from fuel pressure build-up that would be problematic for other fuel tank systems. Part of this can be credited to the automatic vacuum valve in the cap that, when necessary, gives the tank a breath of ‘fresh air’ helping the whole system consistently perform at an optimum level. 

Portable Fuel Tank

Features and specifications of the Portable Fuel Tank: 
• Proven automotive grade multi-layer construction withstands the pressure build up associated with closed systems 
• Engineered for harsh conditions, temperature extremes and abuse
• Injection molded interfaces eliminate leaks
• Tethered/ratcheting cap with automatic vacuum valve
• Available easy-to-read gauge

Eliminate wasteful and potentially harmful fuel emissions. Keep your investment running in top shape, and keep your fuel where it belongs – in your tank, when you use proven Attwood fuel system components.

Attwood Marine Products is the marine industry leader for fuel systems and accessories, with a reputation for our products’ durability and reliability. Enjoy being out on the water and keep your peace of mind with our fuel tanks, and other fuel system parts, all constructed to stand up to the pressure of the new EPA regulations. Visit the Portable Fuel and EPA Resources section of our site for further information on the new EPA regulations, potential effects of compliance, and the products that keep you safe and your engine performing.

Quick Tips to Ponder Part 3 – Varnish

When to Touch Up Varnish

The look of your brightwork says a lot about the pride of ownership that a boater has for his/her boat. A rule of thumb that you can use to tell if you need a touch up or a major overhaul of your brightwork is as follows:

Use a mild, soapy solution to wash thoroughly and get rid of all the grit and grime that has collected. (Hopefully, you do this more than once a season.) Rinse thoroughly with fresh water and dry. Take a towel and wet it thoroughly (make sure it is dripping). Drag the towel across the varnished surface. If the water that the towel leaves behind beads up the varnish is still in good condition. However, if the water that is left sheets or lies in flat streaks, you should plan on a light sanding and applying a couple of coats.

When A Varnish Touch Up Is Too Little Too Late

The only thing worse than going to the dentist is scraping varnish down to bare wood, sanding smooth and starting the arduous task of rebuilding 8 to 10 coats that will give you that “mirror” finish.

You can only patch the small abrasions and scratches so long until, ultimately, moisture has crept under the varnish and into the wood. This saturation of fresh and salt water will show up as dark patches under the still shiny finish. You will also notice lighter patches as the hot sun has glared down and has started to separate the varnish from the wood because of the moisture or perhaps the impact of dropping something on the varnish. It is at this point that you have no choice but to restore the integrity of the surface of your brightwork by scraping it down and starting anew.

Use the following as a step-by-step process to get brilliant brightwork consistently.

1. I like to use a heatgun and scraper to remove the old varnish. This seems to go faster than sanding alone. In tight spaces you may have to just use sandpaper and lots of elbow grease. You should practice on a spare or out of sight piece to make sure you can control the scraper. Be careful not to make gouges in the wood.
2. Once the varnish has been removed, sand the wood smooth using finer and finer grits of sandpaper. You may want to start with 80 grit to get all the rough areas and work up to 400 for that “babies bottom” smoothness.
3. Before starting to apply varnish, make sure all sanding dust has been removed. Use a tack cloth dampened with a thinner that is recommended for the varnish you have selected. I lean toward varnishes with a high U/V rating. They tend to hold up longer in the sun.
4. Stop! Don’t shake that varnish can, this is not paint. Shaking or even stirring will introduce bubbles which will show up on your brightwork. Most likely you don’t need to mix the varnish but if you feel obligated to make it move around the can while you watch, just swirl it slowly.
5. Always filter the varnish by pouring from the can through a fine filter, or nylon stocking, into a small, clean container before applying each coat.
6. For the first coat, thin the varnish with the compatible thinner 50/50. This will act as a sealer coat. Subsequent coats may be thinned if necessary to provide a good flowing viscosity.
7. You may use a “real brush” or the disposable throw away foam brushes. Just make sure each is thoroughly clean and, if using a real brush, pull to remove any loose bristles or they will end up in your varnish work.
8. Let the varnish flow on and only try to cover a small area at a time. Look for brush bristles, bubbles and holidays (spots that you missed) as you proceed.
9. Make sure that each coat is completely dry before attempting to add another. Lightly sand with 400 grit paper between each coat.
10. Repeat until you have 8 to 10 coats and that “mirror” finish that will be the envy of all at the marina.

Quick Tips to Ponder Part 2 – Maintenance

Hose Guards

Don’t throw away that old hose. Cut a piece about a foot long, split it and put it around your dock lines and anchor lines where they pass through the chocks to prevent chaffing.

Kitty Litter Below

When you put your boat up for a period of time put a few boxes of kitty litter below. It will absorb moisture, reduce mildew, and eliminate odors.

The Handy Coat Hanger

Always have a metal coat hanger in your tool kit. It can be used to:

• free hose blockages
• hook something in an inaccessible area
• used to replace a cotter pin
• used as a temporary tie down
• free blocked limber holes

Off-Season Maintenance – Paint

The off-season in many parts of the country can be used to maintain, upgrade or plan for the fun of the upcoming spring and summer boating season. A few “Rules of Thumb” that come to mind may help you with your winter activities.

Need a new coat of paint? In order to estimate how much paint to purchase use the following formulas. (Measurements should be in feet and your answers will be in square feet to cover). You then need to refer to the manufacturer’s brochures or the paint can itself to see how much paint is required to cover the square footage area.

Bottom Paint: Use the Load Waterline Length (LWL) times the beam times the draft.
For full keel boats multiple this figure by .75. For lighter boats with less keel multiply this figure by .50.

Example: LWL = 30  Beam = 10  Draft = 5   30 X 10 X 5 = 1500 X .75 = 1125 sq. feet to cover for a full keel boat.

Decks: Overall length of deck times the beam times .75. (subtract area of cockpit and deck structures)

Example: Deck length = 34  Beam = 10  34 X 10 X .75 = 255 square feet

Topsides: Overall length plus beam time 2 times the average freeboard.

Example: Overall length = 36  Beam = 12  Avg. Freeboard = 5  36 + 12 X 10 = 480 sq. feet.