Category — NJ Boating Tips

Boating is one of the most enjoyable outdoor activities for people of all ages. Over time, boating has evolved into a safer activity, however much work still needs to be done in terms of safety education. Many recreational boaters make the mistake of assuming they can beat the odds, but without proper preparation this may not be the case.

Weather.  Careful consideration must be taken when determining the amount of effect the weather will have on your boating experience. Pay attention to the forecast ahead of time to make sure that bad weather is not approaching. Even while out on the water it is extremely important to pay attention to the marine forecast for your area as well as the colors and activity in the sky.

Electrocution.  Power lines are the most common cause of electrocution while boating. Proper care is rarely taken in ensuring that a metal part of the boat such as the mast touches a power line. This carelessness has led to many deaths or serious injuries over the years.

Man Overboard.  When someone falls overboard it is important to not immediately jump in after them to try to save them. Someone who is struggling to stay above water may unwittingly pull their potential rescuer under water with them. Instead, you should use the proper safety equipment such as safety buoys and rope which will float on the surface.

Hypothermia.  Hypothermia remains a large risk when boating in cooler waters. Someone who falls overboard could succumb to hypothermia thus limited their physical abilities and mental decisions. Their risk of survival drastically drops the longer they are in the water. Again, it is important not to jump in after them in an attempt to save them as the rescuer could themselves succumb to the cold waters.

Proper Equipment.  When planning for a boating trip it is incredibly important to prepare your safety equipment properly. This includes but is not limited to a flares, horn, water bailer and lifejackets. A trip plan is also an essential part of safe boating. A trip plan is basically contains information about where you plan to go boating. It should be filed with someone responsible that can take the proper steps should an emergency occur.

Lifejackets.  Lifejackets are essential for people of all ages. The misconception largely exists that if a child falls in the water an adult in decent physical condition will be able to save them. This is a very dangerous assumption as it is not always the case. Often a child that falls into the water will go below the surface of the water which means they may be hard to spot. Also, sometimes it is not immediately apparent that a child has fallen into the water. You may not even realize until it is already too late.

In conclusion, boating is a very enjoyable activity, however at no point should the safety aspects of boating be underestimated.

A look at the various Marine Electronics on the market. What they do and how they work.

Autopilots The first self-steering gear was introduced in the 1920′s to control model yachts but it was not until 1948 that the principle was applied to full scale yachts. Standing at the helm for lengthy periods, monitoring instruments and keeping a good look out can be very tiring. An autopilot relieves the helmsman from steering the correct course leaving him free to maintain a proper watch. The autopilot can be set to either steer a compass course or a course relative to the wind. A fluxgate compass or electronic wind indicator feeds information to a microprocessor which then makes the necessary rudder movements to return the vessel to it’s required course. The mechanical power is applied to the rudder by either electric linear activators, hydraulic pumps or rotary drives. GPS/Chart plotters can be used to input navigational instructions to the autopilot.

Battery Chargers will keep batteries fully charged thereby extending their working life.

Chart Plotters Typically a chart plotter consists of an antenna, mounted high on the boat, to track GPS signals and a display unit sited either at the at the navigation station or the helm of the vessel. The vessels position is sent from the antenna to the display unit which in turn shows it graphically on the chart. The Chart itself will look similar to it’s paper equivalent and show depth, land mass, navigational aids such as bouys and potential dangers in the form of wrecks and obstructions. The user can add way points to the chart and zoom in and out of the display. Chart plotters can be connected to drive an autopilot and/or send GPS data to a fish finder or radar. They can also interface with a laptop enabling complex passage planning to be done away from the boat and then entered into the chart plotter after arriving at the boat.

Magnetic Transmitting Compasses work like traditional compasses using magnets to determine the vessels orientation to the earth’s magnetic field they then transmit the boats heading to an electronic display. They make steering easier than with conventional compasses because they display steadier headings and do not suffer from the “lag” that occurs when making a turn. They can interface with chart plotters, autopilots and radar. Fluxgate Compasses consist of two pieces of readily saturated magnetic material with coils wound round them in opposing directions. AC current is passed through the coils and the material is saturated in one direction and then the other. The earth’s magnetic field affects slightly the time at which saturation occurs, earlier in one coil and later in the other. The difference is then calculated giving an output proportional to the earth’s magnetic field. They are accurate to 0.1 of a degree. Their output can be displayed digitally to the helmsman or they can interface with autopilots, chart plotters and radar.

Echo Sounders work on the same principle as sonar. A transducer emits a narrow beam of high frequency sound. This is reflected by any solid objects and the time between transmission and receipt of the echo is measured. The speed of sound through water is know and so the range or distance to the sea bed can be calculated. That is then displayed in metres. Forward Looking Sonar (FLS) enables you to see the underwater hazards before you’re actually on top of them. A typical range for a FLS is 150 metres.

An Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) is a piece of equipment designed to float free of a vessel in distress. It then sends a radio signal that can be detected by Search and Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking (SARSAT) satellites. They relay a message to a ground station that in turn can instigate a search and rescue operation.

Fish Finders use the same technology as sonar. A narrow beam of high frequency sound is transmitted by a transducer, this is reflected by solid objects such as the sea bed. By developing this technology fishfinders provide displays that show where the fish are and they can differentiate between bait fish and larger species

Global Positioning System (GPS Receivers) – This system was originally designed for military purposes and is owned and operated by the United States Department of Defence. 24 satellites are arranged in a “birdcage” around the globe, they are positioned in such a way that at any place on the earth’s surface a direct line of sight can be established to a minimum of 4 satellites. A fix is obtained by measuring accurately the distance between a satellite and the GPS receiver at a precise time. Because the exact position of the satellite is known, these distances provide position lines which are converted by a microprocessor within the GPS receiver to read outs of latitude and longitude.

The log is used to measure the boats speed through the water. A paddle wheel or impeller, mounted below the waterline is turned by the flow of water, this generates electrical impulses that are fed to a microprocessor that displays both speed and distance run.

Inverters – On most boats today you will find domestic equipment of one sort or another. For on board entertainment there are televisions and stereo systems. With the popularity of chart plotters comes the PC or laptop. Maintenance often requires the use of power tools. Liveaboards might have a washing machine, dishwasher or microwave. Can take 12v, 24v or 48v supply and convert it to a stable 110 v or 220v AC supply.

Navtex can perhaps best be described as a continuously updated telex service providing navigation and weather information within specified areas. An on board receiver, tuned to 518kHz, the worldwide Navtex frequency, if left turned on will either print out or display the latest massages sent from a local station. The service is available up to 400 miles from the coast.

Radar enables you to see what otherwise would be invisible. They offer greatest benefit at night and in fog or rain and are of particular value when close to shore or in busy shipping lanes. They consist of an antenna and a display. The antenna sends out a stream of RF energy which is reflected back off hard objects. When this energy is bounced back it is converted to a signal which displayed to the user. The antenna rotates every few seconds, the display continuously calculates the direction of the antenna and so a precise bearing to the target is calculated. The time is measured for the energy to be reflected and so the distance of the target is also displayed.

Satellite Phones consist of an antenna, a modem and a normal handset. They are powered by an iridium battery. Their range is anywhere covered by in Inmarsat Mini-M satellite. Voice, fax, email and data can be transmitted.

Satellite TV requires an antenna and of course a television. Reception is available within a “footprint” which is based on EIRP (Effective Isotropic Radiated Power) of a transmitting satellite. The EUTELSAT together with the two ASTRA satellites cover Europe. NILESAT and the two ARABSATs cover Africa and the Middle East. Good coverage is also available in North, Central and Southern America.

SSB Radio has a range of several thousand miles. You will need an FFC license, or the equivalent in whichever country you plan to operate it. Power consumption is a consideration. Up to 100 Watts may be required for transmission. SSB radio requires several items of equipment. A transceiver capable of SSB operation, An antenna, this must be 8 metres long and in practice most boats use a backstay or shroud for the purpose having fitted the necessary insulators. An antenna tuner matched to the transceiver model. If you want to send email you will also need and radio modem and computer.

VHF Radio The power required to transmit is minimal, all sets have the option of transmitting on either 1 Watt or 25 Watts and the lower power should be used whenever possible. Unlike telephones that allow you to both talk and hear at the same time most VHF sets require you to press a transmit button prior to talking. This is known as simplex. Duplex sets are available but are much more expensive. VHF radio waves travel in straight lines so the aerial should be mounted as high as possible, preferably at the masthead.

There is no right answer when someone asks which boat insurance company is the best. Most boat owners are simply looking for an insurance company that knows about boat coverage and provides quality service as well as support. Insuring your boat with the same company that issued your auto, life, or homeowners insurance can have certain advantages. Though it does pay to work with a company who thoroughly understands boat and yacht insurance. With any luck your present insurer knows a good bit about boats. If not, your best option is probably to go with experienced boat insurers.

Liability Coverage

While there may be some variation in boat policies, the main types of coverage are physical damage and liability coverage. The limit of liability varies based on whether or not the insured is legally required to raise, remove or destroy the boat. Theft will not be covered if the boat is off the “residence premises.” Liability coverage is only available for certain smaller boats. Basic boat insurance should always cover physical damage as well as liability. Liability may also provide the necessary coverage for legal representation should it become essential from any incidents involving your boat.

Don’t forget to insure your boat against damage, sinking, and most importantly, accident liability. Personal Umbrella policies provide you with an extra layer of liability coverage above and beyond what your auto, home or boat policies provide. Therefore, a specific boat or yacht policy is required to provide coverage for the boat and equipment, personal property and liability.

Insuring Yachts

Generally speaking, yacht coverage is broader and more specialized because larger boats travel further and have more unique exposures. Also, many marinas and yacht clubs won’t allow you to dock your boat unless you’re insured. Additional coverage can be obtained by purchasing a boat policy, a yacht policy, or a personal watercraft policy. It should be noted that, in the pleasure boating industry, boats can be insured either under a yacht policy or a boat policy. One of the main criteria insurers weigh when it comes to insuring a boat or yacht is the owner’s boating background. Most yacht policies today also include a specific amount for personal property carried or stored aboard, other than regular boat equipment.

Damage to Your Boat

Depending on how you use your boat, you may or may not want coverage for fishing gear, hurricane damage, hurricane haul-out expenses, etc. Physical damage insurance is usually called hull insurance although it takes in the whole boat. In fact, there was not one but two insurance coverage forms designed to protect against damage to stored boats. These policies usually also REPAIR the boats with a deduction for depreciation. The restrictions and limitations on material damage to the boat, as provided by homeowners insurance, are many.

Value is Important

You should insure your boat for market value. A basic policy which will insure your boat for depreciated value will be the cheapest. Another option is to insure the boat for an agreed upon replacement value. The higher the agreed replacement value of the boat, the higher the deductible and the cost of the insurance policy. They should insure the value of the boat – not what you paid for it. should also increase the coverage to reflect the increasing value of the boat.

Protecting your investment with a boat cover, whether it is a brand new sailboat, canoe or the family ski boat is a wise choice. Boat covers for the most part are easy to use and they are designed to protect your boat from the elements. Whether you are mooring, storing in your garage or dry-docking your boat, a good cover will actually extend the life of your boat. If you tow your boat behind your vehicle, the sun and chemicals from road spray can all contribute to the breakdown of the exterior finish. Boat covers come in many different shapes and sizes and can offer protection for your Deep-V Cuddy cabin, Jet boat, pontoon boat or the family ski boat.

Boat covers come in a variety of materials including lightweight material such as DuPont Tyvek which is a lightweight, bonded polyethylene This Tyvek material actually weighs 70% less when compared to canvas material and is extremely durable, definitely worth looking at. Did you know that microscopic pores trap moisture in and around your boat and cause mildew? A good water-repellent cover is going to prevent this annoying moisture from deteriorating your boat’s surface.

The sun’s UV rays are another enemy of your boat’s surface. The Tyvek cover once again does its job and blocks out 99% of these rays, thus protecting the interior of the boat by keeping it cooler. This great boat cover comes with reinforced seams, specially designed loops for secure tie-down, adjustable shock cord locks, and is machine washable. This great cover also has strong double-sewn center seam construction that eliminates leaking and ripping problems common to boat tops and covers. Most boat manufacturers will make a cover that exactly fits your make and model of boat. Even if you have aluminum fishing boat, a good boat cover is going to prevent the aluminum from oxidizing and deterioration will be less. After all, your boat is not a cheap investment and you want to get as many enjoyable years as possible. Boat covers are an essential item that all serious boaters should consider.

Before you invest in a new or used boat, you must understand that boating is an expensive hobby. You will have to spend time and money on the care and upkeep of your boat. You will also have expenses associated with docking and fuel. With that being said, there is nothing like the passion of sailing the seas, or going out into the ocean for a weekend of fishing, sea and sun. Weighing out all the pros and cons is something you must take the time to do. So that you understand some of the work required to keep your boat in tip-top shape, read the following boat maintenance guide. Please keep in mind that this general boat maintenance guide is intended only to give you an idea of the basic care needed by boats in general and is not by any means all-inclusive.

Know Your Boat
As mentioned above, this guide will only give you an idea, not an end-all be-all instruction for the maintenance of your boat. Your best bet is to research your specific make and model, including the year if your boat is older. Start your research by reading any manuals that may have come with the boat. If you purchased your boat used and it did not include an original owner’s manual, you may be able to get it directly from the manufacturer by visiting their Web site or by requesting a copy in writing. You may also be able to get a copy of the owner’s manual by calling the manufacturer directly and asking them to send it to you.

Read the owner’s manual thoroughly to find any information pertaining to regular care and maintenance of the boat. Realize that if you have an older boat, the information may be somewhat outdated in that you may wish to consult a professional such as a boat dealer or broker that specialized in your specific make and model.

Research the Web and try to find message boards and forums where boat owners that have similar boats to yours post about their experiences and how they deal with certain situations. You may find several boat owners willing to dish out advice specific to the care and maintenance of your boat. As with anything you read online, make sure to take any advice with a grain of salt and check your sources. If many boat owners are consistently giving the same advice, it is safer to assume that the information contained therein is accurate and good.

After researching your boat thoroughly, you should have a more accurate idea of the timing and specifics regarding the regular care and maintenance required by your boat.

Typical Maintenance

Keep it Clean
A key step in maintaining your boat is to wash it regularly. Cleaning your boat regularly doesn’t only contribute to the looks of the boat, but also helps to protect your boat from the wear and tear inflicted by environmental conditions. Be sure to use only products that are earth-friendly. Also, wax your boat regularly to further protect the surfaces from the elements.

Proper Mooring
Boats don’t only sustain scratches and dings from being used out on the water. Damage can appear on your boat’s body while docked if it is not moored properly. Make sure all lines are fastened securely and don’t show signs of wear or breakage.

Battery Care
Check your battery regularly by inspecting its charge and fluid levels. Make sure that the area around your battery is clean and dry at all times.

Regular Overall Inspection
Boats require regular inspection, as that is the only way to identify any problems or potential problems. Routinely check your boat’s controls, engine, cables, rudder, throttle. Always be on the lookout for loose fittings, fraying ropes or hoses/cables that are dry, cracked or brittle. It is easier to prevent damage to your boat when you are actively looking for little things that might cause damage in the future.

Motor Maintenance
Follow best practices for motor care as outlined in your boat’s owner’s manual. Flush your engine after every use. Check fuel tanks and clamps for rust, damage or corrosion. Check the engine’s oil levels and cleanliness. Also keep an eye on your boat’s cooling system to ensure that it is working properly.

Winterization
To protect your boat during the months that it’s not actively in use, you must take the proper winterization steps. Whether you are able to store your boat under shelter or not, you must check your boat’s owner’s manual for the proper techniques of winterizing your boat. If you are not familiar with what needs to be done to winterize your boat, enlist the help of a more experienced friend or contact your local boat dealer or broker for assistance.

Bilge Pump
Don’t forget to check that your bilge pump is working properly. In case you do need to use your pump, you may need enough power to run it for an extended period of time. Make sure your battery system can support this.

Electrical Systems
Keeping all of your boat’s electrical systems clean, dry and free from damage is crucial to the overall safety and well-being of your boat. Look for any signs of corrosion, and apply water-repellant grease protector to all fittings.

Boat Covers
Investing in a boat cover can prevent much damage that can occur as a result of exposure to UV rays and the elements. Consider picking up a used boat cover, you can save some money and extend the life of your boat.

Trust the Pros
As with anything, if you are new to boating, you may wish to seek out the advice and assistance of professionals. Contact your local boat dealer or broker to get referrals for qualified technicians you can contract to help you maintain your boat. You may wish to put your boat on a regular maintenance schedule and keep a close eye on all systems between visits.

Some anglers prefer to wade in the water to catch their fish, whereas others prefer to go into the deeper waters in a fishing boat. Wading in the water may give some fishermen a high because of their proximity to the fish that they are going to catch, but it is not always safe to do so, and staying in a boat to catch your booty is a much better bet. Prior to setting out on a fishing trip it is always safe to make sure that your boat is in good working condition and will not suddenly break down in the middle of the water and leave you stranded. Selecting a boat should also be done according to your needs and should be given a lot of time and thought and not something that you should do in haste.

1. Buying a Sports Boat

While thinking of buying a boat you should keep in mind the safety and comfort of those who will be on it. Sports boats offer both safety and comfort and are very popular as they can be used not only for sporting purposes but also for other activities too or for just enjoying the time spent on water. There are many kinds of water sports and you should take part in various activities so that the rest of your family can also enjoy themselves while you are out on a fishing expedition. So consider wake boarding and skiing apart from fishing for your dinner.

2. Different Types of Boats You Can Choose

Fishing boats that are made for shallow water and can hold only two people are called Skiffs. These boats are made for smaller areas of water and can be operated easily in the water. Skiffs are used the world over for rivers and small lakes.

Light tackle boats can be used for any kind of fishing and can accommodate 4 people on it. The main benefit is that the fishermen can move around on the boat as there is enough space. Some kinds of catch require the fishermen to walk around on the deck and this boat has enough space for movement. Being bigger it is also sturdier for bigger catch and is more comfortable for the fishermen to maneuver around.

An offshore boat is required for a deep sea fishing expedition. These offshore boats are around 35 to 45 feet in length and can hold 6 people on board. These boats have to be built strong so that they can withstand the pull of the bigger fish and also the thrust of the ocean water.

A head boat or party boat is also used for fishing expeditions. These boats are built larger and can hold many more people. The party boat offers a lot more of comfort and luxury so that your guests can fish enjoy the water and also relax. Party boats are used for family get together and picnics.

3. Selecting The Best Fishing Boat For You

The novice fisherman or the experienced one can both find a fishing boat that is suitable for their needs and that can be handled by them easily. In case you are not sure as to what kind of boat you should buy, you should read up about the different kinds of fishing boats and see what suits your requirement the best.

The following article from Outdoor Life lists some great names for your boat and the reader comments are also very helpful too!

http://www.outdoorlife.com/photos/gallery/fishing/2009/06/best-boat-names

How do you get to the grocery store when your a thousand miles from shore, and a thousand and two miles from the nearest grocery store? The short answer is you don’t. The longer answer will be presented here, and it begins with a trip down below to see what you’ve got stashed in the galley of your boat. Provisioning for a extended boating trip is no small task. If you forget something, there’s no quick run to the convenience store to pick up a couple of things. Out in the middle of the ocean, if you can’t catch it, or find it somewhere in the galley, your not going to eat it. Here’s a few quick ideas to get you started thinking about boat provisioning.

To start a list of what kind of provisions you think you’ll need, draw up a menu with a weeks worth of meals your boating crew would enjoy. Then figure out what would be required to make each meal. This list should be a good base to build from when you actually start buying items for the boat trip.

Be sure to have some very simple to prepare meals. When weather is rough, and the boat galley is an unworkable environment, some pre-packaged meals that require no heating will be a saving grace.

Keep an eye out for foods that will stay fresh for long periods of time, or are packaged in such a way as to say fresh longer. Cheese that is packaged in wax, will stay good for a very long time. Some salami, sausage and pepperoni that is keep in the non-refrigerated section of the grocery store will stay good for months at a time.

Anywhere you can find a place to store snacks, be sure to take advantage of it. Boating always seems to make people hungry, but doesn’t always seem to provide the opportunity to stop what your doing and make something fancy. Healthy snacks will be better to fuel the fires that keep the crew and the boat going.

Be careful of what foods you store together. They’re not always compatible. Apples and carrots stored together, will often cause bitterness in the carrots. If onions are stored with potatoes, the onions will steal moisture from the potatoes.

Most fruit should be bought in the not-yet-ripe state, and then stored in a way to slow down the ripening process. Green apples stored in the dark should last a couple of weeks.

Give some thought to were you store items in the boat. Storage lockers closer to the hull and below the waterline will be cooler, and better for produce. Especially if you are going to be boating in warm tropical areas.

While there is a lot to consider, some thorough and logical planning will make things smoother come launch day. And while you may forget a few items, or lose a few perishables in transit, don’t fret. It’s only a thousand and two miles to the nearest grocery store.

We are into March and before you know it, it will be time for the boating
enthusiasts to take their boats out of dry dock and get them ready for another big boating season. Now is the time of the year the boat owner should review the steps necessary to protect his boat from thieves and make this a crime free year.

Thieves are always on the lookout for easy targets. Many boat owners take a lackadaisical approach when it comes to their property. Do not make yourself and your boat an easy target. You can make your boat less of a target if you follow these simple steps:

• Never leave anything valuable on display, however small and insignificant it may seem. Thieves steal first and think about the value later.
• Don’t leave equipment or other items loose in the cockpit or on deck.
• Don’t leave your engine key in the ignition; always take it with you.
• Keep your other boat keys separate from your engine keys.
• Always keep your boat locked when no one is on board, even if it is for a short time.
• Use strong casehardened padlocks or rim locks on all your hatches, entry points and cockpit lockers.
• Consistently check and think of ways to improve the security on your boat. Do not take security for granted.
• It is a good idea to install an alarm and use a visible sticker to say that one your boat has an alarm system.
• Make sure your cockpit lockers are properly secured, and check that your main hatch and fore-hatch are strong, making it harder for thieves to get access to the interior.
• Also, think about having a strongbox or a hidden safe down below. If you don’t think something is secure, get it fixed.

IMPROVE YOUR SECURITY

Once you’ve tied up alongside, always do a quick security check before going ashore.

Always:

• Lock anything valuable out of sight in a strong locker secured by a strong casehardened padlock.
• Lock up any emergency money away from other valuables. A hidden safe can be handy here.
• Keep your curtains closed so that no-one can look in.
• Keep unused ropes, fenders and other items out of sight in your cockpit, lockers and cupboards and always lock them.
• Make sure that your life raft and outboard motor are secure, as these are valuable and attractive to boat thieves.
• When you go ashore using a dinghy, always remove your oars or paddles, row locks or pump, and secure the dinghy with a strong chain and padlock.
• If you are the victim of boat theft, call the police immediately and tell the harbor master or boatyard manager. Check to make sure that your boat is still seaworthy and hasn’t been badly damaged.
• And, if you can, check that neighboring boats haven’t been broken into as well.

Get to know other boat owners in your marina and work as a team to keep the marina secure. As a team or marina watch you can do the following:

• Keep an eye on other boats, as well as your own.
• Report any strangers at the marina to the harbor master or yardmaster.
• Don’t give your marina access card or key to other people for any reason.
• Never tell anyone else the access code to the marina.
• Don’t allow strangers into the marina, however genuine they may seem.
• Keep the marina gate closed at all times.

Don’t hesitate to act on these recommendations today. Tomorrow may be too late. Always remember that thought, planning and intentions are great but in order to accomplish anything you must take action.