Author Archives: captnmike

How are Your Boat Roping Skills?

Posted on May 28, 2014 by captnmike

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) demonstrate their cowboy skills in this video with a lass rope to get a runaway boat under control. In the Public Education Classes we make a big issue of why boaters should attach the … Continue reading →

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Drowning Does Not Look Like Drowning

Posted on May 24, 2014 by captnmike

#122702810 / gettyimages.com I found this article over on gCaptain, they published it in June of 2010 and they have republished it by popular demand every Labor Day Weekend since then.  A very enlightening article on why you will not … Continue reading →

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Making Pelican Hook Lanyards & Key Fobs

Posted on May 19, 2014 by captnmike

You can save money by making your own colorful Pelican Hook / Shackle Lanyards.  They are quick and easy to make and you can pick your own colors. Key Fobs make great Christmas and Birthday gifts for your non sailing … Continue reading →

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Repairing the Forward Hatch & Catch Blocks

Posted on May 15, 2014 by captnmike

The Catch Blocks on the forward hatch needed repair after the Pop-Rivets came loose. I thought about using Pop-Rivets like the original catch blocks were mounted with.  However getting the Pop-Rivets to seat in the counter bore looked to be … Continue reading →

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Your boat is ready? Don’t forget your nautical chart…

Posted on May 10, 2014 by captnmike

Ah, the boat is ready, the safety vests are stowed on board, the sky is blue, and the water beckons… But hold on a sec, sailor! Where is your nautical chart? A terrific t-shirt is sold in tourist shops at some…

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Class Aids For teaching Marine Rules Of The Road

Posted on May 7, 2014 by captnmike

Here are some of the class aids I use for teaching Marine Rules of The Road (ColRegs). The class aids are magnetic backed boats, lights and day shapes.  The magnetic class aids can be moved around quickly on a magnetic … Continue reading →

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Man Overboard – An Interview With A Survivor

Posted on May 4, 2014 by captnmike

Nine fisherman went overboard off Great Britain in 2009.  This is an interview with the single survivor and his story of going overboard at night.  Very calm in his own words, gives us all something to think about. The water … Continue reading →

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Improved Fender Whip–Part 2

Posted on April 30, 2014 by captnmike

This improved Fender Whip is easier to handle and holds knots much better than a regular three strand or double braid fender whip. Standard fender whips made of three strand or double braid are stiffer and over time become even … Continue reading →

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