Author Archives: captnmike

How not to launch your boat

Posted on January 6, 2013 by captnmike

A couple of videos sent to me on how not to launch a boat while underway. The first video shows not the way to launch a Fast Rescue Boat, they need some type of rescue boat after this fiasco.  Why … Continue reading →

Posted in Boating Safety | 4 Comments

Posted on September 10, 2012 by captnmike

Originally posted on BoatSafe Blog:
The Coast Guard does not advocate cell phones as a substitute for the regular maritime radio distress and safety systems recognized by the Federal Communications Commission and the International Radio Regulations — particularly VHF maritime…

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How to Tie Your Boat to a Dock that has a Bull Rail – Part 2

Posted on August 9, 2012 by captnmike

This is a quick and easy way to tie a boat to a dock that has a Bull Rail.  This was passed on last week by a friend. Some docks only have a Bull Rail so being able to properly … Continue reading →

Posted in Boating Safety, Sailing and Boating Skills | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

How to Tie Your Boat to a Dock that has a Bull Rail – Part 1

Posted on August 6, 2012 by captnmike

Tying a boat to  the Bull Rail on a dock is a commonly required docking skill that is often done the hard way.   Many docks don’t have cleats,  the cleats are not in a convenient location or a cleat might … Continue reading →

Posted in Boating Safety, Sailing and Boating Skills | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

The Esquire Magazine Interview

Posted on June 8, 2012 by captnmike

In January of this year I received the following message from Taylor Adams at  Esquire Magazine. Message: Hello, I’m one of the people at Esquire magazine responsible for the research that goes into our Big Black Book supplement, which this … Continue reading →

Posted in Boating Safety, Safety Thoughts | 2 Comments

Marking Your Halyards

Posted on June 8, 2012 by captnmike

Many people put adjusting marks on  their halyards or other control lines to help with sail trim by making it quick and easy to repeat settings they have found to work with  given conditions in the past.    A big black … Continue reading →

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Personal Boating Safety Equipment

Posted on May 28, 2012 by captnmike

What safety equipment should I have on me when I am boating or what safety equipment should I add to my lifejacket is a common question  ask at boating safety events. Here is the safety equipment that I and other … Continue reading →

Posted in Boating Safety, Sailing and Boating Skills | Tagged , | 4 Comments

Re-Bedding Deck Hardware

Posted on May 24, 2012 by captnmike

Bedding deck hardware is something that all boat owners need to do sooner or later.  Either because of leaks, new hardware or maintenance  of existing hardware.  Recently I found an article that shows how the author and several boat manufactures … Continue reading →

Posted in Boat Maintenance | Tagged , | 4 Comments