Tag Archives: boat equipment

Boating Safety Tips For The Holiday Weekend

Posted on September 4, 2020 by captnmike

The Coast Guard urges boaters across the country to use extra caution while on the water this Labor Day weekend. Here is the safety advice from two districts with additional suggestions I have learned over the last 30 years as … Continue reading →

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Proper Bridge Opening Signals and Conch Shell Horns

Posted on April 19, 2016 by captnmike

Sometimes boaters have trouble getting a bridge to open for them, there are several reasons why a bridge might not lift as soon as you sound your horn. The email below is from a Seattle Bridge Operator and was forwarded … Continue reading →

Posted in Boating Safety, Sailing and Boating Skills | Tagged , | 7 Comments

Assembling Hoses With The Secret Sauce

Posted on February 20, 2016 by captnmike

Assembling hoses is not one of my favorite jobs on a boat, always tough to get the hose to slide on the fitting no matter what lube I tried. This last spring I re-powered my boat.  When it came time … Continue reading →

Posted in Boat Maintenance, Boating Safety | Tagged | 5 Comments

My New Cold Weather Insulated Sailing Gloves

Posted on November 21, 2015 by captnmike

This spring I bought new pair of Gill Three Season Gloves having gotten so tired of cold fingers. The gloves are made of 1.5mm neoprene insulation  with a high tech non-slip fabric on the palms and fingers.  The entire hand is  … Continue reading →

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Chafe Protection – Or keeping your boat tied up in a storm

Posted on November 13, 2015 by captnmike

As the fall storms and winds increase, chafe protection on mooring lines is often overlooked until a line parts or breaks. Lines should be protected anytime they go over or around a sharp or abrasive object. Chafe is increased anytime … Continue reading →

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Flashlights For The Boat

Posted on October 8, 2015 by captnmike

As the days get shorter, the odds that you will be returning to your slip or  entering the marina at night are increasing. Entering many marinas after dark can be a real stressful experience, here are three lights that I … Continue reading →

Posted in Boating Safety | Tagged | 6 Comments

Tips & Hints For Preventing or Dealing With Oil and Fuel Spills

Posted on July 28, 2015 by captnmike

Yes recreational boaters on average behave responsibly, but accidents do happen and nobody wants to see an oil spill gathering around their boat in the marina.   Small Oil Spill Kits are being given out free to help boaters keep the … Continue reading →

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Relocating the 120 VAC Electrical Panel

Posted on May 17, 2015 by captnmike

As part of the engine re-power I decided to relocate the 120 VAC Electrical Panel to give better access to the engine compartment since the original panel blocked engine maintenance access. The boat originally came with a custom 120 VAC … Continue reading →

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