River City Challenge
Friday, May 4th, 2012
Don’t miss Jacksonville’s first ever paddle boat race this Saturday. Sounds exciting doesn’t it? Definitely a unique family-friendly event you definitely don’t want to miss.
Not only will you enjoy the paddle competition but great food festivities and music. This race will be broken up into two open race courses. Local businesses will be present selling their products and equipment.
When? Saturday May 5th
What time? 9:00 a.m. (Race will start promptly at 10:00 a.m.)
Where? St. John’s Marina
For detailed I formation on the race go to Jacksonville events.
Source: Jacksonville Events
Image: Wikimedia Commons
Safe boating for your family
Monday, April 30th, 2012
If you are planning to take your family out on the boat for a relaxing day out on the water, it’s always great to be prepared and safe. Here are som great boat safety tips that you and your family can follow for a truly fun yet safe boating experience:
Here are some safety tips and maintenance according to discoverboating.com:
- Keep your boat clean. Doing this on a regular basis will keep your boat in top notch condition!
- Be sure to change the oil. Just like a car, this task must be done for your boat to stay functioning properly.
- If your boat contains a propellar, be sure to check it thoroughly.
- Advise children to never run on the dock before entering the boat.
- Keep life jackets handy but be sure young children wear them at all times on the boat.
- Advise that there be no horse play within the boat.
- Be seated at all times unless advised otherwise.
If you have a child that does not know how to swim, it is probably best to get them swimming lessons before going out on any boat regardless if they have life jackets on or not. It’s always best to be prepared in any situation when it comes to water and boating.
Source: Discover Boating
Image: Wikimedia Commons
Keeping that glossy appearance to your boat
Friday, March 23rd, 2012
Remember how it felt when you purchased your boat and how glossy it appeared? You can maintain that glossy look through the years with a few simple steps.
- Give the boat a thorough wash from time to time. A high quality marine soap will do the trick. Other cleaning products could take the finish right off the boat and you of course do not want this.
- Give your boat’s hull and topsides a good waxing.
- Oxidize gelcoats
Be sure to clean, polish, wax, etc., your boat every two months to keep that new glossy appearance. Consistency is key.
Source: Land Big Fish
Image: Wikimedia Commons
Tips for updating your boat
Saturday, March 10th, 2012
Owning a boat just like anything else requires maintenance and occasional updates. If you own a boat you understand the importance of these tasks. If you are a owner of your very first boat, you may be wondering what updates are essential for your boat at this time. Here are some tips you can jot down and keep handy for future updates:
• You will want to inspect and lubricate all valves present on your boat. Be sure to also inspect hoses and pipework.
•Be sure to occasionally flush cooling system, replace oil, and check belts. You will also want to check batteries and fuel lines.
• Repair and wax the hull.
•Clean and grease the hull after removing corrosion.
•Thoroughly clean the interior of the boat. This includes the woodwork.
•Inspect the trailer
•Update all paperwork.
•Replace navigational equipment if you find it necessary.
•Make sure your boat is equipped with life jackets, flares,
• Fix rusted bolts and repair damaged covers.
Source: Boat Zone
Image: Wikimedia Commons
How to maintain the outboard motor of a boat
Monday, February 6th, 2012
An outboard motor hangs outside of the boat so it’s important to maintain care on it so that it’s running smoothly. This is especially important when a boat is used in salt water. What are some ways you can properly care for the outboard motor of your boat? Here are some tips according to eHow.com that you will find useful for every day boat maintenance:
- After every use, be sure to pour fresh water over the motor to wash away all of the salt and water debris such as seaweed, etc.
- If you are planning on transporting your boat to a different location, be sure you hoist the boat on some sort of brace. This keeps it from hanging freely and bouncing around unnecessarily.
- If you plan on storing your boat for long periods of time, consider draining out the gas line. The carburetor will stay clean this way.
- Make sure you check the oil at least once a year. This is essential for maintaining your boat.
- Be sure to check the pump periodically.
A boat can be an excellent investment depending on the type of boat you buy. If you want your boat lasting a long time, maintaining the outboard motor is beneficial to seeing these results.
Source: eHow
Image: Wikimedia Commons
How to strip a boat of paint before repainting
Monday, July 18th, 2011
Could your boat use a little TLC? Maybe a new coat of paint to be exact? Before you go make the decision to repaint your boat it’s a good idea to strip the old paint first before applying a fresh coat. How can this be done effectively? Here are some tips according to Sailing Ahead:
Paint tips
- The use of burners or flame guns is very effective as it melts the paint off. But be advised that the heat could potentially damage the hull so it’s important to pay close to detail when using a burner or flame gun.
- You can strip paint off your boat by using a chemical solution. Applying the right amount can remove the paint with ease but the disadvantage of chemicals and it’s toxic may have you consider wearing protective clothing and some sort of protective mask and googles.
- Approach the good ole’ sanding technigue. This method has worked for centuries though it may take longer periods of time to effectively remove all the paint in time for a fresh coat of paint.
- The least favorite method of paint stripping is dry scraping. Yes, this most definitely would take what feels like forever but you could also end up damaging your boat in the process. Consider dry scraping for only small areas of the boat or for even small boats for that matter.
Source: Sailing Ahead
Image: Wikimedia Commons
