Tagged: safety
Just a Scootch
Spring is starting to unfold and we’re headed into the spring commissioning process. Now, if you’re somewhat of a DIYer, you understand that commissioning involves a lot of different activities: tightening belts; changing plugs; replacing thermostats and water pump impellers; connecting battery cables, etc. One thing you may or may not initially recollect is that new parts are not always quite what you expected and even installed parts can be off, just a scootch. For example I’ve changed thermostat housings only to find that the new gaskets supplied in the kit didn’t seal as well as the old gaskets being [...]
Slippery Conditions
The weather is starting to turn and spring commissioning activities are coming up fast. All sorts of things are on the “to do” list – washing, waxing, tuning, and painting, just to name a few. If you’ve done them before, none of them are particularly challenging, they just take time and effort. But, never let go of the thought that even the most basic chores can be dangerous. When you’re walking on wet foredecks with last year’s topsiders, it is all too easy to slip and fall onto the pavement below. And when you’re reconnecting the battery cables, sparks can [...]
Steady As She Goes
It’s the start of the boating season and most skipper’s piloting skills are a bit rusty. Questions abound in terms of the boat’s ability to plane in open water; turn in close quarters at the gas dock; and reduce speed in mandatory low wake areas. Additional questions surface in terms of rock locations, tidal impacts, and basic piloting actions. Poor piloting can lead to collisions with high costs in terms of life and property. Consider a couple of points. One, take a quick glance at some graphical navigational examples to ensure you have the proper passing frameworks in mind. Two, [...]
Stay Above The Waterline
It’s June, early in the boating season, and a good time to keep a close eye on things as all of the boat’s systems, from mechanical to plumbing to electrical, reconnect. Particularly with all the recent rain, the bilge pump system which includes batteries, wiring, pump switch, and the pump itself bears close initial monitoring. A lot of failure points characterize this oftentimes overlooked system – batteries can be weak or the terminal connections can be faulty; power wires can be cut or corroded; the pump switch can be stuck in the “on” or “off” position; and, of course the [...]
Summer Holiday Kick-Off
Well, the kick-off of the Northeast boating season, Memorial Day weekend, is coming into sight and the pace is quickening within local boat yards. Around here, both the water and ambient temperatures are still decidedly on the brisk side which will dampen enthusiasm among some in-water skippers, while others soldier ahead. The end result is a double-edged sword – less traffic to contend with, but also fewer boaters to lend a hand in adverse situations. The trade-off is usually a favorable one, but it’s critically important that your boat and accessories be in top notch condition to avoid pressing your [...]
USPS Safety Checks – Green Light
Safety Checks Historically, each year the local United States Power Squadrons (USPS) conducted boat safety inspections, in line with the “official” description below. A Vessel Safety Check is a courtesy examination of your boat (Vessel) to verify the presence and condition of certain Safety Equipment required by State and the Federal regulations. The Vessel Examiner is a trained specialist and is a member of the United States Power Squadrons or the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. They will also make certain recommendations and discuss certain safety issues that will make you a safer boater. It appears that, at least locally, this [...]
Chemistry
Last weekend, half-way through a day of spring commissioning activities, it occurred to me that I was inadvertently involved in advanced chemistry, without a formal degree. I was working with, and exposed to: engine oil, boat soap, Lestoil, cleaner wax, electrical spray, teak cleaner, acetone, bleach and a number of other potentially toxic liquid chemicals. The problem - mixing the wrong chemicals together can cause an explosion, and even getting individual ones on your skin, or in your eyes, can cause long-term pain and injury. Now, there are a couple choices. One let a marine professional handle the chemical-based activities. [...]
Easy Does It
The season is winding down and boaters are attending to last minute details from changing out the summer pennant for the winter stick to hauling the main boat and dinghy. There are some refreshing reflective moments to cherish, and, unfortunately, some potentially dangerous situations to be cognizant of. For example, while pulling up the heavy mooring chain in the small dinghy the other day, I noticed that there was only about 5” of freeboard, making the boat vulnerable to any tall wakes thrown off by passing boats. A few days later, while removing the dinghy from its dock space during [...]