Boating News
ARRRRH, MATIES!
It's never fun when we get down to the boat and discover some "pirating" thief has absconded with all the electronics or even the whole boat. There are a few things we can keep in mind and on hand so as to minimize or eliminate the thieving.
Keep all equipment, dinghies, trailers locked
Watch for strangers hanging around the docks
Know who your neighbors are
Be alert for suspicious activity such as a suspicious vessel at night running without proper lighting
Keep serial numbers of all electronic equipment somewhere other than the boat (machinery, stern drives, engines, and especially outboard engines)
If something is stolen, after you contact the local authorities, contact Stolen Boats Canada as well. They've been a great help to others. Follow the "More" button below to see their website and learn more about what they do..
Boating News
Otters are soooo cute... but have a habit of being troublesome to boaters. For one of the more troublesome habits of the otter, the folks at "What, Inc." have invented a product that "solves the problem of otters pooping on your cleated dock lines". This product is called the "Otter Cob". Otters eat crab shells and clams. Because the shells are not digestible they pass through the otters' digestive tract, well, intact. When the otter "passes" the undigested shells it's painful and itches quite severely hence the utilization of your cleated dock lines to relieve the itch. The folks at Friday Harbor Marine are the exclusive distributor of this product. If you're interested in learning more follow the "More" button below.
Transport Canada Sewage Regulations
Although we're a little more sophisticated now, many boaters need help clarifying the sewage regulations and specifically whether Y-valves were still permissible in BC? So far, the BCMTA has been unable to get an answer from TC confirming the status of Y-valves. The full regulation is available by following the "PDF" button.
Fuel Saving Tips
- Watching the scenery and not racing by saves fuel
- The proper use of trim tabs reduce drag, especially while accelerating up to planing speeds.
- Idling at the dock consumes fuel unneccessarily
- Minimize the use of onboard generators.
- Better yet, use electrical power dock-side when you can.
- Have a float plan so you know exactly where you’re going.
- Simple physics says a clean hull means less friction therefore less fuel consumption.
- Size does matter for your motor. Is it the right size for your load?
- Again, size matters even when it comes to your propeller. Yours could be doing you an injustice if it's the wrong size.
- Keeping your motor tuned up is always best for optimal fuel use
- Make sure to use the right fuel grade suggested by the motor manufacturer.
Helpful Info
- Mustang Survival PFD Recall Notice
- Fishing Vessel Advisory Notice
- US Coast Guard News Releases
- BCMTA Boat Shows and Events
- Know what to expect at the Canadian Border
Other News and Links
We'll be at the Seattle Boat Show January 27-February 5, 2012
We're excited about being at the Seattle Boat Show again! Come see us and check out the 2012 Ports and Passes. Bring along the coupon for the free Shake Flashlight, too.
A list of the symbols, abbreviations, and terms is now available online from Canadian Hydrographic Service. To download the PDF version of Chart #1, click on the link.
Readers Write:
My daughter’s partner, an avid sailor, was delighted with the copy I gave him and said its tide tables and currents were more accurate than other publications!
Heather - Gibsons, BC.