Dec 10
28
Simple Boat Fire Safety Tips
Courtsey of USCG
According to the USCG, in 2009, there were 5 deaths, approx. 130 injuries and over $12,557,513 in damages from boat related fires in the United States. Fires can spread rapidly on a vessel and it is always best to be prepared for any fire-related situation. Here are some safety tips from the Seattle Fire Department:
- Use Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) marine-approved cord sets and connections. Do no hook up if you see burn marks or your cord set will not firmly connect.
- Routinely replace cord sets. Worn or overloaded cord sets and damaged shore power connections are a common cause of fires.
- Regularly inspect electrical and fuel systems. Have a professional upgrade the wiring to maintain the needs of your navigational equipment and other appliances.
- Never leave operating electrical equipment, including heaters, unattended. When leaving your boat for any reason, turn portable heaters off.
- Smoke alarms are important life-saving devices and should be installed in your boat.
- Plan your escape. Having an escape plan can save your life in an emergency.
- Have a U.S.C.G. approved fire extinguisher onboard and know how to use it. Fire extinguishers should be mounted near an exit so you are moving toward an exit as you access the extinguisher.
- Do your part to keep the dock clean and clear. Don’t leave engine parts, tools or other equipment on the dock.
- Properly dispose of oily rags in metal container with a tight-fitting lid. Leaving oily rags wrapped up in a grocery sack is not safe. The chemicals will begin to breakdown the rags, causing heat and possibly a fire.
- Boat owners must take responsibility for preventing fires on their boats and in the marina. The most common causes of boat fires are: electrical malfunctions, unattended portable heaters and poor housekeeping.
Posted in At The Dock Inside the Cabin by .
Dec 10
14
C-Map Electronic Charts
Why Choose C-Map MAX Charts?
C-Map by Jeppesen Marine vector-based charts offer unrivaled navigational detail and are compatible with most brands of chart plotters and PC-based navigation systems. For a detailed list of coverage areas and map changes, visit C-Map.
Bring your electronic charts to life with MAX, the ultimate navigator. C-MAP Max was built on the incredible success of C-MAP NT+ (voted Best Electronic Charts by the NMEA for 6 consecutive years) and provide you access to lightning fast, knockout performance plus real-life accuracy and detail.
Dynamic Navigational Aids
Illustrating both the colour and the light sequence of these important maritime features allows the chart to come to life as well as help all those navigating the surrounding waters.
Photos and Diagrams
C-Map by Jeppesen charts are full of extra value added data. High definition photographs and diagrams of ports and significant navigational aids make navigation easier when entering a port, even without having been there previously.
Points of Interest and Road Mapping
When pulling into port, why not look to your C-Map by Jeppesen chart to guide you? C-Map charts contain an extensive database of local services ranging from official buildings like Post Offices, theatres, shopping centres and cinemas, hotels and restaurants.
Tidal Predictions
The ability to know the tidal heights of the water is an important element in planning any route and one that remains so during its navigation. C-Map charts utilize a huge tidal database to provide you instant access to both past and present tidal heights and those of the future with graphic illustration.
Dynamic Currents
Currents greatly affect the movement of any boat and knowledge of their speed and direction is an important factor when considering the planning and navigation of any trip. The currents dynamic display on C-Map charts makes this data accessible to all boaters.
Guardian Alarm
Guardian Alarm is an exclusive tool that allows you to sail in safety. This function will automatically detect potential dangers while you are planning and navigating. Customizable to your boat and needs, you can enjoy your sailing and relax, safe in the knowledge that you have Guardian Alarm on lookout.
Complete and Detailed Port Plans
Given the extra complexity of navigating these areas, a sailor must take care and be sure of having the best available information at hand. C-Map navigational charts contain detailed plans for every port, haven and harbour allowing you to view a large scale and accurate view of the landings.
Perspective View
This option gives you a possibility to change perspective while using the chart. All the other chart features will be visible just the same and you will gain a view similar to the one in reality. An alternative viewpoint without compromising functionality
Go2marine offers World-Wide Coverage of most C-Map Max Local, Wide and Mega Wide Navigation Charts.
Posted in Out on the Water by .
Performance Metals manufactures Anodes for Sterndrives, Shaft Drives, Hulls, Water Heaters and Heat Exchangers.
What makes Perfomance Metals more than just another Anode?
The material the Sacrificial Anode is made from- Navalloy
- Zinc is the most common sacrificial material.
- Performance Metals developed Navalloy (aluminum alloy) as an anode.
- Navalloy is specially formulated to provide maximum protection and longer life and meets military specification MIL-A-24779.
- Navalloy includes 5% zinc and a trace of Indium, which prevents the build up of an oxide layer when stored out of the water.
- Navalloy alloy anodes provides more protection and last longer than zinc anodes.
- It is the only anode that is safe for all applications, in freshwater, brackish or saltwater.
- The anode reactivates after exposure to air, unlike zinc.
- It is environmentally friendly.
The Patented "Red Spot"
A simple way to monitor when to replace the Anode – Red Spot
- Take the guess work out of when to change your anode.
- Patented wear indicator is a plastic indicator that is embedded in the anode.
- Visible when the anode has worn to half it’s original size.
- Available for most applications.
Navalloy Galvanic Chart
Navalloy should not be confused with other Alloy Zincs.
Magnesium Anodes are entirely different than the Performance Metals Navalloy Aluminum Alloy Anode. Magnesium is the most active metal on the Galvanic scale; it can be used in freshwater, but care must exercised. Magnesium can over-protect aluminum hulls or out-drives in salt or brackish water or even polluted freshwater, causing paint to be lifted with resulting corrosion. Even a few hours immersion in anything other than clean freshwater can cause surface corrosion damage.
Do’s and Don’ts when using Anodes
Do
- Ensure that a good electrical contact is made between the anode and the metal that you are protecting.
- Use new stainless steel fasteners with anodes. Performance Metals supplies SS install hardware.
- Protect trim tabs.
- Use an anode that fits your application and offers adequate protection.
- Inspect anodes regularly, change them when they are 50% worn.
Don’t
- Do not pain anodes or the surface you are attaching an anode to.
- Never mix anode types; Navalloy anodes will try to protect zinc anodes!
- Never use zinc anodes on aluminum out-drives.
- Do not use Magnesium anodes on anything other than on out-drives used in freshwater.
Posted in Consumer Guides How to... Marine Engines Uncategorized by .
P.A.R. Belt Drive Pump
The original Peters and Russell Pumps – PAR, by Jabsco
The original PAR (Peters and Russell) belt driven diaphragm water pumps by Jabsco are the grandfather of the electric boating pumps. 80% of all boats made today will have a PAR or Jabsco pump of one kind or another on-board the vessel.
The most common use for a pump on-board a vessel is to move fresh water from a tank to the fixture or from a tank or bilge to a thruhull.
This classic belt drive Jabsco “PAR” freshwater, shower and grey water pump utilizes the original Peters and Russell (Inc., Springfield, Ohio) design that has dependably served the marine industry for nearly 50 years! In many cases parts are still available and these ‘chugging’ diaphragm pumps just keep working and working. The biggest advantages of these pumps is their ability to digest some large materials and limited dry running.
PAR-Max Water Pumps
The modern Jabsco PAR-Max pump series takes a different, if not more compact approach to pumping freshwater. The PAR-Max pumps are numbered 1-4 and will serve a variety of needs.
- PAR-Max 1 – 1.1 GPM (Gallons Per Minute)
- PAR-Max 2, discontinued - Replaced with the PAR-Max 2.9, 2.9 GPM
- PAR-Max 3 – 3.5 GPM
- PAR-Max 4 – 4.3 GPM
The PAR-Max Series of pumps feature pressure switches as well as being conveniently sized for your application; PAR-Max 1 will service 1 water fitting, PAR-Max 4 will service 4 water fittings. The PAR-Max pumps cane be used for freshwater, water transfer, wash-down. These pumps can be run dry. Rebuild service kits are available.
Jabsco also maufactures Rule Bilge Pumps and Flojet Freshwater Pumps.
Posted in Boating News Consumer Guides How to... Inside the Cabin by .
ON SALE until August 11, 2010
Sea-Fire Marine manufactures a unique fire suppression system that utilizes FM-200, the most accepted and safest extinguishing agent on the market.
FM-200 Offers:
- Safe for use in occupied spaces
- Will not cause thermal shock damage
- Residual free
- Electrically non-conductive
Sea-Fire extinguishers are available in sizes to accommodate any vessel, engine room, pilot house or cabin. The fire extinguisher is available in either automatic, or manual automatic. The corrosion resistant container is covered with a 3 year warranty and is USCG, Transport Canada, South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) approved. Sea-Fire builds extinguisher systems for marine, galley, server room and race car applications.
FM-200 is the most accepted and safest extinguishing agent on the market. FM-200 is safe for use in occupied spaces and engine compartments, it is the same compound used in pharmaceutical asthma inhalers. FM-200 is electrically non-conductive, residual free and will not cause thermal shock damage. It is also environmentally safe; it is accepted under the U.S. EPA’s Significant New Alternatives Policy and is an accepted replacement for products banned under the Montreal Protocol. FM-200 has zero ozone depletion potential and is recoverable and recyclable at the end of its useful service life.
Because of the unique nature of the extinguishing agent, FM-200 is only factory refillable.
Posted in Boating News Consumer Guides Inside the Cabin Marine Engines by .
Sur-Mark White Can Regulatory Marker Buoy
When selecting a type of regulatory buoys, certain requirements must be met to comply with the regulations set by the authorities who govern local waterways. Many regulatory buoys, such as those manufactured by Taylor Made, are filled with polyurethane foam and have concrete weight to retain a balance between weight and buoyancy that keeps them stable, upright and floating correctly on the surface of the water.
Regulatory buoys may have a strobe on top for night operation. Labels to indicate a boating hazard or an action that is required from the boater may be attached around the buoy. Most states require regulatory buoys to be visible 39” above the surface of the water; Taylor Made meets these requirements.
Marker buoys are typically used to temporarily indicate a course, boundary or hazard. When it comes to purchasing marker buoys, boaters have the choice of either hard or air inflation buoys in a variety of colors. Taylor Made’s personal water craft buoys have a variety of uses. Aside from functioning as marker buoys, the can also be used as pick-up buoys or fenders for a jet ski. These products are made using a double color system to ensure that they will stay bright and fluorescent for years to come.
Water Ski Marker Buoys
Taylor Made’s water ski marker buoys are constructed from PVC, so they are both lightweight and durable. Each of these buoys contains an inflation valve to control air pressure and a built-in anchor line loop. These inflatable items are also ideal for marking a slalom course, in accordance with the specifications set by the American Water Ski Association.
Posted in Consumer Guides How to... Out on the Water by .
Many Pumps on a Small Boat
A fully-stocked modern 36-40 foot powerboat can contain more than a dozen pumps that carry out an array of tasks. Sump pumps are commonly used to move shower, sink or sump water from the utility to storage tanks in the vessel. The water will be pumped into a gray water waste tank, which can be emptied out at the dock, using another pump.
These utility pumps typically come with a built-in pressure valve that shuts down the pressurizing system when the pump reaches full pressure. Most marine pumps that move these slurry liquids are diaphragm pumps. These products contain an internal chamber with an entrance and exit, and a membrane that expands when the chamber draws in water.
50880 Series Jabsco, Sink, Shower Drain and Bilge Pump
The 50880 Series Jabsco sink, shower and bilge pump, is a quiet-running pump that boasts a flow rate of over four gallons per minute. It is available in either 12 or 24 DC volts and is fully resistant to corrosion.
Jabsco’s diaphragm pumps can be used to pump sump water at a flow rate of 3-5 gallons per minute, and can often be used for deck washing as well. Additionally, the unique design of this product allows for it to run dry for extended periods without damage.
Posted in Consumer Guides Inside the Cabin by .
Super Edge Dock Bumpers
Aside from fenders, a variety of products are available for purchase that will protect boats from the hard corners or sided of docks. Dock edges are sometimes preferable to fenders because they can permanently be kept in place and offer an alternative for protecting one’s vessel. Options include wave dock guards, dock corner edging and both single and double tube bumpers.
Taylor Made Super Edge Dock bumpers are designed with a “C” shape that gives protection on both the top and side of the deck. Single and double tube post bumpers, also manufactured by Taylor Made, are available in multiple bumper profiles up to 50 inches in length.
Removable Post Bumper
The best way to perminantly install these products, as well as most dock perimeters and post bumpers, is with 1.25-inch, #8 or #10 stainless steel screws. Screws can be use to fasten the perimeter by being used in each provided tab, which should be about every three to four inches.
The post bumpers are made with a flexible tab system that allows for either top-of-deck or fold-over mounting. In addition to screws, 1-inch stainless steel pneumatic staples or 1.5-inch large-headed stainless steel or aluminum nails can be used every three to four inches to secure dock edge protection.
Posted in At The Dock by .
Jul 10
1
Teleflex Steering System Choices
NFB Pro Rack Mechanical Dual Cable Outboard Steering System, SS152
When selecting a replacement steering system for their vessel, boaters must first determine which type of steering system best fits their boat: single or double cable systems, rack and pinion or rotary helm units, standard or No-Feedback (NFB) versions. But aside from these general groupings, captains also need to examine the particular features that each Teleflex steering system offers.
Teleflex manufactures steering systems from the heavy duty, dual cable SS152 to the single cable rack and pinion outboard SS132, as well as the rugged Safe-T QC mechanical cable stern drive steering system, the SS137. There are steering options available for nearly any outboard or stern drive application.
The SS152 NFB Pro Rack mechanical dual cable outboard steering system is a top-quality NFB system that is specifically designed for high performance hulls and large outboard motors. In the SS152, steering loads are locked out until the steering wheel is turned so boaters don’t have to struggle to keep their vessel on course. This model is ideal for boats that travel faster than 50 miles per hour and with outboards over 115 horsepower outboards or boats that are susceptible to engine flutter.
The SS132 is designed for all boats with non-power assisted V-4 and smaller outboard engines in which there is a minimum of engine flutter or instability. This steering system was the standard for many smaller boats since the 1980’s and earlier. The helm fits into existing Teleflex rotary dash cutouts resulting in no dash modification or drilling.
Teleflex’s SS137 Safe-T QC mechanical cable stern drive steering system is designed for stern drive boats with wheels that measure up to 16 inches in diameter, and often accommodates boats in which a NFB system is not required. This system can be used on both stern drives and outboards, accommodating boats up to 230 hp with a quick response steering of just 3 turns lock to lock.
In general, NFB systems aim to eliminate torque feedback at the helm. Rack and Pinion steering require more room behind the dash, while rotary steering systems are often a simple replacement.
Posted in Boat Steering Consumer Guides How to... by .
Removable Post Bumper
Boaters are met by a wide array of options when shopping for products that will protect their boats from hard dock edges. While fenders are used to protect the boat, others prefer additional protection of dock edging that is permanently kept in position to reduce any wear from rubbing against docks. These items include Taylor Made removable post bumpers, Wave doc guards, and dock corner edging.
Removable post bumpers are ideal for docking, and are often preferable to fenders on pilings because they stay in one place. Composed of a foam cushion and polyester webbing, these bumpers are easy to clean with a liquid soap and will not mark your boat.
The Wave - Dock Guard, Dock Edging
The Taylor Made Wave dock edging consists of a sturdy PVC strip that spans the entire side of a dock. The strip measures 1/4” by 5”, and is intended to act as a shock absorber should a boat come into contact with the dock’s edge. Boaters can form a “wave” shape with this flexible material when they nail it to their dock.
For protection on the top as well as the side of a dock, the unique “C” shape of the Super Edge Dock Bumpers will work in many applications. These rugged dock bumpers will provide protection in both vertical and horizontal mounting positions.
Dock Corner Edging, 90 Degree Corners, 6" Vinyl
Finally, a 90 degree vinyl dock corner edging can be purchased to protect boats from outside dock corners. These products cover six inches of a dock’s corner and are made with internal ribs to give impact resistance.
Regardless of the size, material or construction of the dock, there is an edging or bumper product that will protect your investment.
Posted in Consumer Guides by .
Your online boat parts reference center designed for boaters. Find more information on popular boat parts and products, with articles on installation and operation instructions, maintenance and service tips, parts warranties, and a variety of other boat parts information.We also include detailed product information on:
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