Journal

Owning a boat means constantly battling the elements, but one of the most insidious threats isn’t always obvious. Let’s talk about galvanic corrosion. This silent destroyer can weaken metal components, leading to expensive damage and even catastrophic failure. Understanding how it works and, more importantly, how to prevent it, can help save you time, money, and a whole lot of stress.

Outboard motor theft is on the rise, especially during times of supply shortages, making them a prime target for thieves. A single incident can impact an entire dock, leaving boat owners frustrated and out of pocket. Here’s how you can secure your outboard motor and ensure your insurance stays valid.

• Do a general cleaning of hull, deck, and topsides using a mild detergent. • Ensure drains and sinks are clear. • Apply a coat of wax to protect surfaces. • Clean and polish metal surfaces with a good metal polish. • Clean teak wood and apply oil if needed.

Whether as the result of a collision, grounding, material failure, a loose screw or simply your own negligence – if water is coming into the vessel, haste is required. And almost any item can be used to plug the leak, or at least to reduce the amount of water coming in: an oven cloth, a sleeping bag, even a carrot if nothing else is to hand. Because fighting leaks is your top priority.

Conducting a pre-departure safety brief is always a good idea, regardless of if you are leaving the dock for an afternoon on the water or an outright voyage of weeks or months. You have a responsibility as captain to ensure passengers and crew are familiar with the basics of your vessel, from the location of safety equipment to what they should do in an emergency. Here’s how to ensure those onboard are safe, comfortable and able to assist should the need arise.

Boating is fun, peaceful and relaxing. Most of the time. It’s a great way to connect with family and friends for everything from short day trips to venturing off farther, even escaping to as far as you can go. It does not matter what type of boating you do, for no matter where you look, there’s always something new to find.

Lithium batteries surround us every day in smartphones and tablets. But lithium batteries are also increasingly being used on boats, be it for water toys, service equipment or boat engines. Their potential is great! However, if used improperly, lithium batteries also pose risks. We show you what to beware of.

Walking by any marina, sailing club or shipyard, a common visual is motor and sailing boats dangling on crossbeams, straps and slings. What at glance isn’t always noted is how the owners fearfully watch on, knowing well the huge risks these practices pose for their assets.

The Galvanic Series and what it means for you. - What you may or may not know is that not all metals are compatible. Metals find their place on a chart called the ‘Galvanic Series’ or ‘Electro-potential Series’ which outlines them from most noble to least noble.

The effectiveness of correctly installed lightning protection systems has long been proven; however, regrettably such devices are not yet standard on boats and yachts. But owners can act. Specialist companies offer several possibilities of averting or at least reducing the devastating effects of a lightning strike; these possibilities are described briefly below.

Introducing ‘We Are Feel Good Inc’ - In our recent article ‘Save Our Oceans’ we touched on the toxic compounds Oxybenzone and Octinoxate which are found in common sunscreens. These two chemicals can have detrimental effects in our oceans, particularly for coral reefs. The two chemicals have been banned entirely from use in Hawaii and Florida, amongst other locations globally.

Regardless of where you live you can expect to be hit with severe weather once in a while. Whether it’s some wilder winds hitting the region or a highly destructive cyclone, the following methods are a must for storm protection. In 2017 we were reminded of the magnitude of power nature can bestow on us with the destructive events in North Queensland and the Caribbean. Let’s take a little recap and review what you as a responsible boatie can do in these unpredictable situations.