Marine Cruisin’ Fun

deep ocean viewDid you know that water makes up approximately 71% of our Earth? Some of it is fresh and some is pure saltwater. Both play an important role in our lives and both are constantly changing and evolving. Therefore, it should come as no surprise to anyone that most of us spend at least some of our time learning about the world’s waterways. It is a trend that first began during the middle ages, “Age of Exploration” and has continued. Constantly changing and evolving as the year’s pass. Whether you own a boat, or simply want to go exploring while someone else plays captain, you can find it all with the marine crusin’ fun experiences that are waiting along the shore.

Our Fascination with Water

ocean floorsOnce upon a time, even before Columbus sailed the ocean blue in 1492, the waterways near Africa, Europe, and Asia were already being explored and mapped out. Those explorers needed to know where they could travel by ships safely, and which areas to avoid. They also spent a lot of time pushing their boundaries to explore new areas that could only be reached via the ocean.

We know more today than they ever could at that time. For instance, as reported by the National Geographic, the tallest mountain on Earth is approximately four miles under sea level. Hiding in our Pacific Ocean. How it formed? Most likely, it was a result of a process that we call, “plate tectonics”. This process happens because our ocean rests on plates that cover the Earth’s mantle. As it shifts, things slowly move around on the ocean floor. It moves only a few centimeters each year unless something drastic happens, but it is important that we know where the peaks and valleys are.

Why Mapping Is Important

marine chartFor marine biologists and all other oceanic scientists, knowledge is power. In even as short a time as a decade, they have discovered more than 1500 new species of oceanic creatures living deep on the ocean floor. Their habits are unique and dependent on the plate movement of the ocean floor, underwater volcanos, and cold water seeps. As the years’ progress and more changes take place, there could be even more exciting discoveries hiding in the depths of this mysterious world.

For less science-focused people, there are still interesting things to see in our waterways. Fantastic and interesting shells can be found along the shore, massive whales, sharks, and other marine life can be seen from the bow of a boat, the list goes on and on.  We can find food in the ocean, relax with the constant ebb and flow, or simply delight in the wonders of without ever considering what may be happening down below our boat.

This does not make it any less important though. Any boater can tell you that there is nothing as rotten as hitting land when you are trying to enjoy your day at sea. Where is the land formations that can pin you for hours located? This can only be known if you have a charter map of the water in that area.

Explore Your Local Waterways and Rivers

There are a lot of ways for you to explore all that your local area has to offer. If you are going out solo on a boat that you own, make sure you have the most updated marine charts available for that area. If you hire a charter boat to take you out on the adventure of a lifetime, you may consider asking if they have current charts. They may appreciate the fact that you are curious and take the time to explain what you are seeing or how the waters have changed.

 

 

Repairing A Galley Table With Epoxy

Sailing open waterAsk anyone who enjoys fishing or boating and they will tell you that there is nothing better than spending time on the water. For many, it is a life’s goal to get a sailboat and sail away, living out the rest of their days on the water. It is a nice ambition, but it does come with a price. The price is where most people have to give up their dreams, unless they are willing to consider buying used. This also comes with some cost and effort because it may mean you end up having to repair certain things. For instance, repairing a galley table with epoxy.

The Cost of Boat Ownership

small sailboatWhen you look at the cost of a boat, you will find that there are not only upkeep costs, but an unimaginable cost to purchase one. If you buy a new sailboat, you could potentially end up spending $123,800 just to get a small one. Sailboats in this average price range have a small cabin that is good for one, maybe two, people. Any more than that and you will feel cramped within the space. The larger you go, the more your boat will cost.

Contrarily, if you are willing to consider buying a used sailboat, you could spend as little as a couple thousand to bring it home. This does mean that it may not be the “dream-boat” you have pictured in your mind. It is very possible that it has issues that will have to be tackled before you can take it out on the water. Some of the most common repairs include:

  • Missing Wood
  • Rust
  • Bad Fiberglass
  • No Sails
  • Need Fresh Paint
  • Bad Motor
  • Imperfect/Incomplete Cabin Area

For an avid boat lover, these issues are merely annoyances that can be repaired.

Fixing Up and Older Boat

used sailboat galleyYou can buy sailboats that are used that can be dated back to 30+ years ago. If you bought a car that was made in the early 80s for $100, you wouldn’t expect much beauty to be found in it. Boats are the same way. Even a well-loved and well-cared for sailboat can have imperfection after so many years. Galleys, and the interior space as a whole, are often where you see the most damages, but it can also extend into other areas.

Luckily, most of the necessary repairs can be cosmetic only. You can give them an updated look on the inside and then work your way around the exterior deck area if you want. One thing we can tell you is that epoxy will be your new best friend when repairing a sailboat. As a bonus, the safety of epoxy is not in question.

Is Epoxy Safe for Galleys?

We have seen time and time again how epoxy resin can be used in kitchens to ensure wood counters or tabletops don’t get stained. Once cured, the epoxy can touch foods and never “contaminate” them. In fact, it may even get fewer germs since epoxy is nonporous. They provide a water-tight seal, which ensures that even in the middle of the ocean, all your boat surfaces can be protected. This will eliminate future problems, which will be appreciated if you spend time repairing/remodeling.

Marine Epoxy Vs River Table Epoxy

epoxy craftsMost of us hear a lot about epoxy because of the many ways that it can be used. We hear about how it is used to provide boats with a high gloss shine that protects it. We hear about how it can make wood furniture more beautiful. Useful in crafting and creating river tables. The question is, do you really know the difference? Is there a difference between epoxies? We decided to find out. Here is the truth behind marine epoxy vs river table epoxy.

Marine Epoxy

marine epoxyIn marine applications, such as a boat, plywood may be saturated with epoxy. This makes it extremely waterproof. It can also be used to apply fiberglass tape and cloth. The trick is thin layers. It isn’t an epoxy that needs to be deep poured. It works well as an adhesive and a sealant.
The best marine epoxy consists of two parts. One is the resin. It is combined with a hardener of some sort. In most cases, you mix it 1:1, but you should always follow the directions on your epoxy brand to find out for sure how to mix it. Too much of one or the other can mean that it does not cure properly and may allow water to seep in. It also has a very short workable time. This is because it often is used to pour onto surfaces that may be underwater.

Other Epoxies (Deep Pour Epoxy)

deep pour epoxyThe epoxy that is used to create furniture like river tables is different. Typically, this will be done with polyester or casting epoxy. Neither of these products work well as an adhesive. They can seal, they can be deep poured, typically using a 1:1 ratio, but they are unable to keep up with the constant “wet” that comes from living in the water.

This epoxy has a longer working time before it begins to set, which allows you to spread it or pour it as thick as you need. However, most recommend that you still consider layering it, especially the first coat. If you are still unsure about the benefits of using deep pour, you can learn more at http://deeppourepoxy.com. This is a one stop shop for all things thick pour resin. Whether it’s river tables or large castings, Deep Pour has it covered.

Which is Best for Your Needs?

Marine epoxy is really only usable for quick setting applications and thin layers. It is also more costly. Therefore, most people will use other epoxies for crafting and creating furniture. By doing this, they have more flexibility when working with it. Most deep pour epoxies allow you up to 15-20 minutes. However, this does depend on the temperature range that you are working in. If it is warm in your shop, it may begin to cure and harden faster. Too cold in that space and it could take longer.

An ideal temperature of 60-80 degrees allows you to create jewelry, coat tables, and pour a river. In almost all situations, the epoxy will cure properly and you will have a finished piece that you will be happy to show off to others.

 

Five Marine Power Applications

boat batteryWhen boating, you may not really ever think about all the things that require battery power. That is until you have a hiccup in the system and a dead battery to deal with. Then you get into really looking around your boat for what could be drawing power. For instance, your GPS, fish finders, and more. In fact, there are five marine power applications that can all draw from your battery.

The Biggest Draws

marine batteryAccessories are the biggest power draw for most boats. They include:

  • GPS
  • Fish Finders
  • Radios/Stereos
  • VHF
  • Underwater Cameras

If these items are not connected to a battery, they will not work. They are the electronics that keep your boating adventure enjoyable. They keep you safe and allow you to know more about your location.

The downside is that without a battery, your boat cannot run either. These things all work to drain your battery. The best way to handle this is to have one battery for the fun accessories and one available to ensure you can get back to shore at the end of your day.

Setting Up Dual Marine Batteries

marine electronicsOne of the biggest things that will help you is to have a high-quality marine battery and connections. You want a battery that has a good capacity and is safe for marine use. However, the best battery that money can buy is no good if you have a faulty connection. You need to get marine battery connectors that resist corrosion and will not shake loose because of vibration on rough water.

If you are out on your boat, water spray, salty air, and other factors can weaken a bad connection or cause you to drop at least half of your battery’s potential power. Even if it doesn’t happen instantly, it could still happen over time. You have to protect the battery to make sure your connection never falters. We recommend marine grade cables and connectors that will never come lose no matter how rough the seas are.

Final Thoughts

We think it is great that there are so many fun and useful accessories for boats and hope that you will continue to use them. However, we also feel that you should make sure you do all that you can to protect and preserve your battery power. It is the only way for you to experience a truly enjoyable day out on the open water with your GPS, radios, and fish finders.

If you are concerned that you do not have enough battery power onboard, you can always connect two batteries together using other connectors. These are also important for you to consider because it does ensure you always have a backup supply of power to get you home.

In short, keep the accessories and enjoy the fun. Just make sure you have the right setup to keep it all going.

 

Adding Power Tail Applications

water powerDid you know that many boats are adding alternative power sources? It is true. Many of the boats today are turning to solar power and backup battery supply options for their watercraft. It enables them to worry less about what can happen if they are on the boat and lose power. This technology doesn’t just have to be useful on boats. Adding power tail applications could be beneficial in all types of marine and outdoor activities.

Alternative Power Options

boat with solarSome boats today are taking advantage of renewable energy sources to provide them with power. These renewables may include wind, solar, or even water power. There are pros and cons to each and certain options are better for certain situations. However, the general breakdown is as follows.

Wind produces power up to 24 hours a day. It can sometimes put out more of a current than solar panels, especially in the marine environment where there is usually a good breeze. The downside is that wind generators may be noisy. They also have to be maintained often. In rare cases, they can be dangerous because of the quickly rotating blades, which can make it impractical for smaller boats.

Sun, or solar, is ideal for both large and small boats. They produce power when the sun shines and provide an effective amount of power. Ideally, these panels should be charged at least 5 to 7 hours a day. They do not require a lot of maintenance and are very quiet. Safety is also a bonus. The problem is, it takes space to hold the solar panels. This means you may need to mount them on special racks that will limit your onboard space. Unless you choose to have a solar panel included with your sailboat’s sails. This could counter the space issues on board.

Water generators are cost-effective and can charge your batteries using only the motion of the water flowing around your vessel. There are two different types of water generation machines. This included Shaft Generators and Towed Spinner Generators. The catch is that both need at least four-knots of water movement around them to produce ample power.

What Is a Power Tail?

powered paddleboardIn general, it seems that the water generators would be best for power tail applications. You may be asking, “What is a Power Tail?” The Power Tail 2018 is a type of paddleboard that is lightweight and enjoyable to use. A small paddleboard or surfboard is generally powered by legs or oars. However, for traveling long distances or coming back upstream, you may want more power. One option is to consider a small paddleboard motor. They’re often electric motors and battery-powered. Perhaps a better option would be to use alternative power options?

How to Decide the Right Option?

We do not have the ability to tell you what is right for your situation. We do not know what your situation may be. We do know that when considering the option to add alternative power options to your boat, raft, paddleboard, or other watercraft, the biggest consideration for most is the space. Most are not known for having a lot of space to waste. You will also want to consider the dependability of each option.

 

 

Making Repairs on a Marine Cruiser

Boating is one of life’s most simple indulgences. The rocking of the boat, the sun on your face, and hopefully a fish on your hook means unending joy. All that is required is a simple vessel that can float on water. However, boats have issues that can make the day a lot less enjoyable. Boats have many parts and each of them can go wrong. Ask any boater and they can tell you that there is nothing worse than being out in the water with a problem on board. Most will admit that making repairs on a marine cruiser is not always easy.

For the Love of Boating Joys

What do you do when you are two miles from the nearest dock and your boat motor decides that it is finished for the day? How much would it spook you to be in the middle of your favorite lake with a pump that doesn’t pump or a steering wheel that doesn’t steer?

boating joysYour boat is made up of many different parts. Each one serves the purpose of helping you to enjoy the day to the fullest. If any single part of it fails, you could be stuck calling for help or paddling your way to the nearest landmass. Neither option is much fun. Therefore, it is important that you work to maintain your boat. Problems are going to happen. You will save yourself time and headaches if you can see the problems before they arrive.

Common Problems and Repairs

boat repairsMost often, boating issues will stem from a motor that doesn’t want to go. There is no easy way to fix this on the big water, so you are better off to make sure it is tuned and running properly before you set out for the deep blue beyond.

Another common issue with boats is their susceptibility to rotting and water damages. A leaky hull or the deck should never go unrepaired. If you are not familiar with repairing your boat, you will need to get someone who knows what they are doing to help you out. It may mean applying new wood or repairing the fiberglass, depending on how severe the damages are. Unless you have a large crack or ding, most people can make the repairs themselves by sanding it down, patching it up, and applying fibreglass resin pigment to get the perfect color. Larger areas of damages may mean more effort and should be tackled by someone who understands a boat’s needs.

Know the Risk and Plan Accordingly

boating issuesOn the water, anything can, and usually will happen. If you are on an older boat, test it out close to the shoreline before you venture out to make sure that everything is working as it should. Especially if it is the first time out this season. You may also want to have it out of the water so you can do a visual check on all of its many, movable parts. Make sure the wiring isn’t corroded, your battery charge is good, there are no visible dock dings, and more. This will ensure that you are prepared for whatever the day brings you.

Colored Fiberglass Repair

Different types of boatsYou may think that all boats are created equal. This is not true. Ask any diehard marine enthusiast and they will tell you the same thing. There are big boats, little boats, ships, canoes, and more. They also come in a variety of colors that may appear to be a rainbow spread across the water if you visit that dock on a bright, sunny day when reflections can shimmer in the water below each boat. With all these different styles and colors, you have to ask, what happens if one of these fabulous vessels becomes damaged? The simplest answer is that repairs are often tackled with colored fiberglass repair.

Not All Boats are Created the Same

boats in harborAfter you take that trip to the boat dock, you will be left in little doubt that not all boats come in white or wood grain. They can be bold and bright in color or calming in their overall color appearance. Considering how much sun damage happens or what happens if the boat rubs the dock wrong, the nicest boat owners will want repairs quickly.

This can pose a problem for some DIY boat owners. The boats with color are coated with fiberglass, resin, and colors that will have to be matched perfectly if you want to truly hide the damages. How is this possible and is it something you can do on your own. It is possible, but it will take a little effort.

How to Match Up Fiberglass and Color

epoxy color pigmentsThe good news for boat repairs is that you do not need to have an absolutely perfect color tone to have a good repair. In fact, doing so will be practically impossible anyway, even if you have the right color of gel-coat. However, it does require you put in a little bit of effort.

Our recommendation, get the epoxy resin color pigment that is closest to your boat’s color and mix it with a little fiberglass or resin on a piece of plastic wrap if the repair is small. Mix in a little color and see how far off you are from the color that is on your boat. When you find a close match, apply it and watch the damaged area disappear. You can then apply a clear coat to protect your repair.

Why Is It So Complicated?

You may be asking yourself how can it be so difficult? The truth is, there are several things that may impact color on your boat. Every batch of gel-coat is slightly different. Therefore, unless you can get a batch that was used on your boat at its creation, you are already looking at a different mixture. Things like age, temperature, and even the time of day that you apply it can also impact how closely your color matches what may be there currently.

If you look at your boat, you will see that the level surface areas have one color, while shadowy areas appear different. This proves that in every paint scheme, you may have a color variance of two or three shades at least. No one will notice a patch if you try to match it up.