Saturday, October 22, 2011
THE FLIR THERMAL NIGHT VISION CAMERA
Another great new product: the Flir First Mate MS Thermal Night Vision Camera, very powerful but versatile since it is hand held. This video review, again, by SportFishing Magazine at this year's ICAST 2011. I hope they display it at the Fort Lauderdale Show. I'd like to personally see it for myself!
More information may be found on the First Mate page of the Flir site by clicking here.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
THE NEW RAYMARINE E7...VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS
This looks like a great new network MFD from RayMarine. Take a look at this 2 minute highlight tape recorded at ICAST 2011 by SportFishing Magazine!
Sunday, October 16, 2011
VIDEO: PERSHING 80' & 92' SEA TRIALS, ITALY
On my recent trip to Italy, I had the exciting opportunity and great pleasure
to sea trial both the Pershing 80' and the Pershing 92',
which is making its U.S. debut at the
Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, October 27-31.
All I can say is, "WOW!"
Both exceeded my expectations by a mile in all regards:
luxury, speed, handling, performance, etc, etc, etc!
I've put together a short video to share some of the excitement.
I hope you'll enjoy watching these beautiful yachts perform.
For a larger screen version of this video, please go directly to my YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iw1CdBkivnk
For more information, give me a call or visit my website:
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
VIDEO TOUR OF 81' BURGER "SILVER LINING"
Just completed video of the 1972 81' Burger RPH "Silver Lining". It's a classic!
Hope you enjoy it...and that you will "share" it with others!
For a larger screen version of this video and others posted on this site,
please access the yacht in the Featured Yachts section of my website:
Thanks!!
Friday, October 7, 2011
Thursday, October 6, 2011
RE-COMMISSIONING YOUR BOAT FOR THE SEASON
More good information from Capt. Rich at A RR Marine Service! Contact him at 772-486-2843 or by email at CaptRich18@aol.com.
* * * * * * *
Having a boat in storage for the off season can be a great way to avoid some of the worries associated with the storm season here in South Florida. But as we know, there are some headaches that are encountered when the boat needs to be re-commissioned. Whether the boat was in dry storage, out of the water, or just tied up safely at some out-of-the-way dock, there are some things that should be looked at before the boat goes back into service.
Batteries. Always number one on the list. I can't stress enough how many things are dependent on proper battery condition and voltage.
Fresh water systems and heads. One advantage to South Florida boating is we don't winterize for storage, but a good fill and drain of the water tanks can never hurt. Run all the faucets and flush all the heads. Sometimes seals dry out and crack and now is the time to find those leaks.
Fuel/Oil. Check your log and make sure oil and filters are up to date. Also, don't forget that ethanol gas problem that we hear about. Hopefully the fuel was stabilized before storage. Always check bilges, high water alarms and bilge pump float switches. It's always the bilge pump that is the hardest to get at that has problems, so get in there and check it. It could save your life.
Don't forget about that family of wasps that have decided to make their summer home under your gunnels. They are always so friendly!!!....."Hey, Do you think the stinger is still in there?"
Other things such as proper registration stickers, updated insurance cards, life jackets, EPIRBS, and all the other "boring boating administration items" that are required for Coast Guard compliance should be in order.
The good news is that after all this hard work is done, the rest is beautiful sunsets, tight lines, and happy boating. Enjoy!
Capt. Rich, "A RR" Marine Service
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
AN IMPORTANT LESSON -- LEARNED THE HARD WAY!
Often, it is the simplest things that can cause big problems, overlooked perhaps because they are so obvious, because we don’t understand their importance, because we become complacent, or because we just forget. Things like wearing sunscreen, changing you car’s oil, or remembering your wife’s birthday.
In yachting, there are lots of little things that must be addressed regularly for maintenance or safety. After 32 years in the business, I am somewhat keen about them. But I got complacent about one of the most important and was reminded -- the hard way -- a few months back.
GOOD BOAT SHOES!
I have to say that I absolutely knew better. But age and sore feet gave way to comfort and style and cushioned insoles and “acceptable” outers trumped made-for-boating brands. For years, my shoe rack was filled with Sperrys and Docksiders, specifically made to give good grip and traction on wet, slippery decks. But little-by-little, they were replaced by soft-soled styles, easy to slip on and off, that protected client’s decks and flooring -- but that didn’t protect me! I had no problem for years until one day, reality struck.
It was early morning and I needed to check something on a client’s boat. The deck was wet from dew mixed with a light rain. I knew it was slippery and that I had to be careful boarding but when I stepped from the dock to the deck, those nice, cushy soles had no grip and gave way. With all my weight on it, my foot went sliding forward and my back leg followed, slamming into the side of the boat as I tumbled (very ungracefully, I’m sure), down into the cockpit.
After a quick check of all my body parts, I thought I had escaped with a few bruises and a slightly wounded pride. Then I noticed the gash just under my knee and the fountain of blood pumping from it. Thankfully, the dock master was nearby and he was able to compress the artery to stop the bleeding until I got to the hospital.
I consider myself very blessed that I came away from that experience with no more than seven stitches. It could have been so much worse.
Well, those not-for-boating shoes are now long gone and I certainly learned a critical lesson. In the words of Julius Caesar, “Experience is the teacher of all things”.
How important are good quality, well-maintained boat shoes? Very, very, very! In the marine realm, footwear and safety go hand-in-hand and manufacturers have come a long way in offering new, comfortable, contemporary styles.
Please, check your shoes before your next boarding and be sure they will keep you safe and on your feet in all marine conditions. Its one of those simple little things that will help avoid big, unexpected problems.
Wishes for safe and happy boating!
Saturday, October 1, 2011
OCTOBER WATERWAYS NEWSLETTER
This month's edition of Waterways is dedicated to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, October 27 to 31, and features the new and brokerage yachts that Allied Marine will display (as well as many other brokerage listings). I'm pretty excited to report that at this show we will exhibit seven brand new models that are making their U.S. debut. Please check out page one for a short description of each, and page three for more information.
Also, while in Italy I discovered that CRN has the 43 meter composite Hull #8 constructed and ready for customization, making the delivery time just one year from time of contract...a fantastic opportunity! More on page two.
I'm also excited that "Calypso", the 1971 101' Feadship (also on page two), will be making her way to the show for display. She's a beautiful classic, expertly maintained. I hope if you visit the show, you'll take a few moments to give her a look.
Well, this edition of Waterways is certainly not lacking in quality, quantity, or variety. I hope you enjoy reading through it!
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