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There’s no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has changed our world. Some of the changes are huge: social distancing, sanitizing and face-masks have become our new norm. Adapting to working from home, and meetings via platforms like Zoom are challenges we’ve accepted and conquered.
Recently, I’ve been asked about my most used reference books and websites – so I thought I’d share my favourites. By no means is this a comprehensive list – and each of these books and website aren’t the authority or final word on the subject.
I have more than once heard it said (from a cost-conscious boater), that products that have the word ‘marine’ printed on the label, is excuse for doubling the price for the same item purchased for non-marine use.
Last issue we got up with Montreal sailor Marc Robic who has accumulated a lot of tips and tricks for prepping your boat, especially as we emerge from lockdown.
While some parts of the country are lucky enough to have year-round boating, there are plenty of places where boats are put away for extended storage. When the weather warms up and it’s time to hit the water again, you want to do everything in your power to ensure a smooth start to the boating season and trouble-free time on the water all year long.
All marine batteries require regular maintenance, even AGM and lithium-based models. Put maintenance on your calendar so it’s automatic. Consider storing safety and maintenance equipment near your charging station to save time.
Read more: Longer Battery Life Pt2 Maintenance - How to get...
A Transducer is a device that is installed below the waterline that provides underwater data to a display at the helm. This data is usually in the form of depth and speed – but in more advanced systems can also provide sonar, fish-finding and side or forward views.
Spring has finally sprung! At least it has weather wise here in Montreal, so it is with great anticipation and boyish giddiness that I loaded the car with all the “things” I will need for this special day - the first of many pre-launch readiness days!
An important, but often overlooked maintenance item on any type of boat is it’s steering system. Most are relatively safe and secure, and are generally bulletproof – requiring very little maintenance to operate well. That said, it’s important to perform at minimum an annual inspection before launch to avoid looming failures and potentially costly repairs.
Before you launch: Inspect all around the hose clamps for rust and replace as necessary. Double clamp fuel lines and exhaust hoses with marine-rated stainless steel hose clamps. While not technically required, it’s wise to double clamp whenever possible on all hoses − especially those below the waterline.
Related Articles
Boat Reviews
CY Virtual Video Boat Tours
We all love boats and nothing can break us up! So, what better way to spend our time than looking at interesting boats and going aboard in a virtual ride or tour. We have asked our friends at various dealers and manufacturers to help us assemble a one-stop online resource to experience some of the most interesting boats on the market today. Where the CY Team has done a review, we connect you to that expert viewpoint. If you can’t go boating, you can almost experience the thrill via your screen. Not quite the same, but we hope you enjoy our fine tour collection.
Read more about the CY Virtual Boat Tours....................
Boston Whaler 230 Vantage
By Andy Adams
The famous Boston Whaler slogan, “the unsinkable legend” has always expressed a safety promise that from their very beginning, set a Boston Whaler apart from other boats, and it’s clear to me that the designers take this heritage seriously.
The Boston Whaler 230 Vantage maintains the virtues that have made Whalers such an enduring success and now the designers have skillfully captured those virtues in a handsome and somewhat more traditional dual console design.
Destinations
Boating In the Birthplace of Confederation
Over the course of four days in September 1864, representatives from Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Lower Canada (Quebec) and Upper Canada (Ontario) gathered in Charlottetown to discuss the idea of bringing these diverse colonies together and forming a country. These discussions laid the foundation for what ultimately led to the Confederation of Canada in July, 1867.
Today, PEI continues to influence the rest of Canada as a vacation playground, known for its laid-back attitude, carefree pace, remarkable food scene and tremendous recreation opportunities. That’s especially true if you choose to explore the island the old-fashioned way – by boat.
Lifestyle
William Jones and Evan DePaul claimed Canada’s Olympic spot in the 49er by being the top Canadian team at the 2020 World Championships for the class. A highlight in their history together was winning the 2017 World Junior title on home waters in Kingston, Ontario.
The pair is self-driven to work and train hard in this very tough fleet. Sailing the skiff is hard work in itself making the 49er perhaps the most challenging Olympic class. Early in his career, DePaul raced C420s, becoming a top three youth sailor in Canada. He was drawn to the 49er because of the technical aspects involved and the sailing skill required.
Marine Products
Turn your phone into a castable sonar; STRIKER Cast brings sonar to a mobile device to help anglers find & catch more fish – with & without a boat! Designed for use in freshwater and saltwater (and even for ice fishing), STRIKER Cast delivers excellent sonar performance in both shallow water and deep water.
Anglers can even turn on fish icons to view more realistic images of the fish targets and their depth readings directly in the app, so it’s easy to know exactly where to drop the line.
STEINER NAVIGATOR PRO 7x50
Here is a gift that is sure to become a treasured part of your boating experience for years to come. The porro prism Navigator Pro Series is the choice for recreational boaters, weekend anglers and hobby sailors. The Steiner Navigator Pro 7x50 offers exceptional performance in tough marine environments.You should buy a pair to give your sweetie for next summer.
MSRP: $845.00 CAD
News
On Saturday, my boat finally splashed. You could tell it was happy and I was too. This has been painful. Nonetheless, I have not yet left the dock nor had a social moment aboard. My excitement has been limited to standing and admiring the scene while thanking the boat gods for vaccines and declining case numbers.
You are likely experiencing something similar as marinas and boat clubs gingerly step forward amid caution and distancing signs. There is a collective sigh of relief heard across the land because the timing of the delayed launch appears to coincide with a national heat wave. It would have been infuriating to sizzle on the hard with the escape boat stuck in its cradle. I’m grateful for getting this far.
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