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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.
So many decisions to make when planning for haul-out. When/how to winterize? What type of antifreeze to use? Shrink-wrap or cover?
Before I knew about corrosion, or marine electrical (or boats in general), I would see ‘no swimming’ signs at marinas and assume that the area was off limits due to boat traffic. Now that I know a bit more; the greater risk has to do with corrosion, grounding, and stray current issues.
It’s a scary thought - whether your boat is made of wood, fiberglass, aluminum or composite – it’s slowly deteriorating under you. Part of this is the nature of the marine environment: sun, moisture, waves, wind, movement and vibration all contribute to components breaking down.
It’s a scary thought – but whether your boat is made of wood, fiberglass, aluminum or composite – it’s slowly deteriorating under you. Part of this is the nature of the marine environment: Sun, moisture, waves, wind, movement and vibration all contribute to components breaking down.
There are so many applications for hoses aboard, and each requires a specific type. There hoses for: fuel, exhaust, scuppers, engine water intake, potable water (hot and cold), waste, water heaters, bilge water, gear lube, and blowers.
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.
Related Articles
Boat Reviews
Video Gallery
Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 54
By Zuzana Prochazka
Beneteau saw an opportunity to add a little thrill to any cruising adventure, so they took the hull of the First 53 racer (introduced just last year), and with a few fashionable changes, created the Oceanis Yacht 54, the new entry-level of Beneteau’s swanky Oceanis Yacht line. The result is a performance cruiser that sails like a witch and looks like a grande dame.
Design
Roberto Biscontini is the naval architect and Lorenzo Argento created the details of the exterior and interior design.
Destinations
New Ottawa River destination opens
The new owners of L’Orignal Marina offer boaters a new destination. Located in a charming francophone village in Eastern Ontario, this joined marina and restaurant venue is the ambitious initiative of long-time entrepreneur André Chabot and biologist Alexandra Quester, both residents of L’Orignal.
The purchase of the L’Orignal Marina was made official in November 2020. The new year was barely underway when all 50 available slips were already reserved. No wonder the addition of member and visitor slips is already planned for the 2022 season – the 2021 count is up to 62 power and sail already. At the moment, the Riverest Marina offers boaters a stop where they can launch their boat...
Lifestyle
Bruce Kirby - 1929 – 2021 (Bruce Kirby)
No individual had a greater impact on the modern sport of sailing than Bruce Kirby. Known and respected worldwide as the designer of the ubiquitous Laser that now numbers over 250,000, and is an Olympic Class in two configurations, Kirby had a yacht design career that spanned over forty years, with feet firmly planted in his native Canada and his adopted United States.
He was a successful journalist, sailor and designer, and a good friend to anyone who had the pleasure to know him.
Marine Products
1ST MATE IS READY TO ASSIST IN OVERBOARD SITUATIONS
Wouldn’t you feel better knowing that your boat had a system to monitor and help in the event that anyone falls overboard?
Mercury Marine has introduced their new 1st Mate Safety and Security System. This has an intelligent hub, a set of wearable products and a mobile device app that integrate with your boat's propulsion systems to provide potentially lifesaving safety features and to help secure property. Its three main features are: 1) a boater-overboard monitoring and alert system, 2) distress-messaging capability, and 3) deterrence against theft of the boat and/or its engine(s).
News
On July 23 last year, CYOB published a piece on a beautifully restored 1967 Trojan 42 Motor Yacht in Oromocto NB. (That piece was also expanded in CY magazine later in the year.)
One of our Canadian Yachting contributors, Denise Miller, had shared the article on my social media and a young man reached out and asked if she could connect him with the owners of the boat, Dave and Barb. Denise leapt into action and Dave and Barb were thrilled. They concocted a plan that the young lady, Mia, thought she was coming to model for a sales brochure for Dave to do charter tours.
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