Haul-outs are difficult enough and modern bottom paints are never perfect. Some unwanted growth is inevitable so here’s one way to make the cleaning job a bit easier. The Wave Blade is an electric scraper that attacks mussels and barnacles, and saves operator time and knuckles (speaking from “bloody” experience!). The action is side-to-side and it is effective in scraping hull bottoms and any underwater components that attract marine growth. Wave Blade is 12V-powered but has an adapter for 120V and comes with a three-inch multi-purpose blade, a flat chisel steel blade, replacement foam boots, and is complete with safety gloves and glasses, all in a convenient carry bag. Retail is about $400.
I’m on vacation! Things can turn ugly in paradise when you finally reach that secluded anchorage. You set the hook and kill the engines, but the buzzing sound continues...you are not alone! Black flies, mosquitoes, wasps and of course, the little army of invisible spiders that you accidentally brought with you, all emerge in the stillness, buzzing around looking for something, or someone to munch on. Hopefully, you packed the AfterBite, lotions, antiseptic, cotton balls, antihistamine for those with allergies, BandAids and other first aid items, but the best route is to protect yourself from being bitten in the first place.
With spring commissioning delayed in the west by poor weather this year, you may still have time to consider a new bottom paint that has been proving itself in field trials for several seasons now.
ePaint (no, it’s not another product from Apple Computers) is new technology. The barnacle-resisting chemistry is a combination of effective antifouling ablative resins that are held in place by a special paint substrate. It differs from all other bottom paints because it contains no biocides, nor any heavy metals such as copper or tin.
Rusty metal products can sour seasonal cleaning and commissioning chores and until recently there hasn’t been much available that easily eliminates rust stains on any boat. Even good quality stainless steel will rust in places if left unattended. And untreated iron or steel will quickly rust in marine environments. Recently, Protocol Environmental, a local manufacturer of specialty chemicals introduced us to their newest product, DeRust, a rust treatment product that can be brushed or sprayed on.
Hot, stuffy cabins can lead to long, sleepless nights. Keeping sleeping quarters cool and comfortable is easy with the Windscoop Ventilating Sail from Davis Instruments. The attractive, lightweight sail is aerodynamically designed to direct even the slightest breeze below deck to where it's needed.
For sailboats, the self-supporting Windscoop can be hung from a halyard, boom or roller furling sheet. On powerboats, owners build a simple frame from aluminum tubing and a stanchion base or floor flange for mounting.
Read more: Ventilating Sail Delivers Cool Breezes To Stuffy...
Marine growth build-up is the #1 reason water-cooled equipment malfunctions. These deposits reduce equipment effectiveness often resulting in costly downtime. Even a thin layer of growth, as little as 1/64” can result in a 15% decrease in efficiency.
While conventional methods of cleaning, such as mechanical brushing, do have some success, harsh acids are harmful to the user, the equipment, & the environment and in many instances, these methods result in damage to the equipment users were trying to clean.
Where the 1950s couple would be the colour of varnished mahogany by the end of the season from boating in the sun all summer without sunscreen, today's smart boater has watched their parents deal with skin cancer and not surprisingly, shade now has real value.
So, gimme shelter. The question is what is the most convenient way to get it?
An all-around polish and oxidation remover for your boat, it removes oxidation from fiberglass, aluminum and painted surfaces. Protects against sun, salt and corrosion.
Holds you and your dinghy in one spot while you clean the waterline. Also keeps your skiff from drifting while you’re in the water cleaning the bottom. Its 4”dia. suction cups work well underwater.
Formulated with a high solids content of Chinese tung oil, combined with non-yellowing, modified alkyd resins and blended with a perfect balance of UV absorbers. It provides high build and superior gloss, flow and durability. Excellent flexibility and water resistance in all climates.
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Video Gallery
X Shore EELEX 8000
By Andy Adams
100% Electric performance available now
When we arranged to interview the designer and manufacturer to write a profile of the X Shore Eelex 8000 for the June 2021 issue of Canadian Yachting magazine, it was on the understanding that we always prefer to actually drive and experience the boats we write about, and we were especially keen to drive the X Shore when BCI Marine here in Canada, got their first boat from Sweden.
There has been a lot of media attention around everything electric lately, especially electric vehicles, but so far, most electric boats are a concept, not yet a reality. The X Shore Eelex 8000 is a reality and a very impressive one at that.
Beneteau Oceanis 34.1
By Zuzana Prochazka
Boats have been in high demand for the past two years and there’s no sign of this easing. Sailboats, that can move with the power of the wind, have made an especially significant comeback probably because of the high prices of fuel.
Even more interesting is the increased interest in smaller models that have been doing well at recent boat shows. These compact cruisers have definitely held their own even among the 50-foot behemoths at the docks. A good example of this is Beneteau’s new Oceanis 34.1, the second smallest in the line.
Destinations
Cowichan Bay—A Slow-Living Escape to Marine Heritage, Food and Local Artisanry
Text and Photos by Marianne Scott
Cowichan Bay is a waterfront village with a row of shops, artisan products, marine supplies and a variety of places to eat. It also has a delightful Maritime Centre. You can easily spend a day or more here at one of three marinas hosting transient moorage. The place feels like an old-fashioned fishing village.
We arrived at this quaint hamlet on a calm day when the sun burned off twists of mist and created undulating oval diamonds on the wavelets. From the water, the village looks enticing with its dense jumble of colourful character buildings, float homes and houses-on-stilts lining the coast.
Lifestyle
By Sarah Hurst
Photo: Nadine Bastien | Instagram: @ravensfeatherphotography
Last month, Canadian Country Singer Brian John Hardwood, released his new single “Rich”, featuring fellow Canadian artists Alli Walker and Chris Labelle. Brian describes his new single as a 2022 Summer Anthem for everyone- including those who also daydream about getting “rich”! He said in our interview, “You know, I should be rich by now but I’m not, and life is still great.”
We were especially excited to hear that Brian who directed the music video with AJ Astle, decided to film at Centre Island on a luxurious Pilot House Carver 59’, which he rented from a local charter in Toronto.
Read More
DIY & How to
Choosing a Marine Surveyor
Story and photos by Timothy J.S. Martin
It seems like everyone has their “guy”, usually a marine surveyor they either know personally or have been referred to by another boater (or someone in the marine or insurance industries). Marine surveyors are often hired based on this type of referral, rather than on the merits of their qualifications and skills.
I often hear boaters express their displeasure about an experience where a marine surveyor “condemned” a boat, or the surveyor was viewed as unreasonable in relation to their recommendations. As a result, surveyors known to be less thorough and less detailed in their work tend to be favoured by boaters, especially for insurance surveys.
SeaKits now available in Canada via Canadian Yachting Ecommerce Store
Don’t let offshore emergencies turn into disasters. SeaKits help to prepare you for emergencies at sea so you can take on the challenge with confidence.
There are three SeaKits available at www.canadianyachting.ca/store:
• SeaKits Expedition - Offshore emergency damage control and repair kit. Be prepared to save your boat - SeaKits Expedition gives you the tools to fight the battle. Each kit comes with more than two dozen emergency tools in a waterproof PelicanTM 1500 case. Retail - $1399.99
News
SailGP, the international racing series featuring high speed F50 wingsailed catamarans, is partnering with RS Electric Boats – sister brand of sailboat manufacturer RS Sailing – to use the Pulse 63 electric RIB as chase, coach and support boats.
RS Electric Boats will supply SailGP with four Pulse 63s, which were designed to be electric boats from the outset. The unique aerodynamic hull form is designed to support the weight of the batteries while allowing rapid acceleration, functional speeds up to 23 knots and ample range.
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