Wax on, wax off. Wax on, wax off. No, we are not in a Karate Kid movie, even though that would be pretty cool. I am talking about waxing your boat. Waxing your boat is not something that you should just forget about. It is one of the easiest ways to keep you boat looking like it just left the showroom floor. It might be a little time consuming, but the payoff is worth it.
Why Wax
When we pick up our boat off the showroom floor, it has a bright mirror like shine that we can look into and see our smiling face looking back. That’s a great feeling right? Now, how do we keep our boat looking like that? Waxing! A boat that is used, which it hopefully yours is, is exposed to the elements, water from the ocean, and other people. The Sun is one of the biggest reasons that our gel coat begins to fade. Waxing helps to restore the luster and shine of the boat surface, as well as making future cleaning easier. Waxing also helps to protect your boat from the damaging UV rays that can fade your paint job.
How To Wax
Waxing your boat is not as simple as just walking out to the dock and rubbing wax on the boat. There are a few steps to follow in order to be successful. The first one, clean your boat. Go out, rinse it off and get all the really dirty spots cleaned off. If you wax without cleaning, you will seal in all the dirt under the wax making it very difficult to get clean. After you finish giving your boat a bath, wipe off all the water spots for the same reason.
Now that she is clean, let’s get her sparkling clean. It is time to break out that wax. Specific directions vary by brand but generally, you will use a sponge or cloth to apply a layer of wax in a circular motion. You will want to let the wax sit until it “hardens.” Once it has that hazy look to it, (about 10-30 mins) you can wipe off the excess wax using a bath towel.
Once all the wax has been buffered off (What you did using the bath towel), make sure to go back and clean up any of the wax that might have gotten on any stainless steel or wood finishes on your boat. That’s it, you have just done your part to extend the life of your boat and keep her looking at her best. In order to get the full benefits of waxing, it is best to do the job 2-3 times during your boating season.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
How Do You Wax?
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Riding Out The Storm
Living on the coast of Florida we know that there are certain risks. One of those risks is hurricanes. Hurricanes can bring rapidly rising waters, heavy winds, and damaging hail. We have heard how to protect ourselves and our homes, but what about our boats?
We have learned a lot though past hurricanes, sadly learned mostly from our mistakes. Here are a few things to remember when you are preparing your boat for a hurricane.
One of the most important things to do before there is even a threat of a storm is to make sure that your boat is insured. Also make sure to read over your insurance to make sure that it covers for events such as hurricanes and the debris from the winds. Also before the storm, you will want to make a storm plan, which is just where and how your boat will be secured during the storm. Most also include a designated person who is responsible if you are out of town.
The threat of a storm has just come across the news. You will need to go down to the marina and check to make sure it will be ok for your boat to remain there. Once you get the ok, go onboard and make an inventory of everything you have on the boat. It is easiest just to take a quick video. Then you will want to make sure your boat is centered in its slip and tied down tight. Next you will deflate any dinghy’s you have onboard and disconnect the battery of the boat.
It is important to remember that you do not want to stay with your boat. Head home and keep an eye on your local weather. Using these tips will help you to get through the storm and be able to get back on the water in no time once the storm is passed.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Summer Vacation with Thunder Marine
We leave on Friday at 10.00 am from the Bay Pines Basin, just out front of the Bay Pines public boat ramp. We will run for about 2 hours, stop for lunch and run additional 2 hours to the resort. We will travel the intercoastal for what is sure to be a scenic day - maybe we'll even see the resident dolphin that follows us through the narrows! Bring a covered dish and we will host a docktail party Friday evening so we can all get to know one another. Don't miss Redbeard's performance at 6.30 pm for the kids!
On Saturday, you can hit the private beaches, or Steve will gather a crew and hit Boca Grande pass to jump the tarpon. Whatever you do, just get back in time for the Thunder BBQ dinner/dance party!
Sunday, the crew will hit Cabbage Key for lunch, where you can tape your dollar to the ledgendary money covered walls to mark your visit.
Sleep in on Monday and then we'll cruise home.
Rates are as follows: One bedroom villa 697.00 plus tax. Two bedroom villa 978.00 plus tax. Three bedroom villa 1274.00 plus tax.
Please rsvp with Thunder and Palm Island at 1-800-824-5412 contact Lisa Halpin.
CALL STEVE AT 727 381-4444 FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Hope you can join us for the fun!
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Update That Registration!
But one of the least exiting things you need to do to be ready for boating season is make sure your boat registration is up to date. In Florida, boats are registered with the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. For new boats, titling and registration must be filed at the same time with the county tax collector. The registration number is permanent and remains affixed to the boat as long as it is operated or stored in Florida. The number should read from left to right and must be in a color that contrasts with the hull. A decal placed next to the registration numbers shows what year the registration is valid for.
For boats owned by individuals, the registration period begins on the first day of the birth month of the owner and ends the last day of the prior month the year after. (For example, for those of us born in April, our boat registrations would be vaild from April 1, 2013, to March 31, 2014.)
In Florida, the length of a vessel is used to determine registration fees. This chart serves as a good example of the fee structure:
SAMPLE RENEWAL REGISTRATION FEES
STATE Registration base tax *$28.75
Additional Statutory Fees
STATE Florida Real Time Vehicle Information System fee $0.50
STATE Law Enforcement Radio Trust Fund fee $1.00
STATE Automated license plate validation sticker printer service fee $3.00
Subtotal of Additional Statutory Fees $4.50
Subtotal to STATE$33.25
Tax Collector registration service charge $2.25T
ax Collector branch fee $0.50
Tax Collector mailing fee $0.70
Subtotal retained by Tax Collector $3.45
GRAND TOTAL$36.70
See the chart that delineates fees by vessel footage here.
Have you updated your registration recently?
Monday, April 1, 2013
Green Boating - Everyone's Responsibility
The phrase “green boater” might conjure up one of two images in your mind: one of a poor landlubber clutching the side of a boat, seasick, and the other of a boating rookie struggling on his maiden voyage, unable to dock his new vessel or tie a good knot.
But there is a third type of “green boater” you may not have considered before, one that is neither affected by rough waters or new to boating. This kind of green boater is the eco-friendly boater, who makes sure that he treats valuable water resources with care. Green boating does not require an entire lifestyle change and can make a positive impact on surrounding waters and wildlife, as well as reduce the chance of damage to your boat and engine. If each of the 22 million registered recreational boaters in the United States took more interest in being a green boater, pollution levels and water health might be dramatically better.
Here are a few easy ways to become a green boater:
1. Don’t throw it, stow it: Don’t throw your trash overboard. Instead, stow it somewhere on board so you can easily dispose of your trash next time you make landfall. Remember, if you wouldn’t swim in it, don’t put it in the water! Further, there are federal regulations on the type of waste that can enter the water. Make sure you are familiar with these laws as well.
2. Spill-proof your fueling practices: Prevent fuel spills by carefully and slowly filling fuel tanks and by using absorbent pads or rags to catch drips and spills. Don't top off or overflow your fuel tank. Leave five percent empty to allow fuel to expand as it warms. Remember: using detergent to disperse an oil spill or sheen is illegal!
3. Rinse and dry your boat before trailering: Aquatic hitchhikers are harmful plants and animals that ride your boat from one body of water from another. When introduced into new water, they can damage existing organisms and change the ecosystem. They can also damage your equipment, so make sure that your boat is hitchhiker-free before leaving the ramp.
Have you added these or other green boating practices into your routine? Where or when do you think boaters should especially focus on being green?
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Safety First: Coast Guard Requirements
When we head out for a day on the water, we never want consider the worst. And there's no point in trying to imagine every possible danger that could face you during a day on the boat. Instead, make sure you have these US Coast Guard required items on board so that you're prepared to handle anything that comes your way, if something were to happen.
Personal flotation devices (PFDs): Life jackets must be Coast Guard approved, in good condition and of suitable size for each person on the boat (we recommend keeping a variety on the boat so you're prepared for any sort of crew). PFDs must be readily accessible if not being worn (but on boats 16f ft or smaller, they must be worn). Remember, the state of Florida urges all people onboard a boat to wear a life jacket.
Visual distress signals (VDS): Recreational boats 16 ft and over used on coastal waters are required to carry a minimum of either 1) three day and three night pyrotechnic devices, 2) one day non-pyrotechnic device (flag) and one night non-pyrotechnic device (auto SOS light) or 3) a combination of 1) and 2). Recreational boats less than 16 feet on coastal waters need only carry night visual distress signals when operating from sunset to sunrise.
Fire extinguisher: Not required on all boats, but recommended. For example, if you have inboard engines or an enclosed living space, fire extinguishers are required. But as all boats have fuel and engines, it is highly recommended you keep one on board no matter your size. Make sure they are readily accessible (many boats feature recessed areas just for this purpose).
Sound producing device: You might have a built-in horn, but if not, carry a bell, whistle or other noise maker. (In fact, we carry multiple varieties just in case.)
While this is not a comprehensive list, it puts you well on your way to a safer boat. In addition, make sure you check out state and local boating regulations.
Want to take things one step further? Then do a virtual vessel safety check next time you're at the boat. These checks have a few more requirements, which will just make sure you are that much more prepared!
Monday, January 21, 2013
How to Win a Fishing Tournament
Okay, we admit: there's no exact formula to follow that will ensure you win a fishing competition. But for those of you planning on joining the 2013 Johnny Kellar Inshore Fishing Tournament, we thought we'd give you a few tournament tips that we've heard and learned over the years.
Know before you go. Do your homework before the tournament. Visit the tournament location (for the Johnny Kellar, you've got from Cedar Key to Naples, inshore of the COLREGS). Check out different fishing reports to see what's biting and under what circumstances. Cruise around to figure out where the popular spots are... and then think about if they are where you want to be. Check different spots at different times of day to discover fish patterns. Look at publications about the tournament in previous years to see if there are any similarities between years.
Equipment check. Just like you'd check your guitar before playing a rock concert, go through and check all of your rods and reels to make sure they're clean and functioning properly. Charge the batteries on your trolling motor and check the battery of your boat to ensure you don't have any electrical problems while you're out. Put fresh line on your rods and reels.
Pack like a winner. Don't forget a thing! Bring all of the lures, bait and tackle you could possibly need. Try to run through every potential scenario in your head so you can prepare for anything. Also, if the fish aren't biting like you predicted they would, you'll have extra materials to make an adjustment on the go.
Gas up. A real obvious one, we know. But make sure your boat is filled up right before the tournament! Don't let something silly like an empty tank get between you and winning.
What are tips for tournament fishing you've picked up?
