Marine Equipment Technology » deck

Sailing tips

Sat, 30 Jul 2011 23:55:59 +0000

Sailing might be one of prestigious sports on earth, the luxury of yacht and the all night party on boat are just few examples of the attractive living on it.

Instead of that there are several things that your should consider to have it for your own security matter, such as location of your boat dock, and some tools that you should have such as dock lighting.

Dock Lightning help you to dock your boat or yacht on the deck and also prevent your leg to trip on it, also its light could help you to found it easily. And its solar cells power doesn’t required much maintenance, its a tool that you should consider to have.

Another tips that you should consider such as:
1. always take sunblock in your pocket, when you’re sailing in the middle of the sea or ocean, sunblock is something that your skin needed.
2. life jacket or life vest is standard important things that you should have. Always put them on sight in case something happens.
3. If you brought child on board, look after their location, its better to kept them inside the cockpit, if the want to play on the deck, always give them life vest to wear.
4. Warming up in 1,200 ke 1,500 rpm of your motor before running it could help extend your battery life.
5. location for docking, its important to know it.
6. keep the environment green by not throwing can or bottle or any trash on the ocean.

That’s all the tips you should consider and knows on sailing, hopefully you could do it.

Yacht Economical Sailboat for Blue water Sailing

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 10:04:41 +0000

Whether used for ocean cruising or family vacations, the Yacht is a sturdy, easy to sail pocket cruiser.
The low topsides, narrow beam and 27-foot length of the Yacht, Vega certainly do not fit the image of a typical ocean-going yacht. Nevertheless several Vegas have successfully circumnavigated the globe. Dozens, perhaps hundreds more have crossed at least one ocean, and one Vega, The Berzerk, sailed through 40-foot seas to Antarctica. Designed after Swedish FolkBoats
Designed in Sweden by Per Brohall in 1964, the fiberglass-hulled Albin Vega is modeled after the narrow-beamed Nordic folkboat. Like the folkboat, the Vega was built to be a sturdy, simple, economical, and easy-to-sail family boat.

Design Features
• Solid Fiberglass hull, with cored fiberglass decks and coach roof for lightness.
• Relatively shallow draft at just under four feet.
• Keel about half the length of the water line for stability, and reduced drag.
• Hull and deck caulked and bolted every 5 inches for a strong, water-tight seal.
• Though topsides are lower than most modern cruisers, the cockpit remains dry and comfortable even in high seas.
Below Deck
Though compact, the Vega has nearly six feet to headroom in the main cabin. There is a small galley with an icebox, sink, and cooktop. A removable table fits between the main cabin settees for dining or charting, and the two settees also serve as 6 foot bunks. The V-berth sleeps two comfortably. With only eight feet of beam, the boat would feel cramped with four adults aboard for any extended period of time, but is well-suited to a small family,

The Sailing Rig
This Yacht is sloop rigged, and can be easily single-handed. The sail area is somewhat conservative for inland waters, but excellent for off-shore. Though the boat doesn’t point exceptionally high, it handles beautifully off the wind, is well balanced, and heels at a comfortable angle even in heavy winds.

Despite it’s popularity, the Vega does have a few issues:
• Random Reversing: The prop is located aft of the rudder, making backing up a bit of a challenge. Many owners have found creative ways to compensate for this quirky flaw.
• Deck Compression below the mast: The Vega’s mast is stepped on the cabin roof, and supported by a beam below deck. Some Vegas have experience sagging of the support beam. Several owners have beefed up the bulkhead and support beam over the years, eliminating the problem, but potential buyers should check the support carefully.
• Weakness of the Rudder Post:The rudder is attached to the aft end of the keel rather than a skeg–normally this is a very solid way to support a rudder, but some Vegas have had problems with the rudder post. Again, this problem has often been corrected by previous owners. To test the rudder, hold the tiller still, and try to move the rudder. If it flexes, it probably needs to be rebuilt.

Solar Panels on Boats

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 10:00:24 +0000

Advantages of solar panels on boats include their ease of use, lack of maintenance, and longevity (some types last 20 years or more). Disadvantages include difficulties finding places to mount a large array, their weight (depending on the type chosen), and their bulk. In addition, large solar panel arrays require extensive electrical wiring and a solar regulator to prevent excess current from overcharging the boat’s batteries.
Solar panels produce DC electricity, so boats that require household-type AC electricity to run microwaves, stoves, or other systems (such as marine air conditioners and heaters) would need either generators or inverters to convert their solar-generated DC power into AC.
Rigid Solar Panels Feature Long Life Spans
In considering whether to add solar power to a vessel, boaters can choose between two main types of solar panels: rigid crystalline panels and flexible panels.
Rigid panels such as those produced by Kyocera Solar Energy, BP Solar International Inc., and Sharp Electronics Corp. are standard equipment in shore-based solar panel arrays. These solar panels generally are made of heavy glass and aluminum; because they are so large, bulky, and inflexible, they can be difficult to mount and to stow. Most boaters mount them permanently on a fixed structure such as a deck or a cabintop.

However, rigid solar panels require no maintenance beyond occasionally checking the electrical connections for corrosion, and they have a very long lifespan — warranties typically run two decades or more. In addition, they are less expensive than newer types of flexible solar panels, and they are more effective in bright sun conditions.
Flexible Solar Panel Benefits: Light Weight, Stowability
Development of flexible “thin-film” solar panels, such as those produced by PowerFilm Inc., has accelerated in the past five years, and the larger sizes now offer electricity generation that’s comparable to rigid solar panels in an extremely lightweight, easily stowed package (PowerFilm’s largest panel weighs just 2.6 pounds and will fit folded into a bag just three inches high by one foot square).
Flexible panels also are more effective in cloudy conditions than crystalline panels. However, convenience comes at a price: they are up to twice as expensive as rigid panels for the same output, and they wear out far faster. Warranties for thin-film solar panels generally only cover two to five years.
Solar Panels Measured in Watts
Manufacturers report solar panel size in watts and amps, which can be confusing for those who aren’t used to the terminology. For example, a large Kyocera 65 panel (one that measures 30 inches by 26 inches and weighs in at more than 13 pounds) is rated at 65 watts and 3.75 amps, and retails for under $400.
In practice, this large solar panel might produce about 3 amps of 12-volt electricity per hour for five to eight hours on a typical sunny day. This is enough to power a laptop computer for up to four hours to run navigation software, or to run four halogen lights all evening. Two of these panels could run a very small, extremely well-insulated marine refrigerator, although more typical marine refrigerators likely would require three or four of these panels to stay cool.
PowerFilm’s largest foldable solar panel, which measures 60 inches by 42 inches, is rated at 60 watts and 3.6 amps — about the same output. It weighs 2.6 pounds and retails for about $700.
This explanation from boater advocacy group BoatUS illustrates how to determine solar needs on a boat.
Marine Solar Panels: A Do-It-Yourself Project?
It’s certainly possible for a handy boat owner to install and wire solar panels. The first step is to determine whether to purchase flexible solar panels (which can be thrown over a bimini cover or rolled out on deck) or rigid solar panels. If the choice is rigid panels, then the boat owner will need to devise a mounting system.
Most systems also require a solar controller. The solar controller, which may not be necessary for tiny “trickle charge” solar panels but is needed for any array larger than about 10 watts, will moderate the electrical current produced by the solar panels so that the batteries do not become overcharged.
All in all, solar panel installations can be complex and costly. However, once the installation is complete, boaters can enjoy green, silent, simple electrical power, in some cases for two decades or more.
On smaller boats that spend significant time away from the dock, solar panels can produce most or all the energy needed to run the vessel’s systems. On larger boats, an extensive collection of panels can reduce or even eliminate the need to run the engine or generator. In addition, adding such energy-saving devices as LED lights can help make the solar panel system even more effective in meeting the vessel’s energy needs.

Pontoon Boat Accessories

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 09:58:31 +0000

The open deck layout of a pontoon boat lends itself to cost-effective add-on features and accessories. Pontoon boat accessories can easily be replaced as they become worn or in need of repair. A cheap or basic pontoon boat can also be upgraded by outfitting it with the latest luxury features in seating, bimini tops, deck carpet, slides and more.

A comfortable boating environment is an enjoyable boating experience. Pontoon boats are designed for convenience and comfort on the boat deck and can be even more comfortable with the addition of some simple accessories.
Here are boat accessories to consider for improving comfort on a pontoon boat:
• Boat seats and furniture. The flexibility of seating design on a pontoon boat is one of its biggest advantages over other styles of boats. Standardized seating components and furniture can be added to create the ideal seating arrangement. Luxury custom furniture seating is available for the ultimate seating comfort on pontoon boats.
• Bimini tops. A shade enclosure for sun protection during long days on the water is essential. Bimini boat tops are typically available in pre-determined widths and lengths for quick and cost-effective upgrades to pontoon boats.
• Boat covers. It is good practice to cover the open deck of a pontoon boat with a boat cover to keep the interior clean and protected from the elements. It is important to update a boat cover when it becomes worn or damaged.
• Deck carpet. Soft deck carpet makes spending hours on a boat more comfortable and enjoyable. Marine grade deck carpet can be customized to a boat’s exact size for a finished look and fit.
• Boat tables & cup holders. Like a good minivan, boats need lots of cup holders. Sturdy boat tables and components can easily be updated due to standardized fittings.
• Marine stoves & refrigerators. The convenience of built-in marine grade stoves and refrigerators is ideal for long afternoons on the water.
• Privacy partition. Adding a privacy partition will make it easier for guests to comfortably change clothes while on the boat.
Pontoon Boat Accessories for Boating Fun
Known as a “party boat”, pontoon boats are all about having fun on the water. Equipping a pontoon boat with a few extra fun accessories will make it even more enjoyable.
Some fun pontoon boat accessories include:
• Boat slides. A fixed or inflatable boat slide turns a pontoon boat into a water park adventure.
• Wake board towers. When equipped with a stern drive engine, a pontoon boat can be used to tow wake boarders or water skiers. An attached tower is the ultimate accessory for organizing water toys.
• Swim or boarding ladders. For both comfort and fun, a good ladder will make climbing on board from an afternoon swim much easier.
• Grills or barbeques. Specialized marine grade stainless steel grills will last longer on the water and save space by attaching to boat rails.
• Fish finders. Pontoon boats make great fishing boats because they are close to the water. An electronic fish finder will help fishing enthusiasts locate even more fish.
Updating Pontoon Boats with New Accessories
Many pontoon boat brands and manufacturers carry their own line of boat accessories to compliment or upgrade a used pontoon boat. Popular brands such as Sun Tracker, Bentley, Harris and Leisure offer a nice selection of parts and accessories for pontoon boat updates. With the growing popularity of pontoon boats, more and more suppliers are specializing in unique boat accessories to update boat deck comfort and fun.

Cruise Ship

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 09:54:33 +0000

The original Love Boat could squeeze into the top-deck dining areas; a thousand harbor seals could dwell comfortably in the five swimming pools; a blue whale could curl up in the atrium; and I personally am convinced the thing’s got wheels on the bottom so it can skip the buoyancy issue altogether and just troll along the ocean floor, though no one will confirm that.
This is a ship whose employees are known to complain about their morning commute.
I might also add that it has the largest casino afloat, the first wedding chapel at sea, and a wicked huge storage room containing, among other things, 800,000 folded paper towels and 50,000 swizzle sticks. (I counted them myself.)
Built by the Fincantieri company in Italy for $450 million—the highest price tag ever for a passenger vessel—the Grand Princess made its debut last year to raves from reviewers, all of whom struggled to find synonyms for “really, really, really big.” The Grand is just the first of several new megaliners in the Princess fleet; it will be joined by two sister ships in 2001. Meanwhile, the race for superlatives is on: in November, Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas will up the ante to 3,100 passengers (and don’t forget the climbing wall and the ice-skating rink).
But the new wave in cruising isn’t just about scale—that would be too easy. The latest ships offer a level of personal service that belies their enormous size. After all, today’s cruise ships are competing not only with one another but with beach and ski resorts, where service has become an obsession. Cruise lines are taking the hint. You want 24-hour dining?Sure. Golf clubs polished overnight?No problem. A butler in tails to serve tea and scones on your balcony?Fine—who cares if it’s 90 degrees out?
These special touches are part of what Princess calls “Grand Class Cruising,” which aims to make you—a tiny speck of a passenger inside this hulking giant—feel like You, the Only One Aboard. The Grand has a slightly higher crew-to-passenger ratio than the fleet’s smaller ships, and though you won’t see more than a quarter of the staff during your cruise, those you do encounter will often remember your name.
I joined the Grand Princess for a seven-day Caribbean cruise during which I saw almost none of the Caribbean, as I was usually belowdecks, hanging with the crew, opening unmarked doors, exploring rooms labeled DANGER or 21° BELOW CENTIGRADE. From what I heard, the Caribbean looked very nice that week. But I didn’t care about sunsets and water polo. I wanted to learn what goes on behind the scenes, out of the passengers’ view. For instance: How do they keep the bananas just this side of ripe, day after day at sea?Where do all those used swizzle sticks end up?Who carves the mermaid ice sculptures?Where does the crew go after work—is there even an “after work”?And what is it like to be employed on the world’s biggest cruise ship?
In the Belly of the Whale
You see them at all hours, scurrying down corridors, going about their mysterious business. They disappear through hidden passages like so many White Rabbits, only to emerge with an armful of linens or a sack of volleyballs. Where are they going? you wonder. What’s down there?
If the Grand’s passenger areas seem overwhelming to you, consider what the crew must deal with: a tangle of stairwells and mazelike corridors twisting through decks you didn’t know existed. I have no idea how they find everything—after a week of traipsing everywhere from the engine room to the meat lockers I still could never tell where the hell I was.
The only landmark I consistently recognized was a wide alleyway running through Deck 4 that the British officers call the M-1, after the motorway in England. You could race three forklifts down this thing (it’s been done). Off-limits to passengers, Deck 4 is the functional heart of the ship, where the baggage is loaded, engines monitored, food stored and prepped, photos developed, bouquets arranged, menus printed, garbage burned, ice sculptures carved—all the important stuff.
I started my explorations at the Crew Office, smack on the M-1. (Outside was a bulletin board with a notice reading MOUNTAIN BIKE 4 SALE.) Serving 1,150 employees from 35 countries, the Crew Office has its hands full—handling payroll, booking flights home, exchanging currency, publishing the perky staff newsletter. Since the Grand’s employees alone could fill a major Las Vegas hotel, a whole sub-crew of 50 is required just to clean their quarters and cook their meals. Then there’s the task of keeping the staff entertained, or at least occupied, during their off-hours: for those bored with the crew TV channels (including one of all-Filipino programming), the ship arranges bingo games, movie screenings, blues and Latin nights in the employee disco, and midnight revues for the crew in the Princess Theater.
It’s Not Just a Job, They’re Indentured
Employees stay on the ship for four to 10 months, then take a month or two off without pay before renewing their contracts. They certainly earn the downtime: crew members work up to 14 hours a day, seven days a week, though they’ll sometimes get a free afternoon when the ship’s in port and the restaurants and passenger services aren’t so busy. Many work split shifts—busboys might cover breakfast and dinner on the same day—and have a few free hours in between; they mostly use the time to sleep.
What’s a 70- to 90-hour week worth?Salaries vary dramatically, even within ranks and departments—the complex pay scale factors in everything from workers’ past experience to the country in which they were hired, so that two galley cooks with identical jobs might earn different wages. Employees who rely on tips are barely paid at all by the ship. One waiter told me he earns a base wage of $83 a month, but averages $600 a week in tips. While some workers opt for payment by check or wire transfer to their home bank, many are paid in cash, which has its drawbacks: last year, when a Grand employee got off the ship in Fort Lauderdale carrying $20,000 in earnings—and neglected to declare the cash—U.S. Customs seized half of it.
A Tale of Two Cities
The entire fore of the ship—everything ahead of the bridge, up to Deck 14—is set aside for crew quarters and recreation areas: passengers aren’t allowed here. Top-ranking officers are given single cabins or suites; the remaining 1,100 employees, mainly scattered across Decks 2, 3, and 4, share their quarters in groups of two or three. Sounds grim, yet the veteran workers I talked to say the Grand has relatively spacious crew cabins. If you’ve seen an Amtrak sleeper car you have an idea of what most are like (minus the windows, usually).
On the eighth and ninth decks, right at the prow, are the “crew rec areas,” including an enviable sundeck, a 20-foot outdoor pool, a library, a gym, six slot machines, a disco, and a bar selling discounted drinks until 1 a.m. All meals, however, are served in the crew mess, all the way aft on Deck 5. A cabin steward told me few of his co-workers bother trudging up to the bar after dinner—it’s almost a quarter-mile walk away.
One night I was invited to the crew disco to get jiggy with a group of waiters, who have a reputation as a partying crowd. For some reason a whole bunch are from Romania; there are also Filipinos, Czechs, Mexicans, Jamaicans, Italians, Portuguese. Despite this diversity every waiter or busboy I met had a name ending in o: Lubo, Claudio, Carmelo, Generoso, Rogerio, João. When I arrived at midnight 10 of them were clustered on the dance floor. At the opposite end of the room a few engineers stared sullenly at a Steven Seagal movie. (Scenes like this reminded me that the crew is 80 percent male.)
While longtime Princess employees approve of the swank crew areas aboard the Grand, some miss the tightly knit social scene on the older, smaller ships, where departments would easily intermingle. Here, Lubo told me, the waiters rarely hang out with the carpenters or the linen-keepers, to say nothing of the dancers and the acrobats.
So I asked Lubo what he thought of the ship as a whole. Though he’d been on the Grand for months, he confessed he hadn’t really seen all of it. Waiters aren’t allowed in passenger areas when off duty. “Deck privileges” are granted only to high-ranking employees and certain other staff; they can use the nicer passenger gym and jogging track during slow periods, sunbathe on the upper decks, shop at the boutiques, dine at the Italian trattoria (for a $3.50 fee). But most crew members are confined to their work spaces and cabins and the crew rec areas—some barely visit the top decks at all during their time on board.
How to be Nice, in 12 Easy Steps
Despite the long hours and the months of confinement, the staff seems the picture of levity. Ask a butler or an ice cream server how he’s doing and the unvarying answer is “I’m fantastic, sir! How are you?” In fact the entire Grand crew was so smiley and friendly that I wondered if maybe they’d been brainwashed. To investigate the matter I got my hands on some employee training videos.
The dozen tapes follow two fictional passengers, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, through every aspect of their cruise. Each episode contains six service mistakes for employees to identify: waiters serving from the right, bartenders neglecting to refill peanut bowls, and other unforgivable blunders. Each time someone screws up, a little bell goes off and a caption pops up to reveal the mistake. The maître d’ greets the couple at dinner by shaking Mr. Smith’s hand. DING! Maître d’ should have acknowledged female passenger first!