Marine Equipment Technology » water

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.

Waterproof Marine GPS System

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 10:02:42 +0000

A waterproof marine GPS system is available in both a handheld version and a version that is mounted on your boat. And it does not matter if you have a tight budget or if you want to spend a lot to get what you want. Handheld models that float start under $200 and will provide the ability to save up to 500 of your favorite places in memory and chart a straight-line course to your destination. These units are also IPX7 waterproof to endure an accidental dunk in the water. They come preloaded with numerous cities worldwide combined with marine navigation aids like day beacons, lights, buoys, and sound signals. Whether you are boating, hunting or fishing, you have tide information, sunrise and sunset information, celestial data and a hunting and fishing calendar right at your fingertips. They are also WAAS (wide area augmentation system) enabled for precise accuracy to within 3 meters.

A waterproof marine GPS system can also be used in your automobile. Although these units are more expensive than a handheld, it can save a lot of hassles when deciding on a GPS system. The pre-installed auto-routing basemap will guide you on your way on major interstates and highways. An optional automotive kit that includes City Navigator® detailed maps, an automotive mount, and a data card to help you easily navigate on land. This kit, once loaded will provide voice-prompted turn-by-turn guidance to millions of addresses and points of interest. Maybe you are looking for a hotel restaurant, gas station or the nearest marine. No problem. You will find it.

A waterproof marine GPS system can combine a color chart-plotter and automobile navigation system that is perfect for wet or dry applications. Use it on your boat and then transfer it to your car. Now that was easy. When you are out on the water the sun can be strong so these navigators come with a TFT display that is easily read in bright sunlight. For extra-precise navigation a Course Deviation Indicator (CDI) that is normally found in aircraft, is included on some models. You will quickly be advised if you have gone off your chosen course, and will be guided back on track. You can also track external NMEA sources for water characteristics like temperature, speed, and depth.

Sailing Lessons

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 09:59:43 +0000

Sailing lessons designed for beginners can break down the information into lessons that can turn a land lubber into a sailor within a week or less. While most beginning sailing lesson programs will cover similar topics, here’s what a beginner will learn at a sailing school accredited by the American Sailing Association (ASA).
The ASA’s “Basic Keelboat” standard (ASA101) anchors the organization’s sailing curriculum. Most sailing schools cover the lessons within a week, and some offer classes that start Friday evening with classroom work and follow up with two days of on-the-water lessons, with certification by the close of the weekend.
Those taking “Basic Keelboat” can expect to learn:
• sailboat terminology, including parts of the sailboat, sails and rigging
• navigational terminology, such as the meanings of “port,” “starboard,” “fore” and “aft”
• the points of sail, and
• basic navigational rules.
On the water, students will learn to control a small sailboat (the ASA recommends a 20-foot boat) under all points of sail and to retrieve a person who has fallen overboard. In addition, students will learn to tie several knots important to sailboats.
Next Up: Basic Coastal Cruising Sailing Lessons
Those new sailors who want to learn how to captain a coastal cruising sailboat might want to continue with the ASA’s “Basic Coastal Cruising” standard (ASA103). In fact, some sailing schools combine ASA101 with ASA103 into a compressed week-long “learn to sail and cruise” lesson plan.
Those taking “Basic Coastal Cruising” can expect to learn:
• additional sailboat terminology, such as parts of a sailboat that are common on larger boats
• how to use safety gear that’s critical to larger cruising sailboats
• where to get weather information and what to do with it
• how to anchor and
• what to do in an emergency.
Once out on the water, students will learn how to handle a larger sailboat (up to about 30 feet in length) under auxiliary (motor) power. They’ll also learn how to dock the boat under power.
In addition, students will practice sailing to a compass course, picking up a person who has fallen overboard, and learn additional knots.
Basic Sailing Lessons Available in Most Coastal Locations
Most people who live in the United States on the coast or even on a larger lake will have access to an American Sailing Association-certified sailing school. Classes are available on the Chesapeake Bay, San Francisco Bay, and in the Great Lakes region.
Those looking for a sunny vacation might consider sailing lessons at schools located in the Bahamas or Caribbean.
Even though beginning sailors will learn a tremendous amount in a very short time in sailing lessons, the programs can be huge fun for both adults and children. And those who master beginning sailing and want more instruction can move up to bareboat chartering and coastal navigation.

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.

MerCruiser and Alpha One Boat Outdrives

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 09:57:32 +0000

As one of the leading manufacturers of sterndrives, MerCruiser brands by Mercury Marine offer very popular choices for inboard outboard power boats. With over 20 MerCruiser sterndrive systems to choose from, the Bravo Series and Alpha One outdrives clearly stand out as the top choices for boaters.

Cited by Mercury Marine as “the most popular sterndrive in the world”, the Alpha One outdrive system is used for single or twin engine applications.
The Alpha One has earned a reputation as a value-priced outdrive propulsion system that delivers reliable speed. These factors combined make it a popular choice for budget conscious boaters that desire performance.
Some of the outstanding features that make MerCruiser’s Alpha One a popular choice include:
• Hydrodynamic lower unit that produces minimal drag while cutting through the water
• Tri-Paint System (Irridite, EDP & Powder Paint) that creates a tough, durable corrosion resistant barrier
• Through-Prop exhaust that maximizes power and reduces noise levels for quiet operation
• Power Trim XD® system that automatically returns the drive to the water to maintain full control of boat in rough water
• Drive lube monitor alarm for low drive lube warnings
• Easy inspection engine mounting to fill lube without pulling a boat from the water
• Flexibility to use 3, 4 or 5 blade propellers in aluminum or stainless steel
The MerCruiser Alpha One has a 300 HP (221 kW) maximum power capacity with a 15” diameter propeller.
The MerCrusier Bravo Series sterndrives – Bravo 1, Bravo 2 and Bravo 3 – are upgrades from the Alpha One and feature the latest innovations in boat outdrive performance.
• Bravo 1: With a focus on high speed performance, the Bravo 1 sterndrive is used for single, twin or triple engine applications and can produce speed up over 100 mph for gas engines up to 600 HP. In addition to triple-digit speeds, the exclusive performance torpedo design and dual water pickups allow the Bravo 1 to handle high and low speeds well.
• Bravo 2: The Bravo 2 sterndrive is designed for twin engine applications and can power a boat up to 55 mph for gas engines up to 450 HP. With a wide gear case, the Bravo 2 is able to accommodate a propeller up to 20” in diameter that propels a boat on plane faster and improves fuel economy.
• Bravo 3: MerCruiser’s Bravo 3 outdrive feature counter-rotating dual propellers that improve propulsion efficiency, speed, acceleration and handling on a boat. The two props are mounted in front of one another and turn in opposite directions eliminating wasted energy from the propeller wash. The Bravo 3 is available in a single or twin engine application and is capable of speeds up to 65 mph for gas engines up to 525 HP.
The MerCruiser Bravo 3 stands out as one of the most innovative sterndrive designs for Mercury Marine, but that recognition does not come without controversy. Bravo 3 outdrive corrosion problems have been an issue for many boaters, despite use of multiple zinc anodes and other preventative measures. The Bravo 3 also faces strong competition with the Volvo DPR DuoProp sterndrives.
The Alpha One sterndrive, although still popular, may be seen as more standard with newer boat propulsion system innovations. The biggest advantage of running a boat with a popular sterndrive is the availability of parts and trained technicians. MerCruiser parts are widely available online and in boat repair shops.