Boats

In this article we will look at the several alternate methods of restoring and preserving teak on your boat or yacht in order to place you in a more informed position to decide on which method best suits your situation.

Whether it be a lovely piece of teak furniture sitting elegantly on the aft deck of a luxury yacht, or a 12" by 12" inch pad under a sheet winch on a daysailer, theres just something about teak that says "salty."

It has been said that nothing so brightens the nautical appearance of a boat so much as well maintained teak. Having made such a sweeping generalization we are now faced with numerous variations on just what makes teak well maintained.

If our boats lived in clean air we could let the wood go. Over time, it would weather naturally to an attractive ash gray and we could concern ourselves with other things. Unfortunately the assault of modern-day air pollutants, the proximity to the sea, and old father sun himself quickly turn bare teak nearly black. Scrubbing only removes some of the stains leaving a mottled look.

As beautiful as it is here on The Emerald Coast where I write this, it only takes a few days to see the effects of air pollutants and intense sunlight on anything left outside.

Preparation

Regardless of the method of preservation used the first thing which must be done is to clean and restore the teak to its natural state.

At BoatDocs1 we believe in accomplishing this in the gentlest way possible while still achieving the desired results. If the teak is just dirty a thorough cleaning with laundry detergent, chlorine bleach, scrub brush, and a little elbow grease will do the job.

If the wood has weathered for long, has remnants of a previous sealer, varnish, lacquer, or the like, and/or if mildew has set in we will have to use oxalic acid to kill the organisms, bleach out the black and stained areas, and deep clean the wood.

If you are doing this yourself the main thing to remember is that anything remaining from a previous product will interfere with the bonding of the new coating. This can cause anything from a minor color shift to causing the new coat to not stick at all and actually blister and peal away from the surface.

So take your time, use plenty of water to rinse away all of the soap and residue of previous products and allow at least 24 hours drying time before your first coat.

As with any paint, lacquer, or varnish, it is the preparation that sets the professional results apart from the want-to-be attempts. If you figure on about a 80%/20% ratio for preparation to application you should be pretty close.

Everybody and their dog can swing a paint brush but it takes a little savvy and a good bit of patience to hold off on the brush till the wood is ready. Without that forbearance the job is doomed before the can is ever opened.

Now the choices begin.

Teak Oil

Teak oil is one of the oldest and in many ways easiest methods of maintaining the natural look to teak.

More choices, linseed or tung oil. In general, tung oil is a more refined version of linseed oil. The higher quality/price is an individual call depending on the application.

Our main concern here is the various additives including pigments, UV filters, and mildew retardants. The additives are a must here on the Emerald Coast and anywhere you have the combination of sun, heat, humidity, and sea air. The choices should be based on the exposure to the elements the wood will be getting, with the higher concentrations of additives and corresponding darker pigmentation for any wood which will be exposed a great deal of the time.

Characteristics: Gives the wood a matte finish without shiny spots. Requires recoating periodically, 1-3 months depending on exposure factors. While teak oils, when properly applied and maintained resist and displace water they do not completely eliminate its getting into the wood. works well but requires frequent maintenance or will tend to turn black and degrade rapidly A big plus is that unless the wood is very rough, no sanding should be required.

Teak Sealer

Teak sealers are actually an adjunct to Teak Oil in that they seal in the oil and lengthen the time between applications. We have had excellent results with several products in our climate and the choices are mostly related to desired look and durability.

Sealers are a good choice for those who dont mind doing a little extra work at the beginning and end of the season in order to not have to worry about it during.

Characteristics: Teak treated with sealer is more water resistant than if treated with teak oil, has a more uniform appearance, and doesnt tend to turn black. Slightly more preparation required than with oil but if maintained will only have to be done once. when wood is well prepared and the sealer applied correctly it will last up to a year between maintenance application Only initial sanding required, prior to first coat none needed between coats.

Varnish

Ah, the beauty of a newly varnished teak deck.

On the plus side:

Offers real protection for the wood.

Wood will not dry out and split

" will not absorb moisture and rot

" is unaffected by dirt and pollution

" will not be stained by spills

The not-so-plus side:

* Varnishing any wood requires thorough and painstaking sanding and preparation.

* The standard for a ship-shape job is 7 coats with sanding between each coat. Ive often done 12 to 14 to achieve desired results.

* Additional coats, with thorough sanding between, are required to maintain the look.

* The humidity must be low or a milky appearance will result, requiring more sanding to remove the affected coat.

Characteristics:

Poems have been written about the beauty of well varnished teak and Ill leave it to them to do their job on this one. From a purely practical point of view, if you have the time to do-it-yourself or the money to have a professional take care of it for you then varnish will preserve the wood better than any other method and at the same time be a beautiful accent to your yacht.

The Road Less Traveled

I should mention one more possibility before closing, one that Ive used myself on a couple of occasions. If you watch old seafaring movies youve seen this one too. Teak decks can be scrubbed periodically with sea water and a stiff brush and will actually last about the same length of time as an oiled deck.

The main drawback to this is that without any protection the wood will absorb everything which is spilled on it, and many modern oils and greases, to say nothing of not so modern wines and berries will leave stains which will be just about imposable to remove. On the other hand if you have a lot of teak on your boat you could likely write a book with the time you would save by not having to keep up the varnish.

Whatever you decide, may all of your boating adventures be happy ones.

About The Author

James "Doc" Lewis has been "messin about in boats" for as long as he can remember. He is owner/operator of BoatDocs1, a full-service boat detailing-yacht maintenance business serving the Emerald Coast region of Florida. To learn more about boats and keeping them looking their best visit his web site at: http://www.boatdocs1.com/

You are welcome to distribute this article via Email or on the Internet. The only provision is that it be published in its entirety including this resource box. Related articles can be found at www.boatdocs1.com

Copyright© 2004 BoatDocs1

Boating, when a few simple rules are followed, is one of the safest family activities there is. U.S. statistics show boating is twice as safe as biking, five times as safe as driving a car, and 24 times as safe as scuba diving. By practicing safe boating, you will provide a wonderful pastime for yourselves and give your children a love of the water that will last them a lifetime.

So What Goes Wrong

Having made such a sweeping endorsement of the relative safety of boating, how do we explain the glaring headlines which we find in the press on an all to regular basis

Fortunately, for you and me, there are numerous public agencies which spend a lot of time and money doing the research and compiling data. After researching their findings it becomes obvious that a little preparation and planning can all but eliminate therisks.

Some Pertinent Facts:

The most common accident to passengers and crew is falling overboard. According to the statistics over 40% of all fatal boating accidents start this way. It can be avoided if boaters make sure they have good footing and a good hand-hold at all times. An, age-old, seafaring reminder, which I first heard in the Coast Guard, goes like this. "One hand for the ship, one hand for the sailor."

Children should never be allowed to move about on an underway boat. If you need to move around on the boat, for any reason, reduce speed and make sure to get and keep a grip with at least one hand.

Alcohol and water dont mix. In a Red Cross study, two-thirds of boating injury victims had consumed alcohol. Almost 40% had an alcohol level above the legal limit. Besides being illegal, its dangerous to operate any kind of machinery while drinking. A boat is no exception.

35% of boating accidents were directly attributable to alcohol use and the overwhelming primary cause of fatalities was alcohol-related. If you drink and boat, you are more likely to be involved in an accident, and once involved, more likely to die.

53% of fatal boating accident victims drowned, while 39% suffered trauma and 9% died of other causes.

What About All Those Drownings

A recent Red Cross study noted 92% of boating-related drowning victims were either not wearing a PFD or life jacket or were wearing one incorrectly.

The US Coast Guard is even more to the point, stating that of the 519 boaters who drowned in the year 2000, life jackets could have saved the lives of approximately 445 of those boaters who drowned. In 2000, approximately eight out of every ten victims in fatal boating accidents were not wearing life jackets.

Always carry enough Personal Flotation Devices PFDs for each person on board, and make sure that each of them knows where they are and how to use them. Its your responsability, Captain. No one, least of all yourself, wants to hear that you thought they knew how to put on a PFD. If anyone wont prove their knowledge of the devise, or buddy up with someone to teach them, leave them ashore. Youll both be better off.

Children and non-swimmers should wear one at all times that the boat is underway. For water-skiing, fishing, or simply cruising, PFDs are absolutely essential. Its now even easier to find the ideal PFD because theyre available in a wide array of sizes, colors and patterns. You can now choose one in your favorite color, or to match your swimsuit or boat. Just make sure it fits properly!

Does boating education help in preventing accidents

I cant stress this point enough.

A recent Florida study brought out these interesting facts.

72% of operators involved in boating accidents had no formal instruction in the operation of a boat.

2.5 times as many accidents involve boaters who have had no boating safety instruction.

Boating is a wonderful pastime, and lots of fun but, there are a few things, that one needs to know, in order for it to be a safe pastime. And dont worry about looking silly, Ive been around boats all my life, 53 years and hardly a day goes by that I dont learn something new or discover a new and better way of doing something.

Two years ago I took a boating safety course with the idea that, with all my experience, I might be of help to some of the new people. Fact is, there were so many things I didnt know, or had forgotten, that I spent a good deal of time just asking questions. When the class was over, several of the students came up and thanked me for asking all the questions they werent sure how to ask. Guess I was a help to the new people, after all, just not in the way I figured.

Weather you are an old "salt", with years of boating experience, or a "lubber", who gets lost in the bathtub, do yourself and your loved ones a favor and take an approved boating safety course. The time to think through, and plan for a journey in a strange environment, is before you make the trip.

Safety Tips

To prevent ending up in the emergency department as a result of carelessness during your next boating trip, the American College of Emergency Physicians recommends the following safety tips: Tell someone when youre going, who is with you and how long youll be away. Then check your boat, equipment, boat balance, engine and fuel supply before leaving. Before starting your engine, open hatches, run blower, and most importantly, carefully sniff for gasoline fumes in the fuel and engine areas. When changing seats, stay low and near center line of a small boat. Always carry life jackets and first aid equipment. Watch the weather. Sudden wind shifts, light flashes and choppy water can mean a storm is brewing. If you will be fishing, keep fishing and hunting gear clean and well packed. A loose fish hook can cause a lot of pain and ruin a great outing. Bring an extra length of line to secure boat and equipment. Never drink alcoholic beverages on a boat. Being "tipsy" can result in falling overboard. Your ability to swim to safety or call for help is greatly reduced as alcohol slows reactions.

So There You Have It

To learn more about safe boating, Id like to suggest these Online sources of information. Coast Guard Auxiliary, or the U.S. Power Squadrons. Our sister-site, Ask-BoatCat.com offers more tips on boating safety and a complete page of links to Boating Safety related websites on the Internet.

May all of your boating adventures be joyous and happy ones, unblemished by the blight of accident or injury.

About The Author

James "Doc" Lewis has been "messin about in boats" for as long as he can remember. He is owner/operator of BoatDocs1, a full-service boat detailing-yacht maintenance business serving the Emerald Coast region of Florida. To learn more about boats and keeping them looking their best visit his web site at: http://www.boatdocs1.com/

You are welcome to distribute this article via Email or on the Internet. The only provision is that it be published in its entirety including this resource box. Related articles can be found at www.boatdocs1.com

©2004 BoatDocs1

As the owner/operator of a full service boat detailing- yacht maintenance business I cant help but chuckle sometimes at seeing the extremes that otherwise bright, intelligent, successful, people will go to in a misguided attempt to save a few dollars.

One of the biggest mistakes that we see is that people will decide to sell their boat without first having her completely detailed.

According to Rob Scanlan, a well known and respected Master Marine Surveyor;

"Detailing a boat is the single most important investment of time, energy and money a seller can make because a clean and shiny boat sells faster and for a lot more money. I strongly recommended that a seller enlist professional assistance to do a quality job." yacht1ship@aol.com Email www.mastermarinesurveyor.com Web site

We at BoatDocs1, do a lot of work here on the Emerald Coast with local yacht brokers and know what the standards are for a "ready to show" boat. These professionals know that the cosmetic appearance says everything to the prospective buyer as to the overall care and maintenance that the previous owner has given the yacht. Add to that the universal wisdom about first impressions and its not hard to see the importance of this vital first step.

Even if you intend to do most of the work yourself we can offer the expertise to assure that your time and money are spent wisely. Our trained eyes will often pick up the little details that only a prospective buyer would notice and likely balk at.

Here is an outline of the standard procedures we use when preparing a yacht to be put up for sale:

1. Thoroughly Wash and Dry the Boat

Note: For this part, pay attention to everything you see and unless your memory is a lot better than mine, make notes on a piece of paper for later. Wash and chamois-dry your boat top to bottom including transom. clean Isenglass and other ports/windows wipe down and dress all aluminum/stainless clean and dress vinyl seats wipe down fly bridge and cockpit vacuum exterior carpet clean and dress nonskid

2. Stand Back and Survey the Boat

Note: Bring your list and organize it with the following outline Put yourself in the buyers shoes, be critical, the buyer will.

a Is it shiny Its the first thing most people notice.

b What about the smell People have a way of getting used to almost anything. Get a second opinion and see the hint below.

c Is all hardware intact and presentable Just because youve used that broken table for years and are rather fond of it, to anyone else, its just a broken table.

d What about dings, any damage to the fiberglass Aside from the fact that broken gelcoat can let water into the core of the lay-up and delaminate the fiberglass, it just plain looks BAD.

e What about rust You are probably thinking right now; whats a little rust on a boat Let me tell you. A little rust on a boat is a sure sign that the owner lets little things go by unnoticed and if there is one thing there are always more. What about oil changes I wonder if he flushed out the outboard after use The object of this little exercise is to make the boat look like you are conscientious and a stickler for having everything perfectly "SHIP SHAPE."

f One more little tip that you have probably already thought of. Take a look around the boat and remove EVERYTHING that isnt part of the boat.

EXAMPLE:

Engine controls, compass, life jackets, flare kit, and a first aid kit ARE part of the boat. Knick-knacks, fishing tackle, cutesy wall plaques, and half full paint cans are NOT part of the boat-and look tacky. A few cleaning supplies, in their own locker is probably all right as long as theyre kept neat and clean.

g Make a list of things that need attention, and get it taken care of. A few dollars spent now will pay back in spades when the time comes to show your boat. Anything that isnt right will stick out like the proverbial sore thumb, be noticed and start the price spiraling down. if it doesnt just send them scurrying off shaking their heads

Hint: If you are not a woman reading this and dont have a wife of your own, ask your mother or sister, or see if a friend will loan you his for a few minutes. For some reason women can smell things that a man would never notice. You may think that men buy boats but in my experience they buy the boats their women like.

Along this same line, pay particular attention to the cabin and heads.

3. Prioritize the Job

With your list you are in good shape to decide what needs to be done and whether or not you want to do the work yourself or have it done by a professional.

Most of the professional yacht maintenance companies we are familiar with, would be happy to take a look and give you an estimate of what it will cost to have the work done right. We can do part of the job, for example the compounding/polishing and will gladly help you choose the best wax to finish the job yourself.

What about those little chips and dings in the gelcoat

Many books have been written on fiberglass repair and it isnt the intent of this article to cover the subject in any depth but many small repairs are well within the reach of a fairly skilled do-it-yourselfer. Like anything else though, if you have never done it before, "consult an expert."

Ive been building and repairing in fiberglass since I was 14 and while the first wooden boat I glassed was water tight and lasted a good many years, it was far from pretty. The small investment you lay out for expert repair now will pay big dividends when your boat sells at the price you want.

In the Emerald Coast region the standard fees for compound/waxing run between $15.00/ft. and $18.00/ft. for the topside rub-rail up which includes a thorough cleaning and treatment of the vinyl, windows, isenglass, and metal. In other words, for the price of doing the "hard" part well detail the entire topsides and leave it in "ready-to-show" condition. Hulls rub-rail down run about $8.00/ft. but, of course, the boat must be out of the water in order to do it. This walking on water with a hi-speed electric buffer in hand is still beyond me, but Ill let you know;-

Fiberglass repair runs from $45.00 to $65.00 per hour and in general as with most everything else, one gets what one pays for. The up side to this is that when approached in a professional manner the dents and dings of ten years hard use can be repaired and made to look like new in an amazingly short time.

All too often we have seen people save $300.00 or $400.00 on a detail only to loose $Thousands$ on what their boat could have sold for. Then too, our local marinas are clogged with many examples of boats with "For Sale" signs which were never given the least bit of attention to make the passer by want to stop and think, "Hey, I wonder what it would be like to call that boat mine." Some of these boats have sat for years when all they ever really needed was a little T.L.C.

I remember, years ago, someone saying something about being penny wise and pound foolish Lets not let them be saying that about us.

About The Author

James "Doc" Lewis has been "messin about in boats" for as long as he can remember. He is owner/operator of BoatDocs1, a full-service boat detailing-yacht maintenance business serving the Emerald Coast region of Florida. To learn more about boats and keeping them looking their best visit his web site at: http://www.boatdocs1.com/

You are welcome to distribute this article via Email or on the Internet. The only provision is that it be published in its entirety including this resource box. Related articles can be found at www.boatdocs1.com

©2004 BoatDocs1

Strataglass®, Lexan®, Plexiglass®, Isenglass, Crystal Clear, Eisenglass, etc. Whatever you call it, it all comes from polyvinyl chloride PVC which has certain definite characteristics.

1. Vinyl is a UV-sensitive material which degrades when exposed to sunlight.

2. A vinyls topcoat holds in plasticizers, softening agents which keep vinyl supple.

3. Clear vinyl has NO topcoat. The one exception to this rule is Strataglass, which has a protective coating. Unless otherwise noted, the advise in this article applies only to untreated clear vinyl and therefore excludes Strataglass.

Thats It! All you ever needed to know about vinyl boat windows in one easy lesson. Maintaining a topcoat and protecting against UV damage will keep vinyl looking good for years.

Let up, for as little as a month, in this climate, and, well, read on . . .

The sad truth is that all of those lovely, clear, vinyl windows, that you were so proud of when they were new, will yellow, scratch, and become an ugly nuisance in a very short time without proper care.

Q. What you mean Doc, you dont just hang um and forget um

Who is that guy

Unlike regular safety glass which has a fairly hard surface and resists scratching, and even your vinyl seats which have a top-coat to protect the underlying material, a vinyl window requires a protective coating to separate it from the elements.

Think of it a little like your skin. With regular washing, sunscreen, and moisturizer our skin can take the Emerald Coast summer conditions without too much trouble. Eliminate one or more of these and stay outside 24/7 and well be looking 102 years old in no time, even if were only 20.

Cleaning Procedure

At BoatDocs1 we start off by removing as much of the loose dirt as possible with a fine water spray. Its best to wet the entire surface giving the water time to soften anything stuck to the window. Next we gently wash the surface with a mild soap and water solution. No detergents or harsh cleansers, PLEASE

Next, give the window a thorough rinsing with more fresh water and then dry, either with a clean terry cloth towel or chamois.

After several years of experimentation and research we have been convinced beyond a doubt that the only product to use on vinyl is 303Products, Aerospace Protectant. Ill let you go to their web site and read their copy on why its the best. But notice I said copy, not hype, because after using it for over a year I find their advertising to actually be a little understated.

We treat by spraying the product on both sides of the surface and then polishing with a clean, dry, and well worn terry cloth towel. Old baby diapers are better but are becoming nearly as rare as DoDo eggs. . Applications last from 4-6 weeks and after the first couple of uses it seems to get easier to maintain as the surface actually seals itself and nothing seems to stick to it.

Application improves visibility and reduces wear and scratching by reducing the coefficient of friction. In laymens terms this just means that it makes the surface slicker than snail snot. It also repels water, dust, dirt, salt, and ultra-violet radiation. SPF 40 Added benefits are an anti-fog/anti-glare finish.

A monthly treatment will keep those curtains looking like new for many years.

And What About Strataglass®

At the beginning of this article I mentioned that Strataglass doesnt fit the general recommendations for regular untreated vinyl windows. The reason behind this is that it is treated, at the factory, with a special protective coating which if maintained in accordance with their recommendations will last the life of the fabric and prevent the chemical leaching which is the cause of problems for the untreated fabrics.

I dont want to get too far into specifics with this as they do have a website of their own and have care and cleaning advise which they offer their customers. If you have Strataglass® curtains on your boat I suggest going to their website at http://www.webworksgroup.com/projects/strata/beta2/index.html and seeing just what they suggest for their product.

What if were too late

If your vinyl windows have begun to show the effects of aging, we apologize.should have told you sooner We offer a restoration service consisting of fine polishing and a chemical treatment. replacement of the plasticizers In many cases we can eliminate most scratches, restore the translucent properties, and with continued maintenance with 303 Aerospace Protectant will add years to the effective life of your vinyl windows.

If you have some vinyl windows which you are thinking about replacing let us take a look and see what we can do. The service is quite reasonable when compared to the price of replacement.

Below is the step by step procedure we follow to bring back vinyl windows - hope it helps.

Overview:

This set of instructions is for windows with moderate scratching and crazing. If the scratches are very deep the process would need to be started off with wet sanding which is a subject all by itself and wont be covered in this article.

What we want to accomplish here is to polish out any scratches, stains, imperfections, or swirl marks starting with a very fine compound and then finishing with a restorer polish to replenish the plasticizers in the vinyl.

Tools:

You should find all of these items at an automotive paint store. To start with you will need a variable speed electric drill 1000-1200 rpm with a velcro backing plate which will accept foam rubber polishing pads. You will need 3 of the pads but an extra one will save some time when changing polish. Always reserve a pad for each compound or polish. While your there ask if they carry the fine, micro-polishing compounds made specifically for clear vinyl windows that you will use to actually remove the scratches. If the sales-person seems to know what theyre talking about, pick his brain on what products he sells the most of for this purpose.

I have had excellent results with a 3-M product called "Finesse-it", which is used on both gelcoat and vinyl to good effect. If your trip to the automotive supply doesnt turn up anything better this will do the job and you can use whats left over on the rest of your boat.

Another product I recommend highly, is Meguiars, "Plastx" which is perfect for the finish polish runs with the pads. It also makes a good occasional cleaner and preservative throughout the year. It uses the Microscopic Diminishing Abrasive Technology, MDAT, used in their paint and gelcoat polishes to produce a powerful, yet safe plastic cleaner. If the scratches are light you may get good results by using just this product and making a couple of passes with the buffer.

Procedure:

If you have some experience with polishing its a plus although the technique used here is unique to the material and therefore will be learned as you go along.

We usually start with the smallest, or least noticeable window first to get an idea of the amount of work needed and to check the results. If there are several small pieces choose the one which is most damaged. After completing one is a good time to compare the work involved with the expense of replacing the window. If time isnt a prime consideration but money is, then this system will serve you well.

Step by Step:

Cleaning:

First thing is to thoroughly wash the window using a mild Ivory is good soap and water solution, rinsing well, and then drying gently with a soft cotton towel. I prefer old cloth diapers when I can get them but they have become nearly extinct in my neck of the woods. The main thing is to always use the softest, cleanest towel you can find on your windows and now is a good time to start.

Polishing:

After the window is dry lay it out on a firm, flat table with plenty of soft padding underneath. Make sure the padding is smooth and level or youll leave edges as you polish. Set up your drill with the backing plate and the first pad and apply enough of the polish to the window to cover a 1 foot square section.

Immediately start buffing the section using light pressure and keeping the pad moving. The secret here is slow and easy, its plastic not concrete. Keep it moist use a water spray bottle and when the compound is nearly used up, youll get a feel for it, reapply to an adjoining section and repeat the procedure. Continue till the side has been done and then gently clean using the procedure outlined above for cleaning.

Finishing:

When the polishing and cleaning is completed both sides take a clean pad and apply the Plastx to the entire window following the same procedure as for the compound/polish. When the window has been completely covered take a clean cotton cloth and buff off the haze. The vinyl will absorb most of the Plastx which will help feed and restore the plasticizers.

As a final procedure I usually go over the entire window with 303 Products Space Age Protectant to assure protection from ultra violet radiation, the number 1 enemy of all vinyl and clear vinyl windows particularly.

A Couple of Tips on Vinyl:

NEVER use any kind of regular window cleaners, detergents, abrasives, petroleum based products, or alcohol on vinyl windows. They are too harsh and will damage the top coat, speeding up the loss of plasticizers. The vinyl will dry out, turn yellow and brittle, and soon need to be replaced. Youve seen this before, now you know why.

Right along with this is a big ditto for all of your vinyl products either on the boat or ashore. Only the mildest soap solution, complete rinsing and a safe protective coating will keep all of your vinyl goods looking like new.

About The Author

James "Doc" Lewis has been "messin about in boats" for as long as he can remember. He is owner/operator of BoatDocs1, a full-service boat detailing-yacht maintenance company serving the Emerald Coast region of Florida. To learn more about boats and keeping them looking their best visit his web site at: http://www.boatdocs1.com/

You are welcome to distribute this article via Email or on the Internet. The only provision is that it be published in its entirety including this resource box. For print publication contact the author at Doc@boatdocs1.com Related articles will be found at www.boatdocs1.com

©2004 BoatDocs1

It has been our experience that nothing so much insures the beauty and longevity of a fiberglass boat than the continual maintenance of a good coat of high quality wax. In this article we will explore the preparation, methods, and best practices for the long term maintenance of your boats gel coat through the use of wax.

The Problem

Gel-coat, the exterior finish on fiberglass boats, is a porous mix of polyester resins and pigments that must be sealed from the damaging effects of salt, dirt, weather, and ultra-violet UV radiation.

The primary purpose of gel-coat is to protect the underlying core from water, air and sunlight, which in combination will quickly loosen the chemical bond and render the structure useless. Neglect this gel-coat, and it becomes more porous, resins oxidize and what remains is a faded, dull finish prone to absorbing water into the laminate and destroying it.

In addition to the above functional definition we also need to say a few words about the beauty factor, the shine of a newly polished and waxed boat. In a great example of form following function, gel-coat kept clean and shiny, with a good coat of wax, will perform its primary function pretty much in direct proportion to the way it looks.

The Players

Now that weve named the problem, what are the choices for solving it The simplest solution would, of course be to keep the boat away from sun, water, and oxygen. I said simple, not practical.

All of the "New", "Easy On-Easy Off", "Modern Chemical Miracle", products may look great on TV weve tried them all too ;- but in the real world of salt water, sun, fishing, spills, and air pollution, they simply dont hold up compared to the simple, natural, God made it, "Tree of Life", Brazilian No.1 Carnauba wax.

Unlike the modern marvels of chemical engineering, Carnauba comes from a tree, the Copernica Cerifera palm tree, to be specific. The color and quality of the wax are governed by the age of the leaves and care used in processing of this hard, brittle, lustrous wax. It runs from a golden yellow in color to nearly white and has an unmistakable but pleasant "tree" smell to it.

Due to the fact that carnauba is a natural plant by-product, it will not react with gel coat or painted surfaces. The Carnauba Wax acts as a protective barrier providing a very hard film over your boats surface that protect against sun and weather damage, airborne contaminates, such as acid rain, spills, fish remains, salt and bird droppings, etc.

Carnauba even swells and closes its pores tighter when exposed to water. In addition, Carnauba dramatically reduces gel coat oxidation by diffusing the UV and infrared radiation from the sun which will oxidize and dull your boats finish.

Interesting Carnauba Facts Pure Carnauba in its natural state is harder than concrete. Typical retail waxes contain 3% to 5% Carnauba by volume. Less then 5% of retail Carnauba waxes contain Brazilian No.1 Carnauba, the finest of all waxes. The greater the concentration of Carnauba, the greater the level of protection and the higher the quality of shine.

How Does It Work

3 things are needed in order for the chemical reaction which causes oxidation to occur. Oxygen Heat UV Radiation

Eliminate one or more of these and you slow the process.

A protective layer of Carnauba wax keeps airborne contaminants from reaching the gel-coat and starting a chemical reaction.

This wax layer diffuses refracts both UV and infrared radiation from the sun. Without it the radiation is absorbed by the pigment in the gel coat causing it to over heat, and trigger the chemical reaction that will dry out, dull and oxidize the surface.

A waxed boat will have a lower surface temperature than an unwaxed one. The darker the color, the greater the difference

Using a high quality paste wax applied over a clean polished surface will give you 3 to 4 months of protection here on the Emerald Coast. This doesnt mean the wax is gone in this time but the appearance and protection will begin to fade rapidly. based on our own experience, independent testing, and the reports of most of our clients

For more information on the properties of different waxes, please see Wax Comparison Table

Tying It All Together

By keeping the wax protective layer up, 3-4 waxings per year your boat will always look good and you shouldnt need any hard yearly compounding to keep it that way. This will save you money right now and add years to the time before the boat will need to be painted.

On the boats that weve maintained for several years we usually give it a thorough going over with a very fine compound in the spring just to give it that "bright" look. This removes only a very thin layer of oxidized pigment to give the wax a solid base to adhere to.

Happy Boating!

About The Author

James "Doc" Lewis has been "messin about in boats" for as long as he can remember. He is owner/operator of BoatDocs1, a full-service boat detailing-yacht maintenance company serving the Emerald Coast region of Florida. To learn more about boats and keeping them looking their best visit his web site at: http://www.boatdocs1.com/

You are welcome to distribute this article via Email or on the Internet. The only provision is that it be published in its entirety including this resource box. For print publication contact the author at Doc@boatdocs1.com Related articles will be found at www.boatdocs1.com

©2004 BoatDocs1

Just when you think that kiting can be for only a board, think again. With the inception of bigger and more powerful kites, the ability to speed up or move larger objects became a reality. Enter a new extreme sport Kiteboating. Imagine paddling along in a one – three man craft with kite harnessing the wind and speeding you along and over huge waves. It can happen with kiteboating.

There are many different models of wave riders that provide the exact same functionality. The fact of the matter is that they all rely solely on the wind. Some creative kiteboaters have crafted single and multiple kiteboats. These boats resemble canoes, kayaks, and even an outrigger. There are professional races that are run from time-to-time.

As with any extreme boating sport you must exercise the utmost caution and understand how close people are to your boat and wires. You will need to know weather conditions and safety procedures should you run into trouble along the way.

Most individual kiteboats start in the $1500 area and go up exponentially. Companies like Naish and Ronstan provide quality equipment and hardware should you have the urge to go kiteboating. Although this sport is picking up in popularity, there are various places around the globe you can kiteboat on vacation.

If you are just starting out in the paraboating realm, you may wish to get trained by a certified instructor who will teach you how to harness your kite and how to get it air bound should it fall from the sky. You also should take a water safety course should you need the proper training later on. All kiteboaters should wear a floatation device should their boat sink or their kite get away from them. They never know how far from shore they may be.

As with any sport learning to fly your kite first will help later on when deciding which type to purchase. You may wish to purchase a 2 or 4 line harness. It is strongly suggested that you do not attempt to kiteboat without lessons. Make sure to observe all activity around you should you have more than one kiteboater in your area.

About The Author

Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.kitesurfingnow.com. Visit his kitesite for the latest on kitesurfing equipment, kiteboarding lessons, places to surf and much more!

I discovered sailing many years ago and found it to be a wonderful way to enjoy time with friends and family as well as a way to get away from the office and become totally entranced and absorbed with a world that I did not know existed. I love to sail, so much that I became a certified American Sailing Association Sailing Instructor.

It has been 30 years now that Ive sailed the Chesapeake Bay, East Coast U.S.A. and the Caribbean Islands and Ive been fortunate to have owned a number sailing vessels, currently two Beneteau sail boats.

Im often asked by my students what to look for when making an investment in a sailing vessel. I often share the following seven tips and hope that you too may find some value in them.

First carefully examine where you expect to use your boat, long term. Will it be on the Ocean, trans-Ocean, near the shore, in a Bay, on the Caribbean or all of the above. If you plan to sail Ocean or trans-Ocean then be sure that the construction is class "A" or rated for extended off shore passage making.

Beware of the buying philosophy "Ill buy a smaller boat now and get a bigger one later." If youre buying new you will suffer two large depreciations. If buying used, the money you put into the first boat to bring it up to your own personal standards and needs will go a long way to paying a down payment or many monthly payments on the second boat. You will be upgrading the second boat anyway. Buy now what you expect to own for 5-10 years.

Take into account the area where you will be sailing and who you will be sailing with. Decide on the type of berths that will be suitable for you, your family and your guests. For example, aft doubles aligned with the axis of the boat or an aft double that runs across the boat port to starboard. Although the latter tends to be larger and more comfortable in the slip it is definitely not a sea going berth. How easily does the main salon table convert into a berth and is it sturdy enough to do so repeatedly In a pinch or in good weather can any one sleep in the cockpit

What is your likely cruising range If just 2-4 days then water and diesel tankage can be respectively 20 and 80 gallons or less. If it is 5-10 days then a minimum would be 50 and 160. If you buy a boat with say 100 gallons diesel and 2-300 gallons water then the designer will have given up berth space to accommodate the tankage. Depending on the size of the boat the left over space may not be well utilized until you reach say a 50 ft. long boat. Look for living and storage space that is well utilized. Odd placement of the main salon settees, chart table and galley may indicate poor utilization of space and hence you may be paying good money for little advantage.

Boats that are heavy displacement, say 28,000 lbs for say a 42 ft. boat rather than say 17,800 lbs for a medium displacement, 42 footer will need 10- 15 knots of wind to develop any kind of "feel" at the helm and in many locations such as the Chesapeake Bay with winds typically 5 - 15 knots in the summer you may have purchased a very nice well equipped power boat. However these heavy displacement cruisers are excellent for extended off shore passage making and live-aboard sailing either in the Caribbean or the U.S.A..

One of the best tips, If you are a first time sailor and want to buy a boat in the 25 to 50 ft range, is to sail with someone who knows how to sail, take a sailing class and then charter a boat in the length range that interests you. Picking a boat with out sailing a boat of similar size is risky although many have done it successfully. Keep in mind that many of the modern designs of the last 10 years are designed specifically for two people to sail easily whether in the Bay or in the ocean.

Lastly, do insist on a survey. If the boat has any of the defects listed below find out the cost to correct them if you are expecting the boat to pass the insurers surveyor. Insurers have their own requirements. Your insurance agent and the surveyor should be working hand in hand. This is where a purchaser of a used watercraft can suddenly be faced with unexpected costs. Costly defects include but are not limited to:

Soft or cracked gellcoat on the deck.

Deck leaks around windows, masts, caprail, traveller or through deck fittings.

If the engine that has stood idle for more than 6 months diesel may be contaminated with bacterial sludges, have pistons seized, injectors blocked and electrical system contaminated with water. Insist on at least a 2-4 hour run in the water at cruising speed. Check for undue vibration, overheating, proper charging of the batteries and that the engine can come up to its cruising rpm.

If the boat is more than 6 years old have the surveyor check that the engine mounts are OK and particularly that all mounting bolts are intact. Two can be broken without any obvious signs or effects. When #3 breaks the engine is loose! This is a common problem on older boats that encounter rough waters while under power and can easily be overlooked by the surveyor.

Obviously you will need an out of the water inspection. Check for blisters, gellcoat cracks, soft spots, shaft play in the cutlass bearing and loose rudder bearings, hull integrity around through hulls and the gap between the hull and the top of the keel which should be filled with sealant else corrosion of the keel may have caused the keel to separate from the hull.

Rigging should be checked by a rigger and all running rigging must be overhauled end-to-end to detect hidden chafe.

Hope you find these tips helpful. Best wishes to you on your investment, maybe Ill see you on the Chesapeake Bay or near the British Virgin Islands sometime, Ill either be sailing on Majjik II or Majjik III.

About The Author

Keith Binnersley is owner of Upper Bay Sailing School, Inc. http://www.upperbaysailing.com. He is a Certified American Sailing Association Sailing Instructor and holds a 50 ton Masters USCG License. You can contact him at majjikll@msn.com.

Which type of boat is right for me

For most buyers, general purpose craft which serve as fish, ski and picnic boats are ideal; for others needing something specialized, a wide selection is offered in most markets.

How big a boat will I need

Size is a function of who will be on board and where it will be used. Options range from 12-ft. dinghies to power and sail yachts. If it is a question of two to four-feet in size, buy more if your budget allows. This will keep you in the boat longer.

What about power needs

What will it cost

Most newcomers are surprised that, with financing, boats can be paid for in monthly installments and often cost less than they think. Pre-owned boats often cost one-half of similar new models.

What is the best time of year to buy

The best time of year to buy is when you are ready. Boat shows provide great opportunities to find "show specials." However, specials only work if you have done some homework and identified the right type of boat for your needs. There are good deals on boats throughout the year.

To get lots more information on boating, including a free CD-ROM entitled "Discover Boating", visit www.discoverboating.ca.

- News Canada

About The Author

News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio, and the Web.

News Canada is a niche service in public relations, offering access to print, radio, television, and now the Internet media, with ready-to-use, editorial "fill" items. Monitoring and analysis are two more of our primary services. The service supplies access to the national media for marketers in the private, the public, and the not-for-profit sectors. Your corporate and product news, consumer tips and information are packaged in a variety of ready-to-use formats and are made available to every Canadian media organization including weekly and daily newspapers, cable and commercial television stations, radio stations, as well as the Web sites Canadians visit most often. Visit News Canada and learn more about the NC services.

NC—Boating tends to be a family activity, so members of the family should be involved in the process of choosing the boat. Will it be a fishing boat most of the time A water-ski tow machine The basic picnic cruise boat Determine what it is the family wants the boat to do, then go find the model to fit those needs. Most boats are multifaceted – they can be fishing boats in the morning and ski boats in the afternoon.

Make notes of the familys "must haves," and "can do withouts." Determine your monthly budget for boat ownership and try to stick to it. But, dont give up a necessity for a few dollars that will cost you convenience or usage later on. Remember that you will often be inviting guests aboard, so plan a little extra room for them and for you.

Many boats are now being pre-packaged with motor and trailer as a complete unit. The manufacturers have been careful to outfit such products for the comfort of the average boater ... and the attractive prices of these units reflect cost savings passed on to buyers.

Generally, the packaged boat units will offer some power choice, so make sure there is enough push. Dont go overboard, either; too much power can be fuelish, costly or simply unsafe.

Remember that the dealer that sells the boat will be your partner for advice and service. He or she should be willing to listen to what you want in a boat, then make several recommendations. When the boat needs scheduled service or repairs, the dealer should be there to stand behind the sale. When shopping for a boat, also shop for the dealer you feel most comfortable with or one recommended by friends.

Finally, dont think youre making a lifelong commitment to a particular boat. Its not a marriage; its more like an enjoyable relationship. Thats because most boat owners trade up as their skills grow and needs change.

To get more information on boating, including a free CD-ROM entitled "Discover Boating", visit www.discoverboating.ca.

- News Canada

About The Author

News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio, and the Web.

News Canada is a niche service in public relations, offering access to print, radio, television, and now the Internet media, with ready-to-use, editorial "fill" items. Monitoring and analysis are two more of our primary services. The service supplies access to the national media for marketers in the private, the public, and the not-for-profit sectors. Your corporate and product news, consumer tips and information are packaged in a variety of ready-to-use formats and are made available to every Canadian media organization including weekly and daily newspapers, cable and commercial television stations, radio stations, as well as the Web sites Canadians visit most often. Visit News Canada and learn more about the NC services.

NC—In Canada, studies show boating is a safe family activity. Almost every problem we hear about is the result of a stupid decision – mixing alcohol with boating and/or ignoring safety regulations. There are some very simple ways to keep you and your family safe while boating.

The most common accident to passengers and crew is falling overboard. In fact, 40% of all fatal boating accidents arise from this. It can be avoided if boaters make sure they have good footing and a good hand-hold at all times. If you need to move around in the boat, hold on to both sides and keep your weight low.

Dont mix alcohol and water. In a Red Cross Society study, two-thirds of boating injury victims – where the blood alcohol level was recorded – had consumed alcohol. Almost 40% had an alcohol level above the legal limit. In addition to being illegal, its clearly a dangerous idea to operate a boat and drink.

Always carry enough Personal Floatation Devices PFDs for each person on board. For water-skiing, fishing or simply cruising, PFDs are absolutely essential. Its now even easier to find the ideal PFD because theyre available in a wide array of colours and patterns. Choose one to match your swimsuit or boat and make sure it fits properly! The Red Cross Society study noted 92% of boating-related drowning victims were not wearing a PFD or lifejacket correctly!

Boating, practiced by smart boaters is safe. U.S. statistics show boating is twice as safe as biking, five times as safe as driving and 24 times as safe as scuba diving. By practicing safe boating, youre guaranteed to have a great time boating all summer long.

To get more information on boating, including a free CD-ROM entitled "Discover Boating", visit www.discoverboating.ca.

- News Canada

About The Author

News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio, and the Web.

News Canada is a niche service in public relations, offering access to print, radio, television, and now the Internet media, with ready-to-use, editorial "fill" items. Monitoring and analysis are two more of our primary services. The service supplies access to the national media for marketers in the private, the public, and the not-for-profit sectors. Your corporate and product news, consumer tips and information are packaged in a variety of ready-to-use formats and are made available to every Canadian media organization including weekly and daily newspapers, cable and commercial television stations, radio stations, as well as the Web sites Canadians visit most often. Visit News Canada and learn more about the NC services.

There, you have just got a boat. A nice new hobby for the weekend and it is time to stock it out. It is time to get all that equipment and gear that you have read about in all the magazines and that you have dreamt about for so long. Time to fill that boat up with all the latest goodies and set sail into the unknown. Sail out and over the horizon, ready for all that may be placed in your way!

The engine has always been my greatest problem and I have this constant nightmare of breaking down whilst away from shore. The last thing that I want to do is to call for help and admit to everybody that I was not ready. Spanners, screwdrivers, engine tool kit and a few essential spares are of course a necessity but the Chain Block and the torque wrench, the hydraulic spanner and the ten-pound hammer I am not so sure that I will ever really need them at sea.

What are you going to do with them Lift the engine off the block and do a complete strip down whilst bobbing on the water Let us look into this before we dive in and fill the boat up full to the brim with unessential items. Before we fill up the cabin drawers with tools of all shapes and sizes and electrical equipment that would stretch your power supply to its limits. It must be remembered that if the problem is a serious one then nine times out of ten you will not have the correct spare part anyway! So what do you really need before you make a storeroom out of every available space onboard

Tools are essential and maybe the saving grace to any that lose their power at sea. Tools are required to unblock a fuel filter or cure a leaking pipe, but you are not going to be doing a complete overhaul so leave the 18” monkey wrench behind along with the engine lifting frame and the welding machine. Leave them safely at home in the garage and set sail with the minimum of required tools for essential repairs. Have in your boat enough tools to do the job and leave plenty of space for all the food and goodies that will make the trip into what you dreamt it would be like. Don’t turn your boat into a nightmare with unnecessary tools falling out of cupboards and leaving oily stains everywhere, just have what you need and set sail happily. Don’t have your friends and guests complaining of stubbed toes and bruises on the head as they work there way through the cupboards whilst searching for some food to eat!

The crucial point to remember about engine maintenance and repair is that it should all have been done before you left port. The engine and auxiliary equipment should be in a good condition and able to do the job it is meant to do before you take the last rope off the jetty. So any repairs and work should have been carried out before you even thought of stocking up for the trip. When you set sail you should have underneath you a boat ready and prepared for all occasions, one that you can trust in to do the job that it is required to do.

In many situations the amount of equipment that you carry does depend on the skills that you yourself possess. First of all, if you are not very good at engine overhauls then it is pointless to have the larger pieces of equipment anyway. If you are good at doing engine overhauls and have knowledge about what you are doing then you should not have set sail with a faulty engine in the first place. It is possible that you breakdown through no fault of your own but it is far better to have a good communication system to call for help and swallow your pride than to try and fix the engine yourself.

Essential items therefore consist of a set of spanners, a couple of hammers, a set of screwdrivers, and an adjustable wrench. One monkey wrench of a small size, filter removal strap for the Fuel filters and LO filters, hand crank handle if the engine is small, a spare set of batteries, some spare Lubricating Oil and some odds and ends of screws and nuts and bolts. Along with these items should be the engines tool kit, essential spares for the engine including a couple of injectors, fuel filter and LO filter inserts and anything else that the manufacturer recommends for that engine.

Leave behind the Chain Block, the large Monkey Wrench and the Hydraulic Spanners. Leave behind the spare heads and the spare crankshaft and all the spares that require the use of a chain block. Make sure before you leave that the engine is in top working condition and that you can trust in its ability to take you where you want to go without breaking down on the way. And finally make sure that your communication system is suitable and in a good working condition, so that if a problem does arise help is not far away.

There is no pride to think of when you breakdown. Safety is of a higher priority.

About The Author

Ieuan Dolby, from Scotland is an Engineering Officer in the Merchant Navy. He has been travelling the world for 15yrs on an endless tour of cultural diversification. Currently based in Singapore he writes various articles for magazines and newspapers and is working on a marine glossary. ieuandolby@lycos.com