Sailing Tips
- A dock cord dangling in the water invites electrolysis. Take your neighbor’s cord out of the water as well.
- It’s easier and less expensive to change the engine’s zincs than it is to replace the heat exchanger.
- Don’t yell at the crew.
- Write the engine hours and date on fuel and oil filters after changing them.
- A pair of binoculars with a compass is useful not only for taking bearings on landmarks ashore, but good for being able to tell whether you will pass safely when in crossing situations with large ships.
- When in doubt about safely crossing in front of a ship, always aim for the stern.
- A tricolor light at the top of the mast is the best way to be seen by other boats at sea. Closer to land, use bow and stern lights, which are more likely to stand out against the background of lights on shore.
- If the anchor won’t come up, pull all the rode or chain as tight as you can, then motor against it.
- If you’re leaving a dinghy or kayak in the water at a marina and want to keep the bottom clean, consider placing it on inner tubes to keep the bottom growth off.
- Backup electronic charts with paper charts and paper chart navigational skills.
- To help keep plates and cups from flying across the cabin, put a bead of silicone on the bottom and set it on wax paper to dry.
- Engine and plumbing hoses are often difficult to install. Heating them briefly in hot water helps make them easier to fit, as does applying soap over barbs and thru hulls.
- Check battery water periodically and make sure battery terminals are clean. Baking soda and water can be used to dissolve battery terminal crud.
- Don’t show up empty handed when sailing as a guest on someone else’s boat.
- Use a piece of three-strand line as a snubber when at anchor to keep shock loads from damaging the anchor windlass
- Toothpaste and a brush is a great way to shine up your boat brass quick and easy! -Port Sanilac, MI
