Blog 2018

The weather is getting colder, which means boating season is winding down and it's time to start thinking about winterizing your boat. We are adding rack storage for smaller boats this year, so more space will be available! If you need storage, parts or maintenance, give us a call. 

It seems like hurricane season is upon us! Being prepared is very, very important. NOAA's National Hurricane Center has put together a comprehensive preparedness checklist with important link & information here: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/ready.php . 

One thing we'd like to remind you is to keep an eye on the storm surge. Extremely high waters can cause more damage than wind alone. In order to protect the lines on your boat, one site recommends putting a length of fire hose over them to prevent chafing. *NOT regular water hose - these can actually build up heat due to friction and melt the line! 

You'll want to make sure you're familiar with your boat's insurance coverage. Have copies of all your information stored in a safe space that will be accessible, even if your boat is damaged. 

Stay informed by visiting the BoatUS Hurricane Tracker here: http://www.boatus.com/hurricanes/tracking.asp .

Full Text/Original Article: Boating Times LI 

Those of us who have been around boats for a while regard safety precautions and smart maneuverability as second nature. However, our non-boating friends and family don’t always possess the same instincts that we do around slippery and moving surfaces, leading to avoidable accidents at the dock and on the water. Skippers should make it part of their pre-departure safety routines to familiarize newbies with boating basics.

You may want to begin the dialogue with new boaters even before they arrive dockside. When making plans, remind friends to apply sunscreen before arrival and bring appropriate clothing to shade themselves from the sun. (While you’re on the subject of clothes, request that they wear non-marking shoes!) Good sunglasses are also a must — those who haven’t been on a boat may underestimate the power of the sun’s rays as reflected off the water and fiberglass.

After everyone’s aboard, have them stow what they’ve brought to avoid anything flying around the cabin or off the deck. Point out where the life jackets are and explain how to wear them. Find out who cannot swim, explain what the law says about wearing life jackets, and explain your vessel’s additional rules. Show everyone where the first aid kit is kept and acquaint them with its contents. If your boat has a head, make sure guests know how to operate it. Most importantly, tell them what not to put into it!

Demonstrate how passengers may help with the lines and fenders. Tell them under what circumstances you expect them to pitch in, or point out where to sit if you don’t require their help. Emphasize the importance of never putting any part of his or her body between the boat and the dock when coming alongside or fending off. New-to-the-water friends may not realize how much a boat can move around, so they should be instructed to stay seated while underway. Advise them to use rails and other solid hand-holds if they have to stand while the boat is in motion. 

Inform your guests that everyone aboard has a responsibility to look after each other. If someone falls overboard, alert the captain immediately while keeping the overboard passenger in sight. Remind them to not panic if they are the one in the water - remain calm and keep eye contact with the boat, but never approach to reboard until the captain has shut down the engine and the propellers stop turning.

Along with safety, comfort is also important. Assure guests that it is natural for some people to feel queasy or seasick, and discuss any remedies they’ve brought or that you have aboard. Say that for many people, nausea can be diminished by sitting on the deck (in a shady spot) and maintaining eye contact with the horizon. It can be helpful to give a minimally woozy passenger a task such as, “We’re looking for a red buoy out there ahead and to port for our next waypoint — keep an eye out for it.”

Now, get the excitement going! Share your plans for the day — where you’re heading, how long it will take to get there, and what sights you’ll encounter along the way. You’ll then be able to enjoy watching how thrilled your friends and family are by their boating experiences.

Now that the weather is starting to warm up, we know that many of you are itching to get out on the water. While you're getting everything together, check out these useful apps that have been developed specifically for boaters - some are free, some charge a fee.  

iNavX

This is a full-featured app for charting and tracking your position, as it gives you access to navigation, GPS, and charting in the palm of your hand. iNavX communicates with marine navigation software including Navionics, Fugawi, and Waterway Guide. Plan routes and manage your adventure; the app keeps you up-to-date on weather and boating conditions including currents, winds, and swells. Available on Apple and Android.  http://inavx.com/

U.S. Coast Guard Mobile App

This app provides pertinent boating safety information including a safety equipment checklist and scheduling a vessel safety check. While boating, the app allows you to report hazards, pollution, or suspicious activity in your area. It also features an emergency assistance button — with your device’s locations service enabled, it will call the closest U.S. Coast Guard command center to summon help for you or a fellow boater. 

Dockwa

Say goodbye to web forms, phone tag, and uncertainty about your itinerary with this app that allows boaters to select a destination, view area marinas, and request a slip or mooring. You can compare rates, amenities and services, get quotes in-app, and reserve at the last minute or months in advance. Once your selected marina accepts the reservation, payment is processed swiftly through the app. Available on Apple and Android.  https://dockwa.com/

USA Tides

This tides app provides marine tide information from all reporting stations in the U.S. The app includes easy-to-read features such as tide data, tide graph, tide stations sorted by state, favorite stations, station distance from your location, and a station map. Additionally, times for sunrise, sunset, moonrise, and moonset are provided. Available on Apple. https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/usa-tides-free/id465814696?mt=8

Tides Near Me

Get tides and currents near you, fast & free. Tides Near Me focuses on nearby tide stations and current tidal conditions. Quickly learn the time of the last and next tide and current, as well as when the sun and moon will rise or set. Fully automated tide tables, charts, and predictions. Available on Android. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=me.tidesnear.free&hl=en_US

Boating Buddies

This is a revolutionary geo-sharing app that lets Facebook users broadcast their location to just friends and family or also to public users with shared interests and mutual friends. There are interesting features such as friend radar — it shows you which of your friends are nearby. You have the option to message your friends, view their location on a map view, and get directions. The app provides push notifications to notify and connect you to your friends and a public radar that shows users who else is using Boater Buddies nearby. You can see what your friends are up to and perhaps meet new people who share a love of boating. Available on Apple.  https://appapp.io/au/app/boating-buddies/1215235795

NOAA Marine Weather & Radar Pro

This app puts a powerful yet easy-to-use weather station right on your device. Take a fast glance at your device (including your Apple watch) for a weather check and obtain a 24-hour forecast with just a swipe. This app has real-time animated weather radar images on a highly interactive map enhanced with severe weather warnings and alerts. Bad weather won’t take you by surprise with features such as push notifications, radar and satellite overlays, a 24-hour rain map, and hurricane tracking. This is the only app where all National Weather Service watches, warnings, and other alerts are shown on the map as interactive polygons. Available on Apple and Android.  http://www.apalon.com/noaa_radar_pro.html

If you’re a member of a towing service, be sure to download the service’s app as well.

Original Article Source:  http://boatingtimesli.com/NY/2017/07/01/valuableboatingapps/

We're not quite there yet, but once it stops snowing, we know you're going to want to be out on the water. Just be cautious! It can take months for the water to warm to over 60 degrees. We thought you might like this article from Boating Times Long Island. 

http://boatingtimesli.com/NY/2018/04/01/coldwaterboating-3/ 

Regardless of how adept you are at routine repairs and maintenance work, the time will come when you need the services of a marine mechanic or carpenter. Don't wait for a breakdown! The best time to find a good technician is before an emergency occurs.

If your boat and engine are still covered by the manufacturers' warranties, your local dealer will be your first stop. Even if the problem isn't covered by warranty, it's a good idea to discuss the problem with the dealer because work done by a non-dealer might void the warranty. If warranties aren't an issue, ask boat-owning friends or consult with a local marine surveyor to get recommendations for a carpenter, marine electrician, and engine mechanic. A GOOD repair shop will make life easier, even if your boat can't be moved from its berth. Talk with the technician beforehand to get an idea of labor rates, travel charges, and other considerations.

Your pet needs protection from the cold

 This week the cold and stormy weather seems to have really set in. While we bundle up, our pets are sometimes not given the appropriate attention.

 Here are some tips for keeping our pets safe and healthy.

           Keep them inside when the temperature drops below freezing.

• Bang on the hood of your car before starting it to scare away stray cats that may have sought warmth from the engine.
• Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm, when dogs can lose their scent and become lost. More dogs are lost during the winter than any other season, so keep ID tags on a well-fitting collar.
• Wipe off your dog's paws, legs and belly after a walk to remove ice, salt and antifreeze. Make sure a freshly bathed dog is completely dry before taking it outside.
• Put a coat or sweater with a high collar on short-haired dogs.
• Check your dog's paws frequently for signs of cold-weather injury or damage, such as cracked paw pads or bleeding. During a walk, sudden lameness may be due to ice accumulation between the toes.
• Postpone housebreaking puppies during the coldest months.
• Don't leave a pet alone in a room with a space heater. It could get knocked over and start a fire.
• Dogs that can tolerate long, cold walks -- the larger breeds with thick fur -- will need to eat more high-protein food.
• Pets need a place to sleep off the floor and away from drafts.
• Dogs that spend any time in the yard must have a dry, draft-free shelter large enough to lie down in, but small enough to retain body heat. The floor should be a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic. Do not use metal bowls for food and water.

SUPERBOWL SECRET WEAPONS

 Those that know me, know I tinker in the kitchen.

WARNING: I take no responsibility if you pay more attention to the food than the game.

Chicken Parm Bites

 Ingredients

• 2 c. panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp. paprika
• 1/4 c. grated Parmesan
• 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tbsp water
• 2 c. all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite size pieces
• kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 1 c. marinara
• 1/4 lb. mozzarella, cut into 1/2" cubes
• 2 tbsp. chopped fresh basil

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350º. Prepare breading station with 3 large bowls: In one bowl, whisk together breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, and Parmesan; in another bowl egg; and in the last bowl flour.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Coat each piece of chicken in flour and shake off excess, then dip into egg, and lastly, coat in breadcrumb mixture. Repeat steps for remaining chicken and set aside on a plate.
3. In a deep cast-iron skillet, warm 1" oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
4. Arrange chicken in a baking dish in a single layer. Add a small spoonful of marinara over chicken and top with a cube of mozzarella.
5. Bake until chicken is warmed through and cheese is melty, 3 to 5 minutes.
6. Garnish with basil and serve immediately.

 Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Go balls to the wall for these buff chick meatballs.

Ingredients

• 4 tbsp. unsalted butter
• 1/3 c. hot sauce (such as Frank's Red Hot)
• 1/3 c. crumbled blue cheese
• kosher salt
• 1/3 c. panko breadcrumbs
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1/2 tsp. onion powder
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 egg
• 1/4 c. sliced scallions, plus more for garnish
• 1 lb. ground chicken
• extra-virgin olive oil

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425º. In a small saucepan over medium heat, add butter, hot sauce, blue cheese, and 1/2 tsp salt. Whisk until butter and cheese are melted and fully incorporated, 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
2. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, mix together breadcrumbs, 1/2 tsp salt, celery, onion powder, garlic, egg, and scallions. Add chicken and half of the hot sauce mixture and blend until combined. Do not over-mix.
3. Brush a large cast-iron skillet with olive oil. Using an ice cream scoop or your hands, form 1" meatballs and place in prepared skillet.
4. Bake until lightly golden brown, 15 to 17 minutes.
5. Warm remaining sauce and drizzle over meatballs, then sprinkle with scallions. Serve on toothpicks.