June 14th, 2010 by bbergman
Recreational boating can be an expensive hobby, especially as you factor in fuel charges. Boaters are always looking for ways to reduce fuel consumption and slash gas spending while on the water. One way is to slow down cruising speeds, engine tune-ups and scheduling shorter trips.
Unlike driving a car, a boat’s engine often idles or is turned off while anchoring, floating or stationed at the dock. According to the Discover Boating trade group, those three functions are favorite on-the-water activities for recreational boaters.
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June 11th, 2010 by bbergman
Making the choice to be environmentally responsible can have positive results for the local waterways as well as your wallet. The National Marine Manufacturers Association recently published its simple steps for being an eco-friendly boater in 2010. Read the rest of this entry »
June 10th, 2010 by bbergman
Many marine cleaning products developed today demonstrate a commitment to clean water. Companies have developed non-toxic based biodegradable boat soaps, which have a minimal impact on the aquatic environment. We’ve also seen the introduction of color safe, oxygen release gels and cleansers that remove spots off of boats without using bleach or other hazardous materials.
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June 9th, 2010 by bbergman
Being a “green” boater or an advocate of sustainable practices are not limited to soda blasting and baking soda. It’s no surprise eco-conscious boaters are eager to incorporate other green solutions into their recreational activity.
Marine generator manufacturers have significant investments in green solutions that appeal to boaters, including products that limit carbon monoxide emissions – in some cases by 99 percent. Manufacturers also offer marine exhaust mufflers and catalyst systems to protect boaters and waterways by removing hydrocarbons from generator exhaust.
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June 8th, 2010 by bbergman
The Department of Atmospheric Science at Colorado State University is predicting an active and strong hurricane season this year. Experts anticipate a 70 percent probability of 14 to 23 named storms, eight to 14 of which will be hurricanes. Three to seven of those hurricanes will be major, ranking a Category 3 or higher. Read the rest of this entry »
June 7th, 2010 by bbergman
Boat owners should be aware of the different steps – and environmental concerns – when it comes to repair and maintenance. The waterways are one of our most valuable resources and there are simple, but necessary, steps to take to ensure we preserve this precious asset. Read the rest of this entry »
June 4th, 2010 by bbergman
Marine owners as far as Florida worry the oil from BP’s spill in the Gulf of Mexico in April could reach their shorelines and cause damage to boats that remain in the water.
There are many risks associated with keeping a boat in the water, including oil stains on the gel coat, motor damage and ruined watercraft paint. The repairs can be costly, time-consuming and frustrating.
The there is the issue of pulling a boat contaminated by oil out of the water and onto land, where pollutants can be dumped. That creates a host of new environmental problems that can have significant financial and regulatory consequences.
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June 3rd, 2010 by bbergman
Although the Spring weather inspired boating season to start weeks ago, many people still haven’t conducted their once or twice a year boat maintenance chores.
When was the last time you conducted regular maintenance cleaning and check-ups on your boat? Would you know where to start if you were to do routine maintenance? Or do you consider it a dreaded chore you wish you could ignore?
Every Spring and early summer, an estimated 13 million Americans prepare to take their boats out of winter storage and on the water. For boaters, Spring Cleaning is a necessary annual – not always fun – tradition to ensure the protection and safety of every boater on the water.
DiscoverBoating.com recommends six key tips to get your boat water-ready in time for your next outing. Read the rest of this entry »
May 24th, 2010 by bbergman
Boat Owners Association of the United States (BoatUS) launched a new website this month for recreational boaters affected by the Gulf oil spill which helps them stay informed, safeguard their boats and assist with recovery efforts.
The new website is www.BoatUS.com/oilspill and combines a range of public and private resources and information for boaters, including how to protect your boat and the environment as well as boat clean-up tips.
The website offers an “observation map,” a real-time tool that allows boaters to email updates of local conditions, which are then posted for public viewing. The map includes reports from TowBoatUS towing ports and BoatUS Cooperating Marinas along the Gulf Coast.
BoatUS says it is the one place where boaters can find out everything related with the oil spill. The website shows daily forecasted movement and locations of the oil spill. The website also offers information on how to clean your boat and gelcoat if its affected by the nasty oil contaminants.
May 7th, 2010 by bbergman
It’s no surprise that graffiti, tagging and paint-related vandalism costs Americans more than $8 billion per year in clean-up fees. To combat it, cities are getting aggressive with graffiti removal programs. Studies show that removing graffiti within 48 hours of incident is critical to eliminating it for good.
If the pressure to remove paint and keep it away for good wasn’t enough, many cities and small towns are faced with growing urgency to “go green” and use products and services that promote eco-friendly practices.
The good news is, soda blasting does not cause collateral damage to surface areas, so once-damaged materials or surfaces can be recycled, restored or even reused.
It’s a cost-effective solution that more and more communities favor because one experienced contractor with the right tools and supplies can do the same job in four to eight hours that it takes a city worker – or two – more than two days to complete.
Chicago was the first city in the U.S. to wage an all-out battle against graffiti. The city’s Graffiti Busters program not only assumed financial responsibility for eliminating graffiti from its buildings, but it took on the costs and planning to remove it from private buildings and properties.
Prior to the city’s Graffiti Busters program, clean-up duties for privately owned businesses were left up to the individual owners, many of whom were unable – or unwilling – to take on the fee or headache of finding someone to eliminate it.