Thursday, December 20, 2012

The Boat Galley: Sealing Bags

The Boat Galley shares a great storage tip for cruisers to keep food fresh on the boat...

Tips From The Boat Galley
By Carolyn Shearlock, author of The Boat Galley, with over 350 FREE articles to get the most out of your boat kitchen with galley tips, insights & equipment recommendations. A few recipes, too - plus an active Facebook community to ask questions and share tips with other readers! The Boat Galley Cookbook, written with Jan Irons, is now available at Amazon and other retailers.


Hate stale chips and cookies? Do you end up putting everything in airtight plastic canisters?  A friend recently told me of an easier way to keep them fresh!

Today's Boat Galley Topic: Sealing Bags
(article continues after photo...)

Sealing bags

Monday, December 10, 2012

Breaking Eggs With The Boat Galley

The Boat Galley shares an old family trick for cleaning up an eggy mess, on or off the boat...

Tips From The Boat Galley
By Carolyn Shearlock, author of The Boat Galley, with over 350 FREE articles to get the most out of your boat kitchen with galley tips, insights & equipment recommendations. A few recipes, too - plus an active Facebook community to ask questions and share tips with other readers! The Boat Galley Cookbook, written with Jan Irons, is now available at Amazon and other retailers.
Broken eggs
Broken Eggs

There's an old saying that if you are making an omelet, you've got to break a few eggs. Well, I'll change that to say that if you have eggs on a boat, you're going to break a few. And not just into the pan or bowl where you want them.


(article continues below...) 

Thursday, December 06, 2012

Boating and Drinking and Arresting and Firing

Several BUI incidents in the news are a good reminder to save the celebration for after the boat ride...
BUI mug shots

It's the holiday season.

A fun time to share a cocktail or two with friends.

But several stories have crossed our desk recently that serve as good reminders to hold off on those cocktails until after you're done boating. These stories, from all across the country, and most in the news from just the past 24 hours, show explicitly how boating under the influence can lead to arrest, loss of a job, and much worse - the loss of a life...

Monday, December 03, 2012

Booze Balls From The Boat Galley

The Boat Galley shares a secret family recipe that's perfect for the holidays, especially if you celebrate them on a boat...

Tips From The Boat Galley
By Carolyn Shearlock, author of The Boat Galley, with over 350 FREE articles to get the most out of your boat kitchen with galley tips, insights & equipment recommendations. A few recipes, too - plus an active Facebook community to ask questions and share tips with other readers! The Boat Galley Cookbook, written with Jan Irons, is now available at Amazon and other retailers.

Boat galley booze balls
"Booze Balls" were traditional holiday treats in my family, and I love them (we'd make "No-Booze Balls" with orange juice for the kids).

When we began living aboard, I decided they were great as they didn't need to be baked...  then I discovered an easier way to make them by pressing the mixture into a pan and cutting instead of rolling each one separately.

Perfect for days when you want a treat, but don't feel like devoting the whole day to baking!
(article continues with recipe below...) 




Thursday, November 29, 2012

2012 Holiday Gift Guide for Boaters

The 3rd annual Daily Boater Holiday Gift Guide includes a wide selection of nautical gift ideas... 



It's hard to believe that this is our 3rd annual holiday gift guide, with a large selection of nautical gift ideas for the boating enthusiasts on your Christmas shopping list. This year we've got some old favorites as well as many new and unique items that you won't find anywhere but on the Daily Boater. We've included submissions from many of our partners and products we've either tested, read or worn so that you know they are gifts you could trust.

So get in the holiday spirit, and jump right into a category below...

Personalized Nautical Gifts
Includes personalized mugs, serving trays, bottle openers, and more... GO!

Books and Calendars
Includes a cookbook, a book about fishing, and the 2013 MegaYacht calendar... GO!

Boating Apparel
Hats, shirts, shoes - everything you need to deck out your favorite boater in style... GO!

Exclusive Daily Boater discount: Remember, if you see anything you like at BoatNameGear, our readers can save an additional 15% when promo code DAILY15 is used at checkout before 12/5/12.


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Gift Guide: Personalized Boating Gift Ideas

The 3rd annual Daily Boater Holiday Gift Guide includes a wide selection of nautical gift ideas, including personalized items... 

Personalized Nautical Gifts
Nothing excites a boater more than receiving a gift with their boat name emblazoned on it. BoatNameGear has added so many new personalized products to their store that we had a hard time choosing just one for our gift guide. So, we chose more than one that we think you'll love...
Best of all, as a Daily Boater reader, you'll save 15% off your entire online order when promo code DAILY15 is used at checkout before 12/5/12 - only at www.BoatNameGear.com.

Boat name coffee mug
Personalized Nautical Mugs

These ceramic Boat Name coffee mugs are perfect for sipping your favorite morning beverage, on or off the boat. This ideal galley gift is made of a ceramic, and you can add a boat name (or any text) - laser etched above your choice of either a lighthouse or ship's wheel and anchor. Available in white, gray or red, and no minimum quantity.
Shop for Personalized Nautical Mugs



Ship's Wheel Cheese Board
Boat name cheese board and tool set
The Mariner makes an ideal gift for any nautical-minded foodie on your list. It is a cheese board and tool set designed to look like a ship's helm, and as you'd expect from a wheel, it spins for easy access to your favorite snack. Your boat name (or any text) is engraved into the board to make this a truly unique nautical gift. Shop for the Mariner at BoatNameGear.com.


Corkscrews and Bottle Openers
Boat name cork screw

If you're going to serve cheese, you might as well also serve some wine.

This personalized corkscrew is a great stocking stuffer for any boat owner, or an ideal gift for any wine lover on your list. It includes a boat name (or any text) - engraved into the wooden handle.

Buy this corkscrew at BoatNameGear.com.



Boat name bottle opener

This ratchet-style bottle opener is perfect for hanging in the galley or keeping in your tool or tackle box. It is HAND POLISHED and made in the USA in the same mold that a famous tool company uses to make wrenches; but this tool is made for bottles instead of nuts and bolts. It includes a nautical design at the top, and your boat name (or any text) on the handle.
Shop for the Ratchet Boat Name Bottle Opener at BoatNameGear.com.

You can view additional styles of bottle openers at BoatNameGear.com, and don't forget, Daily Boater readers save 15% off their entire online order when promo code DAILY15 is used at checkout before 12/5/12.

Return to the main 2012 Holiday Gift Guide.


Gift Guide: Boating Apparel

The 3rd annual Daily Boater Holiday Gift Guide includes a wide selection of nautical gift ideas, including apparel for boating and sailing...

Apparel for Boating and Sailing
We've found a few items that boaters love to wear, on and off the boat. Some are practical, some are unique, and some can be personalized with the boat's name on them.
Factoid: Studies show that wearing boating gear helps a boater get through the day when they can't be on the boat, especially in the cold winter months. 

Boat Name Watch CapThe Boat Name Watch Cap

Whether you are snowed in for the winter, ice fishing, or spending a cool evening on the boat, you'll feel more comfortable when you are wearing a watch cap, subtly embroidered with your boat name on the band. Available in several colors, these personalized hats make a great gift for any boater experiencing the winter blues.  
Pick up a boat name watch cap for under $20 at BoatNameGear.com, where Daily Boater readers save 15% on this item when promo code DAILY15 is used at checkout before 12/5/12.


Body Glove 3T Barefoot Max

The 3T Barefoot Max is a hybrid shoe made for in our out of the water, but they are perfect for wearing on and around the boat. We wore these shoes all summer and love the features, which include:
  • Breathable and quick-drying with a unique drainage system. 
  • 3-toe design and velcro strap for easy on and off. 
  • Non-marking rubber sole that provides a great grip.
Available for about $50 at famousfootwear.com.


Personalized Performance Polo Shirt
Boat name performance polo

Here's a gift that can be worn all year long. This sport shirt is made from fabric incorporating fast-growing and renewable bamboo for exceptional breathability and comfort. It is UV ray resistant, helps regulate body temperature and wicks moisture so you stay dry and confident all day long.

All that and includes a boat name and hailing port (or any text), embroidered on the left chest in your choice of color, at no extra charge. You can also add one of several stock nautical images.
Available for under $50 at BoatNameGear.com, where Daily Boater readers save 15% on this item when promo code DAILY15 is used at checkout before 12/5/12.


Return to the main 2012 Holiday Gift Guide.

Gift Guide: Boating Books and Calendars

The 3rd annual Daily Boater Holiday Gift Guide includes a wide selection of nautical gift ideas, including boating books and calendars... 

Boating Books and Calendars

There were so many nautical books to choose from this year it was hard to narrow it down to just a few gift ideas, but we found a few we think you'll enjoy. And for calendars, we're only featuring one, but it's the third year in a row so it should come as no surprise - and it seems to get better every year...

The Boat Galley Cookbook
Boat galley cookbook

You've been reading her tips here on the Daily Boater since February, but over the past four years, Carolyn Shearlock and her good friend Jan Irons and have been writing a comprehensive cookbook for cruisers called The Boat Galley Cookbook, and it was finally published last month.

The Boat Galley Cookbook is filled with the same type of detailed information that Carolyn shares in her posts here on the Daily Boater, with more than 800 everyday recipes made from obtainable ingredients without electrical appliances, plus in-depth information on unfamiliar cooking techniques, food storage, substitutions and more. Pick up a copy of The Boat Galley Cookbook at Amazon.com.


The 2013 Spectacular Superyachts Wall Calendar

Superyachts Calendar


For the third year in a row, we are proud to feature the Spectacular Superyachts Calendar in our gift guide from our freinds at Megayacht News. Not only does this 16 x 11 inch calendar contain beautiful pictures of the finest yachts in the world, but a portion of the sales are donated to the International SeaKeepers Society. Order your calendar today at MegaYachtNews.com.


The Hungry Dog book
The Hungry Dog

A quick and easy read, but recommended only for adults due to some of the content, including descriptions of drug use. We found The Hungry Dog to be a raw and insightful look into the life of a young man from Long Island whose path lands him aboard a commercial swordfishing boat in the Windward Passage, among other places. Available at Amazon.com






Return to the main 2012 Holiday Gift Guide.

Monday, November 26, 2012

Boat Galley: Cleaning Pans On Board

Secrets from The Boat Galley for cleaning stubborn pans on your boat...

Tips From The Boat Galley
By Carolyn Shearlock, author of The Boat Galley, with over 350 FREE articles to get the most out of your boat kitchen with galley tips, insights & equipment recommendations. A few recipes, too - plus an active Facebook community to ask questions and share tips with other readers! The Boat Galley Cookbook, written with Jan Irons, is now available at Amazon and other retailers.

This week Carolyn Shearlock of The Boat Galley shares her secret for cleaning pans that just won't come clean - on or off the boat...
(continues after the photo below) 


Cleaning Pans in the Galley


Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Pica: Beyond the Rules

Vin Pica on preventing collisions at sea - Annexes: Beyond the end of the Rules...
Guest blog by Vincent Pica
Chief of Staff and District Commodore-elect, First District, Southern Region (D1SR)
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
Finishing up the Rules for Prevention of Collision at Sea

As you can see below, we have now covered all the “Nav Rules”, i.e., the Rules to Prevent Collisions at Sea.  As with all Rules, there are amendments or, as they are called with respect to the COLREGs, Annex’s.  This column is to summarize these Annex’s and to further lay out what we did, when.  Remember, if you want reprints of any or all of the columns on the COLREGs, you can email me at JoinUSCGAux@aol.com or go to directly to the pages via the links below... (continues after the photo)

The rules in our wake


Monday, November 19, 2012

Boat Galley: Baked Goods on Boats

Even with no oven on your boat, The Boat Galley has the solution for baked goods on board...

Tips From The Boat Galley
By Carolyn Shearlock, author of The Boat Galley, with over 350 FREE articles to get the most out of your boat kitchen with galley tips, insights & equipment recommendations. A few recipes, too - plus an active Facebook community to ask questions and share tips with other readers! The Boat Galley Cookbook, written with Jan Irons, is now available at Amazon and other retailers.

This week Carolyn Shearlock of The Boat Galley explains why the Omnia Stove Top Baking Oven is her favorite appliance for making baked goods on board...
(continue after the photo below) 


Omnia Stove Top Baking Oven


Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Sandy Update from the Northeast: 65,000 Boats Damaged

BoatU.S. surveys boat damage from SuperStorm Sandy, pegs total at $650 Million... 

It is now estimated that more than 65,000 recreational boats were damaged or lost as a result of Hurricane Sandy according to a report released today by the Boat Owner’s Association of The United States (BoatUS).

The dollar damage associated with all recreational boats from the storm is reported to be approximately $650 million, making this the single-largest industry loss since BoatUS began keeping track in 1966.

Video and more after the photo, which was taken by U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Andy Johnson. In the photo, USCG Petty Officer 1st Class Devin Marchut and Petty Officer 1st Class David Caterisano assess a partially submerged vessel in Navesink River, N.J. on November 10, 2012…

Damaged boats from Sandy
Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Andy Johnson.


Tuesday, November 13, 2012

The Rules, The End

Vin Pica on preventing collisions at sea - Finishing the Rules...
Guest blog by Vincent Pica
Chief of Staff and District Commodore-elect, First District, Southern Region (D1SR)
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
Finishing up the Rules for Prevention of Collision at Sea

With winter now hard upon us, we can use this period to close out the knowledge base on other important topics. It is hard to find topics more important than the COLREGs... (continues after the photo)

Sailboat traffic on the water

Monday, November 12, 2012

Provisioning Rules From The Boat Galley

Whether you are a cruiser or only go on an occasional overnight escape, The Boat Galley has the best provisioning tips for boaters...

Tips From The Boat Galley
By Carolyn Shearlock, author of The Boat Galley, with over 350 FREE articles to get the most out of your boat kitchen with galley tips, insights & equipment recommendations. A few recipes, too - plus an active Facebook community to ask questions and share tips with other readers! The Boat Galley Cookbook, written with Jan Irons, is now available at Amazon and other retailers.

This week Carolyn Shearlock of The Boat Galley explores and explains...

The Second Rule of Provisioning
(continue after the photo below)

Rotating stock



Friday, November 09, 2012

Veteran's Day Weekend Boat Shows

This weekend's boat shows are on the west coast of Florida, and in the UAE...

The fall boat show schedule continues plodding along with only a few boat shows scheduled for this weekend, with two events just a couple of hours away from each other on the Gulf of Mexico.

We'll review the shows after the photo below, which is a shot we took at a recent boat show in Newport, Rhode Island.

One of the reasons the boat show schedule is light this weekend is perhaps because of the federal holiday on Monday. Speaking of which, we'd like to take this opportunity to thank all the veterans who have bravely served our country.

Boat Shows this weekend


Tuesday, November 06, 2012

Don't Boat. Vote!

This Election Day is the only time we have ever advocated for people NOT to boat or fish... 

Sandy damage
Photo by Sean McQuilken © Nautical Sites Media

This is serious. We've seen warnings over the past few days from various agencies throughout the Northeast about staying off the water. Water hazards resulting from Sandy will likely exist until next spring, especially close to shore in places like Long Island Sound.

Over the weekend, the boating division of the Connecticut DEEP warned on their Facebook page that if you are planing to go out in coastal areas be aware that there is a lot of semi submerged debris. These hazards can be very difficult to see and can cause very serious damage to your vessel.

And just this morning, the Asbury Park Press reported the following announcement from NJ's DEP:
As a public health and safety precaution, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is advising recreational boaters, anglers and crabbers to temporarily avoid the waters of northern Barnegat Bay, from Barnegat Light to Point Pleasant, and is advising residents not to eat any fish, crustaceans or shellfish from these waters due to potential contamination from pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses.

Of course, many recreational boaters in NJ, NY and New England are staying off the water anyway. The temperature has cooled dramatically, and the forecast calls for another Nor'easter on Wednesday. More importantly, a lot of us are simply still recovering and cleaning up from the devastation brought on by Sandy.

But with the sun shining today and another storm on the horizon, there may be a few of you thinking about getting in one last day on the water... All we ask is that you please consider our plea if only for today. Don't boat, vote.



Monday, November 05, 2012

Boat Galley: Rotate it!

This week's Boat Galley has tips for keeping fresh stock on board your boat...

Tips From The Boat Galley
By Carolyn Shearlock, author of The Boat Galley, with over 350 FREE articles to get the most out of your boat kitchen with galley tips, insights & equipment recommendations. A few recipes, too - plus an active Facebook community to ask questions and share tips with other readers! The Boat Galley Cookbook, written with Jan Irons, is now available at Amazon and other retailers.

When you bring a bunch of fresh provisions on the boat, where do you put them?  Do you just open the lockers, find an empty spot, and stuff them in OR do you...
...Rotate Your Stock?
(continue after the photo below)
Rotating stock



Friday, November 02, 2012

This Week In Boat Shows

Any boat shows in the US this weekend? Our boat show round-up includes China, Germany, New Zealand...

The fall boat show schedule is slowing down with only a few boat shows scheduled for this weekend, most of which are located in places where it isn't even fall!

We'll review this weekend's boat shows after the photo and these boat show headlines:
  • Fort Lauderdale wrapped up this past Monday, just as Hurricane Sandy took aim on the Jersey shore. Sandy was brushing by Florida during the first two days of the show, depositing enough rain and wind in Fort Lauderdale to keep the crowds at bay, but organizers say they bounced back on Saturday.
  • The NMMA just announced that its new 2013 Progressive Insurance Los Angeles Boat Show will return to the Los Angeles Convention Center but will also debut a new in-water location at Burton W. Chace Park in Marina del Rey Harbor. The show is scheduled for February 7-10, 2013.

Tauranga Boat Expo
A photo from last year's Tauranga Boat Expo in New Zealand courtesy of www.boatexpo.co.nz.


Thursday, November 01, 2012

Boating and Fishing vs Other Sports

How does fishing and boating compare to the rest of the wide world of sports?...

DailyBoater.com boats in the harbor

With the NBA season beginning this week, the World Series just concluding last week, and the NFL in its mid-season stride, the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) couldn't have picked a better time to come out with their latest graphic to promote our industry.

Read on to find out how, according to the RBFF, the benefits of fishing and boating far outweigh those of football, basketball, baseball, and nearly every other sport. In fact, the RBFF says that fishing and boating are more rewarding, less expensive, more sociable, more relaxing, safer, healthier, better for the environment and more popular across all age groups than just about any recreational sport.

Do you agree? Check out the full story to see their graphic where they make their case, and your comments are welcome below...

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Sandy. Boats. Videos

A brief look at just a small portion of the damage done to boats and marinas by Superstorm Sandy...

We found a few videos on YouTube featuring boats, marinas and more in the aftermath of Sandy. If you were in the path of this destructive storm, we hope you and your family are safe, and of course our thoughts are with those of you still struggling through this. If you need help, one of the best places to start is http://www.redcross.org. If you feel moved to help people affected by the storm, please donate money to the Red Cross right now.

Warning: whether you are a boater in the Northeast, or anywhere else in the country, these videos may be difficult to watch.

First up is aerial footage from above the devastated New Jersey coastline, uploaded today by ... 




More videos after the jump...


Monday, October 29, 2012

Google on Sandy

The Google Crisis Response team has created what it modestly calls a "map" with the storm's location, forecast, shelters and more info about Hurricane Sandy. We thought it would be helpful for our readers whether you boat or not...

View the full page here: http://google.org/crisismap/2012-sandy
 

Boat Galley: Give them the Slip

This week's Boat Galley includes tips for keeping things from slipping around on your boat...

Tips From The Boat Galley
By Carolyn Shearlock, author of The Boat Galley, with over 350 FREE articles to get the most out of your boat kitchen with galley tips, insights & equipment recommendations. A few recipes, too - plus an active Facebook community to ask questions and share tips with other readers! The Boat Galley Cookbook, written with Jan Irons, is now available at Amazon and other retailers.

It’s happy hour, and your snacks just keep sliding back and forth across the table. GRRR! How do you make them stay put? (continue after the picture to find out!)

Non-slip bowl


Sunday, October 28, 2012

Port Condition Zulu

Sandy affecting the East Coast. Coast Guard sets port condition Zulu for the coastal waters of Virginia and Maryland...

USCG Sector Hampton Roads
At about 10:00 am this morning we received the following announcement from the public affairs office of Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads in Portsmouth, Virginia.

The Coast Guard captain of the port has set Port Condition Zulu for the coastal waters of the eastern shore of Maryland and Virginia Saturday due to the approach of Hurricane Sandy.

Condition Zulu means gale force winds are possible within 12 hours.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Fort Lauderdale Boat Show Is Here

Eyes are on Hurricane Sandy as she brushes by the only boat show in the US this weekend...

This is the weekend that boat show enthusiasts (is that a thing?) have been waiting for all year long. It's finally here. Fort Lauderdale. FLIBS starts now.

Read on after the photo for this week's boat show round-up to see which other boat show in the world is brave enough to go up against the 800-pound gorilla in South Florida this weekend; or jump right to the FirstBoat.com boat show calendar...

Yachts and boats at FLIBS 2012

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Vin Pica: What's With All The Rules!?

Vin Pica runs down the list of some of The Rules that don't require too much explanation...
Guest blog by Vincent Pica
Chief of Staff and District Commodore-elect, First District, Southern Region (D1SR)
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
The Rules for Prevention of Collision at Sea - Rules, Rules, Rules!?

As we continue to build a body of work on the Rules of Navigation, many of the Rules don't deserve a full article but do deserve to be noted.  This week's column looks to get those Rules behind us and into your sea log…

Boat breaking the rules

Monday, October 22, 2012

Four Yachts Burned in Michigan

D-I-Y winterization effort goes terribly wrong for one boater (and for owners of the boats next to his)... 

Are you a Do-It-Yourselfer? Trying to save a little money and winterize your 30-something foot boat all by yourself?

Anchor Bay Marina, Chesterfield, Michigan
Here's some advice... leave it to the professionals if you can.

Article sources we found today, which included the Detroit Free Press:
and The Voice, reported that a man started a fire on his own boat that quickly spread to three other boats - all between 30 and 40 feet long - destroying all of them and causing at least $250,000 in damages.
It seems the guy was shrinking the shrink wrap on his boat using a propane powered torch, and pointed the torch at one area a bit too long, igniting a blaze on his own boat, and spreading to three nearby boats at a marina in Chesterfield, Michigan.

May we suggest a hair dryer next time? Luckily nobody was hurt, and hopefully insurance will cover all the damage.

This just goes to show you, boating safety doesn't stop at the end of the season!


The Boat Galley: No-Fridge Veggies

This week's Boat Galley includes tips for keeping vegetables fresh on the boat without refrigeration...

Tips From The Boat Galley
By Carolyn Shearlock, author of The Boat Galley, with over 350 FREE articles to get the most out of your boat kitchen with galley tips, insights & equipment recommendations. A few recipes, too - plus an active Facebook community to ask questions and share tips with other readers! The Boat Galley Cookbook, written with Jan Irons, is now available at Amazon and other retailers.

Even if your boat has refrigeration, storing some of your vegetables outside the refrigerator helps considerably with the problem of "my refrigerator's not large enough!"  And if you don't have a refrigerator, well, you have to store them otherwise. So how do you do it? (continue after the picture to find out!)

No fridge veggies on board


Thursday, October 18, 2012

Strictly Sail Long Beach Boat Show

There is only one boat show this weekend, and it's a good one - especially if you sail...

If this weekend's boat show round-up appears to be a bit abbreviated, that's because it is. It seems that a certain, big boat show in south Florida scheduled for the following weekend has everybody running around like chickens without their captain's license. Perhaps most folks are too busy to think about doing a boat show the weekend before Fort Lauderdale. But not Long Beach, California...

Read on after the photo for this week's boat show round-up (hint - it's all about Long Beach), or jump right to the FirstBoat.com boat show calendar...

Long Beach Boat Show
This photo from last year's Long Beach boat show was provided to us by the NMMA.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

SOS, MAYDAY, and other distress signals

Vin Pica looks at The Rules for distress signals that all boaters should be familiar with...
Guest blog by Vincent Pica
Chief of Staff and District Commodore-elect, First District, Southern Region (D1SR)
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
The Rules for Prevention of Collision at Sea – Hey You, Over There! Help!

Rules 36 (Signals to Attract Attention) and 37 (Distress Signals) are rather straight forward and don’t take up a lot of pages in the COLREGs. But, upon reflection, can there be anything more important than to be able to send signals that the receiver actually understands, especially if you are in distress…?

This column is about that...

Boat distress signals
A USCG photo of a vessel examiner examining the visual distress signals as part of a safety check.

Monday, October 15, 2012

The Boat Galley: English Muffin Bread

This week's Boat Galley is a simple and delicious recipe that is perfect for the season and can be enjoyed on or off the boat ...

Tips From The Boat Galley
By Carolyn Shearlock, author of The Boat Galley, with over 350 FREE articles to get the most out of your boat kitchen with galley tips, insights & equipment recommendations. A few recipes, too - plus an active Facebook community to ask questions and share tips with other readers! The print edition of The Boat Galley Cookbook, written with Jan Irons, is now available at Amazon.

Delicious homemade bread with no kneading and ready in just an hour and a half?  Even better, it tastes just like English muffins but is so much easier to make!

English Muffin Bread from The Boat Galley
Recipe: English Muffin Bread

Friday, October 12, 2012

Back to Boat Shows

Last weekend we had Fleet Week, the America's Cup and more for Columbus Day Weekend, but now it's back to the boat shows...

Yachts in Annapolis

Last weekend's boat show round-up was marked by Columbus Day Weekend and big non-boat-show nautical events such as Fleet Week the America's Cup World Series. This weekend is different. This weekend is all boat shows, and they're all over the place.

Read on for this week's boat show round-up, or jump right to the FirstBoat.com boat show calendar...

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Runaway Boat

We just received an email from Soundings magazine, featuring a video of a boat going in circles with the throttle wide open. Unfortunately, nobody was on the boat to keep it under control, slow it down, or stop it from hitting anything. 

The video was uploaded to YouTube a few days ago by the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) near Cornwall in England.



Besides the dramatic headline and content of the video, it really jumped out at us because it is a perfect example of why boaters should use an automatic killswitch such as those available from one of our advertisers, Autotether. If the fisherman who was knocked off the runaway boat in this video had an Autotether, his engine would have been cut off the moment he fell out of the boat, and the RNLI wouldn't have had to risk their lives to stop the boat from potentially hurting others.

While Autotether is generous enough to advertise on our network of boating sites with banner ads, this post is not part of their package and they did not ask us to write this. We are just proud that one of our partners makes an awesome product that save lives, as well as the resources of organizations like the RNLI. More about Autotether at www.autotether.com.

Hat tip to Soundings for alerting us to this video; the Soundings article also has more details on the story.

You can also visit the website for the RNLI to learn more about that truly life saving organization, and if you think they are as amazing as we do in this video, consider making a donation.  


Rescue Service Celebrates 30 Years

Cospas-SARSAT is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its first life-saving rescue in the United States...

Today we wanted to share a piece from our regional sister publication, Northeast Boater, about a satellite system that has been saving the lives of boaters since the early 1980's. The story has a New England connection, but affects boaters everywhere...

First Cospas-SARSAT rescue
Photo courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard
Thirty years ago this month, about 300 miles off of the coast of Maine, a barrage of towering, 25-foot waves battered a catamaran sailboat, causing it to begin sinking. A satellite, orbiting in space, detected the signal from an emergency beacon onboard the boat. A short while later, the US Coast Guard Cutter Vigorous, the Oil Tanker California Gerry, and the freighter Altlantic Ace were all on the scene, and the three passengers of the cat were pulled to safety.

The Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking system, or Cospas-SARSAT, is celebrating the 30th anniversary of this first life-saving rescue in the United States, which occurred October 10, 1982. NOAA operates several satellites and the U.S. Mission Control Center as part of the international program that has been responsible for the rescue of more than 30,000 people worldwide and nearly 7,000 in the United States since its inception in 1982.

(This story continues on NortheastBoater.com)

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Vanished off Virginia

Boaters missing since departing Maryland on Saturday...

This past Saturday, brothers Mike and Donald Bramlett, both in their early 50's, set off from Ocean City en route to Chincoteague, Virginia, aboard their 38 foot cruiser. They should have arrived by Saturday evening.





Unfortunately, they never made it to their destination, and have not yet been located. The wife of one of the men contacted the Coast Guard on Sunday morning and a massive search was initiated...

Tuesday, October 09, 2012

Boating Deaths Down in FLA

Congratulations Florida. Only 41 people died boating in your state so far this year... 
 
BUI boating safety
Photo Courtesy of The U.S. Coast Guard.


Come'on boaters, we can do better than this. And not just in Florida, but all over the country.

A recent article from firstcoastnews.com points out that in 2012, "41 people have died in boating accidents across Florida. That's down from 49 deaths through the same period last year."

Not a bad improvement, but as the article points out, Florida is still the perennial leader in boating deaths.


Monday, October 08, 2012

The Boat Galley: Limp Veggies

This week's Boat Galley article shares ideas for reviving vegetables so they are crisp and fresh while cruising...

Tips From The Boat Galley
Limp veggies
Do your veggies look like this?
By Carolyn Shearlock, author of The Boat Galley, with over 350 FREE articles to get the most out of your boat kitchen with galley tips, insights & equipment recommendations. A few recipes, too - plus an active Facebook community to ask questions and share tips with other readers! The print edition of The Boat Galley Cookbook, written with Jan Irons, is now available from Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Do you have droopy celery? Rubbery carrots? Squishy potatoes? Think you need to throw them out? Don't!

Reviving Limp Veggies

Thursday, October 04, 2012

Columbus Day Weekend Boat Shows

Fleet Week, America's Cup, Annapolis, and other boat shows around the world on this nautical-holiday weekend...

fleet week san francisco
U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Terry L. Feeney

Columbus Day Weekend is upon us, marking an historical event that was both critical to the founding of our nation and has a nautical theme. However, as a country, we seem to be celebrating Columbus less and less each year as layers of the onion of history are peeled back. Schools and federal offices are closed on Monday across the US, but most private employers are open for business as usual. And with Fleet Week, the America's Cup World Series and the sailboat show in Annapolis all happening, no matter what your opinion is of Columbus, it is a great weekend for boating.

Read on for this week's boat show round-up, or jump right to the FirstBoat.com boat show calendar...

Tuesday, October 02, 2012

Pica: Do You Hear What I Hear?

Vin Pica continues a look at the sound signals of The Rules of Navigation...
Guest blog by Vincent Pica
Chief of Staff and District Commodore-elect, First District, Southern Region (D1SR)
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary

Last week, the column was all about what to do in restricted visibility when you couldn’t see the other vessel but you could hear her. But what did you hear and what is it broadcasting – and do you know how to broadcast your status as well…?

Horns on a boat
Photo © 2012 Nautical Sites Media / Andrew Canepari

Toot-Toot, Beep-Beep, Oh how I wish I knew what they were telling me.  

Stay alive with Rule 35!


Monday, October 01, 2012

The Boat Galley: Stinky Dishrags

This week's Boat Galley article shares another alternative to paper towels and smelly dish rags on your boat...

Tips From The Boat Galley
Carolyn Shearlock
By Carolyn Shearlock, author of The Boat Galley, with over 350 FREE articles to get the most out of your boat kitchen with galley tips, insights & equipment recommendations. A few recipes, too - plus an active Facebook community to ask questions and share tips with other readers! The print edition of The Boat Galley Cookbook, written with Jan Irons, is now available from Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Would you do this with the dishrag you've been using for over a week?

I didn't think so. Nasty smelling dish rags have always been a problem on boats. A reader finally clued me in on...

A Dishrag That Doesn’t Get Stinky!

Friday, September 28, 2012

Full of Fall Boat Shows

This weekend's boat show calendar is packed with events around the US and the world...

Boat shows
Photo © Nautical Sites Media / www.nauticalsites.com

It's the first full weekend of fall, and a big weekend for boat shows, with nautical events in California, New York, Florida and all around the world.

Read on for this week's boat show round-up, or jump right to the FirstBoat.com boat show calendar...

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Vincent Pica: Beep Beep!

Vin Pica discusses sound signals in this week's rundown of The Rules of Navigation...

Guest blog by Vincent Pica
Chief of Staff and District Commodore-elect, First District, Southern Region (D1SR)
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary


Boat displaying horns and lights
Photo © 2012 Nautical Sites Media / Andrew Canepari


This column is, like last week’s, a “two-fer.” Rule 34 is about what are the proper maneuvering and warning signals – how to communicate in the absence of radio or voice signals. Rule 33 is what equipment specifications are necessary to send those signals in a consistent way. I am going to emphasize the Inland aspects of these Rules – for obvious reasons!

Monday, September 24, 2012

The Boat Galley: Less Paper Towels

This week's Boat Galley article continues discussing paper towels - and how to not use so many on your boat...

Tips From The Boat Galley, by Carolyn Shearlock
Carolyn Shearlock, author of The Boat Galley, appears weekly on the Daily Boater with tips for getting the most out of your boat's kitchen. Download a free sample of her soon-to-be-published The Boat Galley Cookbook

Paper towels can take up a lot of space on a boat. And if you cruise more isolated spots, it can be hard to find "good" ones and they can be expensive. And then there's the environmental aspect, as well as just producing more trash to deal with when you're cruising. So we learned to

Use Fewer Paper Towels
Boat Galley paper towels
Photo by Carolyn Shearlock / TheBoatGalley.com

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Norwalk, Monaco and More Boat Shows

This weekend's fall boat shows include events in Connecticut, Canada, Missouri and more...

Norwalk Boat Show 2012
Photo © Nautical Sites Media / www.nauticalsites.com
It's the first weekend of fall, and a big weekend for boat shows, with nautical events in Southampton, Vancouver, Monaco, Missouri and more.

Here in our home state of Connecticut, Thursday was the first day of the Norwalk Boat Show, the last in-water boat show of the year in New England.

Read on for this week's boat show round-up, or jump right to the FirstBoat.com boat show calendar...

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Marine Product Review: Waterproof Binoculars

Girl with binoculars on boat
Binoculars for Boating
In this week’s Marine Product Review, we test a set of binoculars made for boating...
For the latest installment of the Daily Boater's weekly Marine Product Review, Mark Sutton of MarineProductReviews.com put the Tahiti Waterproof 7x50 Binoculars from West Marine to the test.
Are you interested in having your product or service featured in a future Marine Product Review on multiple boating websites? Get the details here or contact Nautical Sites Media for more info.
Read on for our review of the Tahiti binoculars, which were designed specifically for boaters and use in the marine environment....


Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Pica: Lights and Shapes, The End

Vin Pica wraps up his discussion of the "Lights and Shapes" section of the Boating Rules...

Guest blog by Vincent Pica
Chief of Staff and District Commodore-elect, First District, Southern Region (D1SR)
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary


Lights and shapes
Photo © 2012 Nautical Sites Media / Andrew Canepari


Let’s finish up on the "Lights and Shapes" section of the Rules and be armed with the knowledge of what the merchant sea captain is saying to us...

Monday, September 17, 2012

The Boat Galley: Best Paper Towel Holder

This week's Boat Galley article reminds you that the most practical solutions on your boat are often the least expensive option...

Tips From The Boat Galley, by Carolyn Shearlock
Carolyn Shearlock, author of The Boat Galley, appears weekly on the Daily Boater with tips for getting the most out of your boat's kitchen. Download a free sample of her soon-to-be-published The Boat Galley Cookbook


Boat Galley paper towel holder

This is my favorite type of idea: it's cheap, easy and solves a bunch of problems that expensive "solutions" don't!

This Week's Topic: The Best Paper Towel Holder

Pictures From Newport

We spent some time at the 42nd annual edition of the Newport International Boat Show this weekend and thought we’d share some of the sights with you... 
Newport Boat Show

If you missed it, and you're near us in the Northeast, there’s still one more in-water show in New England starting in a few days – the Norwalk Boat Show will have a lot of the same exhibitors as Newport, plus some local CT and NY vendors who skipped Newport this year. There will be hundreds of boats in the water and on land and lots of great accessories (including Boat Name Gear!) For more info about Norwalk, visit BoatShowNorwalk.com.

And now, here are the pics from Newport…