What to Do in an Unforeseen Critical Event

Boating season is in full swing and families everywhere are enjoying time on the water, but what if that time is marred by your boat hitting rocks or other unseen debris in the water?  What if rocks or other debris get sucked into the intake?  What should you do?  How do you keep your family and your boat safe?

Life Jackets and Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

Always have enough life jackets for every crew member and passenger on board.  In many states here in the U.S., children under a certain age must were life preservers at all times while on board and on the docks.  Adults and crew members may want to always wear theirs as well to set a good example for any minors.

No one wants to hit an object in the water accidentally, but even the most diligent of captains may not see hidden debris under the water.  Wearing a life jacket ensures, if the boat is jarred violently or if the engine stalls suddenly, anyone knocked overboard will be much safer.

Never BUI (Boating Under the Influence)

Remember to “launch like a boss” and “dock like a boss;” never boat under the influence (BUI). Per Operation Dry Water, alcohol:

• is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents
• was the leading factor in nearly one-fourth of recreational boating deaths (21%) in 2014

The “National Boating Under the Influence Awareness” campaign starts June 24, 2016 – June 26, 2016.  Join Operation Dry Water in taking the pledge to #NeverBUI.

If You Do Get Stuck

If you do get stuck on some unseen debris or rocks, or worse yet if you run aground, don’t try to force the boat over the spot.  You might wind up just getting yourself stuck further.  Neither should you try to back off the debris immediately either.  You may wind up sucking bits and pieces, mud, or plant-life into the engine, which could lead you to our next two pointers; you may have to replace your impeller or drive shaft as a result.

First, make sure the boat isn’t leaking or taking on water.  If you’re sure you can back up safely without damaging the engine (i.e., nothing will get sucked into the engine that shouldn’t), reverse with the engine carefully or better yet with a mainsail if possible.  It’s even better to wait for the tide to rise and raise the boat off the spot, if you can.  If there’s no tide or the tide isn’t in your favor, you may have to ask another boat or call for a tow.

Keep an Extra Impeller or Two On-Board

Impellers are small, yet integral parts of your boat’s engine.  Keep an extra impeller or two on hand at all times on the boat.  Typically, they’re small enough that an extra impeller or two won’t prohibit keeping any other safety gear.  Power & Motoryacht magazine advises to keep at least one extra impeller “for each and every pump onboard” your boat.  After all, Globe Marine Impellers are reasonably priced and affordable.  Besides, it beats waiting for a tow!

Install a Globe Marine DRIVESAVER^®

If rocks or small debris do make their way into the engine, replace the impeller.  Also, be sure to check that the drive shaft isn’t damaged, bent, or broken.  A great way of preventing the latter is to install a Globe Marine DRIVESAVER^®.  Globe Marine DRIVESAVER^®s can spare your engine and transmission in the event that foreign objects make their way past the intake and into the engine, potentially saving you costly repairs or even having to replace the transmission.

See below for what can happen without any protection for your drive shaft installed:

Globe Marine has a comprehensive, online search tool to find just the right DRIVESAVER^® to fit your boat’s engine:

 

References

• https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080511164952AAjc7IQ
• http://boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/aground.htm
• http://www.globemarine.com
• http://www.operationdrywater.org/
• http://www.powerandmotoryacht.com/engine/essential-spare-parts-keep-your-boat#.V2QffaJ-7fe
• http://sailing.about.com/od/CopingwithEmergencies/a/What-To-Do-If-You-Run-Aground-In-A-Sailboat.htm
• http://www.wikihow.com/Stay-Safe-While-Boating
• https://youtu.be/9qHdPhkSSNQ
• https://youtu.be/FPeetFWRVxo

Time to Replace Your Boat’s Impeller

It’s time to replace your boat’s impeller, if f you haven’t already done so and Spring is the beginning of your boating season.  Globe Marine recommends that every boat owner replace their engine impeller once every boating season to get optimal use and reliability for your boat’s engine.  Here’s why…

Stored Impellers Can’t Run at Their Best

No Worn Impellers – an impeller that’s “taken a set”

If you stored your boat this winter, the impeller shouldn’t be left in your boat’s engine or pump when first opened for spring.  Why?  Leaving impellers in the boat engines over the winter, especially in cold climates, can cause the impeller to “take a set.”  More than likely, the impeller will still work, but you won’t get optimal water or diesel flow from it.

Likewise, if you tried to store your impeller in a special fluid to preserve it over the winter, it may still “take a set”, or worse, degrade due to the fluid.  Besides these preservatives not being recommended by most manufacturers, re-installed impellers almost always are warped or damaged — not to mention challenging to re-install.  The re-installed impeller still may work initially, but you won’t get optimal performance out of it.  It’s bound to let you down when you need it the most.

If it’s Common Advice, it’s Good Advice

Almost all impeller manufacturers recommend replacing impellers at least once per season, so it’s a safe bet that you should probably do so at the beginning of each boating season.  These recommendations have come from rigorous testing and development. Manufacturers know what the best operating conditions — and the not-so-great conditions — are for your particular impeller to run at its best.  It may seem smart to save $20-$30 by re-using an old impeller, but you’ll spend more on gas and possibly even engine or pump repairs. In the long run, you’ll save money by replacing your impeller now while getting your vessel ready for the new season.

Impellers Are Affordable

Depending on your engine size and model, impellers are a small portion of the total maintenance costs for your boat.  It really isn’t too much to pay for optimal engine performance and may even save you a little on fuel consumption and efficiency.  It’s better than waiting for a tow or getting stranded out on the water with an overheated engine or broken pump.  With those benefits, a new impeller may even pay for itself in just a few short weeks.

Globe Marine has 71 different sizes of our famous Run-Dry® Impellers, the only impeller guaranteed to run-dry for up to 15 minutes, from which to choose.  Nearly half of our impellers come with matching gaskets and O-rings included in their see-through packaging and almost all impellers have corresponding models for both water or diesel transfer applications.

Chances are, there’s a Globe Marine Run-Dry^® impeller to match your boat’s needs. To find the right Globe Run-Dry^® Impeller for you, see our easy-to-use search feature, allowing you to match your existing engine or pump model by manufacturer or impeller dimensions:

References

• http://www.discoverboating.com/owning/maintenance/default.aspx
• http://www.discoverboating.com/owning/maintenance/outboard.aspx
• http://www.globecomposite.com
• http://www.globemarine.com

Globe Marine speaks w/ “Composites Weekly”

Globe Marine’s and Globe Composite Solutions’ own engineer, Brian Evans, recently spoke with Jonathan Taylor from Composites Weekly magazine — the industry’s foremost leading podcast on engineered composites, plastics, and advanced materials — in their weekly interview. Read on to learn more about the innovative composite materials Globe Marine’s Run-Dry Impellers^®, DRIVESAVERs^®, and other marine parts and accessories are comprised.

Globe Marine’s Parts Are Made from Brandonite^®

Globe Marine’s Run-Dry Impellers^® and DRIVESAVERs^® are made from Globe’s proprietary composite materials, called Brandonite^®. Brandonite^® is a family of innovative and patented composite materials made by Globe alone to ensure that your marine parts withstand the tests of time, the ravages of the elements, and wear and tear beyond the expectation of OEM parts. Our Brandonite^® materials also are made to break apart in the event of an unforeseen engine crisis or accident, saving your boat from metal shards or shrapnel lodging in your engine. See how Globe Marine’s DRIVESAVERs^® can save your engine and mean the difference between replacing a part in your boat’s engine or replacing your entire transmission.

Globe Marine Run-dry^® Impellers are Self-Lubricating

With Globe Composite Solutions’ patented composite formulas, Globe Marine’s Run-Dry Impellers^® are self-lubricating. Meaning, they have the lubricating agent infused into the composite material from which they’re made. This self-lubrication makes Globe Marine’s Run-Dry Impellers^® the only impeller on the market able to run dry for up to 15 minutes!

Listen Now!

Listen to Globe Marine’s and Globe Composite Solutions’ engineer, Brian Evans, review all of the above mentioned Globe Marine products and their benefits in Composites Weekly‘s podcast:

Find the Right Part and Model

Need an impeller or DRIVESAVER^® now? Find the right run-dry impeller or DRIVESAVER^® with Globe Marine’s comprehensive search tools.

Shop Now!

Need to know where to shop? Find a Globe Marine dealer near you:

References:

• http://www.globecomposite.com/brandonite
• https://www.gcsmarine.com/content/drivesavers/engine_without
• http://www.globecomposite.com/blog-article?r=RLSN6Q6QA0&send_to=%2Fblog-list%3F227_query%3Dself-lubricating%26227_simple_submit%3D

Highlights: 2016 New England Boat Show

This February marked the 59th year of the New England Boat Show. As the Northeast’s largest boat show, it’s argued by many (along with the Miami Boat Show) to kick off the boat show season.

According to marinesource.com, the New England Boat Show with its “property of over 300,000 square feet displaying an array of hundreds of boats from some of the best dealers” is the premiere boating expo for the region.

Check out Globe Marine’s list of show highlights linked below. Then, once you’ve found your perfect boat, get the perfectly matching impeller with our comprehensive Find the Right Impeller tool.

• New England Boat Show’s facebook page with highlights and photos
• Elan Yachts debuts at the 2016 New England Boat Show
• Smith Yachts at the 2016 New England Boat Show
• SEAmless Marine at the 2016 New England Boat Show

Fun Fact: No one got stuck in the snow on the way to the show this year!

Yacht stuck in snow on way to 2015 New England Boat Show in Boston.

References:

• https://www.facebook.com/NewEnglandBoatShow
• http://marinesource.com/boat_shows/show_details.cfm?showName=New-England-Boat-Show
• http://www.miamiboatshow.com/
• http://www.newenglandboatshow.com/
• http://seamlessmarine.com/2016/01/come-see-seamless-marine-at-the-2016-new-england-boat-show/
• http://www.smithyacht.com/news-and-events/new-england-boat-show-february-13-21-2016
• http://www.tradeonlytoday.com/2016/02/elan-yachts-displays-at-new-england-boat-show/

Winter Is Coming …

Getting Your Boat Ready for the Off-Season

Depending on where you live, it may be time to think about winterizing your boat for the off-season. Those of us on the east coast of the United States know how gentle…ahem… winter can be on your boat. Here are five basic tips for getting your boat ready for the off-season because “winter is coming …”

1)   Wash and dry your boat before storing.

Hopefully, you wash and dry your boat regularly, especially if you cruise or sail in saltwater. Definitely give it a good thorough wash at the end of the boating season. We’ve all seen what road salt can do to a car; saltwater can do the same to your boat. A soap formulated for marine boat wash is best, but car wash soap can be used just as well. And, completely dry your engine if it’s outboard.

2)   Change the oil, check the coolant, and flush and drain the motor.

Changing the oil and checking the coolant lines almost goes without saying — just like with a car — but flush and drain the motor as well. Be especially sure to flush outboard engines whether they’ve been run in saltwater or fresh. Lastly, drain any fuel still in the engine before storing for the end of the season. Leaving the fuel in the engine to stagnate can potentially damage the engine. Also, be sure to dispose of any old fuel, coolant, or oil according to your local waste or recycling regulations.

3)   When the boat is stored for off-season, remove the engine impeller.

No Worn Impellers – an impeller that’s “taken a set”

This step may sound like overkill, but almost all impeller manufacturers recommend replacing the impeller at the beginning of each season. Leaving the impeller in the engine during the off-season, especially in colder climates, can cause the impeller to take a “set” and decrease water or diesel flow when next used. That’s not to say the impeller will no longer work; you simply won’t get the most out of it.

To get optimal use out your boat’s engine, replace the impeller at the beginning of each season. Globe Marine makes 82 different models of Run-Dry® Impellers, the most popular of which come with matching gaskets and O-rings for easy installation. To find the impeller that’s right for you, simply use our handy impeller search tool. Globe Marine Run-Dry^® Impellers can be purchased at a dealer near you.

4)   Store your boat in a covered dry space or in dry-dock.

Whether you have a small boat or a yacht, store your boat in a covered dry space. Depending on the size of your boat, that dry space can be as simple as covering it with a tarp or as elaborate as a real dry dock. Regardless of the size of your boat, here are a few tips to winterize any boat:

• Open any drains and openings to prevent damage from freezing.
• Boat trailers that hold the boat should have some support for the boat hull as to not damage the trailer’s tires.
• Remove any accessories, electronics, cushions, etc.
• Put moisture absorbent packets in the cabin and lockers.
• For boats on blocks, check stands and blocks now and then to make sure they’re secure.

5)   Before next season, install a DRIVESAVER^®

If you have an inboard motor, before launching your boat next season, consider installing a Globe Marine DRIVESAVER^®. Sometimes called a flexible marine coupling, Globe’s DRIVESAVERs^® can create a barrier between your transmission and your propeller shaft to reduce drivetrain vibration, absorbing extreme shock and torque to help optimize your transmission and engine power. If you strike an unseen rock or log, Globe Marine DRIVESAVERs^® are designed to break apart, leaving your engine and transmission intact.

References:

• http://www.markelmarine.com/marine-md/boat-winterizing
• http://www.discoverboating.com/owning/maintenance/default.aspx
• http://www.discoverboating.com/owning/maintenance/outboard.aspx

New for 2015! Globe Model 300 Run-dry® Impeller

Why Use Globe Run-dry^® Impellers?

Click for larger view…

… Because when run-dry performance counts, you can count on Globe Marine. Globe Marine Run-dry^® Impellers are the only impellers in the world guaranteed to run dry for up to 15 minutes. Globe impellers are made of Brandonite^® a high-strength, elastomeric material with self-lubricating compounds for run-dry protection and improved resistance to sand and dirt to help keep you going in the most difficult conditions. Our impellers help to protect your engine in a damaging event and are priced competitively compared to standard neoprene impellers.

What’s New About Model 300?

Globe Run-dry^® Impeller Model 300 comes with a brass core to meet the most demanding pump applications. It’s designed to withstand sunlight, saltwater, diesel fuel, and caustic chemicals and lubricants. All of Globe Marine’s impellers are designed to withstand the harshest of conditions, including continual exposure to the elements.

Specs

Model 300 Run-Dry® Blue Impeller
Outside Diameter:	4 1/2″ (95 mm)
Width:	4 5/16″ (102 mm)
Shaft Diameter:	1″ (25 mm)
Core Type:	Brass
Number of Blades:	10
Liquid Type:	Water
Drive Type:	45° 10-Tooth Spline
Manufacturer’s Models It Replaces:	Sherwood 30000

Where Can I Get One?

Globe Marine offers a wide variety of impellers with 82 sizes from which to choose. We have impeller models to fit any engine. To find the nearest dealer near you, use our handy Find a Dealer tool. Unsure of which impeller model you need for your boat’s engine? Use our comprehensive Find the Right Impeller guide.

What is a DRIVESAVER®?

Vibration-Reducing Flexible Couplers

What is a DRIVESAVER^®, exactly?

Good question because you’d be hard-pressed to find the answer online! The definition of a coupler is a “rod or link transmitting force and motion between a rotating part and a rotating or oscillating part” (Random House Dictionary, Unabridged, ©2015). At its simplest, a DRIVESAVER^® is a flexible coupler that reduces the vibration of the propeller shaft but also acts as a circuit breaker if the boat propeller hits a log or rock.

Why should I have one for my boat?

What can happen to your motor after hitting some rocks without a DRIVESAVER installed…

It’s better to be safe than sorry.  What the DRIVESAVER^® does, besides reducing tangible vibrations associated from misalignment between the transmission and propeller shaft, is protect your transmission from costly damage in the event of an accident.  I know, I know, you’re the safest driver in the world, right? Which means you always wear your seatbelt and never walk under ladders.  But, someone or something still could hit you while driving through no fault of your own.  Think of the DRIVESAVER^® like a seatbelt for your transmission and propeller shaft — it reduces major headaches if either breaks.  Not to mention with the noise and vibration reduction to boot, it will make conversation on your boat that much more enjoyable.

Where can I get a DRIVESAVER^®?

For the best DRIVESAVER^®s on the market, you’ll need one made of advanced composite materials.  They’re much more durable than plastic or other materials.  Globe Marine offers 59 different DRIVESAVER^® models, all affordable and easy to install, made from our unique Brandonite^® elastomers.  Each DRIVESAVER^® is handmade in the USA by our expert engineers using specialized materials and proprietary molding processes. All metal components and hardware are plated for corrosion resistance and long-life.  To find the right DRIVESAVER^® for your boat engine’s model, use Globe Marine’s comprehensive search tool that allows you to search different model, manufacturer compatibility, dimensions, price, and other important parameters.

How much does a DRIVESAVER^® cost?

Starting at a little less than $200, all of Globe Marine’s DRIVESAVER^®s are reasonably affordable and easy to install.  Depending on your engine size and model, DRIVESAVER^®s are a worthwhile investment for the safety of your boat engine and far less expensive than having to rebuild or replace your engine entirely — especially compared to replacing a transmission!

References:

• http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/coupler?s=t
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coupling
• http://forums.offshoreelectrics.com/showthread.php?42456-Why-use-a-shaft-saver
• http://www.sailnet.com/forums/gear-maintenance/101752-vibration-reducing-shaft-couplers.html

It’s Spring! Time to Replace Your Boat’s Impeller

Why You Should Replace Your Impeller Every Season

Globe Marine recommends to every boat owner to replace their boat engine impeller every season. This recommendation stems from several reasons and much research. Below is a short list of why the beginning of the boating season is the best time to replace your boat engine’s impeller.

Almost All Impeller Manufacturers Recommend Replacement Once per Season

Sometimes there’s something to be said for groupthink. If 4 out 5 dentists say you should chew sugar-free gum, maybe you should chew sugar-free gum over the sugary kind? Since almost all impeller manufacturers recommend replacing your boat engine’s impeller at the beginning of the boating season, it’s a safe bet that you should probably do so. These recommendations have come from rigorous testing and development. It’s a safe bet that the manufacturer knows what the best conditions — and the not-so-great conditions — are for their particular impeller models.

If You Stored Your Impeller Over the Off-Season

No Worn Impellers – an impeller that’s “taken a set”

If your boat was winterized, your impeller should no longer be in your boat’s engine when first opened for spring. Leaving impellers in the boat engines over the off-season, especially in cold climates, can cause the impeller to “take a set.” More than likely, the impeller will still work, but you won’t get optimal water or diesel flow from it.

Likewise, if you tried to store your impeller in a special fluid over the off-season, it may still “take a set.” There aren’t any developed fluids recommended by most manufacturers for the proper storing of impellers, especially in colder climates. Re-installing impellers that have been stored over the off-season without the package directions can not only be challenging, but also are almost never aligned correctly causing warping or damage to the impeller at best and engine damage at worst. That being said, the impeller may still work, but you won’t get optimal performance out of it.

Impellers Are Reasonably Affordable

Globe Run-dry Impellers with O-rings

Depending on your engine size and model, impellers are a small portion of your maintenance costs for your boat. It really isn’t too much to pay for optimal engine performance and may even save you a little on fuel consumption and efficiency. With those two benefits, the impeller may even pay for itself in a few short weeks. An old impeller, not working at peak performance, may cost you even more over the long-run.

Globe Marine has 82 different sizes / models of our famous Run-dry^® Impellers from which to choose — the only impeller guaranteed to run dry for up to 15 minutes. Thirty-five of those run-dry impellers now come with matching gaskets and O-rings included right in the package. Almost all impellers have corresponding models for both water or diesel transfer. There’s a Globe Marine impeller to match almost any size boat engine and anyone’s needs. To find the right Globe Run-dry^® Impeller, use our comprehensive online Find the Right Impeller tool, where you can search by model number, manufacturer, or dimensions.

References

• http://www.markelmarine.com/marine-md/boat-winterizing
• http://www.discoverboating.com/owning/maintenance/default.aspx
• http://globecomposite.com
• http://globemarine.com

Globe Marine in Boating Industry Canada NEWSWEEK

News Flash

See Globe Marine’s new ad posted by Stright-MacKay in this month’s issue of Boating Industry Canada’s Current News. (See the right sidebar, below the fold.)

Remember to find the only Run-Dry® Impellers guaranteed to run dry for up to 15 minutes, now complete with gaskets and O-rings, see Globe Marine’s comprehensive Find the Right Impeller search tool.

Thanks, Stright-MacKay!

(Boating Industry Canada, NEWSWEEK; May 5, 2015, Volume 9, Issue 18)

To Sail to Cuba, Would You If You Could?

Havana is only 90 miles from the southern coast of Florida and a little over 1,200 nautical miles from Globe Marine’s headquarters in Boston, Massachusetts. It’s a trip just long enough to carry a spare Run-dry Impeller^® and DRIVESAVER^® before leaving. So, if you could sail to Cuba, would you?

Thought You Could Go to Cuba Already, Can’t You?

Yes and no. While the economic sanctions and travel restrictions to Cuba were loosened this past December and then again in January, technically you still can’t ‘vacation’ there. You can sign up for what’s called a ‘people-to-people’ tour, as long as the tour falls under one of the accepted travel categories. The most common categories are:

• To visit family
• Governmental or Diplomatic meetings or visits
• Journalism
• Professional research & meetings
• Educational activities
• Religious activities
• Public, athletic, & other performances or competitions
• Humanitarian aid or projects

Tour-members no longer have to apply for a license to travel to Cuba under one of these categories and there aren’t many established guidelines for meeting category these requirements.

Unfortunately, you still have to fly into Cuba on a chartered flight and tour (which would imply that tourism in Cuba for US tourists is now open). You still can’t sail there casually without risking a fine, your boat impounded, incarceration, etc. However, it can be done through the right channels by obtaining a “temporary sojourn permit” from the U.S. Department of Treasury. This is like an “export/import license” for your boat and may take up to six months for approval (Sailing to Cuba, SpinSheet, Feb. 25, 2015).

Why Bother?

Barring all of those licenses, and requirements, would you sail to Cuba if you could? What’s the point, you may ask? Just go to Bermuda or the Bahamas instead? Here are the most common tourist (i.e. not family, religious, humanitarian ones) reasons why:

• Lure of the here-to forbidden locale.
• To be amongst the first to see “Fidel’s” Cuba before there’s a Starbucks and McDonald’s on every corner.
• Romanticism for the pre-Communist Cuba — remember, it once rivaled Vegas.
• The history of the place!
• The unspoiled waters and beaches (although some argue this reason is marred by the downtrodden economy).
• You’re a seasoned traveler who’s been everywhere else, why not here?

But, in all honesty, it’s so close; why not?

References

• http://www.examiner.com/article/now-will-we-be-able-to-visit-cuba
• http://spinsheet.com/sail-to-cuba/
• http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Pages/licensing.aspx