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

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

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

Boating Safety, a New Year’s Resolution

New Year’s Eve may have come and gone, but hopefully your resolutions haven’t already. Whether you’re in it for the long haul, or you and your resolutions are fair-weather friends, it’s not too late to make a new New Year’s resolution. What better resolution to make than a recommitment to boating safety?

From the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) to BoatUS to the American Boating Association, here are the top tips for staying safe on the water for you, your family and friends, and your pets in any season.

Safety Tips

1) Always be aware of the weather.

Not only should you check the weather forecast to avoid dangerous weather conditions before you go, but while you’re out on the water, stay aware of weather changes. If you notice a sudden change, drop in temperature, rough or high winds, get off the water if you can. When cruising and sailing, always file/plot your course with the appropriate authorities for your area or country, like the USCG.

Track nasty weather with BostUS‘s Hurricane Tracking & Resource Center.

2) Keep and follow a pre-departure checklist and float plan.

Keep a list of the all your gear, where it’s stored, and check that it’s all there and in working condition. Besides filing your course, let someone close to you — a friend or family member — know where you’re going and with whom you’re going. Make a list of all your fellow travelers: their names, ages, and addresses/phone numbers (if different from yours).  Make a list of any stops and destinations and when you plan on departing and arriving at each.

3) Make us of life-jackets.

This tip almost seems like a no-brainer, but from the banter on social media, you’d be surprised how many people still balk at wearing life-jackets. We’ll leave that argument up to you to discuss amongst yourselves, but children under 12 must wear a life-jacket at all times on open water in most states in the U.S. SafeKids.org recommends:

• “Always have your children wear a life jacket approved by the U.S. Coast Guard while on boats, around open bodies of water or when participating in water sports.“
• “Make sure the life jacket fits snugly. Have kids make a ‘touchdown’ signal by raising both arms straight up; if the life jacket hits a child’s chin or ears, it may be too big or the straps may be too loose.“

And, if you’re bringing any furry friends, at least have a properly sized pet’s life-jacket for them, too. If your dog or cat can’t swim, they should probably wear it all the time on the water.

4) Don’t drink and drive.

According to the USCG, accident rates more than double when alcohol is involved with boating. Don’t forget: heat, sun, and sea can all exacerbate the effects of alcohol, too. So like when driving a car, it’s just best not to drink and drive.

5) Take a boating safety course.

Take a USCG certified safety course or take courses online. Also, if you don’t already know how, learn to swim.

• Take a free online safety course or find other boating safety courses from BoatUS.
• Take USCG Safety Courses or get a Vessel Safety Check.
• Take a fun quiz to test your boating safety know-how: Are You a Safe Boater?

6) Have the proper/extra equipment.

Besides having and wearing life-jackets when needed and planning ahead, make sure your craft has all the needed equipment — especially if going on a long trip. Some items to be sure to have on-board in proper working order:

• Enough fuel; if needed, an extra tank emergencies
• Fire extinguisher
• First aid kit
• Fully charged engine battery
• A working bilge pump
• Make sure the boat’s blower, horn, and navigation lights are working (even if you’re not going out at night).
• Have an anchor and line of the size and length to enable you to safeguard the boat in the event of a breakdown.
• If you plan to be out of cell phone range, a marine radio is a must as is a GPS for navigation if you are going out to sea.
• Before leaving, install a DRIVESAVER® to save your engine in case of a stall or mechanical failure and always be sure to bring an extra impeller.

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

References

• http://www.safekids.org/tip/boating-safety-tips
• http://www.boatingmag.com/boatingsafety/
• http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/default.aspx
• http://www.americanboating.org/boating_safety_tips.asp

2014 in review — Our 1st blog year

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2014 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

A San Francisco cable car holds 60 people. This blog was viewed about 380 times in 2014. If it were a cable car, it would take about 6 trips to carry that many people.

Click here to see the complete report.

Celebrate the Ocean during Summer’s Onset

Since June marks the beginning of summer, the focus is upon celebrating our world’s oceans and seas. Enjoying the water, keeping it clean, and staying safe out on the water are all major movements celebrated and promoted during this first month of summer.

A variety of special days and minor holidays centering on water happen in June:

1) World Oceans Day – June 8th

This focus day, similar to Earth Day, has just passed, but its message is eternal. Keep our world’s oceans and beaches clean and they’ll be there for generations to enjoy and use. Whether it’s June or December, everyone can pitch in at any time to keep our waterways ship-shape — not just for the oceans and seas, but for lakes, rivers, ponds, and any other waterways as well.

Want to help? Check this list of websites for the National Seashore or Lakeshore near you for when they need volunteers to pick up beaches, clear storm drains, or join fundraisers. Not near the sea or lake? Check the National Park Service for similar info. Or, plan an event for next year’s World Oceans Day.

2) First Day of Summer – June 21

The first day of summer, otherwise known as the Summer Solstice, usually is the longest day of the year with the most daylight in the northern hemisphere. It’s the opposite in the southern hemisphere, December 21. What a sunny holiday season the southern hemisphere gets!

Generally, the first day of summer will have between 14 to 16 hours of daylight, depending on climate and whether the sun is directly overhead in relation to the earth’s axis exactly on June 21^st, astronomically speaking. With all that daylight, get out on the water and enjoy it while it lasts!

3) Day of the Seafarer – June 25

Chances are, even if you live inland or are completely landlocked, many of the goods you buy in your local department or big box store have at one point been shipped by sea. An almost innumerable amount of goods arrives in the U.S. at one port or another initially before being trucked to its final destination. The major coastal cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, and Boston are some of the busiest seaports in the world.

On June 25th, commemorate the Day of Seafarer by filling in the sentence and tweeting or messaging across your social networks: “Seafarers brought me … #thankyouseafarers.”  Or, write on the Seafarer’s wall here: http://dayoftheseafarer2014.imo.org/.

To get the ball rolling:

“Seafarers brought me business! All those boats need Run-Dry® Impellers and DRIVESAVER^® flexible couplings, #thankyouseafarers.”

 

4) Operation Dry Water – June 27-29

Probably one of the most important focus weekends for June is Operation Dry Water. An effort put forth by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators to encourage people to not boat under the influence with the goal to decrease boating fatalities. Boating under the influence is the leading factor in recreational boater deaths, accounting for 16% of boating fatalities.

Take the pledge to support Operation Dry Water here: http://www.operationdrywater.org/index.php/odw/boat_pledge_step1.

And remember, safety first; bring along an extra Run-Dry® Impeller just in case!

Globe Marine Finalist in #WeAreAmericanMade Contest

Globe (GCS) Marine has made it to the Finals round for American Rotary’s #WeAreAmericanMade contest — for companies with products made in the USA.  GCS Marine has been making all-American made composite marine, engine parts — like Run-dry® Impellers and DRIVESAVERs —  for 124 years and its start in Boston in 1890. 

Vote for us on facebook at:  

https://apps.facebook.com/opinionpolls/vote/ACPeTnisjeM/vote-for-your-favorite-weareamericanmade-video-contest-winner