Showing posts with label boats. Show all posts
Showing posts with label boats. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Environmentally Friendly Cleaning Supplies for Boats

Everyone has an easy time finding cleaning supplies for their kitchen, grills, floors, and furniture, but sometimes it can be difficult finding the right kind of supplies for your boats. So many companies claim to have the "best" cleaners or they promote the fact that they're "green". How do we know who to believe?

The BoatUS Foundation decided to test different boat cleaners to see which ones live up to their environmentally friendly testimony. During testing they looked for toxicity as well as how well they biodegraded. Some people like to think that "green" cleaners aren't as strong, but the researchers found that they in fact outperformed most conventional cleaners.

The best cleaners were fully biodegradable in as little as two weeks which is important since cleaners that break down slowly have a more harmful effect on aquatic life according to BoatUS Foundation Director Susan Shingledecker.

The cleaners that performed the best (and ones that you should purchase for your own boat) are:

*Thetford Marine Boat Wash
*ConcrobiumXT EcoWash
*Shurhold's Yacht Bright Bright Wash
*Simple Green All-Purpose
*4U Concentrated Cleaner
*3M Marine Boat Soap

For more information on this study go to: http://www.boatus.com/news/PR_Full.asp?ID=438

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Why You Should Fish in September

Many people feel that with the close of the summer, it's time to get back to reality and spend those weekends preparing for the winter season. Actually, this is the time where you should be pushing to do everything you can before it gets cold and that includes none other than the greatest activity which allows you to sit all day by the water doing nothing: fishing.

Much to people's disbelief, September is actually one of the best months to maintain your fishing status. For one, as it gets cooler at night, fish will aggressively swim in shallow water to feed before the nighttime weather changes their daily activity. More fish towards the water's surface = more success in bites.

Another plus is now that Labor Day has come and gone, there are less boats in the water. The less boats to create disturbance = more fish making their way to shore.

Also, take a step outside. What does it feel like? If you're closer to the north, chances are there's less humidity in the air. This can bring a nice breeze during the day even when the sun is out and temperatures creep into the upper 70's. Most people find it unbearable to spend an entire day on the water in the middle of summer when the heat index can reach anywhere between 90-100 degrees.

Now that the peak of summer is over, the air is starting to cool but will still allow for a more comfortable day in the outdoors. With the decrease in humid air, it makes sitting on a boat more pleasant and enjoyable.

So get out your gear and head to the water to take in as much time as you can bringing home the bacon (or fish)!

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

13 Year Old Wants to Sail Solo Around the World

According to the Associated Press, a 13 year old Dutch girl wants to be the youngest person to sail solo around the world. The request is being discussed with authorities who believe she is too young to sail by herself while her parents completely agree with this choice. Sounds crazy right?

The Dutch judges believe this is too dangerous what with the threats of pirates, harsh weather conditions, and the fact that this girl is very early in her emotional development which could cause problems later in life. A few psychologists feel that children beginning their adolescent development need to be around peers and adults during this difficult period. Being alone on a boat for 2 years could definitely cause some tramatic circumstances.

Her parents on the other hand are excellent sailors, having spent most of their life sailing around the world. The young girl spent the first 4 years of her life at sea. Her lawyer is trying to petition for her right to decide on the outcome of this requested trip.

On the one hand, we're always pushing ourselves to pursue our dreams and passions even if they seem crazy to others; but on the other hand, doesn't it seem extremely dangerous for a child to make such important decisions about their livelihood?

It's a catch-22 between that desire to fulfill your goal of becoming one with the sea, experiencing life like nobody else can and looking out for your safety, knowing firsthand how responsible and mature you need to be to succeed.

If you were given a chance like this, what would you do?