Blog - Marine Special Products

The Season Never Ends for Electronics Upgrades

September 30, 2017 By EJ Vongher

As we go from yard to yard, we see sailors, power boaters, and anglers all enjoying this wonderful early-Autumn weather. Thoughts of end-of-season decommissioning are definitely being tabled; replaced by decisions about proper SPF level and sunset sail locations.

However, we will soon see preparations being made for boat removal and seasonal decommissioning. This time of year is also great for taking stock of your boat’s electronics system and making notes on possible maintenance and upgrades which might enhance the enjoyment and utility you get from your vessel. If this is of interest, there are a couple articles which we thought we’d share.

First, for you sailors, having your mast down for the winter is an excellent time to think about upgrades and improvements which might be difficult to make when the boat is in the water and someone would have to go aloft. Check out this piece on Marine Electronics from Sail Magazine.

For power boaters looking to enhance their current electronics systems with functionality and features found in newer components rolled out earlier this year, this article from Boating Magazine discusses integrating new technology into older systems.

We can help with either of these efforts. And, if you choose to do the work in the offseason, make sure you ask about our off-season rates. To learn more, check out our Marine Electronics page.

Thank you. And enjoy the rest of the late season.

(Photo credit: Susan Cole Kelly)

Raymarine Axiom with FLIR – The Next Best Thing to Being There

March 27, 2017 By EJ Vongher

Back when we paid long distance charges for making long distance phone calls, Bell Telephone was one of the leaders in telephone call quality. Numerous innovations through the late ‘70s and early ‘80s enabled them to rightfully tout their long distance telephone experience as being “the next best thing to being there.”

Fast forward to 2017 and we find that the combination of Raymarine’s latest Axiom multi-function displays, RealVision 3-D sonar, and FLIR Systems new pan-and-tilt marine thermal cameras delivers unprecedented levels of visibility and obstacle awareness in even the most compromised situations: during a dense fog, rain or at night.

“Whether above water or below, Raymarine and FLIR are delivering marine detection experiences which really are the next best thing to being there,” according to Marine Special Products Group owner DG Fitton. “The detection and image quality are amazing – only surpassed by the drop in price points which makes this technology available to many more boaters,” Fitton added.

The centerpiece of the experience is provided by the Raymarine Axiom family of Multi-Function Displays which feature lifelike imagery that, in combination with Raymarine’s exclusive RealVision™ 3D sonar, deliver superior underwater fish and structure identification from one transducer, no black box required.

The rugged, all-glass touch screens are available in 7-, 9-, and 12-inch display sizes and come pre-installed with Raymarine’s new LightHouse 3 operating system which provides an intuitive navigation experience that is easy to personalize.

When the new cameras, the FLIR M100 and M200 – the most compact pan-and-tilt marine thermal cameras produced to date, are added to the experience, users will be alerted to any “non-water” objects such as boats, obstacles, or navigation markers that are identified. What’s more, the video processing capabilities of these cameras deliver superior image quality and artificial intelligence features which provide descriptive signatures very helpful in hazard identification. In short, you are able to see more on the water, day or night, which makes boating safer and more enjoyable.

If you haven’t been thinking of upgrading to thermal image cameras due to cost concerns, now may be the time to rethink this. The pricing now makes this very useful technology more accessible than ever. Contact us to learn more.

New Vessel Notification solution provides peace of mind away from marina

March 21, 2017 By EJ Vongher

It’s a startling feeling that creeps into the mind of every captain: “Is everything OK with the boat?” When you left the marina or mooring field, you’re certain you did everything right. You checked the lines, warps or mooring bridle for chafe. You turned off anything that might cause unnecessary battery drain. All the hatches were battened. But something just doesn’t feel right and now that you’re 150 miles away – the feeling is getting worse.

Bilge Level Readout

What if there was a product that linked to your cell phone or tablet computer that monitored your bilge, battery status and boat position. Would that help with this nagging feeling? Well, there is and we think it’s just what the doctor ordered for providing greater levels of confidence when you are away from your boat. It’s called the Nautic Alert Decision Platform™.

Introduced earlier this year by Market Spectrum, Inc. (a company with which we have just entered into a distribution and installation partnership), the Nautic Alert Decision Platform is an intelligent marine telematics solution engineered to reduce risk of vessel sinking and provide early detection and notification of anchor slippage or unexpected movement from a mooring or dock.

Research shows that upwards of 69% of boats that sink go down either on a mooring or in a slip. This solution addresses this situation head-on by reporting potentially catastrophic events to boat owners remotely, via cell phone or tablet. With this gear, you are going to know about a potential problem before it becomes a real problem.

The Nautic Alert Decision Platform is a collection of detection and reporting technologies which work together to monitor three key early warning indicators: bilge pump activations, DC current flow and vessel movement. The solution provides owners with real-time views into bilge and battery levels as well as vessel location with a geo-fenced area and transmit alert notifications when activities fall outside pre-programmed parameters.

Market Spectrum CEO Fernando Velado characterizes the benefits of his new solution this way: “Early event detection and notification is key to reducing risk leading to losses and sizeable insurance claims including detection of anchor slippage and unexpected movement from a mooring or dock. The Nautic Alert Decision Platform delivers – when it matters.”

Velado, along with his son Nick, are well-credentialed IT professionals who happen to be passionate boaters. They developed the technology behind Nautic Alert when the elder Velado lost his boat due to a fire aboard another vessel in his marina. So for them, this offering is a mix of professional ability and personal passion.

Vessel Position Locator

Boat owners employing the Nautic Alert Decision Platform will receive highly-calibrated and customized notifications of changes to their vessels bilge state while underway, when many other distractions preclude monitoring water incursion on a regular basis. In addition, when boat owners are ashore or away from their marina, they can have bilge water, battery status and vessel location information delivered to their smartphones.

Working with a team like the Velados to provide boaters with solutions that use technology to create a safer boating environment is a core mission here at Marine Special Products Group. While we are thrilled to provide boaters with solutions that deliver convenience and comfort, what really excites us are boating safety solutions that give boat owners the information they need to be confident that their crew and vessel are safe, whether they are on board or not. The Nautic Alert system delivers on this objective in a very significant fashion.

To learn more about the Nautic Alert Decision Platform, please visit their website.

Get your winter boating fix at The Hartford Boat Show

February 1, 2017 By EJ Vongher

Get your winter boating fix at The Hartford Boat Show

If you’re like us here at Marine Special Products Group, by this time of winter you are deep into boating withdrawal. Some odd behaviors are telltale signs: looking for cleats when you pull into a gas station, throwing on foulies before you take a shower or fighting an urge to keep stop lights to the right are all good indicators you may be suffering from Amarinus Extremus.

Doctors say it’s technically an extreme void in marine activities. We say it’s a lack of fun! So how do you cure it? Well – start thinking about the upcoming boating season. One way to do that is to put together a checklist of upgrades you might be considering for your vessel next season (get some ideas here).

Another way is to get up to the Hartford Boat Show running from February 9th to the 12th at the Connecticut Convention Center. We can help you here too. If you plug in the code MSPG123 when you purchase your tickets, we can save you $2 per ticket.

Finally, if you need some heavy-duty boating immersion therapy, stop by our booth at the show. We can talk you off the Amarinus Extremus plank with some thoughtful conversation about Marine Electronics, Boat AC and Heating or Marine Sanitation Systems. What’s more, if you own a boat you’ll be able to register for our raffle and win some very boaty prizes including a Dometic Air Purification system or an afternoon in our hometown of Essex featuring lunch provided by Olive Oyls and tickets to the Connecticut River Museum.

See you next week.

PFDs only work if they work!

June 27, 2016 By EJ Vongher

Since 2010, the National Boating Safety Week campaign has centered on a pretty simple concept for boating safety: wear a PFD. Whether you call them personal flotation devices, life jackets or life preservers, donning a PFD dramatically increases the likelihood of a positive outcome to most mishaps on the water.

However, making sure that PFD is functioning properly is critical to this approach. We all go through a variety of “checklists” to make sure our boats are in working order every spring; doesn’t it make sense to take a moment to do the same thing for the most important piece of gear on your vessel?

Whether you have a foam life vest or an inflatable one, the steps below represent accepted best practices to ensure that vests are properly fitted, maintained and in good working order.

We’ll Start with Inflatable Vests. First step is a visual inspection. Open up the vest and visually inspect the bladder; make sure that there are no rips, tears, excessive abrasion or holes and that all seams are securely sewn. Don’t forget to inspect the outer cover, adjustment straps and any integrated harness strapping to make sure they are sound and in good working order. If the cover, straps and harness are not working properly, further damage to the vest through normal use can become accelerated. Or worse, prevent the vest from working as it optimally should when you need it the most.

PERFORM AN INFLATION TEST

Manually inflate the vest using the oral inflation tube.
If you have another cylinder on hand, use the opportunity to test the manual pull tab inflator on your vest.
You should inflate the vest until the bladder is firm to the touch. Then let the vest sit overnight; this will help identify any slow leaks or decaying seals. By the next morning, the vest should still be as firm as it was after you finished inflating it. If it is not, you have a leak and you should replace the entire vest.
INFLATION TESTS SHOULD BE PERFORMED EVERY TWO MONTHS

Next, Ensure that every mechanical component of the inflator is in proper working order. Start with the CO2 cylinder; remove it by unscrewing it from the inflation mechanism. Inspect it to make sure there is no pitting or rust on the threads as poor threads can allow air to escape during the inflation process. Check the date on the cylinder; if your cylinder is within one year of expiring, it is best to replace it.

If you have an automatic vest that uses a bobbin to activate the inflation, a good rule of thumb is to replace the bobbin annually. However, if you do not have a replacement bobbin or believe the bobbin can last more than one season, at least make sure the bobbin still has all of its filler-material. In addition, make sure the filler material has not developed a glaze which will increase its impenetrability causing a delay in inflation activation. During the season, a good practice is to inspect the bobbins every two months.

Hydrostatic inflators on PDFs offer reliable inflation in a low maintenance design that only automatically inflate when submerged in four or more inches of water, not inadvertently due to rain, spray or humidity. However, these units typically have a finite working life – usually five years from the date of their manufacture. So it’s critical to check the date on these inflators and if they are within one year of expiration it’s best to replace them.

Foam or Inherently Buoyant vests, similar to inflatable vests, require that their outer covers, seams, straps and any harnesses to be in good working order to serve their function. So, just as with an inflatable vest; begin with a visual inspection of the PFD. Make sure that there are no rips, tears, excessive abrasion or holes, that all seams are securely sewn and any buckles are securely fastened and working properly.

This is also a good time to make sure you are using the right vest for the type of boating activities you’ll be enjoying. Make sure it is properly rated and recommended for the activity. You will also want to make sure that the vest is properly rated and fitted for the person using the vest.

DETERMINING A PROPER LIFE-VEST FIT
A proper fit is essential to ensuring a PFD will function adequately when it is needed. It should fit snug but not overly tight, It should not restrict breathing or be uncomfortable in any other way (uncomfortable vests do not get worn, and an unworn vest is useless in an emergency). The United States Coast Guard recommends the following steps in fitting a life vest:

Check the manufacturer’s label to ensure that the life jacket is a proper fit for your size and weight.
Make sure the jacket is properly fastened.
Hold your arms straight up over your head and then ask a friend to grasp the tops of the arm openings and gently pull up. There should be no excess room above the openings and the jacket should not ride up over your chin or face.

If you will have children on your vessel take special note that to work properly, a PFD must fit snugly on a child. To check for a good fit, pick the child up by the shoulders of the PFD. If the PFD fits right, the child’s chin and ears will not slip through. Ask them questions about where it feels too tight or loose, make adjustments as necessary. While it may seem obvious, children grow and may need a new life vest every year or two. Be sure the child’s life-vest is the proper vest for their weight range. Standard Weight Ranges For Children’s Life Vests Are:

Up to 30 Lbs
30 – 50 Lbs
50 – 90 Lbs

Speaking of children and life vests, remember that PFDs are not babysitters. Even though a child wears a PFD when on or near the water, an adult should always be mindful of the situation. Another obvious point: remember that inflatable toys and rafts should not be used in place of PFDs.

When considering life jackets for infants, toddlers or non-swimmers, choose a model that has extra foam behind the child’s neck which will help the child right themselves if they fall into the water. Also, allow young crew members to experience their life jackets in a controlled settings such as a pool. This lets the child feel how the life jacket will float them when they are immersed in water, potentially minimizing panic in an emergency. It will also let you see how the jacket fits in an in-water situation.

One final word about children and life jackets – be aware that children are extremely perceptive and if you minimize the risk factors for wearing a vest, they will mimic your attitude. Handing down good safe boating habits is one of the best gifts you can provide a young crew member so wearing your lifejacket when you are boating with them will set a good example. Setting this precedent early in their boating life, especially as they approach pre-teen and teenage years will hopefully avoid any notions that wearing a lifejacket is silly, un-cool, or worse yet, for little kids and babies.

Finally, if you have any lights or peripheral equipment associated with your vest such as Spray Hoods, Whistles, Safety-Knives, PLB, AIS, or Tethers, now is a good time to inspect them as well. Make sure all peripheral equipment is properly secured and affixed to the life jacket.

Here at Marine Special Products Group, we are either on boats or in conversations with boaters every day. We realize people want to be comfortable and casual in their approach to boating life. Integrating safe PFD practices into everyday boating makes it a more comfortable experience for everyone involved. To learn more visit the USCG website on PDFs.

Blessing of the Fleet Ceremonies: Serenity for some, Celebration for all

June 8, 2016 By EJ Vongher

Tracing their origins back centuries to Mediterranean fishing villages, annual Blessing of the Fleet ceremonies are based on a tradition meant to ensure a safe and bountiful season for the area’s commercial fishing community. Over time, however, they have morphed into community gatherings as much about food and festivities as they are about acts to provide sea captains and their crew with feelings of safety and serenity.

Brought to our Connecticut, New York and Rhode Island shores by immigrants who held strongly to their religious beliefs, most Blessing of the Fleet ceremonies today go well beyond the Catholic mass and blessing to include parades, pageantry, dancing, feasting and, in a few instances, road races.

Whether one takes stock in the value of divine providence or view the ceremony as another opportunity to court good fortune, most Blessing of the Fleet activities involve fun for the entire family and, in come cases, the ability to see grown men running along a greased pole (Gloucester, MA).

Here in Connecticut, the oldest Blessing of the Fleet ceremony is in Stonington, where this year’s events will mark the 63rd annual blessing. Of the Stonington observances, event co-chair Michael Crowley has said, “It’s so important to bless these boats and these fishermen, the ones that are still fishing, because the peril is still there.” Since records have been kept, it’s believed some 38 Stonington fishermen have perished at sea. In addition to the fleet blessing, most of the ceremonies also include an observation for those who have perished while working the waters so vital to these communities historic economic interests.

Owing to their religious heritage, it is common to hear biblical verses read at these ceremonies. Two of the most common are Psalm 104, versus 24-31 and Psalm 107, versus 23-32. An often-read prayer at many Blessing of the Fleet ceremonies is the following: “Most gracious Lord, who numbered among your apostles the fishermen Peter, Andrew, James and John, we pray you to consecrate this boat to righteous work in your name. Guide the captain at her helm. So prosper her voyages that an honest living may be made. Watch over her passengers and crew and bring them to a safe return. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be upon this vessel and all who come aboard, this day and forever. Amen”

Should you be a boat owner seeking every avenue of protection against misfortune or someone interested in an enjoyable summer afternoon outing, A Blessing of the Fleet ceremony should prove interesting and enjoyable. Here is some information about local Blessing of the Fleet ceremonies:

City/State/Port	Date	Website/Email Address	Phone
Montauk, NY	June 12	marina@starislanddyc.com	1 (631) 668-5503
Southport, CT	June 18	www.southportconservancy.org/blessing-of-the-fleet.html	1 (203) 255-2877
Milford, CT	June 19	fleetcaptain@milfordyachtclub.com	1 (203) 783-0060
City Island, NY	June 26	www.tinyurl.com/CityIslandBotF	1 (718) 652-3056
Stonington, CT	July 31	st.marychurchstonbor@comcast.net	1 (860) 535-1700
Narragansett, RI	July 30	www.narragansettlionsclub.com	1 (401) 783-7121

National Safe Boating Week – A Brief History

May 17, 2016 By EJ Vongher

The origins of National Safe Boating Week, slated for May 21-27 this year, can be traced back to a member of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary persuading the town of Amesbury, MA to issue an “Auxiliary Day” proclamation in June of 1949. Three years later, that same Auxiliarist, Steve Sadowski, helped organize a weekend of Courtesy Marine Examinations which was the forerunner to the Vessel Safety Checks now featured during many Safe Boating Weeks.

Soon afterward, the governors of Maine, New Hampshire and Rhode Island joined Massachusetts in providing annual celebrations of the local Coast Guard Auxiliary and boat safety inspections. Momentum picked up in 1956 when the state of Hawaii enlisted local entertainer “Lucky” Luck, who later appeared in episodes of “Hawaii Five-O”, to promote vessel checks and the first Safe Boating Week. In 1957, USCG Auxiliary leadership launched the first nationwide observance of safe boating during the week of June 30 – July 6. The Coast Guard prepared a formal resolution to establish National Safe Boating Week (NSBW), and then convened a committee from industry, yachting groups and the United States Power Squadron (USPS) to promote the resolution. A house bill, sponsored by Representative Charles Chamberlain of Michigan, passed on June 4, 1958. The US Senate modified the bill to include dates covering July 4th, and the first NSBW was kicked off by President Eisenhower’s White House.

The Federal Safe Boating Act of 1958 became law just months later, and the National Safe Boating Week Committee (later to become the National Safe Boating Council – NSBC) was formed. The Coast Guard had no funds for the observance or promotion so industry trade groups funded activities. Spearheaded by Guy Hughes, Outboard Club of America, groups such as the Girl & Boy Scouts, American Red Cross, National Safety Council, American Yachtsmen Association and the National Association of Marine Dealers got the campaign underway by providing funds and manpower to produce kits, posters, and manage activities for local events.

Recreational boating boomed in the 1960’s as fiberglass power boats became affordable and water skiing became popular. Initially viewed as reckless and dangerous, the American Water Ski Association joined NSBW to burnish the sport’s tarnished image and to ward off government regulation. The Federal Safe Boating Act of 1971 transformed the boating landscape and introduced funding for the states as well as organizing enforcement activity under the Coast Guard which provided order to this rapidly expanding recreational activity.

The Bicentennial celebration of 1976 marked a transformation for the newly-formed National Safe Boating Committee, which utilized a nationwide tour of historic Tall Ships – OPSAIL, to kick off radio and television programs, safety exhibits, search and rescue demonstrations, parades, open houses, posters, milk cartons and giveaways promoting boating safety. It was during this timeframe that National Safe Boating Week was moved to early June, recognizing that most boats were in the water well before July 4th. Almost two decades later, the National Boating Safety Advisory Council (NBSAC) argued the timing should be even earlier and persuaded the Coast Guard in 1993 to designate the first full week before Memorial Day as NSBW.

The first official federal funding for NSBW came about with the passage of the Wallop-Breaux amendment to the Sport Fish Recreation Act. This led the way for some higher-profile promotional activities. For example, in 1987 Popeye the Sailor Man was introduced to the campaign. In 1998, “Coastie” the robotic boat joined in Auxiliary efforts.

The current NSBW campaign was established in 2003 and focused on the fact that nearly 80% of on-the-water fatalities had one thing in common: the lack of a life jacket. Moreover, studies in 2001 showed that two thirds of all fatal accidents involved a sudden capsizing or fall overboard where merely having a life jacket on board was little help. The message of the current campaign is simple and direct: Wear It. Most states now have laws directed at children of various ages, and a Federal regulation has been enacted. Those involved in NSBW will provide communications materials, and energize volunteers and safety personnel to spread this simple but important message. All 50 States have adopted the Wear It theme in some capacity, tailoring it to their particular state.

To learn more about the Wear It campaign and National Safe Boating Week, please visit The National Safe Boating Council or the North American Safe Boating website.

Luck at Sea – How to stack the deck in your favor

April 29, 2016 By EJ Vongher

With National Safe Boating Week just around the corner and the climate here in southern New England finally making the turn to boating weather, now is as good a time as any to spend a moment on boating safety.

Given the unpredictable and powerful nature of the ocean, it’s little wonder that ancient mariners and their contemporary counterparts put so much thought into improving their fortunes at sea. As superstitious as anyone who gives over control to the unknown, some of the things they did (and still do today) are curious to say the least. Never boarding left foot first? Placing a silver coin beneath the mast? How many of these superstitions do you know? Take our quiz to gauge your knowledge.

One old adage we know to be absolutely true when it comes to safety at sea is that fortune favors the prepared. So if you want to stack the deck in your favor when it comes to the fortunes of you, your crew and your vessel while boating ,we strongly suggest you consider taking a safe boating course. Depending upon where you live, you can learn more about courses available in Connecticut, New York and Rhode Island.

The Hartford Boat Show – a sure-fire cure for Amarinus Extremus

January 27, 2016 By EJ Vongher

While the weather has been a little more forgiving so far this winter, that doesn’t change the fact that most of us have been on the hard for a month or two now. If you are like the majority of your fellow boaters, you are currently at maximum risk for Amarinus Extremus. It’s a term we at Marine Special Products Group have coined for the collection of symptoms one displays after an extended period away from boating. If not managed, it can become serious.

As a public service to our fellow mariners, we offer up some timely tips to stave off the confusing and sometimes comical behaviors one adopts when afflicted with this dreaded disease (have you ever seen someone toss a spring line as they pull their car up to a gas pump? Not pretty).

Management tip #1 – get up to the Connecticut Marine Trades Association Hartford Boat Show. Beginning today, Jan 28th and running through Sunday the 31st, it’s a great opportunity to put you and your crew into the boating mindset. Learn more here: http://hartfordboatshow.com/

Management tip #2 – stop by our booth (S13) and talk about Marine Systems Upgrades. It might not be the right time for a completely-new Marine Sanitation System, brand new Boat AC or the next generation Navigation System, but you could enhance your comfort and convenience by upgrading an aspect of your existing system. Learn more at our Systems Upgrade page.

Management tip #3 – win tickets to see the new movie The Finest Hours. Based upon a real-life US Coast Guard operation in the early 50s, the film showcases the bravery that typifies our Coasties in the face of an angry, treacherous mid-winter Northern Atlantic. Stop by our booth to register. If you can’t make it to the show, send us an email with your name, phone number, email address and the make/model of your boat (we promise not to share your information with anyone!)

Amarinus Extremus is real, and it can be debilitating (visualize yourself trying to shovel your driveway with a boat hook). But together, we can beat it. Join us at the Hartford Boat Show and join the battle.

Late Season Maintenance Considerations

August 26, 2015 By EJ Vongher

It’s mid-August afternoon, the mercury is skyrocketing and all you can think about is stepping off the dock onto your boat and spending the next week cruising along the coast of The Long Island Sound. You’re set to shove off in the morning when your out-of-town crew will turn up but for now, you’re looking forward to an evening of air-conditioned bliss at the marina where you’ll plot your course for the next week.

When you arrive at the dock, things suddenly start to unravel. You immediately notice your boat AC isn’t working – perhaps the timer failed? As you step aboard, the normally welcoming aroma of your vessel has turned decidedly funky. The icing on the cake? When you go to raise your yard mechanic on the VHF, you realize it’s on the fritz as well. The triple whammy – no AC, a smelly boat and no radio. Dramatic? Yes. But not improbable. Two months into the boating season and your vessel has no doubt seen some heavy use so if maintenance or usage issues are going to crop up, now is as good (or rather, bad?) a time as any.

The first thing to note is that we here at Marine Special Products Group are on call for emergency repairs. Call DG on 1 (860) 718-0100. Related – we are experts in Marine Sanitation, Marine Air Conditioning and Marine Electronics so we will be able to diagnose your problem and come up with a plan.

If you are concerned about the viability of these critical systems prior to a lengthy cruise (or a lengthy visit from some out of town guests), we’d be happy to come inspect them for you and provide recommendations on their upkeep and preservation. While we do ask for a nominal inspection charge, it’s definitely in the ounce-of-prevention camp. Another thing to consider are these mid-season maintenance suggestions which might help get an older or stressed system through the season:

Boat AC

Let’s start with the easiest one first; a common cause of overworked or overloaded boat air conditioning systems (and boat refrigeration systems, for that matter), is dirty or clogged air return filters. If you often have a pet aboard your vessel, the buildup of dust and hair can cause clogs. Other causes include docking your boat in more urban environments, construction going on in your marina or, not surprisingly, just you and your family being aboard as the average human being sheds more than eight pounds of dead skin annually! Given all these sources for dust, you can save yourself a major headache with a relative easy inspection and an almost as easy replacement, if warranted.

Most boat air conditioning manufacturers recommend that you chemically de-scale the condensing coil every 24 months so if you don’t recall when you did this last, you should probably look into it. In addition to avoiding breakdowns, a properly-descaled system will run more efficiently saving you power and money.

Another concern is water buildup in the condensation pans caused by condensation drain blockages, potentially resulting in flooding of floors and lockers and, consequently, mold or mildew buildup (and the associated odors). To avoid these costly and unpleasant possibilities, make sure the condensate pans are draining properly.

Marine Sanitation

While we work on a wide variety of marine sanitation systems, our comments here focus on Vacuflush systems which are as desirable for odor abatement as they are delicate. An overarching thought on marine sanitation systems: think of maintaining them in the very same way you treat your engine – monitor its performance closely and service it regularly.

Regarding maintenance, we’ll start with another easy one. When you are topsides, does your nose readily make you aware that a crew member has used the head? If this is the case, you very well may need to replace your holding tank vent filter. It stops odors from escaping through the holding tank vent and it is recommended to replace it annually.

Another area of concern are the duckbill valves in the vacuum generator. Most people don’t service these and just run them until they fail. When that failure happens is key though, isn’t it? The manufacturers recommend these be replaced every other boating season so if you haven’t done that, it’s something you should strongly consider.

Finally, if you are sensing any deficiency in vacuum pressure or seeing water or sewage leakage at the head, it may be time to replace your flush ball assembly or the teflon bowl seal. The manufacturer recommendation on this is to replace these parts every three-to-five years, depending upon conditions and use. A failure here in the wrong circumstances can really foul up a passage or a holiday weekend.

Electronics upgrades

In addition, now is a good time to think about mid-season software and firmware upgrades for navigational electronics. Having the most current software and electronic chart data for your marine electronics can increase safety, ease of use and functionality.

Changes to chart information, GPS satellite constellations, tide and current data, and system reliability can affect the navigation system’s ability to safely guide you to your destination. Manufacturers of marine electronics are constantly making improvements to the user interface and experience. Frequently, software updates offer dramatic changes to the way you interact with your system.

New features are what it is all about. Over the past few years, software updates have unlocked on-screen control of autopilots, marine stereo systems, thermal cameras and electronic switching of devices, as well as networking of previously stand alone systems. We are well-versed in the latest Marine Electronics updates – let us review your system and see what enhancements can be made to your current setup to optimize your safety and enjoyment.

Finally, as we move into that tail end of the boating season, don’t forget to start thinking about both decommissioning as well as boat projects you’d like to tackle in the off-season. We’ll follow up with another post soon about our winter labor discounts.

« Previous Page

The Season Never Ends for Electronics Upgrades

Raymarine Axiom with FLIR – The Next Best Thing to Being There

New Vessel Notification solution provides peace of mind away from marina

Get your winter boating fix at The Hartford Boat Show

Get your winter boating fix at The Hartford Boat Show

PFDs only work if they work!

Blessing of the Fleet Ceremonies: Serenity for some, Celebration for all

National Safe Boating Week – A Brief History

Luck at Sea – How to stack the deck in your favor

The Hartford Boat Show – a sure-fire cure for Amarinus Extremus

Late Season Maintenance Considerations

Our Flotilla

Connect With Us