Sailboat Charters
July 31, 2009 by Chris Wethered
Filed under Sailboat Charters
No hassles, just the business of having fun. It's your holiday after all!
There are so many practical reasons for sailboat charters. Depending on your circumstances, the following list will clarify why you should get a quote for your next vacation on board with our partner Boat Bookings - the inter net's answer to personal, affordable chartering:
Trying out a new design
You know the one! The one that you've been keeping an eye on! Why not get behind the wheel, take your friends! Their experience and point of view are helpful in times like these. Perhaps you are looking at fractional yacht ownership and are deciding the optimal yacht for your group? The collective decision is helpful as long as there is some compromise!
Family activity and accommodation
All in one! It's simple and saves on hotel bills! If you like both those boxes ticked them hiring a sailboat is a great alternative! If you would like assistance on board then a small crew can arranged. Keep the kids busy on deck, in life jackets of course! Or enjoy the quiet as they rest below! Quality family time assured!
Time for a cool off sailboat charters style!
Split your time
So everyone is content! Flexibility is the name of the game here. You can divide your time between passages to tranquil, secluded bays and coves. Then to keep the retail therapist in your life, or the party animals happy, moor in port for a night or two! Time on shore gives perspective and further the appreciation of being on the water.
Checking out new sailing waters
Without having your own yacht shipped. By choosing new destinations sailors are able to enjoy different environments, conditions and further their knowledge and skills. Variety is the spice of life! Many folk enjoy the freedom to enjoy boating this way!
Down wind - picking up the surf!
Racing
Chartering sailboats, means you can take part in races wherever they maybe. If you use the same company then your likely to be able to use a similar yacht to what your used to. No need to adjust to a new set up - what a relief!
Bareboat or crewed
Allows less experienced sailors the joy of sailing, whilst having peace of mind. If you are certificated or carry a license for your state or otherwise, then check with Boat Bookings prior to booking, to see whether to bring them along.
Fill in the form now for your free quote!
Enjoy your chartering!
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How To Adjust An Outboard Engine To The Transom
July 28, 2009 by Chris Wethered
Filed under Boat Engines And Sailboat Hardware, Questions Visitors Are Asking And Answers
Getting this right can really aid a smooth ride!
Setting the position of the outboard engine to the transom has variables that need consideration. If the position is not correct, then your going to have trouble with a range of issues including:
- Trim - the ability to move the motor to a better angle whilst in the water for optimum performance
- Tilt - taking the lower unit out of the water and locking it, whilst the boat is in transit or not being used
- Low boat speed - outboard not performing well and being inefficient
- High boat speed - too many revs and not enough speed
The relationship between these variables helps to fix the outboard to the transom correctly
Brackets used to fix outboard to transom
Let's go through them in turn:
Trim
The outboard needs to be perpendicular to the water. There are two systems for this movement, manual or hydraulic, depending on the engine size.
There are pros and cons for both. Here's two:
- With manual adjust you can only do so when stationary
- Hydraulic systems are susceptible to corrosion from the elements, so maintaining them is more involved
Trim and tilt explained
Essentially they do the same job though. Here is what to look out for:
Propeller too far from transom
The bow will be too far out of the water
Tilt
Is the ability to pivot the motor all the way to it's raised position. S o the lower unit is out of the water when not in use. Essentially it is a leveraged locking system that needs occasional greasing to ensure smooth lifting and lowering.
In order to check the outboard is at the correct height on the transom, you need to answer
the following questions:
- Is engine speed higher than normal?
Then the outboard needs to be adjusted lower in the water. This is done by using the brackets, which secure the outboard to the transom.
- Is boat speed too low?
In this case the drive from the propeller is inefficient. The answer is to either lower or heighten the motor on the transom, easy to identify which.
Other concerns
- Overloading your boat will result in poor engine performance
- Uneven load distribution affects boat speed and steering
Did you know about the 10% discount at West Marine right now?
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How to grease two stroke engines
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How To Grease A Two Stroke Engine?
July 27, 2009 by Chris Wethered
Filed under Boat Engines And Sailboat Hardware, Questions Visitors Are Asking And Answers
Visitors have been searching for the answer to this question
So here's an overview diagram:
Diagram showing where to grease 2 stroke engine
Follow the manufacturer's guidance on frequency and quantities
You should check out the manual that came with your engine. The specific lubrication points vary from one to the next.
Getting the grease balance right is straight forward, but on the whole to much is better than too little.
How often you grease depends on the useage of your outboard. It's best to check more often than not, until you have a routine going.
Finally to grease those difficult to reach points get a grease gun, with a needle point adapter. These deliver grease accurately and with minimum wastage or clean up!
Getting the oil / gas mix right
- Remember to put the oil in the tank first - then the gas.
- Follow your manufacturer's guidelines on the ratio!
- Most will specify which grade to use and the ratio involved.
- If your engine has variable ratio oiling then all this is taken care for you!
Take advantage! West Marine are offering a 10% discount, when you spend over $100!
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Outboard engines and transoms info
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Boat Blocks
July 25, 2009 by Chris Wethered
Filed under Boat Engines And Sailboat Hardware
Are Your Boat Blocks In Need Of Replacement? Ronstan's Orbit Range Are Designed For Performance And Endurance
At the heart of Ronstans's Orbit Range is your boat blocks performance and the impact they have on overall boat handling.
Not only that, they have your best interests in mind too!
Check through this list to see why:
- Minimized weight - using amongst other components reinforced carbon fiber
- Made from the strongest materials - for example PTFE impregnated, engineered nylon
- They use cutting edge ratchet technology - to reduce wear, whilst offering superior strength
- Offer sheet and control line function - for a range of sheave sizes and line diameters
Several Orbits working together
These pieces of sailboat hardware take a beating!
Not only are they under considerable load whilst you sail. They are also in constant battle with sunshine, wind, rain and salt erosion.
Depending on your requirements, you can choose a traditional ratchet block for the main, or for your asymmetric, choose the auto engaging ratchet control.
If your blocks are dated, then you may well be facing an overhaul of them soon. For example the ball bearings could be wearing through, interfering with the operation of the ratchet.
The size of your boat governs the loads that are managed by the blocks. If you have changed an aspect of your sail area for example you should check that the new sail area is within the abilities of the block.
Replacement means taking advantage in technology. That means that you will be investing in the longer term value of your boat.
Learn more from this video presentation:
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Torqueedo Electric Outboard Engine
July 23, 2009 by Chris Wethered
Filed under Boat Engines And Sailboat Hardware
Faster, Smaller And More Efficient - Is Yours A Torqueedo electric outboard engine?
WTF! If you haven't heard of the electric outboard engine from Torqeedo, then read on, as this is change - happening now!
Miami International Boat Show
A couple of years ago after dedicated European research, a viable alternative to gas / diesel powered outboards was unveiled at The Miami International Boat Show.
With a six horsepower engine you can reassured this is not a gimmick. Why would West Marine sell a gimmick, of course not! This model can power a sail or motor boat with a displacement
of up to three tonnes. Up to the minute torque technology coupled with optimized drive ensures you are achieving optimum boat speed. It is highly efficient and at twenty four volts, themost powerful battery operate motor around.
Folds away too!
Let's see what else is going for Torqeedo:
- No gas / diesel means no pollution, even the transmission lub is environmentally neutral!
- No green house gases, excludes carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide damage
- Almost silent - if you prefer the sound of waves lapping en route
- Folds away - in to a back pack, carry bag
- Integrated battery charge display - so you know when your running out of juice!
- Variable forward / reverse drive - helps maneuver in tight areas
- Height adjustable variable tiller - means all the family can steer!
Please watch the video demonstration:
Did you know about the 10% discount at West Marine right now?
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