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East Coast Alerts by Mel Neale November 19, 2009
Contributed by Tom Neale - This blog has been viewed 22 times and there are 0 comments
Posted: November 19, 2009
New Dates for 10-Day ICW Closure at Ben Sawyer Bridge:
It’s now one day later, but please notice the information in the second paragraph below:*
MSIB (63-09) –AICW 10-Day Closure December 1-11, 2009; Ben Sawyer Bridge, SC
Update #3 & Issued: November 18, 2009 1430 Expires: December 15, 2009 0600
Due to a scheduled replacement of the Ben Sawyer Bridge’s swing span, the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AICW) will be closed to marine traffic from Tuesday, December 1, 2009 at 12:01 A.M. through Friday, December 11, 2009 at 11:59 P.M. The Coast Guard will enforc...... Read More

Toms Tips on Finding Good Marine Products
Contributed by Tom Neale - This blog has been viewed 18 times and there are 0 comments
Posted: November 12, 2009


Tom’s Tips on Finding Good Marine Products
1. Avoid products that are packaged to look like a similar well known tried and true product but that are not made by the original manufacturer.
2. Is it stainless? We generally know that you can check with a magnet to see if a product is stainless. But low grade stainless (which may be acceptable for some uses) will normally have considerably more magnetism than high grade stainless which should have very little.
3. Read the fine print on packaging. A few examples of what to look for are energy consumption, life expectation and light ...... Read More

East Coast Alerts by Mel Neale November 12, 2009
Contributed by Tom Neale - This blog has been viewed 13 times and there are 0 comments
Posted: November 12, 2009
“November Northeaster” Hits North Carolina and Virginia HARD:
Ida’s remnants are sitting almost stationary off the lower NC Outer Banks and there’s a strong high pressure system over New England. The proximity of the two systems sets up a classic squeeze play with which we in southeastern Virginia are very familiar—strong Northeast winds, rain and tidal flooding. This one is a three-day event, with storm warnings on the Virginia portion of the Chesapeake Bay and coastal waters. Hurricane force winds are reported to be possible offshore in the Gulf Stre...... Read More

How to Beat "Marine" Label High Prices
Contributed by Tom Neale - This blog has been viewed 18 times and there are 0 comments
Posted In Cruising Log
Posted: November 12, 2009
When I buy for my boat, I usually buy gear that is allegedly made for marine use. There’s a reason. It’s basically that I’m more interested in hanging on to my backside than I am in hanging on to my bucks. And much of the stuff made for use in houses and cars may, directly or indirectly, create a safety issue when used in a boat. So I’m ready to pay more for the marine product because it, in theory, costs more to make. But here’s the rub. Unfortunately, some products with “marine” stamped on them have nothing of “marine” quality other than...... Read More

Make Your Own Look Bucket
Contributed by Tom Neale - This blog has been viewed 108 times and there are 0 comments
Posted In Cruising Log
Posted: November 03, 2009
When we first went to the Bahamas, many years ago, friends told us to be sure to get a “look bucket.” We weren’t even sure what this was, but we got one and it, as well as its many replacements, has been invaluable as a tool, a food finder and a source of entertainment. It’s basically a bucket with a see-through bottom. You put the bucket in the water and look through it. Unless the water is really muddy you can see below the surface. In clear waters you can see far down, even to the bottom. In a way, it’s like snorkeling wit...... Read More

Tom’s Tips About Look Buckets
Contributed by Tom Neale - This blog has been viewed 52 times and there are 0 comments
Posted: November 03, 2009
1. If your boat is moving as you use it, be sure it’s moving very slowly and that the boat operator is keeping watch, not looking through the look bucket.
2. Use of a look bucket usually involves leaning over the side. This can be particularly dangerous for children and even for adults if it is rough, the boat tips too much and for other reasons. Wear life jackets, proceed very slowly, if at all, and don’t have too much weight on one side of the boat.
3. Often you can see many interesting things by simply anchoring, or drifting with the current. This is s...... Read More

East Coast Alerts by Mel Neale October 30, 2009
Contributed by Tom Neale - This blog has been viewed 48 times and there are 0 comments
Posted: November 03, 2009

From the USCG 5th District Bridge Branch Chief:
NEW JERSEY INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY (NJICW) - LITTLE EGG HARBOR TO CAPE MAY – INSIDE THOROFARE TO PERFORM URGENT MECHANICAL REPAIRS, MARINERS ARE ADVISED THAT THE AMTRAK NEW JERSEY TRANSIT RAIL OPERATIONS AUTOMATED RAILROAD BRIDGE (AT NJICW MILE 68.9) ACROSS BEACH THOROFARE AT ATLANTIC CITY WILL BE CLOSED TO VESSELS REQUIRING AN OPENING ON THE FOLLOWING SCHEDULE:
EACH DAY BEGINNING 9 AM TO 1 PM AND FROM 2 PM TO 4 PM ON TUE 10 NOV 09 TO FRI 13 NOV 09;
FROM 7 AM ON SAT 14 NOV 09 THROUGH 3 PM ON MON 16 NOV 09; AND FROM 9 AM TO...... Read More

Now You See It
Contributed by Tom Neale - This blog has been viewed 185 times and there are 0 comments
Posted In Cruising Log
Posted: October 15, 2009

Most of us didn’t know it, but during the past two years something happened that will be very helpful and important to us all. A standard for rating flashlights and spotlights has come into being. Why is that important? How many times have you needed a good light and looked at the absurd claims of millions of candle power on product boxes? So you pick out one with the most millions (and maybe the lowest cost), take it to your boat, try it out and discover that it isn’t worth squat. Sure, you can probably take it back, but that fact didn’t help a bit during the dark night...... Read More

Chain Care
Contributed by Tom Neale - This blog has been viewed 230 times and there are 0 comments
Posted In Cruising Log
Posted: October 01, 2009
Have you had to replace your anchor chain lately? If you have, you know it’s a very expensive proposition. I’m not talking about a few feet on the end of a nylon rode. That’s not a very big deal. I’m talking about maybe one or two hundred feet or more on a rode that’s primarily chain. We’ve ridden out hurricanes, tornadoes, prolonged full storms and a lot more at anchor, and I believe that quality chain, if used properly with nylon snubbing lines, is the best way to go, if you can carry the weight. But chain, even the good stuff, rusts, unless it’s st...... Read More

Toms Tips About Chain
Contributed by Tom Neale - This blog has been viewed 188 times and there are 0 comments
Posted: October 01, 2009

If you don’t have enough fresh water to spray your chain, take it out regularly when you’re at dock and spray it thoroughly. Also from time to time wipe salty residue out of your anchor locker with wet towels.
If it’s practical to spray fresh water in there to wash it out, this is better. You can then dry with towels.

When you spray your chain with fresh water, be sure to get the water between the links by pressure and thorough spraying.

Like most other equipment, there are different qualities of chain. Go with a known reputable brand.
...... Read More

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