Which Fire Extinguisher is Right for You?

A tri-class dry chemical extinguisher will meet most boaters' needs. 

If you have concerns about damage to your electronics or your engine compartment lacks a fixed well.

As fire extinguishers are required on most boats, you most likely have one aboard. But chances are, you've never needed to use one, and might not know the proper technique for using one.

Take the time to read the directions on your fire extinguisher - you might be surprised about what it can and can't do.

Vessel Length and Fire Extinguisher Type Table

One extraordinary off shoot of the shut down in Italy, is that the Canals in Venice, have gone clear.

In Venice, the often murky canals recently began to get clearer, with fish visible in the water below.

Italy's efforts to limit the corona virus meant an absence of boat traffic on the city's famous waterways.

That rapid change, apparently had a rapid impact.

Countries that have been under stringent lock downs to stop the spread of the corona virus have experienced an unintended benefit.

The outbreak has, at least in part, contributed to a noticeable drop in pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in some countries.

Although somewhat grim,and obviously costly, it's something scientists said could offer tough lessons for how to prepare — and ideally avoid — the most destructive impacts of climate change.

According to an interview with NBC, "If we can think about how to prepare for climate change like a pandemic, maybe there will be a positive outcome to all of this," said Christopher Jones, lead developer of the Cool Climate Network, an applied research consortium at the University of California, Berkeley. "We can help prevent crises in the future if we are prepared. I think there are some big-picture lessons here that could be very useful."

The corona virus pandemic has sickened more than 180,000 people and killed more than 7,100 worldwide since early January. Some countries, most notably China and Italy, have been forced to seal their borders and restrict residents' movements to control the rates of infection.

Satellite observations have shown that the temporary measures have also driven significant decreases in harmful emissions.

"Carbon dioxide is tied to industrial activity, electricity production and transportation, so anything that affects those sectors will impact greenhouse gases, as well," Jones said.

Based on a NBC interview

Developing situation

As we are all aware, Corona Virus - COVID - 19,  has affected all parts of the world. There are numerous reports that countries (in Europe and further afield) have closed their borders, including to cruising yachts resulting in some being short of fuel and provisions. Be aware, particularly if you are undertaking a longer passage, that the situation in your destination (no matter how well researched before departure) may have changed by the time you arrive.

If you decide to travel by boat, even if you reach your destination, even if you are not required to self-isolate, or be put into quarantine, and can access the marina or boatyard, you may not be allowed to go boating (even on your own boat) when you arrive.

In France, for example, we have seen official notices covering most of the coastline, which ban recreational, tourism or nautical leisure activities currently until 31 March 2020.

Be prudent, and stay safe.

Saving Some Boating Bucks

TOP 10 MISSED ONLINE BOATING TEST QUESTIONS

Sitting By The Dock (In The Way)

A boat is launched quickly (that's good), the boat is tied to the dock (also good), the tow vehicle pulls away and is parked (that's good, too), and the next person in line backs down the ramp with their boat trailer but stops midway because the boat at the dock is in the way (that's not good).

This is an all-too-common topic on boating forums. Along with it come adjectives like "irresponsible," among others, and most of this is the result of the boater not being selfish but, instead, just not knowing any better. Still, some ramps, including those operated by Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces, have added this to their posted launching rules after numerous boaters complained about having to wait for someone to return from parking their truck: "After launching, move vessel as far back to the rear of the pier as possible so others may launch."

A little common sense and courtesy can go a long way.

A Closer Look Might Reveal Trouble Beneath The Surface

A periodic visual inspection of important components could prevent a bad surprise later, if you know what to look for. It can save you a costly claim.

Areas of rust, or a small crack or scaling on a stainless-steel component, may be a sign of crevice corrosion, which could result in failure of the part.

• Gelcoat cracks may be of only cosmetic significance, but they could indicate serious flex from too much stress in the area, or delamination underneath.

• Changing exhaust color with no obvious cause may be a precursor to problems. Generally, black exhaust means fuel burning poorly; white or bluish smoke may indicate excessive oil burning; and steam can indicate overheating. But exhaust colors have many nuances. Diesels emitting black smoke could need a new air filter. Diesels billowing smoke might need new injectors. Gas engines might smoke on startup, but more than 10 seconds could indicate a problem with the fuel mixture. Steam from either engine type could mean water getting past the head gasket (and will be accompanied by the smell of steamy water or antifreeze).
• Frayed lines may be evidence of age and too much exposure to UV, chafing, and poor fairleads. Figure out the cause and address it, and then replace the line.

• Discoloration of wire terminals or insulation could be a sign of excessive heating or corrosion underneath the insulation.

• A sheen on the water at your exhaust when the engine is running can indicate poor burning of the fuel. Possible causes could include bad injectors, timing, plugs, or poor compression, as from valve or ring problems. Pull the spark plugs on your gas-powered engine. Beige or brown is the right color. Grey indicates detonation/timing issues. The sheen could also indicate lube oil entering the exhaust or transmission oil escaping into the exhaust through a leaking heat exchanger

If you're weary of short winter days, take heart: Daylight saving time begins Sunday, March 8, when most Americans will set their clocks ahead one hour — or, as the maxim goes, spring forward. It'll likely be dark when you wake up, but you'll also get an extra hour of daylight

Sunrise and sunset will be about 1 hour later.

Daylight saving time has been around since World War I. But it became the law of the land more than 50 years ago with the Uniform Time Act of 1966, though the exact dates — now the second Sunday in March and the first Sunday in November — have changed some over the years. Arizona cited its hot climate in getting an exception, and Hawaii cited its tropical latitude, which means there isn't much variation in daylight in the summer and winter months.