Tuesday 20 September 2016

Budgeting For Boat Maintenance: How Hands On Will You Be?


Anyone who thinks about investing in a boat bigger than a kayak should get out a calculator, take a deep breath, and tally up honest estimates of the recurring costs of registration, dockage, hauling and launching, winter storage, insurance, and maintenance. But that last item—maintenance—is a tricky one to figure, because it’s not a fixed amount determined by someone else; it will vary season to season and year to year, and it will depend very much on how willing and able you’ll be to work on your new investment.


Maintenance, of course, means not only cleaning things, lubricating things, and replacing parts on things that aren’t broken, but fixing things that are. And any boat owner who’s been in the game for more than a few months will tell you there’s a lot of it. There’s a strong argument (and I say it’s strong because I made it) that the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction in boat ownership is enhanced by a willingness to Embrace the Hacksaw.
But there’s a counter argument that says, “I’m buying this boat to relax on, and I have no intention of spending every weekend busting my transom to keep it the way I want it. I’m planning to pay the pros to do that for me.”
Well, good on ya! But let’s just make sure you know what you’re getting into, more or less, no matter where you stand along the do-it-yourself spectrum.

Boatyard Labor Rates

Marine labor rates vary widely around the country and the world, as does the quality of work involved, and it shouldn’t be surprising that you don’t always get what you pay for. You might pay a skilled marine tradesman in the lower Chesapeake or the western Gulf Coast half of what a tradesman or his yard would charge for the same job on Nantucket, Eastern Long Island or San Diego, and you might get a better result to boot. But no matter where you are, you won’t find marine labor cheap. Expect a range of $70 to $140 per hour for skilled work (engine work, topsides painting and varnishing, electrical, refrigeration, etc.), and $40 to $80 or so for unskilled projects (pressure-washing, waxing, scraping, etc.). So where you plan to keep your boat will make a big difference in total dollars spent on maintenance, assuming you’re planning to pay someone else do so a portion of it.

While boatyard job estimates tend to be low, any good yard manager will make an honest attempt at quoting you a ballpark figure for a job based on Time + Materials (with a shop markup for materials) or, sometimes, with a fixed price per job, depending on the project and the experience of the yard in handling that job. See the project list on a 2015-2016 winter storage contract from a boatyard in Glen Cove, NY and the labor rates at a yard at the other end of Long Island for examples of chores and expenses.

Boat Maintence Tips

A yard foreman who’s been in the business for 20 years will (or should) have a good idea of how much you’ll pay to have your topsides cleaned, compounded and waxed. That said, boats are complex objects, and even the pros are not immune to occasional task/time-warps that can turn a two-minute project into an afternoon of high-volume cussing. And that time will have to be paid for. For more on this phenomenon, see Lenny Rudow’s Project: Reality.

BOAT TYPE

It’s obvious that the size of a boat has a bearing on maintenance: The bigger it is, the more expensive. But type matters, too, and so do layers of complexity in terms of systems and surface areas. A 30-foot wooden sailboat with a full keel and auxiliary diesel engine is going to cost more in the long run to maintain than a 30-foot center-console with twin or even triple outboards (although it will probably cost far less initially). The sailboat owner will have spars, rigging, and sails to contend with; an auxiliary engine and running gear; topsides, deck, and bottom that will need regular painting (a full-keel boat takes a lot of bottom paint); plus freshwater, electrical, and sanitation systems to maintain. The expensive center-console, on the other hand, will need to be cleaned and waxed. If it lives in a slip at a dock it will need bottom paint (but less than the sailboat); if it lives on a trailer or on a lift and just splashes around for a few hours at a time, it may not need any bottom paint at all. The outboards will need flushing and periodic maintenance, including oil changes if they’re four-strokes. While routine maintenance on modern outboards can be tackled by a moderately handy boatowner, many owners just trailer their boats to their local dealers or service pros, or pay the pros to make house calls for end-of-season servicing. If the boat has a plumbed-through head and holding tank instead of a porta-potty, and a plumbed freshwater supply, those things will take it back up the complexity scale.

So, no matter what type of boat you’re shopping for—power or sail; bowrider, express cruiser or center-console; outboard- or inboard-powered; trailer-borne or TraveLift-launched—bear in mind that differences in configuration will make differences in your maintenance budget.

A NOTE ON BUDGETING FOR MATERIALS

There are some maintenance supplies sold at boating stores that can’t be found elsewhere, like bottom paint, good-quality marine epoxy, marine-grade electrical connectors, and engine zincs. On the other hand, boat stores make a ton of money with stratospheric markups on items that can be found in regular hardware or home-goods stores—things like mops and hose, paint brushes, high-quality masking tapes, sandpaper, buckets, spray cleaners, and so on. If you’re a hands-on person just getting into boats, you’ll save yourself thousands of dollars in the long run by knowing what needs to be bought at a boat store and what can be bought elsewhere.

Your Mission, Should You Choose to Accept It

Now we’re down to the last element: you, and where you and other members of your family fit on the DIY scale. Probably the easiest way to get down to the nitty gritty is to present a sample list of maintenance chores that might be offered by a full-service boatyard to their clients. Consider the type of boat you’re interested in, research the labor rates at the boatyards in the area where you’ll keep the boat, picture yourself doing these jobs, then picture trained professionals doing them while you peel fifties off your bankroll.

Of course, those are strictly recurring maintenance chores; they don’t include fix-it jobs, gear replacements, new-equipment installations, or occasional make-overs like topsides painting. (For more on what’s involved in all common DIY paint projects—topsides, deck, and bottom—read How to Paint a Boat).

You’ll need to buy some boat-specific maintenance items at your marine store. Other things like sandpaper, buckets, and brushes will be much cheaper at your local hardware or home-goods store.At the point where the idea of peeling off the next fifty is just too painful, take a good look at the boat you're lusting after and brace for a decision: You're either going to have to get up off your transom and tackle more maintenance chores that you originally wanted to, or find a boat that will be cheaper to maintain.

Happy budgeting, and happy boating.


About Navnit Marine Private Limited :
Navnit Marine provides Luxury Boat Servicing in Mumbai India at its Marina at Uran. You can avail yacht management services from us.We offer owners a management support service capable of handling the full spectrum of yacht operations. Our dedicated team has the vast knowledge and experience to deliver solutions. We provide owners with reduced costs and downtime with effective management and budget controls. Ultimately, giving owners greater safety, enjoyment and peace of mind.

To Know More About Motor Boat Servicing in Mumbai India , Contact Navnit Marine at 022 6677 6659 or Mail us at info@navnitmarine.com
We have various Yachts and Boats Like Princess Yachts, Bayliner Boats, Meridian Yachts and Many More.


Tuesday 6 September 2016

10 Ways Boat Trips Are Good For The Soul


Boat trips are just plain good for the soul. The sense of peace and tranquility that can be restored to you while gently rocking on the waves is undeniable. Although, if you need more reasons to take a boat trip, or are trying to convince someone else why a boat trip is well worth the time, look no further.
  1. Boat trips create bonding experiences with family and friends. The lasting memories you can make while on a boat trip are priceless. Think about watching a sunset on the water with your best friends, fishing for bluegill with your kids, or admiring the wildlife.
  2. Boating Trips Tips
  3. A day in the sun allows our bodies to soak up a safe amount of Vitamin D. With the use of sunscreen, Vitamin D is an important vitamin that one needs in order to survive.
  4. There is proof that being near water can naturally help lower anxiety, leading to a healthier and more relaxed lifestyle.
  5. Learning new boating skills can be an empowering and educational experience. When you go on a boat trip, you will always have the opportunity to learn something new.
  6. Boat trips allow you to unplug. In this digital age, we are always either sending a text message or checking our email inbox. Stress, insomnia, and depression have been connected to our inability to power down. When you head out for a boat ride, it’s the perfect excuse to unplug, even if it’s just for a few hours.
  7. Boating Trips Tips
  8. You are following your passion. Having a passion or hobby, such as boating (or fishing!), can contribute to your overall happiness.
  9. Boating establishes a feeling of community on the water. Fellow boaters are known for being there to help one another and for offering words of advice.
  10. When you go on a boat ride, you have the opportunity to broaden your range of experiences by trying different types of water sports like fishing or water skiing.
  11. Boat trips keep you balanced. How many times have you become so consumed with work or school commitments that you neglected to set aside a day for some fun family boating? Going on a boat ride will help you keep your life in balance between work and play.
  12. A boat trip is an adventure. We only have a limited number of days on this amazing and wonderful place we call earth, so don't waste any of them wondering what it would be like to boat on a different waterway or in a different state. Embrace the adventure!

About Navnit Marine Private Limited :

Navnit Marine provides Luxury Boat Servicing in Mumbai India at its Marina at Uran. You can avail yacht management services from us.We offer owners a management support service capable of handling the full spectrum of yacht operations. Our dedicated team has the vast knowledge and experience to deliver solutions. We provide owners with reduced costs and downtime with effective management and budget controls. Ultimately, giving owners greater safety, enjoyment and peace of mind.

To Know More About Motor Boat Servicing in Mumbai India , Contact Navnit Marine at 022 6677 6659 or Mail us at info@navnitmarine.com

We have various Yachts and Boats Like Princess YachtsBayliner BoatsMeridian Yachts and Many More.

Tuesday 30 August 2016

Boating Tips: Is A Boat Lift Right For You?



Whether you keep boat at a marina or on a private pier, there are lots of advantages to keeping it on a lift. You don’t have to paint the boat’s bottom, you’ll never worry about a line coming loose and the boat banging into the pier, and your boat most certainly won’t sink in the slip. Check out this quick video to see a lift in action, learn a few important tips for lift-keeping a boat, and discover a couple of down-sides, too.

Just how big an issue is that expense? This depends to some degree on just how large your boat is. A small skiff, like the 16 Carolina Skiff center console you see in the video, weighs a little over 1,000 pounds with the motor and a load of fuel. Other than PWC lifts, most boat lifts start in the 2,500 to 3,000 pound capacity range—and you do need to plan for additional lift capacity beyond the boat’s weight, to account for people stepping on the boat, gear, and other things that may increase the load. A 3,000 pound lift will cost between $4,000 and $5,000, plus installation. Jumping to double the capacity only increases the lift’s cost by a few hundred dollars and boosting it from there to 8,000 or 10,000 pounds only increases cost by 10 to 20 percent. So most people opt for a lift with substantially more capacity than they need at the moment, to account for future upgrades.

What if you want to consider one of those faster hydraulic lifts? These models usually range from between $6,000 (for a 4,000 pound lift) and $20,000 (for a 15,000 pound model). You can learn a lot more about this option by reading The Best Boat Lift: Shore Station vs. HydroHoist vs. Sunstream.


The other down-side we mentioned is hurricanes. Boats on lifts are actually subject to just as much damage as those in slips, because scuppers can get clogged with flying debris (and then the boat fills with water), rising water levels can swamp the boat if it’s tied down or float it free if it’s unsecured, and the elevation subjects them to wind damage. Plus, many people get lulled into a false sense of security when their boat’s on a lift, and fail to properly prepare it for the storm. Just like boats kept in the water, the best move is usually to pull the boat before the storm hits and store it on dry land.

If you feel a lift is right for you, whichever type you opt for remember those tips we covered in the video:

  • After a day of boating, as you return to the slip make sure the lift is still at the right height (if you do your boating in saltwater, or rivers that may see water depth variations).
  • Make sure the bunks are high enough to catch the bow of the boat. If they’re submerged too deep, you could drive right through the guide poles and over the lift, then hit your outdrive on the lift’s cross-beam.
  • Don’t push off the plastic guide poles. These are flexible and will give, instead of damaging the boat. Adding a push will usually serve only to knock the boat out of alignment,
  • Make sure the lift gets mounted in a position where you can hit the switch while you’re in your boat. Better yet, get a key fob control—that way you can raise or lower your boat from just about anywhere.

About Navnit Marine Private Limited :

Navnit Marine provides Luxury Motor Boat Servicing in Mumbai India at its Marina at Uran. You can avail yacht management services from us.We offer owners a management support service capable of handling the full spectrum of yacht operations. Our dedicated team has the vast knowledge and experience to deliver solutions. We provide owners with reduced costs and downtime with effective management and budget controls. Ultimately, giving owners greater safety, enjoyment and peace of mind.

To Know More About Motor Boat Servicing in Mumbai India , Contact Navnit Marine at 022 6677 6659 or Mail us at info@navnitmarine.com

We have various Yachts and Boats Like Princess YachtsBayliner BoatsMeridian Yachts and Many More.

Source - boats.com
 

Tuesday 23 August 2016

Choosing The Right Fuel And Oil For Your Marine Engine


Your boat’s engine powers your on-water adventures, so keeping it well-maintained is critical for making the most of your time on the water. Using the right type of oil and fuel is critical for both performance and lifespan.

There are two main categories of marine outboard engines: two-stroke and four-stroke. Most new engines shipped today are four-stroke, however, there are still a large number of two-stroke engines on the water.

The lubrication requirements of two-stroke and four-stroke engines are very different because of the way each system works. In two-stroke engines, the oil is mixed with the fuel and lubricates the engine as it passes through. It burns along with the fuel and exits via the exhaust system. Four-stroke engines are lubricated by oil that repeatedly is pumped from and returned to a sump, just as in a car or truck

Motor yacht Servicing India

Newer boat engines are also engineered to be consumer and environmentally friendly —with reduced emissions and extended lifespans. However, these advanced technologies place severe demand on engine lubricants and make it critical to choose the correct lubricant for your engine.

Use the right lubricant — Marine and auto oil are not interchangeable.

Although oil in a four-stroke marine engine performs the same function as it does in an automobile engine, passenger car motor oil should not be used in marine engines. The two primary reasons for this: water and wear.
Consider that corrosion caused by water is a primary concern for marine engines. Oils made for cars are not designed to provide the high level of corrosion protection marine engines require.

Car oils also fall short in the protection department. Because four-stroke outboard engines run faster than car engines, spend long periods running at extremes of speed and can spend long periods out of use, they have very specific requirements for anti-wear protection that car oils do not provide.

The best way to protect your engine is to use the outboard engine oil recommended by the engine manufacturer or to look for the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) logo on the oil. NMMA tests and certifies oils to ensure they meet marine engine needs.

Use the following list to determine the correct oil for your boat’s engine:
  • TC-W3 oils are certified for two-stroke engines
  • FC-W products are certified for four-stroke marine engines
  • FC-W Catalyst Compatible covers oils intended for use in 4-stroke engines that have an exhaust after-treatment catalyst

Use the right fuel—Understand the Ethanol Issue

Using the right fuel is also critical to the performance and life span of your outboard engine. In the United States the introduction of ethanol into the fuel supply to meet the mandates of the Renewable Fuel Standard has had unintended consequences for boaters.

Currently, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is pushing to change the automotive/light duty truck fuel standard from the current 10 percent ethanol (E10) used in many gasoline blends to 15 percent ethanol (E15). Consequently E-15 is expected to become the predominant fuel in the U.S. marketplace in the next 10 to 15 years.

This presents a problem for boaters because tests conducted by marine engine manufacturers under the direction of the Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory concluded that E15 fuels not only damage marine engines, but also caused them to exceed EPA emission standards.
Fortunately, any retailer that chooses to sell E15 fuel must post warning labels at the fuel pump. The key for boaters is to pay attention to the labels and not use E15 to fill up at the pump. Marinas, of course carry gasoline without ethanol, and are probably the safest place to fill up if you do not want to worry about the gas you are using in your boat.

About Navnit Marine Private Limited :

Navnit Marine provides Luxury Motor Yacht Servicing in Mumbai India at its Marina at Uran. You can avail yacht management services from us.We offer owners a management support service capable of handling the full spectrum of yacht operations. Our dedicated team has the vast knowledge and experience to deliver solutions. We provide owners with reduced costs and downtime with effective management and budget controls. Ultimately, giving owners greater safety, enjoyment and peace of mind.

To Know More About Motor yacht Servicing In India, Contact Navnit Marine at022 6677 6659 or Mail us at info@navnitmarine.com

We have various Yachts and Boats Like Princess YachtsBayliner BoatsMeridian Yachts and Many More.

Tuesday 16 August 2016

Anchoring Tips: A Scrape In The Dark


It is a horrible feeling to wake up at 3:00 am after spending the day on the water and finding a perfect anchoring spot, only to realize that the winds have picked up just a little bit and dragged your boat against another nearby boat, or worse, into the middle of a shipping lane, or onto rocks. Described here are some of the common causes of this problem, and some descriptions of how to avoid them. Equally annoying and embarrassing is anchoring your boat while going to supper or acquiring supplies and finding the boat gone when you return. Your immediate thought is that it has been stolen and so you call the police. If you are lucky, the boat is found an hour or two later drifting, the anchor still attached, but pulled up from it's original location.

Wind Dragged Boat or a Wind Direction Change

This can occur even if you have the right anchor type and size. All it takes is for the anchor to be set not quite perfectly or for the bottom to be poor. Then, a bit of wind will start dragging the anchor. Or, the wind will change direction, causing the anchor to become dislodged. You need to use two anchors set in a V shape at the front of the boat. Then, even if one drags, the other is still tight. If you expect a really bad storm, use three anchors set like a V with an extra line straight out front.

Anchoring Tips

Tight Anchorage

There are degrees of tightness in anchoring. If you have room for the boat to swing around without hitting anything, then you can just use a two anchor V, where the angle between the two anchors is fairly large (between 140 and 180 degrees, closer to 180 for less movement, but requiring larger anchors). This keeps the bow in one place, but allows the stern to swing around, keeping the wind head on (this is usually more comfortable for sleeping.) However, if there isn't room to turn the boat around, either due to other boats, the shore or underwater objects, then you need to set a V anchor set at the front, and an additional anchor at the back. This keeps the boat stationary, but tends to be less comfortable. An alternative, if the wind is coming from the stern, is to put the V anchors at the stern and a single anchor at the front. Sometimes you can use trees on land as one of the anchors.

Tide Lifted Anchor

Fresh-water boaters can be surprised by tides. If you set an anchor at low tide, giving it a reasonable amount of rode, even setting a second anchor, you can still be surprised to find yourself adrift. What happens is that the boat comes up on the tide (which can be as much as 14' or 4.5 m, but more typically around 3 ft or 1 m). This adds six times that length to the amount of rode you need, so 18 ft or 6 m more rode. It doesn't actually lift the anchor, just lets the angle decrease enough that the anchor doesn't hold. The trick to setting an anchor in tidal waters is to know how much extra rode high tide is going to need, or just add an extra 20-30 ft.
Another thing you should think about when anchoring at HIGH tide, is whether you will have enough depth at low tide. You don't (generally) want to ground yourself due to anchoring in too shallow water.

Improper Anchor Type or Size

When you purchase an anchor, make sure you get the right type for the bottom conditions where you go boating. Most boating stores can help you decide on the type of anchor, but don't be cheap, buy at least 1 good, heavy anchor for each type of bottom you expect to have to anchor on.

To Know More About Boats and Yachts Dealer in India, Contact Navnit Marine at022 6677 6659 or Mail us at info@navnitmarine.com

We have various Yachts and Boats Like Princess YachtsBayliner BoatsMeridian Yachts and Many More.



Wednesday 10 August 2016

Why Make A Float Plan?


Why should you take the time to prepare a float plan? The answer is simple... there are just too many facts that need to be accurately remembered and ultimately conveyed in an emergency situation. Without a float plan you are counting on someone else, a friend, neighbor, or family member to remember detailed information that rescue personnel need in order to find you. Information that can make a difference in the outcome.

Why make a float plan?

In an emergency situation there is a lot of crucial information that needs to be communicated with the emergency services. It can be hard to remember everything, and without a float plan you are counting on someone else to remember all of the detailed information that rescue personnel need in order to find you. Getting accurate information quickly to the emergency services will make a difference in the outcome.

Importance of Float Plan

Who should use a float plan?

Whether you are a kayaker going out for an afternoon, or the captain of a 80m super yacht, you should complete a float plan and file it. Some of the types of water users that may use float plans are:
  • Kayakers
  • Sport fisherman
  • Hunters
  • Jet Skiers
  • Water skiers
  • Family day cruisers
  • Private charter boat services
  • Canoeists
  • Rowers
  • Rafters
  • Sail boaters
  • Power boaters
Typically, the Skipper of the vessel is the individual who prepares the Float Plan. However, any member of the crew can be assigned the preparation and filing duty.

To Know More About Boats and Yachts Dealer in India, Contact Navnit Marine at022 6677 6659 or Mail us at info@navnitmarine.com

We have various Yachts and Boats Like Princess YachtsBayliner BoatsMeridian Yachts and Many More.

Source - grenadabluewatersailing.com


Friday 5 August 2016

What To Put In A Grab Bag?

Navnit Marine Private Limited

A grab bag is a vital piece of safety equipment should be there in your boat that must be prepared and ready to go in case of an emergency such as a serious fire, sinking vessel, or medical evacuation.

The contents may differ slightly depending on whether you are coastal sailing, heading offshore on a transatlantic crossing, or have a budget to consider. 

It is important to put careful consideration into choosing the right emergency equipment for your sailing vessel and planned passage. When it comes to the crunch you don’t want your grab bag to be ill-equipped.

Essential Things to add in Grad Bags

A grab bag is a vital piece of safety equipment.

Life Raft Basic Survival Kit

Many life rafts come with a basic sea survival kit included. The contents can vary, so it is a good idea to check what is included with your life raft onboard. You can adapt the grab bag to suit your vessel requirements.

Some Life Raft comes equipped with: a rescue quoit with 30m of line, pair of oars, sponges, bailer, waterproof torch & batteries, life saving signal card, red hand flares, floating knife, sea anchor, set of repair clamps and a hand pump.

Some Liferaft Equipment Pack includes: a rescue quoit & 30m line, paddles, bailer, sponges, pump, repair kit, sea anchor & line, whistle, waterproof torch, signalling mirror, survival instructions & liferaft manual, solas card of distress signals, floating liferaft safety knife, sea sickness tablets, solas red hand flares, solas red parachute rockets, solas external lighting system, rainwater catching system on canopy and an insulated thermal floor.

Types of Grab Bag

A grab bag needs to be completely waterproof with the ability to float. A roll-top dry bag is adequate, or a rigid flare canister. It is a good idea to have a line attached to the grab bag so it can be tethered if necessary. There are a range of grab bags available to buy, or if you purchase a ready-made pack then it may include the grab bag too.

Abandoning Ship – Where to Place Your Grab Bag

The grab bag needs to be stored in an easy-to-reach position in case of emergency. All crew members should be briefed on its location and contents. It should be the first item picked up in an abandon ship/evacuation procedure. Any non-essential equipment can be gathered (if there is enough time) before boarding the life raft.

Essential Grab Bag Items

  1. Passport, cash/credit cards and ship’s log/papers
  2. Handheld VHF
  3. Drinking water
  4. Flares
  5. First Aid Kit/Medication
  6. Food
  7. Navigation tools
  8. Knife
  9. Foil blankets
  10. Torch & batteries
  11. Bailer/hand pump
  12. Oars
  13. Signalling mirror & whistle
  14. Sea anchor.

Additional Grab Bag Items

  • EPIRB/PLB
  • Laser flares
  • Satellite phone
  • Watermaker
  • SART
  • Fishing kit/spear gun
  • Life raft repair kit
  • Spare glasses
  • Pack of cards
  • Sunscreen
  • Spare 30m line.
You should access and update your grab bag regularly to ensure nothing is out-of-date and that items such as batteries and electronics are in good working order.

To Know More About Boats and Yachts Dealer in India, Contact Navnit Marine at 022 6677 6659 or Mail us at info@navnitmarine.com

We have various Yachts and Boats Like Princess Yachts, Bayliner Boats, Meridian Yachts and Many More. 

 

 

Tuesday 26 July 2016

Buying the perfect Runabout

Navnit Marine Private Limited

From bowriders to deckboats, there's a runabout that suits your lifestyle on the water.

The term "runabout" is frequently used to describe a fast and maneuverable powerboat, but many boaters don't realize just how many styles are available, and just how different—or similar—they can be. The various Runabouts: Bowriders, Tow Boats, Cuddys, and Deck Boats.
 
When looking for the right runabout to meet your needs, many aspects must be taken into consideration. Buying a boat is a big decision, and every detail should be well thought-out so you can choose the perfect model for your needs. Let's look at some important questions boat-buyers need to answer, before they can make the best pick. By no means is this an all-inclusive list, but it should help you get well on your way toward making the best possible decision.

Buying the perfect Runabout Bayliner Boat
  • What kind of water and conditions will you be boating in? The body of water can help determine what kind of runabout you should purchase. A narrow river versus a large open lake will have an impact on how large a boat you need. It may also affect whether you'll be best served by a boat that has a flatter bottom and better stability, or one designed with a deep-V to withstand rough waters.
  • How important are watersports? Do you want to wakeboard? If so, a wakeboard tower is very handy and just about any manufacturer can supply a tower for your needs. Dedicated wakeboarding, wake surfing, or water skiing enthusiasts will probably choose a dedicated tow boat, but many boaters need the runabout's versatility. And if you only plan to pull skis or tow toys, you don't need a tower; a ski tow eye/rail will do the trick. Most runabouts come with this feature, but you still must make sure. In addition, you might want a swim platform for putting on and taking off skis. These platforms extend the length of the boat aft of the transom, and are really handy for re-boarding after playing in the water. Also, look for features such as stowage for water toys, ballast tanks, and wake tabs.
  • Are you going to use your runabout boat simply for day excursions, or do you envision yourself and your family spending weekends aboard? If weekending is in the cards, a cuddy cabin might be the best bet. Some people enjoy camping on an open boat, but even in this case you probably want an enclosed changing area with a marine sanitation device (a toilet) and maybe even a freshwater transom shower. In addition, make sure you have the fuel capacity necessary for the distances you'd like to cover if marinas are not going to be along your route.
  • How many people do you want your runabout to hold? A couple versus a larger family will have a huge impact on the size of the runabout you need. Today's larger runabouts, in the 23 to 24 foot range hold as many as 12 people.
  • How important is speed and handling? Remember, runabouts can be like a sportscar on the water—but they can also be more like an econo-box. Many runabouts can be had either way, depending on what sort of powerplant option you choose.
  • Do you plan on fishing at all? If so, it's important to choose a boat with a fiberglass deck, which is far easier to clean up than carpet. This will also have an impact on what sort of options you might choose, like rod holders and livewells, which won't be available on all models. Some runabouts called "Fish-'N-Skis" come outfitted with both watersports and fishing accouterments.
  • Will you bring young children aboard? In this case, a boat with tall gunwales and an enclosed head compartment may be a smart choice.
HIT THE SHOWS

After you've determined the answers to the above questions, go to some boat shows. Shop around. Check out sizes, styles, colors, options, and more, but make sure to determine your budget prior to becoming serious about a purchase. Many people fail to realize that buying a cheap boat may seem like the right thing to do, but cheaper boats don't perform as well in rougher water or hold their value.
One trick to finding the perfect boat for your family is to consider the worst boating conditions you'll face. If the boat you want will comfortably take you through those conditions, you'll be happy with it for a long while. Also, talk to owners of the brand you are considering. If you're having trouble hearing from satisfied owners, you might want to consider another brand.

SEE THE BIG PICTURE

Overall, which runabout is best for you depends largely on personal preference and the boating conditions in your area. Make sure you weigh every feature and decide accordingly. Understand that a runabout's main purpose is to provide enjoyment, memories and fun on the water for many years—and that spending a little more money on the front end can yield dividends on the back end.

To Buy Bayliner Runabout Boats in India, Contact Navnit Marine at 022 6677 6659 or Mail us at info@navnitmarine.com

Know More about Various Bayliner Runabout Series

Thursday 14 July 2016

Boat Cleaning Tips

http://navnitmarine.com/2011

From time to time, you have to do some boat cleaning. Not my favorite job, but the yacht looks like 'a million bucks', don't you agree?

Now, alltough cleaning your boat is fairly simple, you need to have the right technique and the right boat cleaning tools.

When I clean the boat, I use the following technique:
  • Always start at the top and work your way down.
  • Then, you begin at the bow and move towards the stern.
These are the basic rules. I do look at the wind and the sun too.

If you see that the wind is coming from a certain direction, you start cleaning upwind and then further downwind. Otherwise you're only wetting the surface again that you just cleaned.

If the sun is shining strongly, you need to be sure you're cleaning quickly.

If the water and soap dries up, it's only giving you more work. On such days, it might be better to wash the boat very early or late, so you're not cleaning at the hottest point of the day
Always hose down the surface, before you come with the boat wash and brush. Rinse it off well afterwise and mop the surface, to avoid waterspots.

Now, apart from the technique, you need a good set of boat cleaning products. 'You can't win the horserace with a donkey...'

you probably also have limited space on board. There's just too much stuff on board or there's not enough room in the lockers. Both are true.

So, it would help if we have good quality cleaning tools that last long and that take a minimum of space on board.
Boat Cleaning Tips

For example, they have the telescopic handle. One handle that you can make longer or shorter whatever the length you need. And through a quick-lock system you can put several accessories on it. So, one handle, multiple functions! Sounds great, doesn't it?

Among the accessories, you have brushes, mops, scrubbing pads, boathooks and so on...
You decide which kind of brush. They have several sizes and levels of softness. Depending on the surface you want to clean, you choose soft, medium or hard.

There's a lot of choice, so I'm sure you'll find the right one for your boat!

You need a bucket too, of course. All the cleaning accessories can fit in the bucket, so that with your 1 handle is all the place you need for your cleaning equipment.

For wiping the windows or to get water from a larger surface, I use the water blade from Shurhold. Together with the synthetic leather from Vinalon. Makes it much quicker to dry a surface!

About the Soap

Boat wash is specially made to clean your deck and everything around it. It washes off salt, dirt, grime... much more than a kitchen soap will do.

you should try to get a good boat wash on board from the Starbrite boat products. They offer good quality products to clean the deck, non-slip, hull, transom and so on...

To Your Luxury Motor Yacht Servicing in Mumbai India, Contact Navnit Marine us at 022 6677 6659 or Mail us at info@navnitmarine.com

Navnit House, Gokul Nagar,
Mumbai Agra Road,
Thane (W),
400601
Mumbai, India
Tel: (+91) 22 6677 6659

E-mail: info@navnitmarine.com

Tuesday 5 July 2016

Engine Cooling System Tips

http://navnitmarine.com/2011/

WAY COOL: HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR ENGINE’S COOLING SYSTEM AND THE COOLANT THAT FLOWS THROUGH IT.

Engine Cooling System

The tubes on the closed cooling side of this heat exchanger were fouled by a film that required solvent flushing, after which the change in color was clear to see

Most marine diesel engines rely on what’s known as a closed cooling system. As with an automobile engine, the heat of combustion is absorbed by antifreeze (or, more accurately, coolant). In a car, that heat is then released airborne, via a radiator; with a sailboat, it’s transferred to the ocean via a heat exchanger.

Closed cooling systems, which typically operate at between 180 and 195 degrees F, offer several important advantages over open cooling systems. The latter allow seawater to flow through the iron engine, the predictable result of which is corrosion. Additionally, open cooling systems must operate at a cooler and less efficient temperature, typically around 150 degrees F, to prevent salt from precipitating out of the seawater and depositing itself within the cooling system’s passages, where it acts as an insulator and reduces the heat transfer efficiency. This comparatively cool operation promotes the formation of carbon within cylinders.

Engine Cooling System Tips 

 
Perhaps the most important advantage of a closed cooling system is the pressure under which it operates, typically between 6 and 15 psi. The pressure is important for a couple of reasons: First, while coolant already has a higher boiling point than ordinary water, the pressure further increases the boiling point of the coolant (for each pound of pressure applied, the boiling point rises about 3 degrees F). Second, and even more important, the increased pressure reduces the occurrence of cavitation within the cooling system. Cavitation, the rapid creation and violent collapse of vacuum bubbles, can be destructive, as each implosion can scour away metal from the cooling passages.

Unless you purchase it pre-mixed, coolant should be mixed in equal parts with distilled water. (Distilled water contains no minerals, which can be deposited inside the closed cooling system.) How often should you replace coolant? Many engine manufacturers specify two-year intervals. However, depending upon the cost of replacement, sending the coolant to a lab for analysis, may make more sense, especially if it extends the period to three or four years. (Some extended-life coolant is rated for six years or 14,000 hours, but it should also be analyzed annually.)

Alternatively, coolant test strips can be used for field analysis, although they yield less definitive results. When you do replace or top up coolant, avoid mixing brands and types, and stay with those recommended by the engine manufacturer; at the very least, use coolant designed specifically for diesel engines. Every few months, when the system’s cold, closely inspect the pressure cap and neck for corrosion, gasket failure or other defects. When doing so, check the coolant as well. It should look clean and bright; green, blue or orange; and never rusty.

Now back to that chronically overheating engine. The culprit turned out to be a little-known phenomenon wherein a film forms inside the closed coolant side of the heat exchanger. The result of a previous overheating episode, the film inhibited heat transfer, which led to the chronic high-speed overheating. Flushing the heat exchanger with a proprietary solvent removed the film and put the temperature gauge back in the green. The moral of this story is twofold: One, systematic analysis will eventually lead you to the cause of the problem. And two, once overheated, coolant should always be replaced and the closed cooling system flushed to prevent future overheating.

To Your Luxury Motor Yacht Servicing in Mumbai India, Contact Navnit Marine us at 022 6677 6659 or Mail us at info@navnitmarine.com

Tuesday 28 June 2016

Safe Boating Tips as a Family with Kids

Navnit Marine Private Limited

Boating can be one of the most enjoyable ways to spend time together as a family. Family boating is a great way to slow down the pace of your daily life – getting back to nature, cruising to new destinations and making family memories that last a lifetime.

Of course boat safety should be at the forefront of all family boating activities. The number one concern for families with kids on a boat – especially young kids – is to keep them safe around water. Whether at the dock, anchored out or going on a cruise, you want to make sure they are comfortable and safe on the water and on a boat.

Here are some boat safety and cruising tips to keep in mind for families boating with kids
Boat safety with a baby. Many people wonder if it is safe to have a baby on a boat. As with kids of any age, boating with a baby is safe as long as you take the proper safety precautions. Use an infant life jacket that is sized correctly for a baby. We use an infant life jacket labeled “Infant” that is less than 30 lbs. Never cruise with your baby strapped into a car seat or other device that doesn’t float.

Kids should wear life jackets on or near the water. Young kids should always be in a life jacket if they are near the water. We make sure that the minute we start walking toward the dock we put our four year old daughter into a life jacket. Young toddlers that tend to wander a bit walking down a dock can get easily distracted and fall into the water. Younger kids that don’t necessarily understand water safety yet should be in a life jacket on a dock or even sitting in the cockpit of the boat.

Safety Boating Tips for Kids

Have enough life jackets for friends. As kids get older, they are going to want to bring friends onto the boat that will need to wear a life jacket. Or, if you invite friends to your boat with young kids you’ll need to make sure you can accommodate them with appropriately sized youth life jackets. You should make sure that you have extra life jackets for a variety of sizes on board for toddlers, kids and adults.

Teach kids how to swim. This is more of a preventative measure, but ensuring your kids know how to swim is one of the best ways to be safe around water. Of course accidents can happen to even the best swimmers if they are careless, but kids that know how to swim will be safer and give you more peace of mind. But even as kids learn how to swim, life jackets or other Coast Guard approved swimming jackets (such as Puddle Jumpers for toddlers) should still be used.

Cruising safely with a baby or kids. One of the biggest challenges of family boating is how to cruise with kids so that everyone is comfortable and safe. As a rule, you should always have two adults on board so that one person can focus on operating the boat and one person can focus on keeping the kids safe and comfortable while cruising.

Always put our baby in a lifejacket and held the baby while cruising. Most babies will drift off into a deep sleep as soon as the boat starts moving. And a life jacket with a head support (mandatory for all infant and toddler life jackets) has the added bonus of a built-in pillow to support the snooze cruise. Again, never cruise with a baby strapped into a car seat that doesn’t float. The safest place to have a baby when cruising is in your arms.

It is also important that young kids always wear a life jacket while cruising on a boat. But even on 41 foot boat we require all kids under 13 to wear life jackets while we are cruising. You never know when the boat might hit a large wake a knock a lightweight kid overboard – so we personally feel it is better to be more cautious than the law enforces.

If boat is a fast moving cabin cruiser, so also have a rule to stay seated while boating. There is always an adult seated next to a kid – either holding them tightly or with an arm around them (depending on the child’s age). If your boat is bigger and handles the water well for a smooth ride, you might also be down in the cabin during a cruise with kids. If you have a larger boat (41 feet) with a nice stable cruise, so you can often go into the cabin and take a nap in the aft cabin bed (the most stable part of the boat). But as a rule never let kids walk around in the cabin of the boat alone during a cruise. For smaller boats, it is not recommended to have anyone in the cabin while cruising.

Keep kids entertained during cruises. When kids are bored or restless they can get into trouble. Make your family cruises fun for kids by keeping them interested and entertained. Let them sit at the helm with the captain. Get them involved with the cruise by pointing out markers or landmarks and teaching them about how to follow charts as you navigate through your cruise. Have kids watch the waves or wake behind your boat and make hitting wakes from other boats something fun by saying “hold on, here comes a big one… weeee!” You can keep younger kids entertained by letting them hold onto a special toy to keep them company or showing them picture books to keep them occupied during the cruise.

Safety Boating Tips for Kids

Sun safety for kids and adults on a boat. Sun protection should also be considered an important part of your boat safety practices as a family – and sun safety on boats for kids is especially important. Getting sunburn after spending a long day on the water will not only ruin your day, but it will also increase your risks for skin cancer. Make it a rule to lather up with sunscreen several times throughout the day. Keep shaded by spending time under your canvas and wearing hats and sunglasses.

Docking a boat safely. Maneuvering your boat in and out of a slip with kids on a boat can be a bit challenging. Typically one person should be in charge of operating the boat and one person should be in charge of watching the kids. If you have younger kids, the captain may have to handle the lines and operate the boat alone while the “first mate” tends to the kids. If you are juggling multiple kids, another option is to have them safe in the cabin while two people assist with the lines and docking or leaving a slip. Then, bring the kids back out into the cockpit before you get underway (wearing life jackets of course).

To be safe, also make sure kids know to remain seated and keep hands away from the side of the boat (particularly when passing pilings). Make sure you have a plan when docking your boat or leaving the slip, and then communicate it to the entire family so everyone knows what they should or should not be doing to be safe.

Another consideration for boating families is if the first mate is expecting. Boating while pregnant is safe with proper precautions, but plan for less cruising the further along you are in pregnancy. If you have a smaller boat you may not want to go cruising fast and will definitely want to avoid hitting wakes. Docking can also be a challenge, as a very pregnant first mate should avoid navigating a bow and reaching for lines.

The most important thing to remember is that a safe boating family is a happy boating family. If you make boating safety a routine practice for your family then your boating activities and cruises will be much more enjoyable for everyone. Establish rules for safety, make sure everyone knows the rules on your boat and always continue to stress the importance of boat safety as a family.

To Know More About Luxury Motor Yacht Dealers in Mumbai India- Navnit Marine Contact us at 022 6677 6659 or Mail us at info@navnitmarine.com