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.

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 Yachts, Bayliner Boats, Meridian Yachts and Many More.

Source - grenadabluewatersailing.com

What To Put In A Grab Bag?

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.

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. 

 

 

Buying the perfect Runabout

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.

• 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

Boat Cleaning Tips

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.

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 Marine Private Limited
 

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

E-mail: info@navnitmarine.com

Engine Cooling System Tips

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.

 

 

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

Safe Boating Tips as a Family with Kids

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.

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.

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

What To Do If Your Boat Capsizes

Boat capsizes are actually more common than you realise. If you are a small vessel operator, whether power or sail, then it is a good idea to be prepared for this type of emergency.

Why Has My Boat Capsized?

A boat is called “capsized” when it has overturned or is floating on its side. Smaller vessels are more likely to capsize due to their sensitivity to sudden changes in wind and sea conditions. Luckily, most boats will remain floating in the capsized position, enabling you to be supported by them on the surface. Boats often capsize when overloaded, in heavy seas or adverse weather conditions, or if pushed beyond their design limits.

What Should I Do If My Boat Capsizes?

If your boat capsizes then the most important thing to do is remain calm and conserve your energy by floating.

If you have passengers or crew then take an immediate head count and ensure everyone is wearing their lifejackets and stays next to the boat.

Only leave the boat if it is in a dangerous position and heading towards a hazard. The reason why you should stay with the boat is because you may be able to right the vessel and get everyone out of the water. Also, rescuers will be able to spot a larger object more clearly.

If possible, climb on top of the vessel to exit the water and retain body heat. Alternatively, use anything to hand that will help you remain more buoyant in the water – this will assist with conserving your energy.

How To Signal For Help If Your Boat Capsizes

Getting help is the next step. The most important thing you can do before your trip, is to file a float plan and have a designated person on shore who knows when to expect you back or hear from you. They should alert the emergency services once you are overdue and they have not been able to contact you.

Another way you can prepare before the trip is to ensure you are carrying proper signalling devices on board in a grab bag. Signal flares or smoke flares will assist in your rescue. Make yourself as highly visible as possible by wearing bright clothing. Try to make the vessel appear larger on the surface by tethering objects to it. Make sure to save the flares for the moment when they are most likely to be seen by rescuers.

If you do not have any means of communication or signalling devices then it becomes a little more difficult to attract attention. As mentioned above, try to make yourself and your capsized boat as highly visible as possible to rescuers.

Precautions In Case Your Boat Capsizes

• Be prepared for a boat capsizing by making sure you have a grab bag on board with emergency signalling devices.
• Make sure you file a float plan and have a designated shore support person.
• On board, make sure items do not shift around and accidentally capsize the boat.
• In rougher seas, take waves head on or at a slight angle. Use low power and do not turn suddenly

 

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