Messing About In Sailboats

Reflections on a Relationship Between Boater & Marina by Stu Hochron, News From The Bow

Article reposted with permission from News From The Bow. “A Marina in Need is a…” (Reflections on a Relationship Between Boater & Marina) More years ago than I care to remember, a young first-time boater called his local marina. “I need a spot for my boat” was all he knew to ask. Having heard stories of limited dock space and long waiting lines, the young man expected, at best, delays or a referral to another marina. Instead he heard a kind voice reply “Sure, come on in. We’ll have a spot for you”. It was that simple. This was my first marina experience. Mary Lockwood, matriarch of the large family that owns and operated the marina, had set the bar. Mr. Lockwood (William Sr.) stood patiently and waited for me on a finger pier as I motored in. He had replied to my call on channel 16 from outside the... Read more →

Trouble in Paradise By Tom Robinson, News From The Bow

Article reposted with permission from News From The Bow. The day started like any other in paradise. On the Island of Malolo, Fiji, an incredible sunrise found the horizon dotted with small boats that carried local villagers from neighboring islands to work at our hotel. We too had decided to be afloat that day and reserved three spots on the classic S/V Seaspray, a vessel best known for its role in movies and television shows. It’s not often that you get the opportunity to sail on one of these classic twenty-five meter schooners! Paradise as a Figian beach A fast speedboat was to pick us up promptly at 1000 and rendezvous with Seaspray at Mana Island. I rounded up the family and made it to the dock by 9.55 AM, only to discover that the ferry had left with another couple at 9:30 AM. The fact that the speedboat departed... Read more →

The Essence Of Repowering by Stu Hochron, News From The Bow

Article reposted with permission from News From The Bow. The old saying “fiberglass doesn’t die” is mostly true. Not so for original boat engines. Those of us who maintain an engine(s) that propels a boat have, at one time or another, considered re-powering. Perhaps “old faithful” hasn’t been so reliable lately. Maybe the need to carry spare oil has outstripped available storage space. Has the Admiral’s tolerance for diesel smoke been exceeded? Then there’s the desire for more fuel efficiency and/or speed. For Jorgen Naess it was, to one degree or another, all of the above. “We barely made it up the river at the end of the season. Oil was leaking into the bilge. The mechanics had low confidence they could repair the engine and the marina never even mentioned a repair estimate”. Options were limited. “For just a moment we considered selling the boat, but we like her... Read more →

Living In Paradise Vs Living In Fear By Stu Hochron, News From The Bow

Article reposted with permission from News From The Bow. We recently met a full time cruising couple. In a previous life their vacations had introduced them to warm, peaceful places. Their dream of living on the water evolved over decades, clarified by visits to places like the Caribbean, Fiji, Europe’s Mediterranean and Mexico. The dream preceded their boating experience. Cruises with paid captains were followed by boating safety courses, which were followed by bare boating leases and plenty of reading. Their ideal cruising region was carefully chosen after trips to many of the most beautiful places on earth. They would not lose sight of their dream despite life’s inevitable detours. According to plan, hard work should have resulted in enough savings to buy “the boat” and set off. And hard work it was, more difficult than either he or she could have imagined. Work-related stress, financial letdowns, layoffs and the... Read more →

Address those leaks now! by John Conlon

Article reposted with permission from News From The Bow Editor’s Note: John Conlon has more than 20 years of experience in the boating service industry. He is parts manager at Lockwood Boat Works, Inc. in South Amboy New Jersey. In his first installment of “From the Parts Department” John discusses products used to waterproof your boat. His comments are applicable as soon as the snow melts, before launch day. Checking for water leaks and correcting them early will improve the quality and safety of your boating season. In upcoming articles John will update us on fuel treatments, engine commissioning and Econea (possibly the future of anti-fouling technology). From the Parts Department By John Conlon Have you had enough of winter yet? It’s time to think spring and get your priorities in order. Having every part and product move through his department gives John a unique perspective within the marine industry.... Read more →