The Earth Hath No Fury Like a Raging Ocean!

Introduction by William L. Gills aka Bos'n Bill


“The sea is emotion incarnate. It loves, hates, and weeps. It defies all attempts to capture it with words and rejects all shackles. No matter what you say about it, there is always that which you can't.” 
― Christopher Paolini, Eragon

The raw power and fury of a raging ocean never ceases to give me pause.  I am captivated by it's dominion over anything that stands in its way.  Since the beginning of time man has tried to understand the forces that move the sea.  It has killed millions and reaked havoc on ships, beaches and land structures.  It's fickle by nature and even the best computer models can't always predict its behaviors. It has the power to end life and destroy property mercilessly without warning.

Here's a video reminiscent of Exodus and the parting of the Red Sea, The Deadliest Catch and The Perfect Storm, displaying the ocean in some of its most capricious, angry moods. The effects of the sun, moon and wind make for some trying times riding the briny bronc and this video is a masterpiece of the spectacle and the formidable foe the ocean can be.

William L. Gills aka Bos'n Bill is the author of the book Lubber's log, published by Llumina Press; a boating journal and adventure story of the author's first time experiences in the preparation, maintenance and piloting of a new, unfamiliar boat.  You can visit his website here.

What Good is a Boat Without Water?

Article by William L. Gills aka Bos'n Bill

Water is everywhere and everyone.  The earth's surface is 70% water, the average adult 55%-65% water.  It's so much a part of our lives, that we often take it for granted until we're without it.  As commonplace and unremarkable this odorless, tasteless liquid is, it's just as equally extraordinary and wonderful as it is mundane; dynamic, essential to life itself, refreshing and most important to boaters, wet and buoyant.

If you're reading this post, it's a sure bet you love the water every bit as much as I do.  For most of us, this love affair with the water starts at an early age and once smitten, there's no returning to a life without it. 

It usually starts in baby steps. Not being quite sure what this new medium is about, you test it.  You discover you can't breathe in it so you mistrust it. When you discover it cools you down in the baking sun, you like it and want more, a fair tradeoff you reason.  Wading in the shallows you realize you can jump, kick, splash and run into the water without harm, your confidence nudging you to venture ever deeper. It's exciting, lots of fun, and you want more.

As your proclivity for water grows, you notice others in the water, swimming "over their heads", not tip toeing on the bottom like you.  Strapping on a life vest and learning to hold your breath underwater touches a milestone and when you're able at last, to cast off the Mae West, swim unassisted, cannonball with gusto and dive to touch bottom headfirst, you've arrived.  Finally, unbridled of fear, you're free to enjoy the water with confidence whenever and wherever you want to get wet. 

Most of us who call ourselves boaters reached a point when we asked ourselves if we're enjoying the best the water had to offer?  Looking beyond the swimmers we saw the boats.  Like a child wading in the shallows we wanted to experience more of our favorite medium and pastime, go faster and farther than we could swim.  Having been under the water, in the water, but not on the water, we bought a boat and narrowed our preference of size, purpose and style to our needs.

Once on the water in our boats, we broke out the rafts, tubes, water skis, rods and reels, inflatables, floating chairs and dinghies. The possibilities for fun on the water were limitless.  No wonder some people lived on it year round.

 I ask you now, where would you be without a body of water to float a boat?  What would you be doing in the summer heat to cool your jets, go under a lawn sprinkler?   Are you satisfied with the local swimming hole, beach, pool, shower or bath?  Heck no, I think you want more.  You know too much.  There's no going back, except to visit.

Water is the core that sustains and invigorates the body, mind and soul of each and every, mariner and boat lover.  Without it, the body withers, the mind wilts and the soul fades. Water is lifeblood; it refreshes, it renews, it replenishes and energizes.  If it's deep, cool and wet, get on it, so you can get in it and under it; your boat is no good without it!

Here's a video to remind you where you came from and who you are my fellow water lovin' boater!

William L. Gills aka Bos'n Bill is the author of the book, Lubber's Log published by Llumina Press;  a boating primer and adventure story about a couples experiences in moving up to a bigger boat.   You can visit his website here:  Lubbers Log

Classic Wooden Runabouts! Wow, Lets See!

Introduction by William L. Gills aka Bos'n Bill

Time to celebrate the classic, vintage wooden runabouts of yesteryear.  You know the ones with the varnished mirror like finishes, bronze hardware, vintage gauges, many with bare bones, visible hull frames and hard wooden seats.  The builders I remember most were Chris Craft, Century, Gar Wood, Lyman and Thompson boats of less than 22 feet (7 meters) in length.

I love the styling of these vintage boats, but just as exciting as their appearance and sex appeal there was something indescribable about the sound of the inboards and outboards of the day at full throttle that thrilled me as a boy.  The sight of the old boats rocketing across the water, glistening in the light of day, sometimes obscured completely by plumes of white spray added to their sense of power and liberation, an exhilaration I experience to this day.

Anyway,  this post is a tribute to the pretty old girls of so many years ago, the forerunners of the magnificent boats of today.  Feel free to ogle or take one for a spin in your minds eye. That's what they're there for.

Classic Wooden Runabouts

William L. Gills aka Bos'n Bill is the author of the book, Lubber's Log published by Llumina Press; a boating primer and adventure story about a couples experiences in moving up to a bigger boat.  

You can visit his website here.

Boat Drinks - A State of Mind

Introduction by William L. Gills aka Bos'n Bill

It's January, the days are short and the weather up north less than cool; the time of year when looking for relief from the winter doldrums, cabin fever and the blues from lack of sunshine descend upon a once vibrant summer soul.  It's time to go where the weather is easy, the water refreshing and the sunshine a rejuvenation.

Boat Drinks are often part of the "flight from sight" equation this time of year, but more than Margaritas, Pina Coladas and Rum highballs, Boat Drinks is a "state of mind".  As Jimmy Buffet will tell you, it's that time of year when you "gotta' go where it's warm, where everything is right, the pace is slow and there ain't no snow."   I have to agree as I ponder the chill and darkness which becomes the tyranny of winter to a summer loyalist.

Now is the time for all the pale, pasty, sorry excuses for water lovin', land bound scallywags to get away. If you can't flee to paradise, you've still got Boat Drinks. It's only a "state of mind" after all. Be of hearty spirit mateys! Spring is not that far away. 

William L. Gills aka Bos'n Bill is the author of the book, Lubber's Log published by Llumina Press; a boating primer and adventure story about a couples experiences in moving up to a bigger boat.  

You can visit his website here.

Flag Placement Basics for Recreational Boaters

Article by William L. Gills aka Bos'n Bill

Flag placement has its foundation in the historical maritime traditions and codes of the merchant ships and navies of the world.  It can be quite intricate and involved, but it's more than most recreational boaters need to know. A full immersion in the steeped conventions of the use of flags on the high seas is rarely necessary in close range of a coastal marina or anchorage.

I don't think I'm alone when I see the confusion that still exists where this tradition in recreational boating is concerned.  Whatever the reason, boaters  might need a little clarification in view of the vagaries on the subject.  To be sure, there are a myriad of types of maritime flags with distinguishing marks and shapes, but in this discussion I'll narrow the field to recreational boats, power and sail, and focus on the basic rules of flag placement.

THE ENSIGN

The most senior position for a flag on a vessel is at its stern.  It was customary during the Roman Empire for Roman ships to carry small religious statues or puppis on the aft deck section of a ship; a sacred spot reserved for worship. You've probably heard the term "poop deck" which is the deck that forms the roof of a cabin built in the rear part of the superstructure of a ship at its stern.  The stern became regarded as a place of authority and respect in the generations that followed; it was where the captain's quarters could be found.  It continues to be a place of honor on a vessel to this day and it's where the national flag or derivative of it can be proudly displayed. 

The ensign, the national colors, is rectangular in design, often a 1:2 or 3:5 ratio of width to length.  It should be flown from a staff off the stern unless it interferes with the operation of the vessel like a boom that extends over the stern.  Should this be the case it can be flown from a backstay from the aftermost mast, at the peak of the gaff* or the leech** of an aftermost sail.  (see terminology below)

The ensign should be flown, according to tradition, between 8:00 a.m. and sunset.  If you plan to leave your boat and don't expect to return before sunset you should take it down; the ensign should never be flown at night.

A few examples of ensigns flown in the western hemisphere are the following:

The United States

The 50-star national flag, "Old Glory", the Stars and Stripes

The U.S. Yacht Ensign, a fouled anchor in a circle of 13 stars

The United Kingdom 

The "Union Jack", the national flag, with its 3 superimposed red and white crosses on a blue background is reserved for warships.

The "Red Ensign", the flag of less engaging maritime traditions, is the ensign for recreational boaters.  It's a red flag with the "Union Jack" displayed in the upper left quadrant.

Canada

The Maple Leaf, the national flag, is the preferred ensign for all Canadian vessels. It consists of two vertical bands of red with a red maple leaf centered and emblazoned on a white background

THE BURGEE

The burgee is usually triangular in shape, your typical pennant, adorned with the distinguishing characteristics of the yacht club or boating organization it represents.  The burgee takes the next most senior position on a vessel, usually the main masthead or starboard spreader or backstays.  In a powerboat, the burgee flies off a short staff on the bow.  It can be flown both while underway and at anchor.

THE COURTESY FLAG

Courtesy flags are generally flown in foreign waters or in waters in which you are a guest; they are a token of respect.  On a sailboat its flown on the boat's starboard spreader. If your burgee is on the starboard spreader you can move it to the masthead.  In a powerboat it's displayed on a bow staff displacing the burgee which could be placed on the portside spreader or antenna.

Courtesy Flag for the Bahamas

FLAG DIMENSIONS

How much flag do I need?  How much flag is too much? The rule to follow for a proper size ensign is one inch for every foot of overall boat length (LOA).  So, if your boat is 30 feet in length your ensign should be a minimum of 30 inches long.  If it's not, the rule is to round up to the next available size.  All other flags:  burgees, courtesies and others should be approximately 1/2 to 5/8 inch for every foot of overall boat length (LOA).  So if your boat is 30 feet in length, your flag should be 15-19 inches long.  For recreational boaters we'll keep it simple:  all flags should be approximately 1/2  the size of the ensign.

That's it.  Pretty simple, huh?  Flag placement isn't as complicated as many make it out to be.  Knowing what flag is what and what flag goes where is all you need to know.  Remember, national colors to the stern, the most important place on a boat with burgees and courtesy flags to starboard for sailors, to the bow for power. Any questions?

Terminology (see asterisks above):

*Gaff: the outer end of the spar(a sailing ship's mast, boom or yard) extending aft from the main mast.

**Leech: The vertical back edge of a sail.

William L. Gills aka Bos'n Bill is the author of the book, Lubber's Log published by Llumina Press; a boating primer and adventure story about a couples experiences in moving up to a bigger boat.  

You can visit his website here.

Are Marine Grade Products Worth the Price?

Introduction by William L. Gills aka Bos'n Bill

How true it the old adage, "you get what you pay for?  Not absolutely true, but a big consideration in your pursuit of a quality product that will serve your needs at the best price. In the case of marine products, an argument could be made in favor of using only "marine grade" in a saltwater environment, but what about fresh water?  Does the same assumption apply there?  Can you get a better product at a reasonable price?  After all, cost comparisons with similar non-marine items like refrigerators, deck hardware, folding chairs and plumbing supplies cost a good deal less, so why not go with the lower cost item and save some money?

I my opinion and experience, marine products should be preferred to non-marine anytime the product you are buying will be exposed to the elements or serving various uses in a moving vessel on a body of water, any body of water.  Marine products aren't simply made of non-corrosive materials, they're built with safety, utility and functionality in mind.

Doug and his wife Brenda of Boating With Dawsons, write seasonal articles informing boaters of new products,  providing useful tips on such things as upholstery, teak, boat utilities, enhancements, marine maintenance and repair.  In the following article from their website Doug shares his experience and his opinions as to  why "marine products" are the better choice for boaters.

Article by Doug Dawson

Having been in the marine industry all my life, I know the difference between marine parts and non-marine parts whether they are for your engine, cabin or on decks.  For over a half a century, our marine store sold and our service department installed a whole range of genuine marine products for boats.

                                                          THE DIFFERENCE 
 The first difference most people cite between marine and non-marine products is the price.  Marine products are more expensive, but there's good reason for that.  I can assure you that it's not the marine store trying to squeeze out a bigger margin. Marine products are designed specifically for boats.  Functionality, durability, fit and utility are what make marine products a better choice for boaters. 

Non-marine products, on the other hand are not built or designed with the boater in mind.  They will work, but not nearly as well or as long as products made specifically for marine use.  This is because they may not have the required safety features necessary for safe boating; the securing brackets, electrical breakers or non-corrosive characteristics necessary for a marine environment. They are likely to cause more problems than they are worth.

When my wife Brenda was a young girl and was involved in her father's television business she learned a valuable lesson in Zenith's motto: "Quality is remembered long after price is forgotten."  This is especially true in boating.  Paying a little more up front for quality marine parts could end up costing less in the long run and serve you far better.  It's like most other things in life, "you get what you pay for."  Here are some examples of where marine products can make a difference.

                                                      MARINE REFRIGERATOR
A marine fridge is designed with a door locking catch so the door won't open and spill the contents all over the galley in rough seas and it has brackets to hold the unit in place. Another great feature is that it's built in  standard sizes for standard sized openings on most boats so you won't have to pay for a custom installation.  Parts are made of stainless steel to deter moisture and prevent corrosion.  Some have integrated evaporators and most have either stops on the front of the shelves to keep them from falling out or have drawers.  They're designed to give you more product in less space.

They run on either 12/24 Volts DC or the combination of 12 volts DC and 110-120 Volts AC giving you more flexibility when cruising.  Better insulation, size of compressor, use of non-flammable refrigerant are all taken into consideration when designing a marine fridge as well as the option to use water or air cooling to rid heat generated by the refrigeration unit. They're engineered  to operate under rough conditions while underway, built to withstand violent movement, operate noiselessly and most importantly, consume an absolute minimum of battery power.  


As an aside:  if you're considering using a 110-120 Volt refrigeration unit instead of a 12/24 Volt unit to run it off an inverter, be sure to do your homework.  You need to be sure you'll have enough battery power to operate your fridge for the length of your stay on the water where shore power is not an option.


                                                    MARINE SINK HARDWARE
Buy marine taps, faucets and drains for the head and or galley.  True, it's easy and inexpensive to pick up a set of taps from your local discount store or building supply to replace your aged or out of fashion faucets, but all too often, they're not made of a non-corrosive material making them unsuitable for a boat installation.  Also, the mechanism for lifting the drain are different on a boat and the under sink space is much more confined than the typical residential bathroom.  Check out the sink hardware carefully before purchasing.  You'll probably find it less expensive in the long run if you buy from your local marina, ships store or boating supply.


                                                           MARINE HEADS
Charging the holding tank with holding tank chemicals not only reduces the odor, but also "works" in the tank to breakdown the sewage and paper.  When repairing a toilet, buy genuine parts for your make and model or you could face some smelly consequences.  Some boaters who have repaired toilets with the wrong parts have been punished unmercifully with the condition worsening and the corrective surgery costly.  You've heard the expression, "s_ _ t happens".  Don't let it happen in your bilge.  Buy the right marine parts and be sure to have them installed properly.

MARINE DECK CHAIRS

Deck chairs are a necessary purchase to accommodate guests on most larger cruisers and yachts.  Deck chairs should fold and stow easily, have a lower center of gravity for stability with rubber, non-skid feet to prevent sliding.  Non-marine home patio chairs for example, generally are too high with the feet too close together to offer any stability.  Again, there are no rubber feet on home chairs which could cause an unsafe situation where passengers and crew could slide across the deck in rough water. For the safety of your crew and guests, proper marine deck chairs are the best seat on deck.

MARINE HARDWARE

Boat hardware should be stainless steel or marine grade plastic so it won't corrode or deteriorate.  Installing aluminum or cheap fittings will look dreadful after a year or so, and may stop being functional all together, requiring a repair or total replacement.  If you find yourself having to replace hardware every year or two, doesn't it make sense to spend a little more to get the right marine grade the first time?  Buy it right, buy it once.

                                                  MARINE CLEANING PRODUCTS
Washing the boat with the wrong product can shorten the life of the paint and/or gelcoat. Be sure to use marine cleaning products to extend the life of your finish.


If areas have soot/exhaust stains from the engines or stains around through the hull fittings (A/C outlets, cooling water outlets, etc.) find a product at your local marine supplier that is made for that specific purpose or you may irreparably harm the finish.


If you ever get oil and sludge in your bilge, try the marine absorbent pads to soak up and dispose of them according to your local environmental regulations. 

Keep in mind, all marine cleaning products should be used according to the manufacturer's instructions.  Some work better than others so do your research before buying.

BUY MARINE, BUY ONCE

These are only a few examples, there are many more. Most  mariners could rattle off at least a  handful of horror stories resulting from the use of marine substitutes.  When you consider what these products have over their counterparts, doesn't  it makes sense to go marine?  Even though it may cost a bit more in the beginning, it usually costs less in the long run.  Like I said earlier in this post, "buy right, buy once" for hassle-free boating.

On their website,  Boating With Dawsons,  the couple share tips and tricks to help make your boating easier and more enjoyable.

William L. Gills aka Bos'n Bill is the author of the book, Lubber's Log published by Llumina Press; a boating primer and adventure story about a couples experiences in moving up to a bigger boat.  

You can visit his website here.

Renaming Your Boat - Ceremony Required?

Article by William L.Gills aka Bos'n Bill

If you just bought the boat of your dreams only to find the name on the transom is a nightmare you can't live with, names like Irritable Bow, Big Woody or Sir Osis of the River you might want to change the name to something more suitable to your taste and values.  Before you do this though, you need to consider some ancient traditions before you plow ahead and remove the offending moniker.  What I'm about to tell you may only be superstition, but in the proverbial verse, "better safe than sorry" there is a lot more than a hint of wisdom.

Renaming a boat should not be taken too lightly.  Unlucky boats are usually the ones that have defied the gods of the sea, (that's gods plural, emphasis added). Of course, everyone has heard of the legendary Neptune, the "Big Kahuna" who controls the  oceans and the seas, but don't forget Nereus, Proteus, Glaucus and Phorkys and the rulers of the winds; they must be appeased as well.

According to legend, every ship and boat ever named is recorded in a big tally book, the Ledger of the Deep.  Neptune knows personally each and every vessel enumerated in the tally book, even yours, and he gets angry when ordinary human beings dishonor him by pulling a name change without letting him know.

So here's what you need to do to avert the wrath of the gods and ensure good fortune throughout the life of the vessel.  Get a christening/boat renaming ceremony going, beginning with a purging of your boat's name from the Ledger of the Deep and Neptune's impeccable memory.  You need to do this rather quickly, don't drag your anchor. You only have thirty days to perform the rite or the name will attach itself to you and you won't be able to remove it no matter how many litanies you recite. 

To remove an old boat name from the Ledger of the Deep, be absolutely sure there are no traces of it anywhere on or in your boat.  Either remove the name completely or expunge it from log books, stickers, memorabilia and charts using white-out or black marker pen.  There cannot be the tiniest trace of the old name anywhere on the boat, especially on the transom AND you must never utter the name of the old girl again in the vicinity of the vessel or your purging will be incomplete and rendered moot. 

This is very important and not to be taken lightly.  One hapless boat owner I knew performed the ceremony only to find an old registration with the old boat name on it in a far corner of his starboard locker.  I urged him to consider a redo of the ceremony which he ceremoniously declined.  All I know, is that his boat was besieged with issues;  the port engine died, a hole was punched in his hull when it hit a submerged rock, his isinglass blew out in a gale and his starboard stuffing box leaked like a sieve, scuttling the boat. Happenstance or a Neptune design? You be the judge.

Back to the ceremony.  As tradition would have it, you must invite everyone who is important to the boat to be at the christening.  I'm talking about your kids, your pets, your fishing buddies, girlfriend, first mate, grandpa and Uncle Eddy.  Get yourself a couple of bottles of the best bubbly you can afford and get some of those cheap plastic champagne glasses for your boating kit and kin. They don't care, they just want the champagne

Once assembled, you may begin the purging ceremony by invoking the name of the Ruler of the Deep.  This is where you praise and honor his magnificence and implore his benevolent graces to expunge the current name of your boat from his official Ledger, offering libations of champagne in grateful acknowledgement of his welcome dispensations.  Pour half a bottle over the bow into the sea and share the rest with your guests.

With the name graciously eradicated you may begin the renaming proceedings by imploring his majesty, King Neptune to recognize the new name you have chosen.  In appreciation for his beneficence, offer more libations of champagne and have a glass yourself with your honored first mate.

Finally, not to be forgotten are the mighty Rulers of the Winds; Great Boreas, Zephyrus, Eurus and Notus who have dominion over the four corners of the earth.  Your frail vessel must traverse into the scourge of their mighty breaths and you need their blessings.  Libations of your finest champagne should be flung to the north, west, east and south in that order as you address and honor each god asking for safe passage and the benefits and pleasures of their bounty.

At this point, your vessel has become sacrosanct and you can unveil the new name of your renamed boat unto the gaze of your honored guests. It is best that the name you have chosen is somehow unique to you, not a borrowed name like so many boaters fancy to do.  The gods are tired of names like Serenity, Island Time, Obsession, Time Out and Serendipity. There are just too many of them around and they're tiresome and dull.  Not only do they take up unnecessary space on the Ledger of the Deep, they lack imagination and are an abomination to the gods!

As to ceremony or no ceremony, you know what you're supposed to do when you rename a boat and you have a simple choice;  perform the ritual as legions have since the earliest  of historical maritime accounts or take your chances with displeased, angry sea and wind gods.  As for me, I lean in the opposite direction of the seen and unforeseen consequences of an indifferent mariner. It's up to you of course, it's your boat, Cap.

William L. Gills aka Bos'n Bill is the author of the book, Lubber's Log published by Llumina Press; a boating primer and adventure story about a couples experiences in moving up to a bigger boat.  

You can visit his website here.