MARINE SURVEY / SELF APPOINTED /SELF REGULATED/ DO YOU HAVE ANY FAITH?

 

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MARINE SURVEY SELF GOVERNING / UNREGULATED

I HAVE STARTED THIS RANT PROBABLY SIX TIMES, THIS IS JUST ONE OF THOSE TOPICS. SOME WILL DISAGREE WITH ME. BUT I WILL BET MORE WILL AGREE.

When you hire a marine surveyor what are you getting, and does he / she know anymore than you? Did they get a copy of another survey and copy your information into the appropriate areas? Forget about the fact that this person probably doesn't know how to calibrate or use a moisture meter correctly (the surveyors favorite tool). The fact is most surveyors probably cannot tell you or even understand how the most expensive and crucial parts of a new boat actually work. Do they know how to assess servomechanisms and electronic controls for corrosion. Surveys today must go way beyond the boat and its structure and hit the heart of were a boats value really lies, the propulsion system. I am aware that if a boat is rotten or falling apart that it will not pass a survey, However not passing a survey does not stop a sales deal or a boat owner from getting insurance. As a matter of fact the structural repairs on a new technology boat will be cheaper to fix than a mechanical failure will be. Case in point: a boat last year with an early generation IPS (yes there are multiple generations of almost every fly by wire control system) steering failure cost over $20,000 Canadian Dollars to fix and its still not out of the woods yet. Corrosion has set into all the delicate sensors and electronics that make the system work, yet this boat has flown thru survey after survey. Traditional marine surveys don't even require the boat to run never mind the fact that a survey is completed at the dock or on land (if you have a marine surveyor who takes out the boat please let me know). So what is a survey and why the hell even have one done anymore. They are expensive and provide not one guarantee. The list of deficiencies are usually past on from owner to owner. A lot of insurance companies are not even requesting one any more, and I understand why!

I copied this from SAMS the organization most surveyors cling to when justifying their rate and background.

SAMS

Frequently Asked Questions   How Do I Choose a Marine Surveyor?

Anyone can title him or herself as a Marine Surveyor and start a business. Certain marine surveyors are permitted to use a designation denoting membership in accrediting organiza- tions that require members to meet strict professional, technical and ethical standards.

Surveyors should provide you with a professionally prepared report that can be accepted by your bank and/or insurance company. Talk with prospective surveyors and ask questions! What does the survey include and what type of reporting format is used? Do they use ABYC, NFPA and USCG standards in their surveys? How much will the inspection cost? How long will the on-board inspection take?

A thorough inspection will not be rushed and will depend on the type of survey required based on vessel size, equipment and on-board systems. There may be additional services available such as engine surveys, oil analysis, galvanic and stray current corrosion testing, ultrasonic testing, moisture testing and other non-destructive tests. There may be additional charges for these and other services.

Well conducted surveys can provide good infor-mation on the vessels' condition, but they are not guarantees. The surveyor reports the condition in accessible areas only as it exists at the time of inspection.

Why should you have a vessel surveyed? Most insurance companies and banks will require them on older vessels. They will need to know her condition and fair market value in order to finance and/or underwrite the vessel. Knowing her condition and fair market value before you purchase is also important. However, the most important reason to survey your vessel is for the safety of the passengers and crew

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What Type of Survey Do I Need?

Marine Surveys are performed for a number of reasons,
and the procedures for each vary to best suit your needs:

	Pre-Purchase Survey This is the most comprehensive type of inspection, and is strongly advised when purchasing a new or used vessel. Condition and overall operation of the vessel should be examined. This covers structural integrity, electrical systems, the propulsion system, the fuel system, other machinery, navigation equipment, miscellaneous on-board systems, cosmetic appearance, electronics, and overall maintenance as well as an out-of-water inspection and a sea trial. Insurance Survey This inspection is performed so that the insurance company can determine whether or not the vessel is an acceptable risk. They are interested in structural integrity and safety for its intended use. Most insurance companies require a survey on older boats. They will also want to know the vessel's fair market value. Appraisal Inspection This inspection is performed to gather enough information to justify or determine the fair market value of the vessel. This is normally needed for financing, estate settlements, donations and legal cases. Damage Inspection The surveyor can be retained by an insurance company to determine the cause of a loss and determine the extent of loss related damage and may be asked to recommend repairs, review estimates, and determine the pre-loss value of a vessel.  A vessel owner can retain a surveyor for the same purposes, but for the owner's behalf. How Should I Prepare for a Marine Survey? Time and additional expense can be saved by preparing the vessel for inspection and making her more accessible. Arrange to present a clean, shipshape boat, and have all papers and miscellaneous gear ready. If applicable, you will need to make arrangements with the marina to haul the vessel for bottom inspection, and retain a captain for sea trials. Lockers and cabin areas should be cleared of all miscellaneous gear. The surveyor should never be asked to prepare a boat for inspection. The surveyor may request minor dismantling of interior ceilings, headliners, flooring, etc. in order to gain access to the suspected areas. Random removal and examination of below-the-waterline fasteners on wood boats may be required. Any dismantling and re-installation of parts should be performed by qualified personnel and is the responsibility of the person ordering the survey. Written authorization from the owner may be needed to board and/or to remove part of the vessel.  ONCE YOU RETAIN THE SURVEYOR, HE OR SHE WORKS ONLY FOR YOU AND REPORTS TO NO ONE ELSE. THE SURVEYOR IS THERE TO PROTECT YOUR INTERESTS     How Do I become A SAMS® Surveyor SAMS® has two membership classes of marine surveyors. The Accredited Marine Surveyor (AMS®) and the Surveyor Associate (SA). Listed below are the items required to apply for membership. A more detailed description will be included in our Membership Request Packet. If you are interested in becoming a SAMS® member, please send your request to samshq@marinesurvey.org This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , and include your full name and mailing address. If applying as an Accredited Marine Surveyor you will need to submit the following: SAMS® Application (included in Membership Packet) SAMS® Admissions Exam (included in Membership Packet) Submit one survey for each of last five years of active surveying Resume Business Card  Notarized affidavit attesting completion of 12 surveys per year for each of the last five years $150.00 non-refundable application fee  If applying as a Surveyor Associate, you will need to submit the following: SAMS® Application (included in Membership Packet) SAMS® Admissions Exam (included in Membership Packet) A minimum of one survey report Resume Business Card   $150.00 non-refundable application fee! Accredited Marine Surveyor® 1. Candidates must be currently practicing marine surveyors with at least five (5) years surveying experience, accumulated within the past ten (10) years, in the field of expertise which accreditation is desired. Credit of up to three (3) years of the five (5) years required may be granted for related marine experience. Acceptability of related marine experience shall be determined by the membership committee and/or Board of Directors. 2. Applicants must affirm that they will abide by the By-Laws Code of Ethics, Standards, official decisions and amendments to such of the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS®). 3. Candidates must complete an application form, supply a complete resume and submit for review a number of surveys as may be required by the Membership Committee. 4. Candidates must successfully complete a written exam on their selected field of accreditation as prescribed by the Testing Committee and conducted by that Committee or their designated representative. Cost related to administration of said examination shall be born by the candidates. Examinations will be reviewed by the Testing Committee and submitted to the Membership Committee. 5. Applicants must agree to participate in and meet all requirements of the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors' (SAMS®) program of continuing education as established by the Education Committee and/or Board of Directors Surveyor Associate 1. Applicants must be marine surveyors who do not yet meet prerequisites for acceptance as Accredited Marine Surveyors. 2. Applicants must affirm that they will abide by the By-Laws, Code of Ethics, Standards, official decisions and amendments to such of the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS®). 3. Applicants must complete an application form, provide a complete resume and submit for review survey reports prepared by the applicants from each year of experience. 4. Applicants must agree to participate in and meet all requirements of the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors' (SAMS®) program of continuing education as established by the Education Committee and/or Board of Directors.

You read all that I hope. I think that surveys are a necessity more now than ever however the parameters that a survey covers must be expanded and a level of responsibility placed on the surveyor (we should rename the service from survey to safety check). In the automotive industry, aircraft industry and almost every other form of transportation someone, some were has an obligation by law to inform you of the safety of the vehicle. Why not create a similar standard with boats. This would create a safety net for boaters that would protect them from buying unsafe, unfit vessels. As environmental protection closes in on pleasure boats perhaps that will be the spark that will create an official boat certification program. If surveyors (even certified marine technicians) had a legal obligation and laws to back them up then we would see changes in the amount of floating junk out there. I myself have been on several insured vessels that I wanted to declare unfit to be in the water. Surveyors promote themselves as safety advocates yet what have they done as a group protect the vessel owners? These professionals must know we have a problem. 

 

 

Self regulation is always a slippery slope, why not have 100,000 surveyors on the roster all paying dues and SAMS can triple the number of non mandatory courses for them at 1000 dollars a head and create an even bigger group of self appointed experts to take our money. A surveyor today should be just as much a graduate of MIT as a boat guy who has an understanding of boat structure (which to is fast going to be outdated). We need new regulation and new ideas to protect boaters. Other countries around the world are addressing this problem Canada and the US are stuck in the belief that new ideas should be crushed by the old guard, and who ever else is the beneficiary of bulling every one else of the marine industry block. The industry is changing and with this change will come new ideas I hope our officials don't continue to support the old guard any more.

As boating continues to grow and evolve so to should the services boaters pay for. I guarantee you if surveyors had a legal responsibility at least half of them would disappear. Boaters are in the same place the housing industry was in several years ago when house experts crawled out of the wood work to do home inspections. We need to clean up the marine survey industry and create a new survey that will cover the complete boat with more emphasis placed on the systems in the boat that all boaters count on the most, yet know the least about when making a purchase. The engines ,transmissions, drives the propulsion system.

I feel any information a boater or potential new boater can obtain about their boat is great, and I really am not against surveys. But come on when you consider the investment and commitment a boat takes shouldn't we demand more from those who we pay to advise us. After all they are supposed to be the experts. I am tired of walking the docks and seeing slicks in the water. Boats that shouldn't be sold anymore crossing the lake with a load of kids in them. If there is a boat for sale there always seems to be a buyer. All I want to do is somehow be sure that all boats that are out on a weekend are not fire traps or breakdown queens.

 

AUTHOR  BW

 

 Copyright 2015 © Boat Nut Media, Toronto, Ontario. All rights reserved. No part of this information/publications may be stored in a retrieval system, transmitted, or reproduced in any way, including but not limited to photocopy, magnetic, or other record, without prior agreement and written permission of the publisher, Boat Nuts Media ©™ No liability is assumed with respect to the information provided

NMMA WISH I WOULD HAVE HAD THIS TO ADD TO RANT

 

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WISH I HAD THIS BEFORE LAST TWO POSTS ? FIGURES BACK BOAT NUT RANT

RECREATIONAL BOATING INDUSTRY REMAINS SIGNIFICANT TO CANADIAN ECONOMY AS RETAIL SALES OF BOATS AND ENGINES REACH MORE THAN $3 BILLION

 

Sales of personal watercraft and pre-owned boats see surge and boater participation rises, demonstrating Canadians’ ongoing interest in boating

 

TORONTO – January 12, 2016—The Canadian recreational boating industry’s leading trade group, the National Marine Manufacturer’s Association (NMMA), announced today the release of its annual Canadian Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract for 2015, which reveals the Canadian recreational marine industry remains steady as sales increase in certain categories and boater participation rises.

 

The NMMA reports that retail sales of new boats and engines reached $2.1 billion in 2015, a 3.8 percent increase over 2014 while pre-owned boat sales totaled $1.06 billion, maintaining the industry’s healthy contribution to the Canadian economy. In addition, personal watercraft, including brands such as Jet Ski, SeaDoo and WaveRunner, experienced a sales surge in 2015 with unit sales of new personal watercraft jumping ten percent from 2014. The pre-owned category also experienced a strong increase in 2015, rising seven percent. What’s more, Canadians’ participation in recreational boating has remained stable at 43 percent of the adult population, up from 35 percent in 2011-2012, the last time it was recorded.

 

“The data confirm that recreational boating remains a significant part of the Canadian economy, delivering more than $3 billion in new and pre-owned retail sales, while providing us with insights on how we can continue to grow as an industry,” notes Sara Anghel, executive director of NMMA Canada. “Pre-owned boats and personal watercraft tend to be points of entry for new boaters and with sales of these categories seeing healthy increases, alongside rising boater participation, this signals that boating continues to be an attractive recreational activity to Canadians.”

 

 Boat Sales

 

There were 38,000 new boats sold during 2015 with an estimated retail value of $2.1 billion. These figures represent a 5.4 percent decline in new unit sales and a 3.8 percent increase in retail dollar sales from 2014.

 

Canadians purchased 64,312 pre-owned boats in 2015 totaling $1.06 billion in retail dollar sales. These figures represent a 7percent increase in unit sales and a21.2 percent increase in dollars from 2014.

 

While there were declines in new boat sales across nearly all categories, sales of new personal watercraft units were up 10.5 percent. New boat unit sales declines were spread across nearly all provinces in 2015 except Manitoba, which saw a slight increase of 0.7 percent over 2014.

 

Meanwhile, in 2015, outboard engine unit sales increased in nearly all provinces/territories that had significant volume except Quebec (down 3.1%), Saskatchewan (down 9.6%), and the Northwest Territories (down 28.1%). The declines in these three parts of the country offset growth in others. Subsequently, national outboard engine sales were relatively unchanged from 2014 (both units and dollars down 0.1%).

 

“The decrease the industry saw in sales of new boat units in 2015 is estimated to largely be a result of the exchange rate, which currently favors Canadians buying recreational boats in the U.S.,” noted Anghel. “Despite any decreases, the increases we’re seeing in entry point categories and participation, combined with Canada’s immense access to water and Canadians’ passion for the outdoors, boating remains a top recreational activity, attracting people from all parts of the country.”

 

 

Boating Participation and Boater Demographics

It is estimated that 43 percent of Canadian adults went boating at least once during 2015, which translates to 12.4 million boaters.

 

The data also reveal that compared to non-boaters, current boating participants tend to be married, have children living at home, a combined household income of less than $100,000, be university educated, and work full time.

 

NMMA reports that 75 percent of boaters had some post-secondary education (compared to 69 percent of non-boaters), 68 percent were employed at least part-time (compared to 56 percent of non-boaters) and 62 percent were married (compared to 54 percent of non-boaters). Additionally, 59 percent of boaters have combined household incomes of less than $100,000.

 

 



Copyright 2015 © Boat Nut Media, Toronto, Ontario. All rights reserved. No part of this information/publications may be stored in a retrieval system, transmitted, or reproduced in any way, including but not limited to photocopy, magnetic, or other record, without prior agreement and written permission of the publisher, Boat Nuts Media ©™ No liability is assumed with respect to the information provided

BOAT SHOW HYPE

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              BOAT SHOW HYPE / Another year of Cookie Cutter Boats

Every year at this time I start getting requests for Boat Show Passes, and this year is no exception. I have been involved with several major Boat Shows over the years Toronto, Vancouver, Seattle and Miami. In each case I anticipate seeing something new, something exiting! The last few years I have not been thrilled about my Boat Show experiences at all. The only power boat sector that I have seen go through real engineering and physical changes have been the Wake Board Boat builders. Every one else is playing copy cat right down to the hull side windows. Some were along the line ergonomics and cost cutting have trumped usable design, and since when did boaters all become 5 feet tall. A lot of these new boats have claustrophobic spaces where sea sickness must be included in the price. Boat builders are all following the same trend slightly deeper hulls, flat decks, cramped spaces with more crap than ever crammed into theses areas. You can use the head, take a shower and wash your hands all at the same time on a forty foot yacht. All of this great (NOT REALLY) new design, comes complete with the boat builders all using the same color pallet. I think boat builders have a secrete meeting every year and decide that all the boats will be black (or green or whatever they deem the flavor of the year) so we have no choice as consumers, take the black one. Reminds me of the model A car, you can have any color you want as long as it is black.

I hope this year brings something new but I am not holding my breath. My biggest pet peeve is the Boat Show timing. I mean I get the fact that in certain climates Boat Shows generate off season dollars for dealers, but really they are selling boats! Why not an in the water show in the spring where a boat can be in it's element. A boat at a Boat Show and in the water are two different animals. A 27 foot power boat looks big when you are looking at it on land, however put the same boat at the dock and half of it seems to disappear. Hold it maybe I answered my own question, looking bigger must sell boats! As far as I am concerned the only people who do well at the Boat Show are the people who host the venue.

I know that the idea behind any show like this is to introduce new product to the consumer, however what about the non multi millionaires who are in need of a great used boat why not show some used product, hell quite often the two year old boat is a nicer design than the new one. Why not have a used product show or at least include an area for these boats at the show? Maybe Boat Nut should develop a used boat show  that wont cost the vendors a fortune to be in, what do you think?

Just remember that the boat show prices and deals are available after the show so if you feel you need time to consider the purchase you have it, don't be pressured. I had to laugh a couple of years ago I was with a client at the Toronto show to purchase a davit system. We asked for the Boat Show price (as they advertised a discount) it was hilarious to hear that the discount worked out to fifty cents. No joke a 15 thousand dollar purchase was discounted by fifty cents!! So don't buy into all the hype.

If you are thinking of buying accessories such as bow thrusters shop the boat show and make contacts but you don't have to buy one unless you are familiar with the way the system is rigged into your vessel, or you have been on a boat similar to yours with the same set up on board. Some of these new non tunneled thrusters may show well on a video but may not work in your application. A good vendor will be able to demonstrate one in the water in the spring for you, before you lay out thousands of dollars for a piece of equipment that will not fit your boat on the inside were the wires and relays are to be located.
It is important to remember that you are dealing with sales people and not installers in most cases, if there is an installer talk to them first. The vendors are there for one reason to get your money!

Boat Shows are a great place to go and get ideas and if you are committed to a purchase sometimes to get a great early season deal. However experienced boaters know the best deals are usually END OF SEASON or previous unsold model years not at the Boat Show.

HAPPY HUNTING 

Copyright 2015 © Boat Nut Media, Toronto, Ontario. All rights reserved. No part of this information/publications may be stored in a retrieval system, transmitted, or reproduced in any way, including but not limited to photocopy, magnetic, or other record, without prior agreement and written permission of the publisher, Boat Nuts Media ©™ No liability is assumed with respect to the information provided

Author  RP

Boaters Pledge BOATING GREEN 2016

 

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     BOAT NUT GREEN BOATING PLEDGE


1- I WILL MANAGE MY SEWAGE RESPONSIBLY:
By using pump out services, never discharge my holding tank by way of an illegally hooked up macerator and open discharge through hull. I will only discharge overboard as permitted by regulation. If I am within regulation I will only dump away from anchorages, sensitive areas, shell fish beds and swimmers. Black Water Regulations

Black Water is defined as sewage that contains fecal matter and urine. It is illegal to discharge black water from a pleasure craft into Canadian waters.



Local Restrictions
Local waterways in Canada may have specific discharge restrictions in addition to those covered here.

Be sure to check for local restrictions before you go boating.
When operating on Ontario waters:

Portable toilets are illegal.

Pleasure craft are not allowed to discharge any type of sewage or sewage sludge overboard into the water

Remember …
  It is illegal to discharge untreated sewage from your pleasure craft into any Canadian waters.

　
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2- I WILL REDUCE MY GREY WATER DISCHARGE:

and use only products with all natural ingredients whenever possible.

WHAT IS GREY WATER: Grey Water is any waste discharge from any showers, kitchens, wet bars, bathroom sinks, washer, dishwasher, hot tubs. Any discharge that is not a toilet. GREY WATER systems are considered any water that drains from the boat directly into the water, some Grey Water systems are brought to a central sump box and pumped over others are drain to thru hull.

　

Discharge of GREY WATER is currently banned in BC's Inland waters.

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 3- I WILL TAKE CARE WHEN FUELING:

Avoid topping my tank, as fuel will expand in the heat and rolling of my vessel can cause fuel burping out the vents. By the time you see fuel at the cap when filling up there is quite often a stream of fuel running down the hull from the fuel tank vent. Use oil absorbent rags and other devises to prevent fuel from spilling in the water.

 

 

 

 

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4- I WILL USE BILDGE FILTERS OR BILDGE PADS:

To absorb oil and fuel so you do not accidently pump over board, This is even more important to keep in mind if you hire out your services.

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5- I WILLMAINTAIN MY BOAT:

I will use environmentally friendly products and or alternatives

　

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6- I WILL USE "HARD" BOTTOM PAINT OR ECO FRIENDLY ALTERNATIVES

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7= I WILL NOT PRACTICE PROP TRENCHING:

I will not use my boat to excavate the bottom of the water way to make room for my drive or running gear.
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8- I WILL KEEP THE AIR I AM ARE BREATHING SAFE:

I will protect my crew and guests from dangerous fumes and environmental hazards by installing a Carbon Monoxide Detector and maintaining a safe cabin environment.

　

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9- I WILL HAUL OUT AT RESPONSIBLE BOAT YARDS:

With containment policies and equipment so my sanding's and pressure wash remains don't end up in the ENVIRONMENT.

Look for CLEAN MARINE SIGNS, here is what to look for

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10- I WILL DISPOSAL OF ALL WASTES PROPERLY

Use recycling facilities made available for me at or near my marina

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11- I WILL HELP OTHER BOATERS BE AWARE OF NON GREEN PRACTISES:

Be a role model and help educate.

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12-FOLLOW SOUND PRACTISES AND PRINCIPLES:
As outlined in our GREEN BOATING GUIDE.

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PLEASE SUPPORT ANY GREEN BOATING INITIATIVE:
You may have GREEN BOATING programs and facilities in your area, get to know who they are and what they are doing. Support a Local or National program. I will get involved in local water way clean up events when possible
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How to pledge:

International Boaters: please leave a comment or give us a like on our Green Boating in 2016 Facebook Page, for more information or to order a copy of Boat Nut Green Boating Guide complete with samples, tee shirt, decal for your boat and a  Boat Nut Green Boating Card for discounts while you are in North America. Please provide us with an email address and we will contact you privately for shipping instruction.
　Email address to contact us is boatnutmedia@gmail.com

All information we collect is private and not traded or sold.

　
North American Boaters:   Email us at boatnutmedia@gmail.com and we will forward you information on how to receive your  FREE Green Boating Package from Boat Nut.

All Information we collect is private we do not share, sell, or trade

 

Green Boating Package includes Green Boating App, Green Boating Guide, Event updates and Discount Card. The more boaters who register the more corporate attention Boat Nut can obtain. We need corporate and government attention to achieve all our goals to provide you the boater with the best free service possible.

Take the Pledge

 

Copyright 2015 © Boat Nut Media, Toronto, Ontario. All rights reserved. No part of this information/publications may be stored in a retrieval system, transmitted, or reproduced in any way, including but not limited to photocopy, magnetic, or other record, without prior agreement and written permission of the publisher, Boat Nuts Media ©™ No liability is assumed with respect to the information provided

 

Affects of New Power Boat Sales and Buyers

 

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 Affects of New Power Boats Sales and Buyers /  Changes are coming to boating

 After 2009 and the economic blow out, the Power Boat market has made a shift that I believe has changed our market forever. Boat buyers are buying boats that support lifestyle choices, not so much buyers who want to stick their toe in the boating pool and try it out. Boaters are more educated and know what they want. A great example of this was one of the Canadian Boat Shows last year numbers at the door were down but boat sales were up. Not as many tire kickers more persons who new what they wanted from their investment. As this shift to serious buyers takes place we will see the boats go through drastic changes to keep pace.

Power Boats will no longer be a miss match of components from many suppliers they will become systems where the boat is a Mercury or Volvo (for example) package from stem to stern. This will mean that all panels, switches, gauges and pumps will be all supplied by one vendor. Power Boats will become more of a platform construction, similar to cars. Over all design, colors and layouts will, and already are becoming standardized through the industry. As more value and concern is placed on the environment the amount of companies that will be able to make substantial investments in R& D and keep up with the required changes to standards will fall off.  Power Boats will be so similar that other factors other than the name on the side of the boat will become the motivation for purchase.

Boaters will be making purchases based on warranties, resale value, retail prices, and after purchase cost of ownership. New boats are a costly venture, so boaters will be buying boats that come with inclusive services, so that after the purchase of the boat there are fewer out of pocket costs as possible. Buyers will want all the bells and whistles included in the purchase price. Why do you think the dealers who sell boats now have a eye to the marinas. If they can include docks and slips in the deal up front then you buy the package selling the lifestyle and controlling the stresses and cost of boat ownership. A boaters time at the boat is valuable they do not want to have to source service, marinas and after market items to meet their needs. One boat, One deal its not the price its the convenience.

If you are buying or own an older boat you need to consider how new boat sales and the structure of these deals are going to affect you, because they will. Marinas are closing their yards to outside technicians and providing in house services for their clients and these agreements are  being done more and more by the dealers. Equipment to be able to service new product, which will become used product is restricted. This will and in  many cases already has made your choice of service provider for you.

There is also a shift amongst  boat buyers today, city boaters are more apt to buy a PWC than a runabout, the overall cost of ownership is lower and you don't need a big slip or driveway to put it in. There are four kinds of boaters (does not include PWC owners),
 1- Cottage owner (The boat is an accessory to the lifestyle of being on the lake)
 2-  Cruising boater ( The boat takes me away to destinations)
 3- My boat is the cottage boater ( The boat is my getaway and I don't even care if it runs)
 4- The boater who loves the boating lifestyle but can not afford all that goes with it (The boat is older but I love being here anyway)

Dealers cater to boaters 1 thru 3, boater 4 is generally buying the older used boats that the dealers generally won't broker

 Since the late 1980's Marina's used to have a mix of all of the above boaters but even this is changing. Marina's are now a mix of boater 2 and 3 and very little 4. Boaters 2 and 3 are the marinas priorities and new boats play a huge role in this decision. Marinas require the high disposable income clients to carry their costs. It you want to watch a marina die start to move out the newer boats and their owners. They may fill the slips still but the boating experience diminishes. A great example of this is Ontario Place Marina, not because the park closed but boaters 2 and 3 did not want to bother with all the added stress that a partial (fuel and pump out only) service marina brings them. Now that they have decided to stay open they have a mountain to climb to get these boaters back.    

The whole industry is affected by new boat sales, new boats create quality used boats, certified service,  boating supplies and cash, lots of cash. I hate to admit it but the days of the independent service provider are in the books, and the book is closing. New boats are changing the service landscape, if you are not up to date with the new technology you will left in the dust. So boaters who have owned a boat for years and are comfortable with a marina and independent service providers fantastic. However I predict that change is coming and if you still  haven't felt the change that new boats are creating you will soon.

                                       We Will Make A Boat Nut Out Of You

                                                                                    Author RP

 

Copyright 2015 © Boat Nut Media, Toronto, Ontario. All rights reserved. No part of this information/publications may be stored in a retrieval system, transmitted, or reproduced in any way, including but not limited to photocopy, magnetic, or other record, without prior agreement and written permission of the publisher, Boat Nuts Media ©™ No liability is assumed with respect to the information provided

Green Boating

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                          GREEN BOATING    /  Do we ever think green when boating?

 

 

This may be the shortest article I write. Have you seen the Green Boating tips from Discover Boating? You could have knocked me over with a feather!

Seriously with all the environmental concerns about carbon foot prints and the condition of the lakes, rivers and oceans. You would think that the power boat industry would be high on the hit list. I have heard and seen many discussions on radio and TV about saving our water ways and fossil fuel burners, and some how we the boaters never come up, maybe that's because we are the most environmentally conscience people on the earth. I don't think so.

I wonder how much we pollute our environment? There is a scary thought.

The bottom line is one day in the not so distant future boaters will face cleaning up what we pump over board, and when we do it will be similar to how they cleaned up our roads with the clunker laws. It will only take big brother figuring out a way to standardize and profit from a method of inspecting pleasure boats They will be all over implementation of a program boaters have no control over, or input on. Either that or some type of carbon tax. If this happens those of us with twin big blocks and a generator will have a broom stick snapped off in our transoms. We should try to be proactive on this front. A shout out to all those groups who represent us, tell the boaters why Transport Canada is three years or more in reintroducing the pleasure boat inspection program what are they up too. Or is this just another surprise for us one day coming up.

Apparently if we use bio degradable toilet paper and cleaners, handle our trash responsibly, watch what we discharge overboard, and try to run at less than full throttle. This qualifies you as a green boater. So no one has a plan I am sure the industry will say that they are working on the problem, and that marine suppliers are making the environment a top priority by creating programs like battery recycling programs . OOP's I have not even seen that yet! The industry has however created some great logos, money well spent. What most boaters don't realize is that we have been left out in the cold. Marinas and boat repair companies have got together through groups like the OMOA ( Ontario Marina Operators Association) and created CLEAN MARINE, this way when the proverbial shit hits the fan they can shout from the roof tops that they were aware of the issues and got out front to do their part. When was the last time your marina management came and talked to you about what CLEAN MARINE is, and how you can do your part. That's what I thought. At the end of the day it is up to the boat owner to be responsible, and that's what they don't want to say!

Maybe the environment will be another issue that an independent will take on, we will create a contract were boaters sign up and commit to being green boaters. It will outline between ten and twelve ideas that boaters will commit to. Boaters will sign it, and we will be off the hook for a while. So what are our worst offenders on a daily boating basis?

• Ant foul ( Bottom Paint)
• Fuel burn and raw fuel discharge through the motor
• Fuel spills
• Oil discharge through the bilge pumps
• Cleaners and detergents used to wash the boat dishes and ourselves
• Junk that gets kicked off the dock
• Fishing line
• Batteries of all shapes and sizes
• Electronics disposal

We need a plan if we wish to get ahead of the curve, the question is will we spend the small amount of money per boat it would take to clean up, I wonder? I am not a environmental protection freak and I don't know the exact amount of pollutants that power boats dump on average per year, but I guarantee its a lot more than you are aware of. In some cases the owners do not even know the volume or contaminants that are getting pumped or dumped in the water. I don't know if anyone really wants to know.

Something to think about

 Just think about the amount of anti freeze that gets dumped during the winterizing process. The Shrink Wrap disposed of in the spring.  Have you looked at the ground when a bottom is pressure washed, we are years behind the US and other countries when it comes to this and other processes we get away with. I do know it will be up to us to weed out offenders, we all know boats that pollute, hell some never go to the pump out. That is what I am tiered of its our environment on the water we need to do more.

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

                                                                                               Author   EC



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Copyright 2015 © Boat Nut Media, Toronto, Ontario. All rights reserved. No part of this information/publications may be stored in a retrieval system, transmitted, or reproduced in any way, including but not limited to photocopy, magnetic, or other record, without prior agreement and written permission of the publisher, Boat Nuts Media ©™ No liability is assumed with respect to the information provided.  



What you need to know about bottom paint

 

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ANTI FOUL IS WEARING ME THIN   What do you need to know about bottom paint



 Anti Foul/ Bottom Paint: One of the products we apply to our power boats that we know will just wear off and we will have to recoat it again and again. So what does bottom paint do, what makes it work and how long should it last? These are all questions I have heard over the years. Bottom paint is used for the reason it was developed (preventing growth by wearing a thin layer off every time you run the boat, it contains a high concentration of copper to inhibit growth) it is also used to hide a world of sins (easy application to hide patch work and repairs). Boats which are to big to trailer are expected to be bottom painted due to the fact that they are in the water at all times, except for a winter season, and out for repair work. 

When do you need to bottom paint a boat?. Well the first thing that must be considered is the amount of time you will be in the water. Next is the water that you intend to keep your boat in. A boat should only be painted if it is going to live in the water full time.

 If you bottom paint a boat or buy a boat that is bottom painted and you are going to keep the boat on a trailer, the paint is a waste of time and money. As a matter of fact you will end up recoating just to keep the boat looking good, not for reduced growth. Which is what bottom paint is designed to do. If you allow the bottom paint to dry out which only takes a couple of months it is no longer effective and will start to come off in pieces. If you are shopping for a boat and it lives on a trailer and already has bottom paint there could be another reason for the bottom paint to be on the hull. Bottom damage is expensive to repair and repair technicians will offer a bottom paint finish to save money and time rather than trying to repair the hull to a factory finish with gel coat. So be care full with bottom painted hulls on trailer boats do your best to get the history don't rely on a survey. You will notice that trailer boats with bottom paint usually have paint all over the bunks, rollers and trailer. This is a sign that the owner has been repainting the boat on the trailer, so there is likely next to no paint under the bunks. Unless you are in heavy growth water such as salt or unusual fresh water conditions you really need to calculate the cost of a bottom paint program over the time you own the boat versus cleaning the bottom of the boat regularly. The amount of growth without paint is directly related to the hours of operation a boat that sees a lot of hours will see a small amount of bottom growth if any at all.

I have bottom painted boats as small as 15 foot due to the fact that the boat was being kept in the salt water all year round. For boats that are in the water all the season and do not see many running hours bottom paint will save you the growth problem that will occur from lack of movement, even in fresh water. Bottom paint will not stop growth, it simply allows the growth to come off under normal boat operation. This only works if you use the boat regularly if it sits all season and you take the boat for a late season run you will find when you haul the boat that you will still have a lot of growth on the bottom of the hull.

BOTTOM PAINT TIPS

• Do not try to sand and remove old bottom paint it may contain arsenic this would be pre 1990
• Do not roll coats of anti foul just because of discoloration you will build up massive thickness that is horrible to try to make right
• Bottom paint does not have to be applied in super thick coats to work
• Bottom paint will rob the boat of speed
• Select the right product for the job, there are anti fouls for hulls, running gear and transducers do not paint every thing with one paint.
• Do not paint running gear unless you purchase the correct primer and paint
• They make bottom paint with tin instead of copper content for aluminum boats and drives.
• Do not paint the copper based anti foul up to the drives or tabs leave a gap the copper bottom paint and the metals in the drive and other components will cause electrolysis (corrosion) on the transom plates and drives.
• Do not paint over anodes this makes them useless.
• If you are repainting a hull or are starting new it is a good idea to have the first coat a different color than the top coat, first coat blue the rest black this way as the bottom paint wears you can see when and where you need to recoat.
• Do not feel that you need to repaint the whole hull you can touch up for many seasons before recoating the whole hull.
• It is a rare occasion in fresh water to need to paint the running gear.
• Be sure your bottom paint line allows for two inches (higher) at the water line this will prevent those nasty water line stains
• If you have to raise the bottom paint line and you have not added any accessories to the boat , there is a reason. Boats will pick up weight over the years this is natural, however a sudden change is a sign that you are probably holding trapped water some were. If you use a travel lift to haul out get the weight of the boat every year at haul out and launch, keep track of these numbers and you will know if the boat is gaining weight.
•  If you add accessories such as swim platforms, generators, radar arches you will have to adjust the bottom paint line.
• Do not paint to a list to the port or starboard correct the load in the boat first, get ride of the list.
• Try not to paint to far above the water line it looks okay for a week or so then you will see the paint above the line start to get green as the copper in the paint ages.

Several attempts have been made to create a anti foul that will last the life of the boat without recoating, as well as a coating that can be applied in the mold at the time of construction. The life time anti foul was very close to working but it is super expensive and messy to apply. I did a proto type of this product once and wasn't a fan of the overall cost versus end product. You would have to own the boat over 15 years and need to re anti foul every year to make the system worth while. (The life time system does eliminate the need for a barrier coat).

If you use a lift or keep your boat in a high and dry facility you can remove bottom paint. It is a back breaking job, dealers have done this to 320 and 340 boats that have been sold new and will not live in the water full time. I have seen many products sold over the years that promise to make the hull so slippery that growth will not stick, I have never seen one that works that well. Generally due to the fact that the boats that receive these coating still do not see the amount of running time to make these coatings really effective.

Bottom Paint is the only real sensible option to prevent growth that is available to boaters. Bottom paint comes in many different brands and speeds. The speed terminology refers to the hull speed. Soft paints that sloff off at low speed will not work well on power boats and visa versa. Be sure you explain to your supplier the boat that the bottom coat will be applied to and the hull speed you run most of your time at. This way you get the best paint and value for your money. Bottom paint is available in blue, green, red and black (and other crazy colors). I recommend you pick any color you want as long as its black. It works the best, most colors are soft and only look good twice a year when you put it on new and after the boat is pressure washed at the end of the year. If you own a power boat and when the hull is pressure washed you see the bottom paint running all over the ground the paint is probably to soft and wearing of the hull to fast.

 Hull Preparation:

•  Never had bottom paint- The standard hull preparation for bottom paint is to sand the gel coat surface remove all the shine, remove the dust and apply at least two coats of your favorite brand of paint
• Never had bottom paint- The option I choose is the sand less primer system, you must buy the same brand paint as the sand less primer, I like this option better because you are not cutting through the resin rich gel surface.
• Recoating- If you are sticking with the same paint, Start by giving the hull from the water line down a really complete pressure wash try to remove what ever will come off (time spent here will save time later), then you sand down the edges of chips and flaked areas, mask off your line and items not to be painted. Start your re coating by covering the bare areas first and then coat the whole hull. This will keep the material build up fairly even over the hull.
• Annual clean up- This usually entails a few touch ups and at the very most a belly band, this is strip re coated around the water line a foot or so wide that's it. all you need here is a clean dry surface that's it.
• To find your water line you may need to float the boat if you are not full of water and fuel don't worry just add an inch. I did this on all new bottom paint jobs until I had a book with the various models to refer to, and even then one or two would throw a curve ball and be different.

A SPRING START UP TIP FOR YOU:
 
DO NOT RE COAT WITH NEW BOTTOM PAINT BEFORE YOU POLISH  THE HULL

Like any other service or maintenance job we do to our boats buying the right materials and working in the right conditions will pay off . The finished job will last longer and provide better value for the money spent. Be sure to inform your supplier of your needs and ask them the expected life of the bottom paint you are purchasing, some bottom paints come with a limited warranty.

To guarantee access to all of  Boat Nut Magazine articles, pictures and featured services visit the official Boat Nut Magazine ©™ website. Be sure to reply to the Boat Nut Association registration on our site for the latest Boat Nut weekly and monthly news letters and opportunities.

http://boatnutmagazine.com/

Copyright 2015 © Boat Nut Media, Toronto, Ontario. All rights reserved. No part of this information/publications may be stored in a retrieval system, transmitted, or reproduced in any way, including but not limited to photocopy, magnetic, or other record, without prior agreement and written permission of the publisher, Boat Nuts Media ©™ No liability is assumed with respect to the information provided.