Prepare your Fishing Boat and Yourself for the Big Sea

Fishing is one of those activities that many people enjoy doing during the summer. Some people enjoy fishing it from the shore, and others prefer fishing from a boat. The last choice provides certain advantages as you can reach more fishing places, which usually produces better results. However, having a fishing boat requires you to have your boat in good conditions all year long, and making sure it is prepared it every time you decide to go out fishing.

Whiticar wants to share some simple instructions and suggestions that any first time charter user should consider before heading out on the fishing boat.

Whether you are, a beginning fisherman or an experienced fisherman who has all the resources available, you must take into consideration the following:

1. License your boat: Your boat is usually licensed through a state's game and fish commission or department of natural resources. This license is a sticker followed by a series of letters and numbers and must be renewed each year.

In case you are going to test other states waters, remember that most states have reciprocal arrangements where a boat licensed in one state may be used in the waters of another state by a visiting boater. Please do not forget to ask about this when you go to get your license.

2. Inspect the boat: Look for dents or cracks in your boat, especially at the bottom and around rivets. Also inspect the drain plug to make sure the drain hole still seals, and all the electronic devices work correctly.

3.Inspect and replace any necessary safety equipment: To operate a fishing boat, the law states you need to carry certain equipment to enhance your safety.

• Life jackets: Most jurisdictions require a life jacket or other PFD (personal floatation device) for each passenger aboard, and for children below a certain age, they have to be wearing their PFD.

• Kill switch: Many jurisdictions require a kill switch for boats with motors above a certain horsepower, so the boat can be turned off even if you have been thrown from the boat.

• Fire Extinguisher: Check the laws for your jurisdiction to see what kind of extinguisher is required.  Please remember to have the fire extinguisher filled and close to the engine motor.

• Signaling devices: You may need an air horn, whistle, flags, and/or flares that will alert others in case of an emergency.

• Night-time running lights:  If you are planning to go out fishing at night, you should take notice and check with your jurisdiction to find out what type of light is required for the size of your boat.

• GPS Plotter/Sounder

4.Look for the weather conditions: Weather is unpredictable. Sometimes a late night forecast can destroy all of our fishing plans. Be aware of the wind conditions and look ideally for periods between frontal systems, particularly fall, winter and spring, when dead-calm days’ sneak in between blows.  During the summer, high pressure systems often bring many successive days of calm weather, particularly in the morning. 

*Remember, taking a weather radio with you can alert you to upcoming changes in the weather before you notice e the changes in the sky, wind, and water choppiness.

5.Take your tackle and other items to help you organize your gear: Bring your own tackle and even your own bait a board. Also take with you rod holders and tie-downs for items that may shift as the boat moves.

6. Get an anchor: Get the right anchor according to the size of your boat (mushroom anchor, plow-style anchor, kedge and Danforth anchors). This will help you keep the bow into the waves and stop the boat for fishing. You also will need to have enough nylon anchor rope to have from 5 to 7 times the distance from the anchor cleat to the bottom.

7.Get all the extra items you will need: When going out on a charter boat, you must keep in mind that you'll be gone for quite a long time.  For that reason, you should take with you: 

• Two coolers, one for food and drink, the other for your catch.

• Emergency Food and Water: At least a half-gallon of water, some granola bars and beef jerky, or canned food that can get you through a day or two.

• Pain relievers

• Sunscreen

• Rubber-soled shoes (to avoid slipping on board)

• Your ID and some extra cash

8. Be Aware and Prepare for Sea Sickness: Before leaving home, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about a seasickness remedy.  Make sure you have enough of your medication(s) for the duration of the trip.

9. Consider a professional inspection: When you inspect your boat but still have some doubts about its status, you can have your boat inspected by professionals in the area. Boats used for saltwater fishing can be inspected by marine surveyors accredited by either the National Association of Marine Surveyors or the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors.

Remember to contact Whiticar Boat Works if your boat presents any cracks, has engine failure, or if you just want to do an electronics upgrade.

WHITICAR BOAT YARD (STUART)

3636 SE Old Saint Lucie Blvd

Stuart, FL 34996

 (772) 287-2883

WHITICAR FORT PIERCE (NORTH)

2010 Harbor Town Drive,

Suite K, Ft. Pierce, FL 34946

(772) 460-0660

Is Your Boat Well Maintained?

What can be more satisfying to the eye than a well-maintained boat that shines and sparkles under the sun.  Hey, there’s a reason certain aspects of boat maintenance are called “bright work.”  We'll show you how to maintain features of your boat:

Fiberglass and gelcoat, which needs to be regularly cleaned, waxed, and polished for both protective and cosmetic purposes.

Marine canvas and Eisinglass or Strataglass, which deteriorate quickly without proper treatment. 

Upholstery and vinyl which need to be cleaned several times a season—but if you use the wrong type of cleaner, you can accidentally destroy the materials.

Bright work, which, includes all wood surfaces and trims that are exposed to UV rays.  They require quite a bit of upkeep to keep them in good shape. 

We'll show you how to refinish dull-looking wood, and explain the seasonal maintenance you'll need to do every spring.

Gelcoat, in good condition,is the tough, glossy exterior finish that protects the underlying fiberglass from salt, sun, and everything else Mother Nature can throw at it.

To keep your gelcoat in good condition, you’ll want to spend time maintaining it throughout the course of a season.  Essential gelcoat maintenance begins with waxing and/or polishing. What’s the difference between wax and polish? Waxes are designed to protect and seal gelcoat, with a coating that repels water, dirt, salt, and the harmful rays of the sun. Polishes, on the other hand, generally contain a cutting agent to remove oxidation from the gelcoat and make it shine.

To keep your boat’s gelcoat in great condition, this maintenance should be performed at least twice a season. Consider performing this task before you launch in the spring.

“Canvas” is the generic term used for the durable fabrics used to create cockpit and console enclosures, Bimini tops, boat and sail covers, line and gear pockets, and more. You may have heard the trade name “Sunbrella” used to describe some of these materials as well.

Keeping canvas clean is Essential. Don’t wash or dry your canvas in a household washer or dryer this will destroy the fabric very quickly. Instead, use a light brush, mild soap and lots of fresh water to remove dirt, salt, bird droppings, and other abrasive materials. 

Vinyl, which has been around for decades, is a tough and extremely durable material, but using the wrong cleaners can ruin it. Clean it with a sponge and a bucket of mild, soapy water, followed by a thorough rinsing. Never use strong cleaners that contain bleach or ammonia. 

At some point you’ll likely have to contend with mildew staining of your vinyl. You can find cleaners for this at your local Whiticar Boat Works. 

The easiest way to make vinyl last is to keep it covered or stowed away.

Though it’s less and less common on most boats, many still have some woodwork to take care of. Common woodwork you might find on a boat includes handrails, toerails, caprails, steps, and decking.

Most of these components are made of teak, which is a durable tropical hardwood.  The easiest solution is to simply leave uncoated teak uncoated, and let it develop a silvery gray patina. No matter your preference, maintenance of your boat need not be a nightmare. Simply investing a weekend or two a year can go a long way toward keeping your boat’s wood looking great year-round.

LAY BACK, RELAX, AND ENJOY THE SHINE!

Whiticar Boat Work

3636 SE Old Saint Lucie Blvd

Stuart, FL 34996

Office (772) 287-2883

Fax (772) 287-2922

Tool Buying Guide for the Cruising Sailor

One of the things we all love about boating is preparing and keeping the boat in perfect condition. Performing good maintenance to your boat minimizes the potential for serious breakdowns. You assume you will never have problems with your boat, but then reality hits. Things break, get blocked, oxidize, etc., etc., etc. 

Nowadays, boats are much more complex machines than they were a generation ago. Having a spare part aboard for everything that could break, is almost impossible, regardless of the size of your boat or the depth of your pocket.

Fortunately, an astonishing number of common repairs can be made with just a few basic tools.There are a few specialty items that will make fixes and routine maintenance so much easier.  In this article we will offer a short list of the most important tools to keep on board before heading out to open waters.  Having the right tools makes boat maintenance or repair jobs a lot easier and can make all the difference in your boating experiences. 

The following is a list of supplies we recommend you have to keep your boat in great working condition, and also in preparation for unexpected mechanical failures while out in the water.

1. FUSES

Blown fuses are a common problem.  It’s important to keep your spare fuses away from water, and safe from vibration or shock damage.

2. JUMPER/BOOSTER CABLES 

3. WRENCH SET

A set of wrenches (some metric and some SAE) that covers both systems with no overlap.These wrenches are invaluable for tightening nuts and battery connectors.

4. RATCHETS AND SOCKETS

Should you need to change a fuel filter, or repair the hatch on your boat, these are always a good idea to have around.If you own a small boat, you’ll do just fine with an 11-piece set, which will still give you options, yet save space.

5. TELESCOPING MIRROR AND CLAW RETRIEVAL TOOLS

A telescoping mirror will help you fix what you can’t see, and the claw retrievals can help you reach deep and come back with the lost loot.

6. ASSORTED PLIERS

An assortment of pliers is also recommended to have on hand, including locking pliers and snap-on pliers. Pliers can solve most problems a wrench won’t.

7. ELECTRICAL TAPE: 

A few rolls of electrical tape can be used to make emergency repairs to wiring, as well as having many other uses.  Gaffer tape is stronger than electrical tape, but isn’t suited for use on wiring repairs.  This is why electrical tape is a must.

8. FOLDABLE KNIFE

9. A FEW LARGE, HEAVY TOOLS

Also recommended are a 3-pound sledgehammer, a set of 16-inch arc-joint pliers, and a giant screwdriver. If traveling afar, add a full set of 1/2-inch drive sockets (with a long-handle U-joint ratchet), and an open-end wrench big enough to fit the flexible mounts on your engine(s).  Remember, if you have a mechanic flying in, send him or her an accurate list so travel can be as light as possible.

Please remember to always keep these tools on board the boat, even for the shortest trips. It is better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.  Even if you are handy with the tools, an engine that is experiencing, electrical issues or some other major mechanical issue will more than likely require major surgery in a marine repair hop. Luckily, the increasing popularity of recreational boating has led to the widespread growth of specialized service centers along popular world cruising routes.

Whether you are on your way north, or sailing down south to the Bahamas, you can access our location at Harbortown Marina through the convenient and easy navigational Fort Pierce Inlet.You can rest at ease knowing you are leaving your boat in the hands of the only fully staffed, sail rigging department in the Ft. Pierce area. 

Can’t get to us? 

No problem. We will quickly come to you and safely deliver your boat to our top notch marine facilities.

Whiticar and Shearwater Marine also offers all of our professional services remotely. We will actually come to your dock or marina to service your vessel. We will provide, deliver, and install the quality OEM parts your vessel requires.

For larger repairs, we can remove engines, generators, or other miscellaneous systems. We will bring them back to our facilities for full repair, and then reinstall them to maintain the highest quality service for your vessel.

Our technicians have extensive knowledge and training to assist you with your boating needs.

For more information, feel free to contact Whiticar Boat yard at (772) 287-2883 or visit our website http://whiticar.com/

The Importance of Properly Addressing Leaks on your Boat

It's a fact that sooner or later most if not all boats will leak if not properly maintained. It's also true that as boats age, leaks tend to increase for the simple reason that sailing and all related weather conditions put a lot of stress on all vessels.  

Nowadays some of these problems with leaks accentuate as result of emphasis on speed and lightweight which lead builders to use laminates that are not as thick and work with hulls that are not as rigid as they used to be. 

As most boat owners know, leaks are not only inconvenient and aggravating, but also cause damage to personal gear and the boat itself. The source of a leak is usually hard to find and even harder to stop. On most occasions we find the water enters at point “A” but shows up at point “B”, which may be six feet away from point “A” where the owner spends weeks attempting to find the source in order to repair it. 

These are usually instances where inner liners work to distribute the leaks to points far from the source of entry, and are often the subject of many wry jokes. 

When a leak occurs many people take the easy way out ( at least they seem to belief so) and instead of assessing the damage, they put some caulking on the outside of an open seam, joint or ridge. This is something we see happen very frequently and most of the time leads into a bigger mess and a complete waste of time.  

When working on boats, in order to applying an effective seal, the caulk has to go between the two parts that are mated. This process is called bedding. Achieving this is not easy, but it is the only way to effectively stop leaks. Furthermore, with the way many boats are rapidly built today, parts are often never bedded properly from the beginning. If that is the case, then you have to go back and do what the builder did not do correctly. 

It is important to know that every material in contact with the sea and the weather elements has a certain life span and durability. At Whiticar we’ve mastered all the process related to proper leak maintenance and repairs.  Our team has the knowledge, expertise and we ensure that all maintenance and repair work is done correctly to have your boat ready as soon as possible and avoid unnecessary waste of time and money. 

Whiticar boat works is your one stop shop for all your boat maintenance, service and part needs. We stand behind the work of our professionals and courteous crew. 

For additional information, please visit www.Whiticar.com.

You can also contact us via email at info@whiticar.com or call us (772) 287-2883.

WHITICAR has 2 locations for your convenience:

- STUART: 3636 SE Old Saint Lucie Blvd. Stuart, FL 34996

- FT. PIERCE: 2010 Harbor Town Drive, Suite K, Ft. Pierce, FL 34946

Thinking about Stabilizers?

Tossed around on your boat it’s not a big problem anymore. Nowadays there are more ways than ever to keep your boat from rocking.

Marine stabilization systems are a big business, and many manufacturers set the competence on to keep your boat stable and able. However, with a large number of options, all demonstrating different advantages, choosing the right one for your boat/yacht can be difficult.

To help you simplify the decision on how to select the best stabilizer option for your yacht, we’ve grouped stabilizers on two main types for a simple comparative analysis:

• Fin stabilizers: Fin or small wing mounted on a ship that emerge laterally in such a way as to oppose unwanted rolling motions and contribute to its stability.

• Gyroscopic stabilizers: It is a computer controlled gyroscope, which iscomprised of a flywheel that spins at speeds of up to 10,700 RPM and is tilted fore and aft in a range of up to 140 degrees to counteract the wave motion imposed on a yacht. 

Benefits of Gyro Stabilizers:

• Greatly reduces the rocking motion of the boat and it comes in applications from 30′ to over 100′.
•  Gyros supplies much greater stabilization per pound than inert counterweight. 
•  Gyros are always located inside the hull where there is no risk of damage.
•  Comes in many different sizes and will work in multiple configurations depending on a yacht’s layout.

Things to consider about Gyro Stabilizers:

•  They take time to speed up.
•   Pan and tilt speed is limited.
•   Due to size, it could take a considerable amount space in the yacht.
•   Its cost is high due to  its advanced system

Benefits of Fin Stabilizers:

• They take up minimal interior yacht space.
• They don’t need warm up time, they can be turned on and start working immediately.
• They don’t run out of energy, but once the rams involved have reached the full extent of their travel, they can’t extract any more energy until the boat starts to roll in the other direction. 

Things to consider about Fin Stabilizers:

•  Fins are submerged and this makes them a lot more difficult to repair, which generally means an increase repair costs.

Which stabilizer suits you?

• High speed sports yachts: Gyro systems are good because they don’t require mounting external fins and usually need only electrical power and room to mount.
• Trawler type boats: These will most likely suit active fin stabilizers as their first line of stabilization technology. 
•  Boats at anchor: Zero–speed stabilization could fit perfectly this kind of boat, because this system uses the paravane rigging to deploy a special piece of gear that will sink easily and without resistance. A gyro system, which can also be used at speed; might be adequate enough for smaller boats in quieter anchorages.

Advances mean that stabilizers are improving at all the time. With a little more exploration, you can find the perfect system for your boat that will keep her steady, ready, and raring to go. Depending on the type of yacht you own, its layout and its intended use, – fin and gyro –should come out as the better option.

If you would like to install a Gyro stabilizer on your boat, please feel free to contact Whiticar, we can find and install your boat stabilizer, ship stabilizer, motor catamaran stabilizer, planning hull stabilizer, and a sport fishing boat stabilizer that effectively eliminates roll, list, and pitch motions.

Whiticar offers you a guaranteed product and services, we’ve partnered with Seakeeper Stabilizers, -the world leader in active gyro stabilizer technology for the leisure yacht and commercial marine industry- With Seakeeper we ensure you a pleasant navigation without the worry of spills and splashes, and the risk of motion sickness by simply eliminating between the 70 and 90% of exhausting and dangerous boat roll.

If you want to learn more about Whiticar’s work, we invite you to check out the stabilizer work done on the Boomer at https://youtu.be/8RHy6YUyMbU. This was the first major sea trial of the Seakeeper Model 26 gyro stabilizer newly installed on the Whiticar 76' Sportfish "The Boomer".

For more information, feel free to contact Whiticar Boat yard at: (772) 287-2883 or visit our website http://whiticar.com/

HAULING OUT CATAMARANS IN SOUTH FLORIDA

By Capt. Jeff Werner



After spending almost a quarter century under sail, cruising catamarans are my favorite boats. As a professional captain, I have crossed oceans and seas on monohulls, catamarans and trimarans of all sizes, but it is always aboard a cat I am most happy to be at the helm. 

With the ownership of a cruising catamaran comes the responsibility of maintenance, and that responsibility includes annual haul outs. Finding a boatyard or marina with the capability to lift a wide beam vessel can be a daunting task. My unscientific survey of sailing catamarans 40- to 45-foot LOA revealed the average beam is 23 feet, with a loaded displacement of 17 tons. From 45- to 49-foot LOA, the numbers average 25 feet and 18 tons. And 50- to 54-foot LOA are 26 and a half feet and 25 tons in weight. You get the picture. Hauling out a sailing cat is not about weight; it's all about beam. 

Fortuitously, from Fort Pierce to Key West there is quite a election of full service locations to haul out a cat of at least a 23-foot beam for repair and maintenance. Owners of increasingly popular power catamarans, or sailing cats'with air drafts less than 54 feet, can take advantage of the boat yards tucked away behind low bridges.

Harbortown Marina in Ft. Pierce is located along the ICW just north of downtown. For sailing catamarans with masts taller than the ICW fixed bridged clearance of 65 feet, Harbor­town Marina has direct access to the Atlantic Ocean through Ft. Pierce Inlet, less than three miles away. Their 150-ton Trav­elift will haul out cats with a maximum beam of 26 feet. 772- 466-7300 harbortownmarina-fortpierce.com

Head south along the ICW to Manatee Pocket at Stuart to find the South Florida boat yard for Hinckley Yacht Services. It has easy access from the ocean via St. Lucie Inlet; just watch out for the strong currents and shifting sandbars at the junction of the inlet and the ICW. Although Hinckley's heritage embraces building fine monohull cruising sailboats, the Hinckley brand has grown in the past 20 years to include jet drive picnic boats and runabouts with classic lines and superior craftsmanship. The maximum beam Hinckley's 150-ton Travelift can accommo­date is 25 feet. 772-287-0923; hinckleyyachts.com

Cruise west from Manatee Pocket along the Okeechobee Waterway to American Custom Yachts. This boatyard is located at marker Red "46" just east of the St. Lucie Lock, and sits between two fixed bridges. There are several fixed bridg­es on the way from Manatee Pocket, with the lowest_ vertical clearance being 54 feet. If your mast is short enough to clear that Palm City Bridge, American Custom Yachts can use their 150-ton Travelift to put the straps around catamarans of up to 27-foot beam. 772-286-2835; americancustomyachts.com

The north end of the Gold Coast is the home of Rybovich. Their marine centers in West Palm Beach and Riviera Beach are located just south and north of Peanut Island along the ICW. Entering the ICW from Lake Worth Inlet avoids any bridge clearance problems. The newer Rybovich yard at Riviera Beach (561-863-4126) will accommodate cats up to a 26-foot beam on their 150-ton Travelift. The original West Palm Beach yard (561-844-1800) has a massive 660-ton Travelift, capable of handling cats up to 35-foot beam.

Heading up the New River past downtown Fort Lauderdale offers a variety of haul out possibilities. Before heading up river, however, one must remember the bascule drawbridges are locked down during morning and afternoon rush hours from 7:30 to 9 a.m. and 4:30 to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Once through the William H. Marshall Memorial Bridge, just beyond the bend on the river that is home to the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, continue on and choose the South Fork of the New River. 

Just before reaching the I-95 fixed bridge, note the Lauderdale Marine Center on the south bank. Lauderdale Marine Center is a combination full service and do-it-yourself boat yard encompassing 50 acres of land. It is a popular superyacht repair facility and its 300-ton Travelift can haul out catamarans up to 30-foot beam. 954-713-0333; lauderdalemarinecenter.com

To go upriver beyond the I-95 bridge, sailing catamarans must first negotiate the vertical clearance of 55 feet for that bridge. If your mast fits under that bridge, access to the boat yards along Marina Mile (State Road 84) is open.

Billfish Marina is the first haul out facility on State Road 84, and also has the smallest Travelift with catamaran capabilities. At 70 ton, it will lift a maximum of 23.5-foot beam, which is more than adequate for a 40-foot LOA cat. 954-587-6226; billfishmarina.com

Continuing west find Roscioli Yachting Center, a shipyard that has been in existence for 40 years and was completely renovated in 2008. It now has a 352-ton mobile lift capable of hauling out a catamaran with a maximum beam of 28 feet. 954-581-9200; rycshipyard.com

Source: Hauling Out Catamarans in South Florida, All At Sea - The Caribbean's Waterfront Magazine

Whiticar Boat Works of Stuart, Florida Named Boatyard of the Year by the American Boat Builders & Repairers Association

Four Other Industry Leaders in Florida, Rhode Island and North Carolina Receive ABBRAAwards of Excellence from the National Group

Fort Lauderdale, FL – January 26, 2015 – The 2015 Boatyard of the Year honor was presented to Whiticar Boat Works of Stuart, Florida at the American Boat Builders & Repairers Association (ABBRA) Boatyard Business Conference Awards Dinner held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida from January 21st –23rd. Given to a service or repair facility that demonstrates excellence in all facets of their company through commitment to customer service, quality management, stewardship in environmental and safety issues, and positive vendor and employee relations. This award is one of ABBRA’s most prestigious Awards of Excellence. Jim Dragseth, president of Whiticar Boat Works accepted the award.

Located on Willoughby Creek just two miles east of the St. Lucie Inlet on the east coast of Florida, Whiticar has been in continuous operation for the past 60 years. Ownership of the company has passed between fathers and sons, and so too has the dedication to superior workmanship, outstanding customer service and in-depth knowledge of the boating lifestyle. The company was founded by Curt Whitcar who was later joined by his brother-in-law John Dragseth to run the business. The facility is designated a Florida Clean Boatyard by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Jim Dragseth and John Whiticar are at the helm leading the company into the modern era. Their expansions have included the establishment of Shearwater Marine in 1996, Whiticar Custom Boats in 2000 (Building boats since the 1930’s), Whiticar Marine North in 2003, and Whiticar Yacht Sales in 2004. ABBRA president John Fitzgerald said, “Whiticar employs a wonderful array of talented professionals and the company relies on the old fashioned pride they take in a job well done. However, lest you think, they are a relic of past success, their web presence features two Facebook pages, a Twitter feed, Youtube videos and a blog! They are a wonderful example of the great tradition of ABBRA boatyards with a storied past and a determination to service their customers into a bright future.”

Dragseth said, “It is humbling and very rewarding to be recognized by ABBRA, Thank you very much for this honor.” Whiticar Boat Works joins a group of several other distinguished boatyards around the country to receive the Boat Yard of the Year award. These include facilities such as Thunderbolt Marine in Georgia, Front Street Shipyard in Maine, Jarrett Bay Boatyard in North Carolina, Newport Shipyard in Rhode Island, and Keefe Kaplan Maritime in California that are recipients of the ABBRA Boatyard of the Year honor.

About American Boat Builders & Repairers Association (ABBRA)

Founded in 1943, ABBRA is a national marine trade organization that represents, is dedicated to, and seeks to strengthen and encourage professionalism in the boat building, boat repair, and marine service industry.

For more news, visit our website: whiticar.com

Source: whiticar.com

Boating in Bad Weather

While out boating, weather changes can happen quickly around you. In the case that you are out on the water and it seems bad weather is rapidly approaching, you should try to get to shore if possible. However, it is not always possible to get to the shore in the case of bad weather. In that case, there are some things that you should remember if you are ever boating in bad weather. 

Preparedness: While heading out to see, you should check the weather forecasts for any chance of approaching bad weather. In the case of bad weather, it is best to not head out to sea at all. If forecasts show no or little chance of bad weather, it is still important to have all the supplies ready in case the weather quickly changes.

Body of Water: The body of water you are in will affect the waves around you. Deep waters will have slower, more rolling waves that should be easier to manage. However, in shallower water, the same wind can create bigger waves that become more dangerous.

Knowing boat: Be aware that no two boats will react in the same way to different weather conditions. Even two boats with the same design will react differently due to other factors besides the design, such as the load. Make sure you know how your boat reacts to bad weather.

Move at 45°angles: Moving at an angle of 45° will be much safer, whether you are moving parallel to the waves or away from the waves. This angle will allow you to lessen the strain put on the hull, avoid running in the trough of the waves (which can make your boat roll excessively), and avoid too high speeds when running ahead of the waves. If an angle of 45° will take you off course, then you can move in a zigzag pattern and will remain headed in the same direction.

Heaving to: Sometimes, conditions may be too severe to continue on course. In this case, you could heave to, a way of slowing the boat.

Boating is a fun activity for all to joy. However, one should always be mindful of the weather conditions. In the case that you are out boating, remember some of these facts. 

To learn more about boats, boat sales, repairs, services & accessories, please contact Whiticar Boat Works. We have two locations in the Treasure Coast for your convenience:

STUART, FL location:  3636 SE Old St. Lucie Blvd, Stuart, Florida, 34996.

FT. PIERCE, FL location: 2010 Harbor Town Drive,Suite K,              Ft. Pierce, FL 34946

Give us a call at: (772) 287-2883 or email us anytime at: info@whiticar.com

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