Protect yourself and your boat against Lightning Strikes

Lightning strikes are completely unpredictable and may happen anytime, especially with rapid and ever changing weather conditions out at sea.

Prior to your next boating adventure, make sure to stay informed and be prepared to know what to do in the event of an emergency. Check the Marine VHF radio, Internet and TV weather reports to keep yourself up to date with the latest information and forecasts regarding conditions at sea.

If there are predicted and expected thunderstorms out there, don't leave. However if you're already out there and conditions change, follow these tips and make use of this information in order to protect your life and safeguard the integrity of your boat.

Some interesting facts about lightning strikes

• These typically occur in the afternoon; In Florida, 70% percent of lightning strikes take place between midday and 6pm.
• Some areas in Florida may get anywhere between 70 to 100 thunderstorm days per year.
• Thunderstorms may grow to dangerous levels in fewer than 30 minutes.
• Regular thunderstorms may usually have a diameter of 15 miles.
• If lightning and thunder are present, simply count the seconds between lightning and its thunderclap, and divide this amount by 5. This provides a rough estimate of how many miles away the storm is actually located.
• It is recommended for you to wait at least 30 minutes until after the last clap of a thunderstorm, to resume your boating activities.

Follow these steps when experiencing a lightning strike

• Seek immediate shelter inside your boat's enclosed cabin.
• Stand clear of any sort of metal objects, including appliances and electrical outlets.
• All people on board should be wearing life jackets.
• Wear rubber gloves which provide insulation against metal surfaces such as metal steering wheels or your boat's hand railings.
• Remove any kind of metal jewelry during a lightning strike.
• Remain at the center of the boat, get down, and stay out of water.
• Ensure no one on board is unconscious or injured; in the event someone is unconscious, proceed to provide CPR.
• It is safe to provide assistance to someone who has just been struck by lightning, as there is no danger in getting an electric shock back from the victim.
• Keep a microwave or a tin box on your boat, and inside it keep a VHF handheld radio as well as a GPS device; microwaves and tin boxes provide protection against lighting strikes to these items, which may save your life in the event of an emergency during or after a lightning strike.

Safeguard the integrity of your boat during and after lightning strikes with these steps

• If your boat has outriggers, fishing rods or antennas, these must be lowered unless they're part of your boat's lightning protection system.
• It is advisable to shut off power connections to antennas and all electronics in order to prevent damage.
• During lightning strikes, do not use the VHF radio unless it is an emergency. However handheld VHF radio devices may be okay to use.
• After the storm, make sure there are no holes anywhere on your boat; get all bilge pumps running.
• In desperate situations, use the VHF to call for help. If you have no access to VHF, use your boat´s flare kit to call for assistance.
• After the storm has passed, double check the operation of the boat's engine and all electronic equipment.
• If your boat has gone through a lightning strike, have your boat professionally surveyed to ensure its structural integrity, complete safety and full functionality.

We certainly hope these tips are of assistance to you if you ever come across a lightning strike at sea. Be smart by keeping yourself informed and be readily prepared at all times. Although you may never experience a lightning strike while boating at sea, it's better to be prepared as the consequences of such a strike can be devastating.

To learn more about boats, boat sales, repairs, services & accessories, please contact Whiticar Boat Works, located at: 3636 SE Old St. Lucie Blvd, Stuart, Florida, 34996. Give us a call at: (772) 287-2883 or email us anytime at: info@whiticar.com

Boat and Vessel Security Systems:

Your boat, yacht or vessel, is one of your dreams come true and you've worked hard enough to have one and enjoy it. As such, you must take every precaution to ensure its safety and integrity, as it is a valuable investment which not only holds economic value but also, an emotional and sentimental value as well.

There are different types of security systems available on the market, and these systems can be fully customized to meet your specific boat security needs and your budget as well.

Security systems include different alarm types which when triggered will bring the appropriate response required according to the specific scenario taking place. For example, sensors may alert you to a variety of incidents such as incoming water to your boat, smoke in your cabin, loss of power, or alert you about unauthorized movements or presence inside your boat.

It is important to understand the difference between regular household security systems and specific boat and vessel security equipment. This difference lies in the waterproof resistance technology which has been applied to these specific products in order to make them durable and resistant. These are technologies which are not applied to regular household products, only to security and alarm systems specifically designed for boats, yachts and vessels.

Technology has been a game changer in the marine security systems field. There are a lot of available technologies which you may benefit from to protect your valued investment. Although your specific boat or vessel won't require some of these advanced technologies, it is great to keep yourself in the loop with what technology has available for your boat's safety and protection:

Satellite-based GPS tracking:

Whether your boat or vessel is large or small, satellite-based GPS tracking technology is able to provide you with the peace of mind of knowing exactly where your vessel is located. Not only is this technology helpful in the event your boat gets lost or stolen, but it can also help you track its location if it's relocated to another location for servicing, storage, or if someone borrowed it for their personal enjoyment without your consent. Companies offering this type of service may also partner with Google Maps in order to enhance the user experience as well as increase the accuracy of your vessel's location on Google maps.

Connectivity:

Depending on the security system you select for your boat, yacht or vessel, your system will be able to connect to the internet to send you e-mail or SMS notifications regarding events taking place within your boat. Depending on your budget and the features your specific vessel requires, you may receive notifications regarding break-ins, fire & smoke alarms, floods, or even motion-detection notifications directly sent to your mobile device or email. These notifications may be sent in the form of a short video clip, letting you see exactly what is happening inside your boat or vessel.

Advent of the Cloud:

Cloud computing will take care of the storage of video captured by security cameras installed within your boat, both inside & outside. As a result you will not have to deal with lots of cables, storage devices or equipment taking valuable space away from your boat. Most importantly you will have access to all recordings, both live streaming and actual recordings, from the convenience of your own mobile device or from any PC, anywhere.

Old technology with a twist:

If you're not very tech savvy or if your boat does not require a lot of technology to safeguard it, you can always opt in for simpler things like audible break-in alarms. Unlike old fashioned alarms, these boat and vessel alarms are designed to use audible frequencies which are highly disturbing to the human ear, and are specifically designed to deter burglars, thieves & break-ins by causing confusion and disorientation due to the use of extremely intolerable sound frequencies.

In summary, whichever type of system you decide to acquire, it will be acquired with the intention of protecting your boat, yacht or vessel. As a valuable investment to cherish and enjoy, it's certainly necessary to safeguard it against all sorts of risks, including break-ins, theft and intrusion. And thanks to recent technologies, you may even have fun with your security system by doing things such as taking a close look remotely from your office or from another city to your beloved vessel, or even activating some of your vessel's functions remotely in order to perform maintenance to it.

To learn more about security & marine electronics, feel free to contact our professional team at Whiticar who will be more than happy to guide you and assist you with all your questions and concerns regarding marine electronics for your boat, yacht or vessel. Visit us at: http://www.whiticar.com/ or contact us anytime at: +1 (772) 287-2883

Whiticar - Boatyard of the Year!

Whiticar - Boatyard of the Year!

Awarded by the American Boat Builders & Repair Association

The 2015 Boatyard of the Year award was presented to Whiticar - www.Whiticar.com  by  the American Boat Builders & Repairers Association (ABBRA) www.abbra.org  The honor and award was presented during the Boatyard Business Conference Awards Dinner held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida from January 21^st –23^rd.

This prestigious and very special award is 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, also 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 during the ceremony.

Whiticar has 2 convenient location on the Treasure Coast, including Stuart and Fort Pierce. The company has been in business 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. Whiticar Boat Works was founded by Curt Whiticar 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, 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, in case you think they are a relic of past success, their web presence features two Facebook pages, a Twitter feed, google+, YouTube videos, a custom mobile site and a blog!  Whiticar/Shearwater was also honored last month with the “first place award” for best booth during the Stuart boat show.  Whiticar is 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.

Jim Dragseth said, “It is humbling and very rewarding to be recognized by ABBRA, Thank you very much for this honor.”  Whiticar now joins a group of several other distinguished boatyards around the country which have also received the Boat Yard of the Year award. Some of these other prestigious boatyards 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.

For additional information about Whiticar visit our website www.whiticar.com

The 41st Stuart Boat Show 2015 – Shearwater/Whiticar wins best booth!!

The 41st Stuart Boat Show held over a 3 day weekend was a great success. This event has become one of the most important marine industry shows on the Treasure Cost and South Florida. With more than 180 exhibitors and 17k visitors, this great boat show features a huge selection of boats of all shapes and sizes including power boats, cruisers and yachts just to name a few on display in-water and on land. Several vendors such as Whiticar and Shearwater also featured marine electronics, generators, engines and every marine accessory imaginable from manufacturers and dealers worldwide.

This show has become an excellent platform for businesses because it allows them to exhibit their products and services in a privileged location for boating. Stuart is considered the sailfish capital of the world and offers great amenities, marinas and marine services for all type of boats. The Stuart Boat Show was a great event for families, visitors and anyone who enjoys boating and having a good time. It was also an ideal event for networking opportunities with other like-minded professionals and people from the marine industry.

One of the most exciting highlights of this event was the selection of the “best booth”.  Most companies and vendors take great pride in their company and the way they present themselves to the public and their peers. This year an outsider was in charge of the analysis of each booth. The judges took into consideration multiple design variables and product display presentation. The winner and best booth of the 41st Stuart Boat Show was “Shearwater” which is a division of Whiticar (www.Whiticar.com). Shearwater Marine is focus on engine and generator sales, retail parts sales and dockside service at your location.  As part of the Whiticar Boat Works team, Shearwater Marine brings the same exceptional service to the parts counter or to your boat. Whiticar provides an excellent service for all your marine needs at any of our strategically located facilities.

The booth was designed by one of the best marketing agencies in the Treasure Coast and South Florida “XMS - Xperience Marketing Solutions” www.XperienceMarketingSolutions.com. The team at Xperience Marketing Solutions specializes in digital marketing, however they have proven over the years to be one of the best creative design marketing agencies in South Florida. XMS has been working with companies and organizations from the marine industry for the past several years. Some of these organizations include MIAF, MIATC, www.XperienceFloridaMarine.com, Whiticar and Shearwater just to name a few. 

The Whiticar and Shearwater teams are proud winners of “best booth” at the 41st Annual Stuart Boat Show. For additional information about Whiticar and Shearwater services please go to: www.Whiticar.com

Great Tips for Buying a New Boat

If you already have decided to buy a boat we want to congratulate you and let you know that buying a boat is a big decision that can change your life for better, that’s why it shouldn't be taken lightly. On some occasions we find that many people that are not satisfied with their boats because they bought a boat that doesn’t meet their needs or expectations.

Before you pull the trigger and purchase your boat it's important to keep some aspects in mind. There are a few tips that we consider crucial and will help you to get the most of this experience.

Type of Boat

The first step for buying a boat is to know what type of boat you want, this phase is easy to know if you have a few things clear. First of all ask yourself, how am I going to use the boat? There are different reasons why you possibly want or need a boat; the main reasons may be cruising, fishing and watersports. Some boats can only be used for one of these activities so you have to keep this in mind.

Besides the reasons of why are you going to buy a boat, you have to think how often you will be using it. Boats have different characteristics depending of how people are thinking to use them. Daily trips VS week or month long trips.

The Right Dealer

Once you have narrowed the list of boats that interest you depending on what you need and how are you looking it, it's time to look into different dealers available. In order to find the perfect boat that fits your needs, you have to find the right combination of brand and dealer. When you visit a dealer don’t be afraid to ask everything and then compare to decide who do you want to go with. We recommend dealers from the Boating Industry Association (BIA) and MIAF.

Cost

You need to know how much money you can afford to spend on a boat because you don’t want financial headaches later. Remember that the price of the boat is just the first expense. There will be registration fees, equipment, insurance, maintenance, storage and taxes.

New vs. Used

You have to decide if you want to buy a new or a used boat, each has its pros and cons. The benefits of buying a new boat are obvious, is supposed to be perfect right from the start. A used boat can have mechanical problems but there are many great used boats out there. When you purchase a boat through Whiticar Yacht Sales, the great benefit is that our mechanics and maintenance team will make sure the yacht or boat you purchase is in optimum condition.

We hope we have been helpful with our recommendations and make it much easier to find the perfect boat for you. For additional information about purchasing a new or used boat, contact our professional Yacht sales team. http://www.whiticar.com/yacht-sales.html

Cleaning Tips to Keep Your Boat Looking Its Best

If you are a boat owner you know that your boat was a big investment and it’s important to take a good care of it. For most people, cleaning their boat is not an enjoyable thing to do but it is necessary to keep your boat looking like new which will help maintain its value for longer time than if you didn’t keep it clean and well maintained.

Many new boat owners think that cleaning their boats takes a long time because some of them spend so much more time scrubbing and polishing their boats than actually sailing or fishing in them. But cleaning your boat could be a simple task if done right.  You just need to have the right products and tools. It is also important to clean it regularly and efficiently.

The following tips will help you preserve your boat and keep it as clean as new.

Cleaning Equipment and Products

Before you go ahead and start cleaning your boat you first have to select the right cleaning equipment taking into consideration the type of boat you have. You have to pay special attention when selecting cleaning brushes because an inadequate brush can damage your boat’s finish. It is also imperative to pay attention to other tools needed to get the job done. This may sound obvious but we often see how many people don’t even have a long handle on a scrub brush that allows them to reach hard-to-reach areas.

It is important to select a good soap or cleaning product to clean up your boat. Make sure you look for products that will help you to remove the corrosive salt that can remain on your boa boat. If you care about the environment, you should also consider using cleaning products which are environment friendly and have a neutral pH factor (biodegradable).

Always rinse with Fresh Water

If you boat was in a saltwater environment. You should rinse your boat with fresh water after every trip. This habit will prevent the salt residue from eating away the boat’s finish.   Keep in mind, this should always be the first step when cleaning up your boat because you should never scrub a dry boat or you will risk damaging the finish. When you start cleaning we recommend you to start at the top and work all the way down. It is better to do it by sections to avoid missing any spots, this way you avoid that some sections dry before you can scrub them.

Dry the Structure

When drying your boat you should use soft drying clothes, these are highly absorbent and will soak up water without stripping or scratching.

Clean the Windows and the Upholstery

Besides the regular glass cleaner, many boat owners recommend using a water and vinegar solution because it works well and also is environment friendly. For the upholstery you can first clean using a damp cloth to remove dirt and salt and then you can apply a quality vinyl treatment to protect and preserve your boat upholstery.

For more tips and information on how to maintain your boat please go to: http://whiticarboatworks.com/

Tips for Choosing The Best Boatyard in South Florida

Boating is a hobby and a lifestyle that many of us enjoy with our friends and families.   An inevitable part of owning a boat is the maintenance required to keep it in good condition. Sooner or later your boat will need maintenance and repairs. Choosing the right facility and professionals can make the difference between a pleasant experience and a frustrating one.

In most cases, you will have many different boat yards to choose from, so you need to make sure you give it some thought before choosing where to go. Find below a few tips on choosing the right boat yard.

1. Should you go with a reliable dealer or independent shop?

If your boat is under a lease of a specific warranty, most likely you will have to take it to an authorized dealer. Even if your boat is not under warranty, dealerships have an advantage because they usually have better professionals and dealer parts. Engine manufacturers require their dealers to have the proper training on current models, as well as a sufficient parts inventory. Using a dealership give you the peace of mind about any disputes that can't be resolved at the dealership level may be able to be addressed with the manufacturer. The downside about using a dealer is usually a higher cost; dealerships are typically considerably more expensive due to higher costs for facilities, training, and wages. Most well-established independent shops also produce high-quality work, especially shops that are started by, or staffed by, former factory trained technicians. Unlike a dealership, they have to survive only on repairs, so they may work harder to solve problems but they may also cut costs and give you lower quality parts.

2. Make sure you ask for recommendations

Fellow boaters are the best source of information for local repair shops, and they're not afraid to tell it like it is. The most recent recommendations should carry more weight on your decision. The best advice is to talk to others who've had similar repairs done on their boats.  Keep in mind that recommendations are good as long as they're impartial and unaffiliated with any shop or boatyard. Surveyors accredited by the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS) and the National Association of Marine Surveyors (NAMS) are a good bet because they're required to be independent.

3. Don’t wait…! You should find a good shop before you need it

Most yards have a specialty, either the type of work they do or the type of boats they work on most often. Make sure so find a boat yard that deals with the type of repair your boat needs. Some yards are terrific with diesel engines, but don't have the facilities or personnel for fiberglass repairs. Others can do amazing woodwork, but don't have experience in welding. Likewise, a shop that works mostly on small runabouts is probably not a good choice for a large trawler. We recommend you to choose a yard that offers full service, and has experience on all the most common maintenance issues and repairs your boat will need. Also make sure you look for boat yards that offer dealer parts and expertise.

4. Look around when you are making a decision.

You can tell a lot about a facility by looking at it. Is it neat and well organized? or are there pieces of boats in every corner for no apparent reason?

Are the equipment and tools rusty and poorly maintained? If the shop won't invest in equipment and upgrades? Do they invest in the best technicians? And would you get the highest-quality work? Are the boats in the yard well-supported on stands? What are the people like? If you're greeted with indifference by the service manager? Or he's not interested in hearing the details of your situation? Does the shop had lots of boats in the yard?

Another point to have in consideration is to, took for shops that invest in American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) certifications for their technicians; they've made a commitment to make repairs that comply with crucial safety standards. There are eight areas of certification: electrical, systems (plumbing, water systems and tanks), diesel engines, gasoline engines, corrosion, air conditioning/refrigeration, composite boat building, and ABYC standards. Ask if they're a certified clean marina? Chances are if they are taking care of their waterways they will take care of you.

5. Do your homework, look for relevant reviews

Online recommendations are a mixture of good and bad, more reliable ones have real names attached and specific details in postings. Fellow boaters are likely the best folks to recommend a yard, but go one step further: be sure that the repairs are similar to what you need. Another option is to ask a marine surveyor. These professionals are often knowledgeable about the quality of work in local repair yards, as long as they’re impartial and unaffiliated with any shop or boatyard. On the other hand, a handful of bad reviews is probably reason enough to look elsewhere. Complete reviews with details are more reliable than simple postings.

A few more things to consider: Don't shop on price alone. Rates are partially determined by location. In popular boating areas near big cities, prices may be substantially higher due to overhead costs; some backwater shops might do equally good work at lower rates. Also, don't let convenience be the deciding factor. The shop on your way to the lake might be an easy place to drop off your boat, but do your homework and make sure they're up to the task.

At Whiticar you can expect dealer expertise, professional mechanics and multiple convenient locations on the Treasure Coast (Stuart and Fort Pierce.)  In addition,  Shearwater ( a division of Whiticar) offers a professional mobile service, authorized dealer parts and expertise.

Visit our website for additional information about our services. http://whiticarboatworks.com/