Useful tips for night boating

Any boater could potentially find themselves boating after dark. Night boating can be very dangerous so we want to make sure you’re prepared in this situation. Here are some tips that can help keep you safe while boating at night:

Make sure you always have night boating supplies.

Even if you are not planning on staying out after dark, it is best to have the supplies on hand in case of an unexpected situation. You should have some night vision technology to use. Also, have each person wear a glow stick so, in the case that someone falls in the water, it will be easier to find them.

Try to have as little light as possible.

The darker it is on the boat, the easier it is to see on the water since your eyes will be accustomed to the dark. Even a little light can make your night vision worse because your eyes will naturally adapt to the light. So, make sure you only have necessary sources of light on while night boating.

Do not use the boats docking lights.

These are meant to help while docking, not to light your way at night. While you may be able to see a short distance in front of you, these lights actually put you at a disadvantage because your eyes will get accustomed to them and then not be able to see well past the lights.

Stay away from other boats.

Especially if other boats are using their docking lights, you should stay away from them. Their lights could potentially blind you if they flash straight at you. Also, even if they don’t have lights on, it is best to stay away to make sure there are no collisions.

Don’t look at the stars.

The stars may look beautiful at night, but looking at them while boating is dangerous as it can cause vertigo and sea sickness. That is dangerous in a situation where boating is already difficult because of the darkness. 

Have a lookout focused solely on looking out over the water.

The captain steering the boat has to focus on too much to also focus on what’s out on the water fulltime. So, you should have a separate person posted to keep an eye on the water at all times.

           

Next time you go out to sea, make sure to keep these tips in mind, even if you don’t plan on staying out after dark. After all, it’s better to be prepared in case you unexpectedly find yourself out at night. Always be safe!

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

9 Steps for Charging a Battery, Cleaning and Retightening Your Boat’s Main Battery Connections.

1.                  For safety reasons and to protect the expensive boat alternator that keeps your battery charged when operating the motor, be sure to disconnect the negative battery terminal before hooking up your battery charger to charge the battery.

2.                  Better yet, just make a habit of disconnecting BOTH the positive and negative battery connections to the boat when charging.

3.                  Make sure the positive connections are clearly marked red, with either red colored plastic or red electrical tape to prevent hooking things up wrong when reassembling connections.

4.                  If you see any sign of white or green powdery substances on or around the battery terminals, loosen these connections. Most batteries have wing nuts that make the connections, so use a set of slip-joint pliers to loosen or tighten them.

 

5.                  Once the battery is completely disconnected (safety glasses are always recommended when working around battery acid), spray or pour on a Battery Acid Cleaner and Neutralizer to completely clean the battery positive and negative posts. Clean with a brush if corrosion is severe. A simple color change of the solution from red to yellow lets you know the battery acid has been neutralized.

              

6.                  Rinse the residual debris with water which has now been chemically changed to a harmless salt water solution.

7.                  Clean and brush each cable going to the battery with a Battery Acid Cleaner and Neutralizer. Again, a “simple color change from red to yellow” lets you know the battery acid has been neutralized.

                    

8.                  Rinse the residual debris (now a harmless salt water solution) with water as you did with the battery posts.
             

9.                  Allow the battery to completely dry before reconnecting 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

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