Boat Caring

Your First Boat Trip

2019-01-30T15:47:00.000-05:00

Your Friend Just Purchased A New Boat

And You're Invited To Enjoy The Boat Too

You don't have to be a boat owner to enjoy a boat trip. I was fortunate enough to have friends who owned them and was invited a few times. Thinking back to my first invitation, I had no idea what to wear to such an adventure. It might seem obvious to most people, but for those of you who might have no idea, here is a few tips on how to dress:

Definitely wear white tennis shoes or boat shoes. Preferably non-marking bottom soles or white soles. I asked a friend on how to boat and he suggested sandals, but failed to mention the soles should be non-skid. Very uncomfortable on the boat if you are sliding all over the place, not to mention the danger..
Short pants for comfort
Bring your own sun block
Your own towel will be good. Whether it's a big or small vessel, you will probably need it.

Boats are constantly on the water and must be kept clean. Offering to help with the washing and cleaning at the end of the trip I'm sure will be greatly appreciated. Unless, of course, your friend has a cleaning crew.

Gift For Boaters

2019-01-30T07:03:00.000-05:00

Have An Invitation To A Boat Party?

What To Bring For The Host That Seems To Have It All

There are so many things to think about when preparing for a boat trip that the Captain and/or the Shipmate might not have the time to get all he needs. You can help by offering to chip in with whatever you think might be helpful, here are some suggestions that I wish my guests would bring:

Soft drinks
Toilet paper (it is special for boat)
Paper Towels
Chips and such
A bottle of wine

Get the idea?

Going on a boat trip for the first time? Read on

Boat Show 2019

2019-01-23T09:14:00.000-05:00

It's That Time Of The Year

Sometimes I think that given today's economy, boating would be the furthest thing on people's mind. But I think back on my situation when we couldn't even afford a car. Life still went on for those unaffected by the current misfortune of being unemployed, low wage earners or, in some cases nowadays, employed by the Federal Government.

Is Buying A Boat Your Dream?

There will be those fortunate enough to still be able to purchase a boat or in the case of Boat Shows, have the dream of buying one and attend just to see what's out there. Whatever the case may be, it will be a day of fun and looking inside brand new boats is exciting. So even if you feel down and think the future is looking worse each day, do attend because things will turn for the best, as long as you keep on dreaming.

Boat Shows Are Very Informative

Don't' forget to look for all the information you can gather for free regarding boating regulations, licenses for fishing and at last, not least, boat safety requirements.

If you are new to the boating world and/or are looking to buy one read these important words of wisdom...

Your Boat Warranty May Never Expire

2019-01-23T07:18:00.003-05:00

Our Ten Years Old Boat Was Still Covered

Even After Its Warranty Expired!

You can see crack under the Outboard-if able to enlarge picture

Ten years and a month after we purchased our second boat, which was a new 2005 Deck Boat, It was (and still is) in quite a good shape because, we didn't use it as much after we went on to purchase the 42 footer. It is a fun boat for shallow waters. And, contrary to our Trawler, it is as fast as a speed boat. It had a ten years warranty on it and right after it was over, we noticed the reason why the boat wasn't going as fast when pulling our Viper, and was not as much fun anymore, was because there was a crack on the hull right under the outboard engine.
Wow, we thought, it could have split on us if we continued to use it in that condition. We wont even be able to sell it and it might not even be worth repairing. We showed it to friends we know that have worked on boats most of their lives, and the answer was to take it to a specialist. The insurance company came and looked at it and there was no coverage because it was not a matter of wear and tear or accidental;

It Was A Manufacturing Defect.

So, there we were with a practically brand new boat. The dealership we bought it from no longer existed.
We had no idea who would be able to fix it and for how much. I don't know how the idea came about, but we considered calling the manufacturer and explain the situation. A hull of a boat should last a lifetime. We've had an old boat before and seen older ones that never showed any sign of stress on the hull. We spoke to the owner of the company, and he pleasantly said to find someone who will repair it and get that person to get in touch with him.
So it was done and the boat was repaired by a shop in Ocean City who passed the bill on to the manufacturer. We thought it was amazing that he responded so responsibly and were glad we contacted him in spite of our skepticism.

New Boat vs. Used

2019-01-21T17:54:00.000-05:00

Undecided About Which Way To Go?

Our first boat was a used 25' Chris Craft and the time came when we felt that it was time to purchase new, to give the back a break and not have to repair or clean anything for a while. So we went and got a smaller 20'. It was just like purchasing a new car. Everything was so clean, and exciting!

But, They Don't Make Them Like They Used To.

One time on the water, the brand new engine stopped running, and we were stuck on the waters of the bay until we figured out that there was a cut off switch that had been accidentally activated. One good thing about smaller boats, that I like, is that if you have a pair of Oars, you can actually make it back to dock without an engine. So, just when we were about to start rowing, the switch was discovered and that was the end of that. One mayor complaint we had thought is that our old boat had no rusting screws despite its age and the new one was already showing signs on some of them. We went back to the dealer and mentioned it to him and his answer was, "they just don't make them like they used to."

See our next Blog for more details

Boat For Sale

2019-01-21T17:01:00.002-05:00

Boat Buying In This Economy

Searching For The Best Buy

When we went on the market for our first boat, the internet was, we can say, in its infancy. Today the first thing we do is Google everything we need to find; whether it's a car, furniture, house, boat, etc., Back then, it was a coincidence that we ended up searching the Internet and back then, not too many businesses had taken to it. We had no idea where to start searching to find someone that was selling his boat. We knew we couldn't afford a new one, otherwise it would have been easy to ride around boat dealerships until we found one. But, the few we had visited, had boat prices well beyond our budget.

A Boat At A Good Price Might Not Be That Hard To Find

Our first boat, thinking back, was overpriced. Nowadays finding one that might even be a give-away is very possible. Starting your search on Craigslist will not only find you an inexpensive boat, but you might be able to find one someone is ready to hand over to you. If you are mechanically inclined, it is one of the best options to get you started on that first boat. A word of warning, be careful what you pick up out there. Some boats are hard to bring back after it has been neglected for years. The joy of boating is an imaginable experience, but boats could be very expensive to maintain.

New vs. Used

As I mentioned above, our first boat was an used one, and we ended up spending more hours of fixing and cleaning tha we did on the water. One mayor mistake we did was trying to make it look like a new one. We re-painted the whole thing and got rid of the blue line painted around its hull to make it all white. It cost us a whole summer of fun on the water. Then, there was always something to repair on it during or after. We bought new carpets for it. Bought new seats, curtains, polished the chrome and everything else to make it look new, and then regret not spending all that time enjoying ourselves. A fellow boater one day said to me, "you are the only one who will notice those little details".

Boat Buying

2019-01-21T03:50:00.002-05:00

Boating For Beginners 101

On my last Post I wrote about our engine repair and how we took it out of the Bilge. But I decided, before I go on (since we are just beginning), to take the opportunity to remind the New Boaters-To-Be to do their research before jumping in. There is a reason for the saying- a boat is a whole in your pocket to which you put money into. Follow this link to view my advice.

Boat Repair Tips

2019-01-15T19:21:00.000-05:00

Boat Repair 101

Not really just sharing some of our engine troubles experiences

It is not easy to find an engine replacement for an old boat. But we were finally able to do so thanks in part to the internet, of course. It would have been extra hard, but a fine gentlemen from a Marina in the Southern Easter Shore happened to have one matching our need.

The first thing to do, of course, is figure out how to get the old engine out of the bilge. Needless to say, this will be a job for us to take on. Boat labor is much too expensive and we were not able to find someone willing to give us an estimate that was not open-ended. The estimate for replacing the engine with the one we purchased started at a minimum of $4,000.00. And since we started the project, we realized that this amount would have been maybe just the cost of taking it out. It is no easy task.

First thing needed was to build a hoist to pull the engine out. Here it is. Built at home and put together once inside the boat.

We will be glad to share details of its components at your request. Just shoot us an e-mail and or post your questions below.

Engine is out!

2019 Boating

2019-01-15T17:39:00.001-05:00

Welcome To Our Blog And

Happy New Year 2019.

It's been a long time since my last writing, but I hope this time I will be able to spend more free time writing and sharing with our fellow boaters.

We have enjoyed years of boating fun, but as many of you might have or will already experience the inevitable breaking down. Yes, we have been out of the waters of the Chesapeake Bay for about three years now since one of our engines blew. All of a sudden one Spring day as we were getting ready to start boating, after a long-cold-winter, the engine would not start. Our boat has two engines, but we were still grounded and many tries and fixes later, the final decision had to be made. No other alternative. A new engine needed!

As the old saying goes, a boat is a whole in your pocket...
At least it hasn't made us any poorer. Thankfully we have survived the Obama administration and now the current one without having to make any mayor changes. I had no idea what the future was going to bring, for sure neither did most of you, and some of my posts of years past will give you an idea of what I mean.

Boat Insurance Rates Getting Higher and Higher

2013-03-07T12:57:00.000-05:00

So... What else is new?

Boat insurance, of course, is getting high, like everything else. I noticed our insurance ratewas skyrocketing . So, I started to shop around. Contacted Boat US and they gave us a very attractive rate. Only problem was we needed to get a boat survey. One more skyrocketing feature!
Since our current insurance company was not requesting a survey for now (appx. $900), we decided to show them the quote we just received (approx. 1/2 the price), and asked them if they would meet the price. They did!

I guess the moral of the story is to shop around for everything. I never thought it would work in this case, but it did.

Happy boating!

To Rags From Riches, A Boater's Story

2011-12-13T12:53:00.000-05:00

The year 2000 was the best one for us because that's when we finally began to see our dreams come true. A Waterfront Home and our Boat on its Dock. Life was good and for some reason, it seemed to be the same for everyone else around us.
All of a sudden, everybody was in search of a waterfront home, and in fact, some got two or even three. It was lucky we got ours just in time because the prices suddenly began to steep upward. Realizing that the Real Estate market had taken off so fast as to double the value of our two homes, we rushed to accomplish another dream before getting pushed out of the market, if we waited any longer. We got a waterfront condo in Ocean City. Life was double good!
One day our friend pointed out that given the actual value of all our properties, which by then had at least tripled, we were now "Millionaires". In fact, he was one too because he also purchased a nice big home and a waterfront condo as well as a boat. We were enjoying our wealth, but also talked about what would happen when the real estate prices would no longer have room to move up. We visualized the collapsed of the market and felt fortunate to have purchased at what were then very reasonable prices, and just in time too!
One morning, however, we woke up to find that we were no longer "Millionaires". The housing market collapsed sooner than we had anticipated without given us time to think about turning our properties into profit by liquifying our millions rather than keeping them as solid investments.

So, the long-boating-trips had to be cut down to save on gas because while the market took a downward steep, the gas companies went on an upward swing.

The stocks in our portfolio started dancing around the see-saw created by the two mentioned above, until they finally settled down, way down.

I for one, stopped shopping for new clothes, and have dressed in my faded looking ones ever since, waiting for the day when I can, once again, go from "Rags" to "Riches"

Boat Out Of The Water. Time to Start Planning For Next Season

2010-11-19T18:34:00.000-05:00

Boat's out of the water. Now you have nothing else to do but plan your next exciting season on the water. Maybe it's about time you finally make that long trip, since you finally convinced your First Mate (the wife) that it'll be alright!

2010-09-30T12:47:00.001-04:00

We finally did it! After years of boating on either our 25'Chris Craft or our 20' Deck Boat, we got a 42'Trawler. It came with the name "Argonaut". I didn't know what the word meant, and I'm sure not too many people do, so I looked it up. One of the meanings is that it is 'a person who embarks in an adventurous and dangerous yet rewarding experience. Or 'one who takes risks'. I liked the name after I found out what it meant. But even if I didn't like the meaning, we would not have changed it. We found out it is bad luck to do so, and we found out the hard way when we purchased our used Chris Craft and changed its name. Needless to say, the trip didn't go well.

Traveling from the Washington D.C. Metro area, we often drove to the Eastern Shores of Maryland and Virginia. Ocean City and the Chincoteague Bay were our pleasure. Now we will be exploring the Chesapeake Bay.

What possessed us to travel for 3-1/2 hours each weekend and holidays to enjoy the water, I'll never know. Chincoteague and Ocean City are fine, but there is so much more to see and do all around the Chesapeake Bay, and it is closer for us to travel back and forth to our boat, that it makes it so much more exciting!

Boating Safety

2010-06-01T10:36:00.000-04:00

Boater Education; Resources for Safe Family Fun

No matter how much experience you have, it’s always a good idea for everyone to review boating safety rules before departures. Read below to familiarize yourself with these 10 basic boating safety tips:

Be Weather-wise
Always check local weather conditions for boating safety before departure- TV and radio forecasts can be a good source of information. If you notice darkening clouds, volatile and rough changing winds, or sudden drops in temperature, play it safe by getting off the water.

Follow a Pre-Departure Checklist
Proper boating safety means being prepared for any possibility on the water. From compliance with fire safety regulations to tips for fueling up, following a pre-departure checklist is the best way to make sure no boating safety rules or precautions have been forgotten.

Use Common Sense
One of the most important parts of boating safety is to use your common sense. This means operating at a safe speed at all times, especially in crowded areas. Be alert at all times, and steer clear of large vessels and watercraft that can be restricted in their ability to stop or turn. Also be respectful of buoys and other navigational aids, all of which have been placed there for one reason only- to ensure your own boating safety.

Designate an Assistant Skipper
Make sure more than only one person on board is familiar with all aspects of your boat’s handling, operations, and other boating safety tips. If the primary navigator is injured or incapacitated in any way, it’s important to make sure someone else can follow the proper boating safety rules to get everyone else back to shore.

Develop a Float Plan
Whether you choose to inform a family member or staff at your local marina, always be sure let someone else know your float plan in terms of where you’re going and how long you’re going to be gone.
A float plan can include the following information: name, address, and phone number of trip leader: name and number of all passengers; boat type and registration information; trip itinerary; types of communication and signal equipment onboard.

Make Proper Use of Lifejackets
Did you know that the majority of drowning victims as the result of boating accidents were found not to be wearing a Lifejacket? Make sure that your family and friends aren’t part of this statistic by assigning and fitting each member of your onboard team with a Lifejacket-prior to departure.

Avoid Alcohol
Practice boating safety at all times by saving the alcohol for later. The probability of being involved in a boating accident doubles when alcohol is involved, and studies have also shown that the affect of alcohol is exacerbated by external effects such as sun and wind.

Learn to Swim
If you’re going to be in and around the water, proper boating safety means knowing how to swim. Local organizations such as the American Red Cross and others offer training for all ages and abilities- check to see what classes are offered in your area!

Take a Boating Course
Beginning boaters and experienced experts alike need be familiar with boating safety rules of operation. Boater education requirements vary by state- some require validated completion of at least one boating safety course. Regardless of your individual state's requirements, it's always important to be educated, aware and prepared for every circumstance that might arise. You can learn boating safety rules by taking a local community course, or there are online tutorials to help educate novice boaters.

Consider a Free Vessel Safety Check
Take advantage of a free Vessel Safety Check from the US Coast Guard (see links below). They offer complimentary boat examinations to verify the presence and condition of certain Safety Equipment required by State and the Federal regulations. Free of charge, they’ll provide a specialist to check out your boat and make helpful boating safety tips and recommendations. They also offer virtual online safety checks as well. Find a vessel Safety check examiner closest to you.

More Boating Safety Resources:
The following resources will help you learn more about boating education and instruction;

Boat-ed.com - Official Boating Safety Courses and Online Tests for Your Boat License

US Power Squadron and Coast Guard Auxiliaries - Offering free Vessel Safety Checks, boater education and more.

Getting Your Captains License Is Easy

2010-01-12T11:58:00.000-05:00

You can easily take a course to get you ready for your captain's license, however, it might not prepare you for the challenges you might face at sea. It is possible that many captains have gotten their licenses, but are not really prepared to save themselves or their boats if it should ever become necessary. A good captain should have the natural ability to react properly, as well as being a good navigator who follows and respects all the safety rules. For example, no Drinking While Boating.

New boaters need to stay informed and taking a course in boating is the first step they must take to eventually becoming a real good captain.

Winter Will Soon Be Over!

2010-01-05T18:29:00.000-05:00

It's that time of the year again and freshening up on your boating rules and regulation knowledge can be taken out of the way and done before all your time is taken up on the water.

Remember to boat in a way that everyone on the water can enjoy your company when you pass then on your boat as you wave.

Please consider those of us trying to enjoy a nice quiet and smooth ride when you are showing off on your speeding boat. When you cause such a turbulance with the waves, people get hurt. So please remember to slow down and do obey the no-wake signs!

See you on the water.

Chesapeake Bay Boaters

2009-08-28T14:23:00.004-04:00

It is hard to find a gift for boaters. Well, not really hard to find, but hard to decide which one to get. There are so many things that a boater needs. With Xmas coming just around the corner, it's better to start thinking hard.

The best thing to do, is to get a gift certificate! Your boater family member will know what is best to get for his/her boat. Make it easy for both of you with.

Argonaut Not Just On The Chesapeake

2009-08-26T18:20:00.008-04:00

Our friend, who took the trip from Ft Lauderdale to the Chesapeake Bay on our Argonaut, got a chance to experience what it is like to own a boat much bigger than his. He came to the conclusion that since he is not too mechanically inclined, he should not buy another boat more than 2 feet longer (that would be 22'), without first getting prepared with some mechanical knowledge, to say the least. the trip wasn't easy. A 42' Trawler takes a lot of know-how and it helps a lot to know at least the essentials when it comes to mechanical problems that may arise, even if just trawling on the Chesapeake bay.

What does Argonaut mean?

In Greek mythology, the Argonauts (Ancient Greek: Αργοναύται) were a band of heroes who, in the years before the Trojan War, accompanied Jason to Colchis (modern day Georgia) in his quest to find the Golden Fleece. Their name comes from their ship, the Argo, which was named after its builder, Argus. "Argonauts", therefore, literally means "Argo sailors". They were sometimes called Minyans, after a prehistoric tribe of the area.

Which is The Best Marina?

2009-08-17T11:17:00.002-04:00

Visiting the different Marinas on the Chesapeake bay is fun and the people are all very friendly, however, which one you choose to stay on a permanent basis, makes a great deal of difference.

For many of us, when choosing a Marina, we think of quiet yet active place we can enjoy our, most of the times, short vacations. For us, every weekend is a short vacation. The good thing about the Marina we chose is that it is very quiet, friendly and it's close to everything. A short walk to the restaurants will have you eating good while enjoying the live bands, on a given night that you feel like partying.

The best thing is that when the party is over, and you get back to your boat to sleep, the quiet that you might require is there waiting for you. The music is nowhere to be heard. Your neighbors will probably be asleep or quietly sitting out on their boats. It will not be the case, if your marina happens to be right in the middle of the entertainment district, and you will not have a choice of having a noisy or quiet night! But it's your choice.

Advise from the USDA For Boaters

2009-07-31T09:54:00.001-04:00

If you are a new boater and are planning to fish, this information will come in handy.

Seafood
If you are planning to fish, check with your fish and game agency or state health department to see where you can fish safely, then follow these guidelines:

Finfish:
· Scale, gut, and clean fish as soon as they’re caught.
· Live fish can be kept on stringers or in live wells, as long as they have enough water and enough room to move and breathe.
· Wrap fish, both whole and cleaned, in watertight plastic and store on ice.
· Keep 3 to 4 inches of ice on the bottom of the cooler. Alternate layers of fish and ice.
· Store the cooler out of the sun and cover with a blanket.
· Once home, eat fresh fish within 1 to 2 days or freeze them. For top quality, use frozen fish within 3 to 6 months.

Shellfish:
· Crabs, lobsters, and other shellfish must be kept alive until cooked.
· Store in live wells or out of water in a bushel or laundry basket under wet burlap or seaweed.
· Crabs and lobsters are best eaten the day they’re caught.
· Live oysters should be cooked within 7 to 10 days.
· Live mussels and clams should be cooked within 4 to 5 days.
· Eating raw shellfish is extremely dangerous. People with liver disorders or weakened immune systems are especially at risk.

Cleanup
Cleanup on the boat is similar to cleanup in the wild. Bring disposable wipes for hand washing, and bag up all your trash to dispose of when you return to shore.

General Rules for Outdoor Food Safety
Plan ahead: decide what you are going to eat and how you are going to cook it; then plan what equipment you will need.
· Pack safely: use a cooler if car-camping or boating, or pack foods in the frozen state with a cold source if hiking or backpacking.
· Keep raw foods separate from other foods.
· Never bring meat or poultry products without a cold source to keep them safe.
· Bring disposable wipes or biodegradable soap for hand- and dishwashing.
· Plan on carrying bottled water for drinking. Otherwise, boil water or use water purification tablets.
· Do not leave trash in the wild or throw it off your boat.
· If using a cooler, leftover food is safe only if the cooler still has ice in it. Otherwise, discard leftover food.
· Whether in the wild or on the high seas, protect yourself and your family by washing your hands before and

Why You Have To Have Plenty Of Money To Own A Boat

2009-07-02T16:52:00.002-04:00

Have you heard the expression "owning a boat is like having a whole in your pocket"? It shouldn't have to be that way if the services were not so expensive.

It is bad enough that boats constantly need repair and tender loving care, but even worse is the fact that the owners get ripped off by the service providers, such as mechanics, marinas and of course, the makers and sellers of marine products. It should not have to be that way. Once the boat is paid off, having to repair it and paying through the nose for any little thing is what burns the whole in the pocket and that's why you have to have plenty of money to own a boat.

The poorer of the boat owners usually had the option to do the repairs themselves but now with the new "clean marina" excuse, it is no longer allowed in many places and worse than that, the marina must provide the services instead of an outside contractor. Where our boat is at, for example, painting the bottom of the boat, which is usually done to protect it from the elements before putting it back in the water, the marina employees are the only ones allowed to do the painting. This is an easy chore that anyone can perform, however, the boat owners must shell out hundreds of dollars to them or let the bottom of the boat rot. This is just one more burden placed on the boat owners. I have nothing against the clean marinas act, but taking advantage of it concerns me.

There is plenty of money to be made in the boating field and having more service providers would be a good competition to bring the prices down. There are not enough mechanics, electricians, and everything else to go around, and it is incomprehensive that not too many people (especially the young) are choosing that path.I wrote about it a few years ago and it just keeps getting worse. There is no recession for those guys.

Boat owners don't necessarily have a lot of money, but they can provide plenty of job opportunities if they are not eventually driven out of the sport!

Boating Season Brings Back Memories

2009-05-05T09:55:00.002-04:00

I wrote the following about our boat "Salvado I" on my Ocean City Condo Blog on February 2005:

From The Chesapeake To The Chincoteague Bay, Spring is almost in the air (nice today, but might be cold tomorrow). That means soon my husband (Carlos) will be preparing his boat to navigate the waters of the Chincoteague Bay and Ocean City. I don't know what it is about men that makes them so crazy about boating, and Carlos is a perfect example. No matter how much that boat keeps putting him through, he still loves it. He puts up with it better than he does with me. I have to admit, it has given us some of the greatest adventure stories of the Eastern Shores.

When he first got his boat, navigating it from the Chesapeake Bay to the Chincoteague Bay was one of the funniest (only because they lived to tell it) stories that circulated among our families and friends. First of all, and unfortunately, the bay has a lot of shallow waters. On top of that, in the spring, crab Pots are all over the place. Thus started the predicament he and my son got into.

Looking for gas, they got lost and somehow ended up somewhere stuck in the middle of crab pots, and had to spend the night. (that , of course, is a longer story, but I'm going to have to cut it short). The tow boat managed to pull them out the next day and so they went on to cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge (the one near Norfolk). They had been looking forward to seeing how it would look from the boat.

The experience of the night before was soon being forgotten and the sea had a welcoming feeling as they were cruising at a comfortable speed above 80 feet of water. All of a sudden the depth finder showed 2 feet and an alarm they didn't even know existed started buzzing. It sounded as if it was coming from the engine, so they took a look. It was completely under water! They were taking in water and had no idea where it was coming from. Luckily, there was a hand pump handy and Carlos instructed our son to start pumping.

Carlos had the idea to check at what speed the water was coming in the least and so kept the boat going at that speed. Land was nowhere to be seen. By now they had their brand new offshore jackets on.
Carlos couldn't see much in front of him, so our son had to be both pumping and looking for land. He finally saw, far away in the distance, and pointed to land which led them to a very small town called Willis Wharf. Over there they were welcomed with opened arms and a friendliness that they will for ever remember. (The Stuffing Box was the problem)

The whole story is really funny when told by them because they can tell you about the feelings, expressions and thoughts they had while it was happening. For example, my son says that when he saw the engine submerged in water, his first thought was that of jumping out of the boat!

Best of all, we got to know the people of the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland. They are very, very friendly, helpful and hunger for company. That was a beginning of spring and the boating season.

Good Excercise, No Boating

2009-04-30T16:22:00.003-04:00

Well the most beautiful weekend just past us and we spent it cleaning Argonaut, since it is not yet in the water.the boat had suffered quite a few scratches coming up from Florida to Kent Island last year (it's a long story worth telling on another day), and some of those seemed as if a new coat of paint would be needed. Not so, after scrubbing hard with a pasty compound, it all came off and it is shining once again, looking as good as new!

The yard is still mostly full with more boats out of the water than in it, so we were not alone while we were busily compounding the hull and shining the chrome all around it. Also, I feel the pain on my muscles which I welcome specially around my almost too flabby arms. Killed two birds with one stone. Or make that three birds because we also saved money doing it ourselves. (Boaters always get ripped off, so get off your lazy A.. and start doing it yourselves. You'll get rewarded three ways too!)

Free Legal Advise

2009-04-29T14:24:00.003-04:00

(I received this from my sister. It's good for everyone))

ATTORNEY's ADVICE - NO CHARGE (Number 7 is the best)
Not A Joke!!

Even If you dislike attorneys...You will love them for these tips. Read this and make a copy for your files in case you need to refer to it someday.. Maybe we should all take some of his advice!
A corporate attorney sent the following out to the employees in his company:

1. Do not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, put 'PHOTO ID REQUIRED.'
2. When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts, DO NOT put the complete account numberon the 'For' line. Instead, just put the last four numbers. The credit card company knows the rest of the number, and anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through all the check processing channels won't have access to it.
3. Put your work phone # on your checks instead of your home phone. If you have a PO Box use that instead of your home address. If you do not have a PO Box, use your work address. Never have your SS# printed on your checks. (DUH!) You can add it if it is necessary. But if you have It printed, anyone can get it.
4. Place the contentsof your walleton a photocopy machine. Do both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel. Keep the photocopy in a safe place. I also carry a photocopy of my passport when I travel either here or abroad. We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed on us in stealing a Name, address, Social Security number, credit cards. In case your luggage is lost, take another list in your carry on bag, especially if you are abroad and need immediate access to those numbers. Unfortunately, I, an attorney, have first hand knowledge because my wallet was stolen last month. Within a week, the thievesordered an expensive monthly cell phone package, applied for a VISA credit card, had a credit line approved to buy a Gateway computer, received a PIN number from DMV to change my driving record information online, and more. But here's some critical information to limit the damage in case this happens to you or someone you know:
5. We have been told we should cancel our credit cards immediately. But the key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call.. Keep those where you can find them.
6. Filea police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your credit cards, etc.., were stolen. This proves to credit providers you were diligent, and this is a first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one). But here's what is perhaps most important of all: (I never even thought to do this.)

7. Call the 3 national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and also call the Social Security fraud line number. I had never heard of doing that until advised by a bank that called to tell me an application for credit was made over the internet in my name. The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen, and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit. By the time I was advised to do this, almost two weeks after the theft, all the damage had been done. There are records of all the credit checks initiated by the thieves' purchases, none of which I knew about before placing the alert. Since then, no additional damage has been done, and the thieves threw my wallet away this weekend (someone turned it in). It seems to have stopped them dead in their tracks.. Now, here are the numbers you always need to contact about your wallet, if it has been stolen:

1.) Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
2.) Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742
3.) Trans Union : 1-800-680 7289
4.) Social Security Administration (fraud line):> 1-800-269-0271

We pass along jokes on the Internet; we pass along just about everything.

If you are willing to pass this information along, it could really help someone that you care about.

Good Exersice, No Boating

2009-04-27T14:46:00.002-04:00

Well the most beautiful weekend just past us and we spent it cleaning Argonaut, since it is not yet in the water.

the boat had suffered quite a few scratches coming up from Florida to Kent Island last year, and some of those seemed as if a new coat of paint would be needed. Not so, after scrubbing hard with a pasty compound, it all came off and it is shining once again, looking as good as new!

The yard is still mostly full with more boats out of the water than in it, so we were not alone while we were busily compounding the hull and shining the chrome all around it. Also, I feel the pain on my muscles which I welcome specially around my almost too flabby arms. Killed two birds with one stone. Or make that three birds because we also saved money doing it ourselves. (Boaters always get ripped off, so get off your lazy A.. and start doing it yourselves. You'll get rewarded three ways too!)