Captain's Log
You know your a pro fisherman when...
January 13, 2012* You have a shiner dangling from your rear view mirrow because you think it makes a good air freshener.* Your wedding party had to tie tin cans to the back of your whaler.* You call your boat "sweetheart" and your wife "grady"* Hiller's Sport shop has your credit card number on file.* You keep a ugly stick by your favorite chair to change the tv channels with.* You get 40 to life because your…Read More
Categories: Captain John's Log
Enjoy the Off-Season, But Plan for Emergencies
January 13, 2012By John M. Malatak, Chief, Program Operations, U.S. Coast Guard, Boating Safety Division December 2, 2011 Proper planning can help reduce the risks of off-season boating. I love boating in the fall. The colors of the trees lining the shore of the Potomac River, where I do most of my boating, are bursting with bright yellows, brilliant oranges and deep reds. The slight nip…Read More
Categories: A view from the helm
Bilge Pumps in the Winter
December 29, 2011Please make sure that your bilge pump is functioning properly during the winter months if your boat is stored in the water. This means it is important to make sure that your battery system contains enough power to support running the pump for a long period of time. Make sure you test your batteries weekly and check the water levels if applicable. It is important to frequently…Read More
Categories: Captain John's Log
Trailering
December 19, 2011The majority of recreational boats in the United States are trailered to and from the water. Your boat trailer is only one part of the entire boating package, which includes the boat, trailer, hitch and towing vehicle. Neglecting the trailer’s maintenance can result in damage to your boat, your towing vehicle or both. The trailer must have a load capacity adequate to carry the boat, motor…Read More
Categories: Captain John's Log
The Life Expectancy of the Marine Engine From Boat Safe.com
October 19, 2011The average marine gasoline engine runs for 1,500 hours before needing a major overhaul. The average marine diesel engine will run for more than three times that long and log an average 5,000 hours under the same conditions. The number of hours that a marine engine runs is very dependent on the amount and quality of maintenance over the years. The typical gasoline marine engine will run fine for…Read More
Categories: A view from the helm
There is a new Bull in town
October 14, 2011Rex Marine enthusiastically announces the arrival of our 2011 Wiggins Marina Bull forklift, the latest example of our committmant to upgrade our Valet Rack Service operations. Capable of safely handling boats up to 32’ long and weighing 20,000 lbs, our new lift also features a clean burning Tier III Cummins diesel engine, and of course, made in the USA with nearly 100% American components…Read More
Categories: A view from the helm
Who you gonna call?
October 14, 2011As we have discussed in the past, there are lots of ways to enjoy yourself on the water and also many ways to get into trouble. Hopefully you have taken a safe boating course and received a NASBLA or state approved certificate. But who do you call when you get in trouble? Your VHF radio should be your first line of defense. Use your VHF radio on channel 16 to contact a commercial salvage or towing…Read More
Categories: Captain John's Log
Coast Guard Auxiliary rescues research vessel passengers in Norwalk Harbor
September 27, 2011Date: 25SEP2011 Contact: Rande J. Wilson Public Affairs Officer 860.881.0570 Email: rjwilson@snet.net http://www.auxpa.org/ http://www.flotilla72.org Photo Release Coast Guard Auxiliary rescue of research vessel passengers Norwalk, CT – A U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary operations vessel rescued nine children and one adult from the 40’ R/V Oceanic, which had run hard aground in Norwalk…Read More
Categories: News from around Norwalk Harbor
Marine Radar
September 27, 2011If you boat in New England, there will be times when you can’t see 100’ feet away from your boat. Hopefully this will be while you’re at the dock. If not, you will want to have and to know how to use a marine radar display. You’re visibility can be limited by many different factors, certainly fog is the biggest but there are others. Rain, snow and even smoke can…Read More
Categories: Captain John's Log
Connecticut Boating Regulations
August 8, 2011In every state with federally controlled waters there are usually two sets of regulations you must follow, those enforced by the United States Coast Guard and those of the state. In Connecticut, the Department of Environmental Protection is responsible for writing and enforcing our regulations. Those regulations are then adopted in whole by each city, town or municipality who in…Read More
Categories: Captain John's Log