On the Water

KVH Industries said today that it will offer rebates up to $200 through the end of April on its TracVision M1 and M3 satellite TV systems.  The M1 and M3 systems are typically used on smaller boats, although the M3DX unit, with its HDTV capability could easily serve as the workhorse on almost any size [...] …Read More

href="http://www.charterwave.com/opinions-a-ideas/editors-daily-blog/79/2930.html" target="_blank">reported yesterday …Read More

I saw one of these frozen bait vending machines near a local tackle shop and posted a photo here the other day. I wondered, who came up with this idea? And how does it work? So, in the spirit of bringing you news and information you can’t find elsewhere, here is the story behind the [...] …Read More

Do you really need to update your electronic charts, and the chartography in your chartplotter’s brain? A three year old unit, for example, may seem plenty “new.” Unfortunately, the Coast Guard has this pesky habit of moving nav aids. Worse yet, Mother Nature has this pesky habit of moving sand bars, shoals, and inlet channels. [...] …Read More

href="http://www.panbo.com/assets_c/2010/03/AIS_plotting_at_various_speed_courtesy_USCG-1852.html"> …Read More

If last year’s docile hurricane season lulled us into complacency, this year’s hurricane forecast should keep boaters on their toes. BoatUS sent notice based on this year’s predictions: Accuweather, a nationwide weather service, recently reported it expects 2010 to be an “extreme season” with as many as 18 named storms, a 100% increase over 2009. You never know [...] …Read More

Today I received a press release from Cobra Marine Electronics with a useful list of reasons for why you need a VHF radio. Written by Bill Boudreau, Cobra's director of product and new business development, you might say there is some bias in the release, and yes it does focus on features that Cobra has integrated into their own product line, but none-the-less, its a great list and offers up some really good reasoning for why you may want to upgrade. VHF radio technology has not been static and the advantages to owning a new unit incorporating some or all of the features Bill outlines make a lot of sense, regardless of who makes it. So, I'm going to share Bill's list with you, but give full credit to him for coming up with it. One of Cobra's hand-held units is shown here:   So what follows is Bill's punch list, useful regardless of who's radio you favor. But based on the development work Cobra has done, I'd sure recommend taking a look at one of their units. TOP REASONS TO OWN A VHF RADIO By:  Bill Boudreau             In times of emergency, a VHF radio can be one of the most important pieces of gear aboard.  This means of communication can be a boater's only line from sea to shore or nearby vessels, so it's important users select a radio that has the most advanced, as well as most helpful features.  Here are the top reasons to own or simply upgrade a VHF radio. 1. DSC Calling – A unique feature of VHF radios is Digital Selective Calling (DSC).  This enables even novice boaters to, when the VHF is connected to a working GPS, send a digital distress message that contains the vessel's GPS position to the United States Coast Guard (USCG) or other DSC-equipped craft. 2.) NOAA Weather Alert Monitoring – Some VHF radios offer NOAA Weather Alert Monitoring, which provides instant access to national All Hazards and weather information, 24 hours a day.  This helps determine when to head back to shore before getting caught in a storm.  No cell phone can do that. 3.) JIS7 Waterproof Rating – Meeting JIS7 standards means a VHF radio can be fully submersed for 30 minutes in three feet of water and still function properly after it's taken out.  Unlike cell phones or other communication devices, there's no need to worry about heavy seas or rain when a unit has this type of rating.  The radio can remain out in the open, right where a boater may need it. 4.) Floating Handhelds – The ability to float is a relatively new feature for handheld VHF radios.  Now, owners don't have to worry about getting their radio wet or accidentally dropping it overboard.  It can be easily retrieved.  No more lost radios. 5.) Unique Features – Technology is consistently advancing by leaps and bounds, and likewise so are the features VHF radios offer.  Some of Cobra Marine's models offer Rewind-Say-Again™.  It's a digital voice recorder which enables the radio to record up to 20 seconds of any incoming call.  Standard Horizon provides AIS integration with certain radios, so users can safely avoid collisions on the water.  Combining these sophisticated functions with a VHF radio makes the units even more valuable to a boater. 6.) Bluetooth® Wireless Technology-enabled Mobile Phone Calling/Integration – Enjoying a day on the water doesn't always mean a boater wants to lose contact with friends, family or business associates.  That's why certain VHF radios now incorporate Bluetooth wireless technology.  Users can pair their cell phone to the unit and make and receive phone calls, all while the cell phone is safely stored where it won't get wet or damaged. 7.) Better Battery Technology – A handheld VHF won't do users any good if its battery is dead.  New radio models feature lithium ion batteries or an option for AA batteries, reducing the chance of it being out of power when it's needed most.  Some new handheld radios will transmit at a higher 6 watts of power.  The better the battery, the more reliable and stable power output will be. 8.) Rescue 21 System – The Coast Guard's investment in its new VHF-receiving Rescue 21 system reaffirms that the marine VHF radio is the preferred method of electronically contacting the USCG when in distress.  Cellular devices are unreliable in the harsh maritime environment, while a VHF radio is the best way to alert search and rescue crews to a boater's condition and location. 9.) Bigger and Better Displays – When something goes wrong aboard, clear communication is important.  With brighter and bigger displays than ever before, boaters can quickly identify who's calling.  They're also easier to use with descriptive menus, resulting in less wasted time.      )Whether used for communicating with marinas and locks or when making a mayday call, VHF radios are a necessary piece of boating gear.  Manufacturers now offer a wide range of unique, innovative and, sometimes, lifesaving features on their units.  No matter what type of VHF radio boaters own, they'll gain peace of mind and security when they are properly equipped and prepared with the latest in marine communication.   One of the points Bill makes I want to reiterate, because in my view it has become a major safety concern. Remember, your cell phone is not the best choice for initiating a distress call when you're out on the water! Use a VHF!   …Read More

A recent story for Boating Magazine opened my eyes to a new category of gadget on the market that should prove of particular interest to offshore, or long-distance PWC touring enthusiasts, as well as just boaters in general. These gadgets are handheld VHF radios — valuable in their own right — with the added benefits of everything from built-in GPS receivers, to Bluetooth mobile phone connections, even water-activated strobe lights for emergency locating. …Read More

  So, you need to learn a bit about fiberglass boat repair, and a book by the likes of Roger Marshall would help? You bet it would. Marshall’s new book (fittingly entitled Fiberglass Boat Repair Illustrated, $24.95, you can find it on Amazon or at Barnes & Noble) differs from most in that it’s chock-full of [...] …Read More

href="http://www.charterwave.com/find-a-broker/reputable-brokers.html" target="_blank">reputable charter broker …Read More