Tips For On Board Guests

Whenever you invite friends and family to come boating for the day, a weekend or an extended cruise, you should explain to them in advance what is expected of them, especially if they are not experienced boaters.

– Make sure each guest has a good pair of non-skid deck shoes.
– Make sure your guests know that your times of departure are based on tide, current, weather conditions and time to make the next destination. You should explain that they should be onboard, have gear stowed and be ready to leave well before the departure time you have set.
– Familiarize friends and family with boating safety tips and emergency procedures before leaving the dock. Explain fueling procedures, docking and undocking plans, etc.
– Make sure someone onboard is able to take over for you and operate the VHF radio to ask for help should you become disabled.

Feline Boaters

Cats are cuddly and cute. They’re also uniquely adaptable to confined environments such as boats. This is why many boaters choose to sail or live aboard with feline companions. We have already discussed dog etiquette, such as keeping dogs on leashes and cleaning up after them, but what about our feline friends? The worst complaints we receive are about cat poop in cockpits and urine-soaked seat cushions or canvas. This problem is not only an annoyance and an expense for boat owners; it undermines goals for an environmentally clean marina, when cat droppings wind up in the
marina’s waters.

All animals, whether dog or cat, must be kept in control by their owners. Cats must stay aboard their owner’s vessel, and it is up to the owner to make sure that happens. Please enjoy your
feline companions, but respect your neighbors’ interests and Grand Marina’s.

Carbon Monoxide Kills!

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas, a product of burning carbon based fuels. The most common source of carbon monoxide is exhaust from gas or diesel engines. Poorly tuned engines produce more carbon monoxide than warm, properly turned engines. Exposure to even small amounts can cause illness and even death. This illness can initially be mistaken for seasickness, as the symptoms are similar. Fumes from carbon monoxide can collect in a boat if there is an exhaust leak, or if you are docked next to a boat running their engine. It can happen even underway, if the exhaust is pushed back by prevailing winds! Anything that uses a carbon-based fuel, like gasoline or diesel engines, generators, cooking ranges or space heaters, can put you at risk if you’re not careful. The best way to protect yourself and fellow boaters is to be educated and aware of the causes and dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. As always, keep your boating safe!

Donate Your Boat

It is always a sad time when the option of donating your boat comes upon you, for whatever the reasons. But under the right circumstances it has its benefits, too. Some of these benefits
include: free appraisals as needed; a charitable tax deduction for a fair market value per the I.R.S.; charities will take your boat running or not in most cases; and free pick-ups. There are many organizations and donation centers to choose from. Call our office for more information.