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Marine Products Experts Introduce You to the Kite Sailing World

Your Marine Products Specialists Announce That Kite Sailing Is Here to Stay

Raritan Engineering your marine products analysts would like to share with you these topics we thought would be of interest to you this month regarding an introduction to the kite sailing world.

Your marine products experts say, wind junkies beware, there is a new sailing discipline out there that might just force your wallet open, rearrange your life's priorities, and produce a little friction on the home front. But don't worry, those few nights you might have to spend on the couch will be worth it, I can assure you. Kite-sailing (or kite-surfing) has arrived on the scene and is causing quite a disturbance in the households of windsurfers, wake boarders, and small-boat sailors alike.

Your marine products distributors professionals know that because they use a large kite to harness the wind, kite-surfers can enjoy the rush of speed sailing, the freedom of wake boarding without a boat, and the ability to fly higher than any wind-surfer has dreamed of jumping. 

In its infancy, this sub-sect of the sport had plenty of problems that hindered the average waterspouts enthusiast from joining in the fun. First, the main issue was how to make the kites safe for beginners. 

The second issue was designing a kite and board combination that would allow a person to travel upwind so that a user could take off from a spot and not have to have a shuttle car or boat set up five miles downwind.

The third and final issue was figuring out how to make the kites re-launchable from the water. In 1984, Bruno and Dominique Legaignoux invented an inflatable, elliptical kite that if allowed to crash into the water, would stay on the surface and could be relaunched into the air with little effort. 

So how does a conventional sailor get started? We'll if you remember how difficult it was to get that first ride aboard a windsurfer, you'll realize that knowing a few important aspects about this new discipline can truly help accelerate your rate of learning. Your marine products pro shop analysts say that the first thing to do is find an instructional video. Most kite dealers will have a few to choose from, but one video recommended across the board is Boost.

No matter where you're located or what water sports background you have, kite sailing is fun, but unusual enough to present a steep challenge for the beginner. The good news is that the learning curve is nearly vertical, so it won't take too long before you are up and riding.

Your Marine Products Professionals Discuss How Kite Sailing Doesn't Always Put a Dent In Your Wallet

We encourage you to browse our marine products selection at Raritan Engineering and see how we can take care of all your marine supply needs.

Your marine parts depot specialists know that ram-air kites are basically rectangular kites that allow air to flow into chambers and inflate, thus giving the kite its shape and rigidity, allowing it to perform. The advantages of ram-air kites are that they're extremely maneuverable, and due to their flat design, have more power per square meter than their inflatable siblings. 

Your marine products international experts feel that the biggest advantage to an inflatable kite is the fact that air bladders make this kind of kite easier to water launch. Another plus is that if the pilot crashes the kite, and for some reason cannot get the kite back in the air, the bladders also provides flotation in case the user has to paddle the rig to shore for whatever reason. Inflatable kites are launched close to the neutral zone, (almost perpendicular to the wind direction), thus making them more controllable when self-launching.

Inflatable kites are by far the more popular of the two. But should you choose to purchase an inflatable there is more information you'll need to know. There are different types of inflatable kites on the market. The first type is called two-line. Yep, you guessed it, the kite is controlled by two lines. These kites are remarkably simple to set up, very easy to water-launch, but when flown are fixed in a fully powered angle to the wind. So if the wind gusts, you are going to feel it and have to compensate. 

If you decide to follow the trend and get into kite sailing, another thing you'll want to know about is the idea of aspect ratio. In a vast oversimplification, aspect ratio refers to the shape of the kite and specifically the curve from end to end and width. 

Somewhere east of Winnemucca, Nevada at 3 in the morning, Johnny Heineken's car broke down so we packed everything into 1 SUV with 5 sets of wind and snow gear, dog and riders for the remaining voyage east. 

Snow kiting is just as it sounds. You choose either skies or snowboard and get pulled around on your kite- up, down, around and over what ever terrain you choose. 

I rigged my 13m foil kite, launching with ease and immediately got pulled across the meadow on my snowboard.

Snow kiting has all the benefits of kiting on the water without the consequences of water itself. I dropped and tangled my kite quite a few times in the 8-12k breeze and easily unhooked and walked up the line and bridle to unsort it all out. 

For day 3 and 4, we switched venues to a location called Electric Lake along the Huntington Canyon Scenic Drive as the Skyline Peak was in white out conditions. It was more rolling hills and room to explore as the newbies including myself were still mastering the basics. 

I really can't emphasize how fun and accessible snow kiting is whether you're a newbie or a pro. The hardest step was committing and just getting there, after that the fun was nonstop.

So choose your marine supplies here at Raritan Engineering, where we always take care of your marine supply needs.

via Taking the Kite to the Hills

via The World of Kite Sailing

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Electric Toilets Professionals Share Great Ways to Get Great Coaching From A Small Budget

Electric Toilet Specialists at Raritan Discuss How to Get More Bang for Your Buck When Getting Lessons 

Raritan Engineering your electric toilets suppliers would like to share with you these topics we thought would be of interest to you this month regarding great ways to get great coaching from a small budget.

Your electric toilets distributors talk about how not everyone can afford to have the top coach – or any coach – help them through their boat handling. Here are a few quick tips that can help you get the most out of your training sessions without shelling out the big bucks.

1.  Have a friend with a powerboat film your boathandling – Most of us have a friend or two with a powerboat and some free time. One of the easiest ways to get a look at your boat from outside is to enlist the help of a friend. 

2. Have your sail trimmers view trim from the powerboat – As an alternative to video taping your setup (or in addition to, depending on how much patience your friend has), have your sail trimmers observe from the chase boat for a legs to get a sense of what the sails look like from the outside. 

3. Combine your post-race of post-practice debrief with a competitor – Use the buddy system. If you have a friend sailing in your fleet, or a competitor that's willing to talk through races with you, it can be helpful for both parties if you debrief about the day's sailing. 

Your Electric Toilets Manufacturers Talk About Getting Good Quality Training At A Good Price

4. Have a crewmember time maneuvers with a stopwatch – Establishing a baseline by timing maneuvers is a good way to check yourself on performance. See your choice of electric toilets here at Raritan Engineering, where we always take care of your marine sanitation supply needs. Once you know about how long a tack or jibe should take, you can always run against the clock to check to see how you are doing. 

5. Swap crewmembers around during a practice maneuvers – Moving crew members around will help everyone onboard get a better sense of what each position does. When your bow guy knows what to look for in the shape of the jib, he can provide better feedback to the guy grinding the headsail in at the back of the boat. 

So don't forget these helpful pointers in getting the most of your boating lessons. 1) Have a friend with a powerboat film your boathandling;  2) have your sail trimmers view trim from the powerboat;  and 3) and combine your post-race of post-practice debrief with a competitor.

Lessons from a Long-Range Cruiser: What Tools To Take on Your Boat

We all learn from experience, or rather, we all should learn from experience. Here's some good advice from Steve D'Antonio, who has a lot of experience cruising himself, as well as working on cruising boats as the former manager of a boatyard. The reality is that if you're cruising offshore, you'll have to be able to fix any problem yourself. D'Antonio's been there, done that. 

First, he says, never leave the dock without reviewing your spare parts on board, particularly impellers, belts and fuel filters. Second, always have a good set of tools, including the most common hand tools, wrenches, sockets and screw drivers plus tools that are specific to the systems on your boat. And third, if all else fails, be able to improvise so you can jury rig a repair so you can get back home safely.

Order your marine toilet parts here at Raritan Engineering. We are your #1 expert in marine sanitation supplies.

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Toilet Macerator Suppliers Discuss How to Find the Best Broker to Help Sell Your Boat

Raritan Toilet Macerator Manufacturers Give Great Tips for Finding a Trustworthy Broker When Selling Your Boat

Raritan Engineering your toilet macerator professionals would like to share with you this week some great information regarding how to find the best broker to help you sell your boat.

However, for those who are looking to get the best price for their boat with minimal effort, a broker is usually a more sensible choice.

Before you choose a broker, here are some things to consider.

• A broker's fee is always 10 percent upon the sale of the boat, but some offer more services than others for the same price. Brokers asking you for funds up front should be immediately discounted.

• Responsiveness. How quickly a broker responds to your inquiry is indicative of how they will respond to potential buyers. Give them 24 hours, and move on if they don't respond or if they make excuses as to why they didn't respond promptly. 

• Marketing. All brokers have access to Yacht World. Ask where else the broker will advertise your boat and expect to receive a written list of websites and print publications and social media. 

• Look at other listings. Ask a potential broker for links to some of their listings. If you don't like the write-up, think the photos are shoddy, or if there isn't enough information, move on.

• Comps. The average buyer and seller, despite what they might find perusing ads and looking at resources like BUC, do not have access to actual comps. Your broker does. In addition to knowing what is currently on the market, your broker should offer you information on how many similar boats have sold in your region recently, what they were listed at, how long they took to sell, and exactly what they sold for.

Your Toilet Macerator Experts Talk About How Finding a Good Broker Doesn't Have to Be Complicated

• Paperwork, escrow, and protection during the closing process. Your toilet macerator specialists talk about how a broker will have an escrow account and will ask that all deposits be submitted to the account. The broker will have all the forms you need, and some even use programs like YachtCloser which simplify the process through e-signing. 

• Import duty. If you have purchased a foreign-built boat and plan to sell it in the US to a US citizen (regardless of your citizenship), import duty must be paid. Your yacht broker will help you find a customs broker. 

• Personality. You and your broker are forming a relationship, and chances are that you are already somewhat emotional about the sale of your boat. Your broker needs to understand this and be open and honest with you. 

So don't forget these helpful suggestions when looking for a broker to help you sell your boat. 1) A broker's fee is 10% after sale of the boat. Brokers asking you for funds up front should be immediately discounted;  2) ask a potential broker for links to some of their listings. If you don't like the write-up, think the photos are shoddy, or if there isn't enough information, move on;  and 3) make sure you can trust and get along with your broker.

Marina manager stole $2M by selling boats he didn't own, authorities say

A convicted felon who managed a Jersey Shore marina stole more than $2 million from 13 people by illegally selling their boats, authorities said.

Denis Kelliher, 47, of Toms River, was indicted on counts of wire fraud, the U.S. Attorney's Office for Pennsylvania's Eastern District said in a statement.

Kelliher, who worked at Trenton Marine in Toms River, used the money from the sale of the boats to pay off personal debts to associates, authorities said. He faces up to 20 years in prison and might have to pay restitution of $2,163,000 if convicted.

Kelliher ran a check-kiting scheme that caused a $7.6 million in bank overdraft fees and admitted he fraudulently obtained more than $600,000 in loans from two friends to pay down those fees.

Click here and learn more about macerating toilets and how Raritan Engineering always takes care of your marine sanitation supply needs.

via Choosing a Boat Broker

via Marina manager stole $2M by selling boats he didn't own, authorities say

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Manual Marine Toilets

Manual Marine Toilets by Raritan Engineering

Raritan Engineering manufactures the most reliable manual marine toilets for boats. Raritan was the first company to use polymer material for PH manual marine toilets to solve the corrosion problems that came with toilets made from bronze parts. Since then, Raritan has continued to improve and introduce innovative solutions and features in manual marine heads. It is not uncommon for a boater to continue to operate Raritan PH series heads for over 20 years with little maintenance and care.

Current products such as PHII and PH super flush manual marine head and Fresh Head manual marine toilets are developed with modern day boaters in mind. These toilets require minimum maintenance, they last many years and are very efficient to flush solids and liquid. These toilets have features not common with other manual marine heads.

Manual Marine Toilets- Reliable and Low Maintenance!

These toilets are made especially for you. Be sure to buy your marine toilet from us at Raritan Engineering.

via Raritan Engineering

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Boat Toilets Distributors Discuss How to Beat Waterline Staining

Your Boat Toilets Suppliers Share Great Ways to Remove Pesky Waterline Stains

Raritan Engineering your boat toilets manufacturers would like to share with you this week some great information regarding how to beat waterline staining.

Summer is here, and our routine maintenance chores now require some serious elbow grease. Our first impulse is to go for the super-strength acids that will take care of the hard growth as well as the stains. 

Over the years, Practical Sailor has reviewed several eco-friendly products that do a good job of descaling heat exchangers and removing barnacles. Barnacle Buster from Trac Ecological (Practical Sailor May 2007) and Rydlyme Marine from Apex Engineering (Practical Sailor March 2008) both dissolve calcium carbonate, the main ingredient in lime scale and shell.

Other products like Star brite Zebra Mussel and Barnacle Remover or MaryKate On & Off deal with shell and scale well, but they contain stronger concentrations of hydrochloric acid that give off toxic fumes and are beastly to work with. 

Green Cleaners

Even mild cleaners like lemon juice will remove hull wax.

The trouble with brown-yellow waterline stains is that they're often made up of more than one problem-a combination, for instance, of algae stain, pollen, and tannic-acid stains, plus oil stain, all in a matrix of salt and strange oxides. 

We Continue Talking About How to Safely Remove Waterlines From Your Hull

Your boat toilets experts talk about how all but one contained oxalic, hydrochloric, sulfuric, or other acids, or some mixture of them, and all were rated Good or Excellent. This is not chemical rocket science. The overall Best Choice and Budget Buy was Spray Nine's Boat Bottom Cleaner, a gel containing “multiple acids.” 

Most waterline stain removers use harsh acids to banish the brown funk. If the stain isn't too bad, try cleaning it with concentrated lemon juice first. 

One way to reduce the work load is to stay ahead of stains by more regular sponging of the boot-top and waterline. A thorough buff-and-wax job using one of our top-rated hull waxes goes a long way toward keeping the waterline clean. If things start to get ugly, I'll use milder “green” formulas that fared well in our tests, or any you might recommend. 

Don't forget these great tips for removing pesky waterline stains. 1) Avoid super-strength acids;  2) keep in mind that even mild cleaners like lemon juice will remove hull wax;  and 3) try to stay ahead of stains by more regular sponging of the boat-top and waterline.

Solar and battery technology power a novel hurricane resistant floating electric house boat

Arkup, the “avant-garde life on water” company, has designed a new luxury home that integrates solar on the roof and a newly approved lithium ion marine battery system. The main selling features are that it can rise with sea levels via jacks, withstand extreme weather, move as a regular electric propelled boat, and provide it's own water plus – of course – electricity.

There are no specifications on the solar panels used – merely multiple notations that 30kW of panels can fit on the roof in 2,300 sq feet.

The home's default design is specified to the marine approved Orca Energy Storage System made by Corvus Energy. The systems are liquid or air cooled lithium ion battery kits. The individual battery packs are 5.7kW each and individual stacks go up to 137kWh. 

The Orca system was recently approved by DNV GL – global ocean classification body – as being safe for maritime usage.

The Arkup is powered by an electric propulsion system – adding to Electrek's electric boat collection. The system can move at up to 7 knots per hour with a range of 300 nautical miles. With its solar propulsion system – it could probably run indefinitely.

Two points from Arkup's promotional material gives a feel for the market, in addition to luxury, that they're aiming for:

Sustainable: Environmentally friendly, powered by solar energy, no fuel, zero emission, equipped with waste management, rainwater harvesting and purification systems, our living yachts are totally off-the-grid.

Resilient:  Made for all environments and designed to withstand category 4 hurricane winds, our livable yachts are equipped with a hydraulic self-elevating system to prevent from sea sickness and flooding.

Digital drawings from the marketing material:

Electrek's Take

Building homes like this is more a play on resilience with a whole lot of money than anything else. 30kW of solar and a lithium ion a marine battery system, plus onsite water purification means you can survive independent of any connection to the mainland.

As the group strongly pushes the customizability of the project, they'd be even more sustainable if there were indoor farming options. Maybe we ought suggest to them that they ought build a magenta colored greenhouse as a room?

Click here and see how Raritan Engineering has more information regarding boat toilets and all your other marine sanitation supply needs. 

via Conquering (or Coexisting with) Waterline Stains

via Solar and battery technology power a novel hurricane resistant floating electric house boat

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Marine Heads Professionals Share Great Winter Fishing Spots

Your Marine Heads Specialists Talk About Some Great Ways to Get Your Fishing Fix During Winter

Raritan Engineering your marine heads suppliers would like to share with you these topics we thought would be of interest to you this month regarding how to find some great winter fishing spots.

For hardcore anglers, myself among them, just about any fishing is better than none at all. It's not even necessarily a matter of traveling to a warmer climate. It's the fishing, which is why I sometimes toss piles of fleece and Gore-Tex into the truck and head for a winter steelhead river, where I can wade happily for hours and cast along the edges of icy slush. 

Winter is also an opportune time to fish those places you've always wanted to try or for those species that have always fascinated you. Some years back, I fished with a longtime Florida bass guide who confessed in a quiet moment that his lifelong dream was to go tarpon fishing. 

Here are 15 top winter fishing destinations in the Lower 48. They aren't the only ones. But I was trying for geographic variety so that most readers could reach one or more without having to spring for an airline ticket. So, check the list, check your gear, and scratch the itch.

1. OCEAN RUNNERS [WASHINGTON]

Steelhead in the Pacific Northwest are perhaps the most intensely politicized fish on earth. They are big, beautiful, and hard to catch. Their runs have been decimated by decades of habitat loss and overfishing. Freshwater trout are a sport, but oceangoing steelhead are a passion. 

Steelheading on the peninsula revolves around the little town of Forks, Washington, in the northwestern corner. It's near the Sol Duc, Calawah, and Bogachiel Rivers, which together form the Quillayute system. Other well-known steelhead rivers, such as the Hoh, Queets, and Quinalt, are a short distance south, along the western side of the peninsula.

2. SKI-SLOPE TROUT [COLORADO]

There are some truly crazy trout fishermen in Colorado, where tire chains and four-wheel-drive vehicles are basic equipment for winter fishing. If those can't get you to your favorite December water-and yes, that happens-you may need a snowmobile, too.

We Continue Discussing Awesome Places to Go for Your Next Winter Fishing Trip

Please browse our selection of marine heads at Raritan Engineering, where we always take care of your marine sanitation supply needs.

Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge, Steamboat-scratch deeply enough around any major Colorado ski resort and you'll find at least a few winter flyfishers. They've figured out that as long as there's some open, flowing water nearby, the trout will eat something no matter how cold it is outside. 

A little more civilized (insert snooty sniff here) option is on the fabled Fryingpan tailwater near Aspen. It's a 14-mile stretch, which stays open all winter, where big rainbows and browns feast on Mysis shrimp flushed out of Ruedi Reservoir upstream. 

3. FRESH STRIPES [GEORGIA]

It's a little hard for many out-of-staters to think of Georgia as a striped-bass power-house, but consider these notes: The state-record striper is a mammoth 63-pounder taken from the Oconee River in 1967. Ancient history, you say? Nope. In 2002, another giant a few ounces shy of 60 pounds came from Lake Hartwell along the Georgia–South Carolina border.

A striper is a striper, and the same fundamental rule applies here as everywhere else they're found: Find the baitfish, and you'll find the bass. In winter, shad and herring schools tend to congregate in the lower reaches of major reservoirs or the lower ends of creek-mouth tributaries. 

So don't forget these great tips for your next winter fishing expedition. 1) Fishing at any time of year is better than no fishing at all;  2) keep yourself warm while fishing from your boat;  and 3) winter is also an opportune time to fish those places you've always wanted to try or for those species that have always fascinated you.

This fish species can actually repair brain damage from freezing in the winter

Every winter, the northern European crucian carp gets frozen into the ice, and receives no oxygen. Every spring, when the ice melts, a seeming miracle occurs: the fish emerges from the ice and resumes normal life.

Or, not quite. When they thaw from their winter freeze, the crucian carp's brain is not quite the same, according to new research. But the same researchers also found that the fish can recover from its months of anoxia.

What happens to their brains has been a little more elusive.

First, the fish were deprived of oxygen – a condition normally experienced in winter when the fish are frozen. After a week, they were resupplied with oxygen for an artificial spring.

Stains were used to detect cell death and growth.

Interestingly, a lack of oxygen showed no change in the normal rate of cell death in the brain. It wasn't until the fish was reoxygenated that cell death was observed – the rate more than doubling.  

“When the anoxic fish were given 1 day of reoxygenation at normal oxygen levels, a 170 percent increase in the number of apoptotic cells was detected,” wrote researcher Lisa Yuen in her 2010 Master thesis.

For the next part of the research, the fish were trained how to navigate a maze to find food. Then, they were subjected to another artificial winter, revived again, brain cell death and all, and put back in the maze.

The fish navigated the maze and reached the food at the end just as quickly as they had before being deprived of oxygen – but their memories had suffered and they took more wrong turns while doing so, the researchers found.

For the final stage of the experiment, fish that hadn't been trained to use the maze were subjected to an artificial winter, revived, then trained to use the maze.

According to the team, the remarkable recovery happened despite suffering damage to the telencephalon – the part of the fish brain thought to be a homologue to our own hippocampus, a key brain area involved in learning and memory.

“This makes the crucian carp an interesting model from a biomedical perspective – while it is unlikely that we will find ways to allow human tissues to survive severe anoxic insults without damage, it is feasible that studies on animals like the crucian carp can provide knowledge for how we can limit and repair the damage.”

Buy a marine head here at Raritan Engineering. We are your #1 expert in marine sanitation supplies.

via 15 Best Winter Fishing Destinations

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Boat Head Professionals Discuss the Great Benefits of Using Baitcasters

Your Boat Head Specialists Share All the Pros of Switching to a Baitcaster 

Raritan Engineering your boat head manufacturers would like to share with you these topics we thought would be of interest to you this month regarding the great benefits of using baitcasters.

Your boat head suppliers talk about how preference for reel type varies by coastal region, but no matter where you fish, it's hard to beat a baitcaster for pinpoint accuracy.

Baitcasters necessitate touch and feel that's simply not required with spinning reels. Get past that small snag and you'll notice levelwind baitcasters excel in lure-casting distance, accuracy with lighter offerings and even lure retrieves that require jerking actions.

A couple of fishing âhacksâ to consider: If you have the dexterity, try cutting out some steps by casting with your left hand and reeling with your right. And if turning the handle on the right side of the reel – or working a lure with your left hand – proves too cumbersome, consider buying a lefty baitcaster. 

Fine-tune Your Baitcaster

Reel manufacturers make it easier than ever to prevent the dreaded baitcasting blunder: the backlash. But anglers should be intimately familiar with two parts of the reel – the spool-tension knob and the brake – to help fine-tune and adjust their casts.

Casting light lures and soft plastics with a baitcast reel requires a delicate touch and is best left to experienced hands.

With the basics of baitcasters now in your rearview mirror, check out these six inshore saltwater casters that push the envelope in technology and usability.

Abu Garcia Revo Inshore Low Profile

âWe use specialized high-­performance corrosion resistance (HPCR) bearings that resist rust and debris contamination,â says Andrew Wheeler, with Abu Garcia. âPlus, a longer 95 mm handle and oversize knob adds ­additional cranking power.â

Discover Why Baitcasters Could Be Right For You

Okuma Komodo SS

Don't forget that you can find marine toilets here at Raritan Engineering, where we always take care of your marine sanitation supply needs.

âThe Komodo SS models work great for calico bass, yellowtail, white seabass and tuna in California, but just as well targeting tarpon, snook and redfish on the East Coast,â says John Bretza, director of product development at Okuma Fishing Tackle.

Quantum Smoke Series 3

Quantum engineered a 35.5 mm spool, when the average spool size is 32 to 34 mm, into a compact frame to provide anglers with increased line capacity, longer casts and more inches of line pickup with the new Quantum Smoke Series 3 (S3). To protect against salt, the company utilized premium aluminum salt-guard multilayer corrosion protection and anti-­corrosion bearings.

Shimano Chronarch G

The Chronarch G baitcaster was built with Texas wade-fishermen in mind, and is meant to tackle redfish, speckled trout and other inshore species in close-quarters conditions.

This Chronarch G model is ­saltwater safe, says Shimano's John Mazurkiewicz, with a newly incorporated corrosion-resistant spool, something that wasn't available on past Chronarch models.

13 Fishing Concept TX

The 13 Fishing Concept TX series baitcasters are made specifically for saltwater use.

âIt's not the design that makes reels saltwater specific, but the quality of materials and protection processes,â says Matt Baldwin, product-development director of 13 Fishing. âOur saltwater-specific reels feature Ocean Armor 2 on aluminum frames, corrosion-resistant bearings throughout the reel and attention to materials on the small parts that could be affected by the harsh saltwater environment.â

Don't Burn Your Drag

A baitcaster's drag system is built into its gearing. Because of this, baitcasters with high gear ratios have lower drag settings, and lower-gear-ratio reels have higher drag maxes.

âThe spool turns the pinion gear, the pinion gear turns the drive gear and the drive gear holds the drag system,â says Chris Littau, with Quantum. âThe fastest way to wear out a baitcaster's drag is to force or pull line out on a heavily set drag.â

Fishing Rod Tricks For Tight Casts

While out on the water, you're going to encounter many different scenarios. Sooner or later you're going to have to get your lure/fly/bait into a tight spot or change up your retrieve to help entice a strike. In this article, we will go over two casts that can help you reach those tight areas (one for conventional tackle, one for the fly rod) and teach you one of the most exciting retrieves for topwater conventional lures: âwalking the dog.â

If you have ever watched professional tournament anglers on TV you've noticed them spending a lot of time making short casts around docks, trees, weeds, etc. That's because fish love places that give them cover from other predators and shade from direct sunlight, depending on the season.

Sometimes you can make a short normal cast to deliver your lure to these areas; other times, you'll find that you want to get that lure into a very tight area such as under a dock, a submerged log, etc. This is when knowing how to pitch your lures becomes a useful skill.

Here's a fun game to play to practice at home on the lawn. Use a heavy jig (1/2 oz to 3/4 oz, preferably weedless to help prevent snags). Place a hula hoop about 10 to 15 feet in front of you. In the middle of the hoop place a full pitcher of water. Once you get to the point of landing it in that pitcher cast after cast, start changing up your distance to the pitcher by taking a few steps back or forward. You can also switch to lighter or heavier jigs if you really want to have fun with it.

The best time to target bass with this retrieve is just after the springtime spawn and into the summer months when they are most active in shallow areas. Keep a close eye on your lure, too; this method of fishing usually leads to some of the most dramatic bites you'll ever see. Often you'll even see the fish jump out of the water to attack your lure.

To start, make a normal cast and leave a small bit of slack in your line. Give your rod a short quick jerk and then reel up some of the line on the spool, making sure to leave some slack in the water, then jerk the rod again in the same direction. 

The bow cast is great to use in areas with heavy cover for distances up to 20 to 30 feet. To do the bow cast, strip a small amount of line off your reel (roughly the amount for the short distance you want to cast to).

Practice this cast at home on your lawn to get a good feel for the right amount of rod tension and distance that you can hit accurately.

Here's a fun casting game you can do at home to help you practice this cast. Take a hula hoop and hang it from a tree. Hang it just high enough so the bottom of the hoop is either touching the ground or just above it. 

Don't forget these great tips for fine-tuning your baitcaster. 1) Become intimately familiar with two parts of the reel – the spool-tension knob and the brake;  2) casting light lures and soft plastics with a baitcast reel requires a delicate touch and is best left to experienced hands;  and 3) avoid the backlash.

Click here to get your boat head from the #1 experts in marine sanitation supplies, Raritan Engineering.

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Thru Hull Fittings Distributors Talks About Which Anti-Freeze Could Be Best For You

Your Thru Hull Fittings Suppliers Share Tips to Consider Before Buying Your Next Batch of Anti-Freeze

Raritan Engineering your thru hull fittings professionals would like to share with you this week some great information regarding which anti-freeze could be best for you and your boat.

There's nothing like buying several $3 bottles of antifreeze to protect your $30,000 boat, then coming home to discover the unused bottles frozen solid in your garage.

The onset of winter always brings queries about the effectiveness of certain anti-freeze concoctions. A couple years back we got a letter from Mark Baldwin, owner of a Seasprite 34, Ella, in Blue Hill, Maine.

It just so happened that when Mark's query arrived, we were in the middle of testing various antifreeze formulas for their effectiveness. 

Uni-Gard pink is listed as having 25- to 35-percent propylene glycol, which should provide the -50-degree burst protection claimed on the bottle. 

If, however, there is a lot of water still left in the boat's plumbing lines, the protection against freezing is diminished, and the anti-freeze can become even less effective through each freeze-and-thaw cycle. Ideally, during the winterizing process, the anti-freeze is flushed through the system to remove standing water from any low spots.

We Discuss How to Identify the Wrong Anti-Freeze For Your Boat

Your thru hull fittings specialists talk about how propylene glycol can harm components in freshwater and wastewater plumbing systems as well, but because ethylene glycol is not a safe choice for potable systems, there are no other antifreeze choices, other than draining the system.

Some sailors have suggested using Vodka as an antifreeze for potable water systems, but this turns out to be an expensive myth, and our tests have thoroughly debunked it. Not only will it burn holes in your pocket, it will turn your tanks and hoses into a fecund biome.

However, the EPA also cited several ways in which glycol can indirectly harm aquatic life by raising oxygen levels, etc. In our view, both formulas need to be used with care on land and near the water, and disposed of properly. Ideally, all glycols should be flushed and purged so that they can be captured for recycling.

Our research into the various anti-freeze additives on the market has produced many interesting findings, among them the correlation between improper winterizing and a stinky water tank.

Finally, here are a few other important tips.

Never use ethylene glycol, which is highly toxic to humans, in potable water systems. The best practice is to drain the water tanks and lines of all water. When this is not possible, drain the tank and circulate propylene glycol only through the plumbing to ensure all low spots have been purged of water, then leave propylene glycol in plumbing through the winter. 

Never use winterizing propylene glycol in the cooling system of a glycol-cooled engine. Diesel engine coolants are specially designed to prevent corrosion in the cooling system. 

Some antifreeze formulas aimed at the RV market have ethyl alcohol in them that can damage PVC plumbing hoses. Look for products with no ethyl alcohol.

So don't forget these reminders about finding the right anti-freeze for your boat. 1) Using vodka as a substitute is a myth;  2) Never use winterizing propylene glycol in the cooling system of a glycol-cooled engine;  and 3) look for products with no ethyl alcohol.

Leave your boat sitting pretty this winter

Owning a boat can be a great source of pleasure, offering fun in the sun, relaxation and adventure, but it's not something that comes without responsibilities. Maintenance and regular detailing is critical to prolonging the life of any boat or yacht and, by taking extra measures, you can help ensure that your enjoyment on the water is always maximized. 

Comfort inside, sun outside â While a boat brings fun and adventure, having the ability to take a break from the heat and cool off in the cabin is a true luxury. However, if the inside of your boat is just as warm as the deck, you're likely to have to cut your day on the water short. 

Reduce glare, improve safety â Regardless of your boat's setup, sun glare can be uncomfortable and dangerous â especially for your captain. By having a professional install window tinting, your boat's windshield will block glare to lessen eye fatigue and improve visibility, even when the sun shines brightest, helping you always remain in control of your vessel. 

Block UV rays, prolong the fun â A day on the boat should be just that â an entire day â but without protection, hours spent in the sun can prove harmful. When on the water, having the option to take a brief break and cool off is pivotal and, with window tint, you get that option. 

Privacy and protection, even when away â Ensuring privacy and security of your vessel when docked or in storage is important to its longevity. With window tint, your boat and the valuables inside are kept private and the condition of the fixtures and furniture within the cabin stay protected from sun damage. 

Having your boat or yacht tinted is not just for style and comfort, it adds extra value to your vessel, too. While it's a wise decision, marine window tint installation isn't as cut-and-dry as one might think, and in order to get the ultimate benefits, it's highly recommended to have a window tinting professional work on your boat. 

Click here and see more information about Raritan Engineering and thru hull fittings. We are your #1 expert in marine sanitation supplies.

via The (Cold) Case of the Frozen Antifreeze

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via 4 Ways Window Tinting Can Benefit Your Boat

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Macerating Toilet Specialists Share Great Reasons for Getting Your Immunizations Before Sailing Away

Your Macerating Toilet Distributors Why Immunizations Are Crucial Before Heading Out On Your Cruising Excursion

Raritan Engineering your macerating toilet manufacturers would like to share with you these topics we thought would be of interest to you this month regarding great reasons why you should be getting your immunizations before going out on your sailing excursion. 

Your macerating toilet experts discuss how immunization can be an inconvenient detail in preparation for a long voyage, but it is crucial in order to ensure a safe and healthy one. The correct immunization depends on your health, medical history and destination. Immunizations exist for two reasons:

* To protect you from illness when you are exposed to harmful bacteria or viruses for the first time. Different cultures, fun as they may be, have different disease factors not found in North America.

* To protect populations at risk from contracting an illness brought in by you.

Factors in choosing appropriate immunization include:

* what immunizations you have had in the past

*your current state of health

* your destination

* your length of time you plan to stay in a designated spot.

* plan at least 6 months to 1 year in advance of your departure.

Immunizations come as a series of injections delivered over intervals of several weeks to months.

Find your marine toilet of choice here with us at Raritan Engineering, where we always take care of your marine sanitation supply needs.

Most common diseases found in the third world countries are transmitted by the following means:

* mosquito bites.

* poor sewage treatment and contaminated water.

* sharing of body fluids or blood from an infected person to an uninfected person. * working with or increasing exposure to the native population, especially in the rural areas.

Mosquito-Borne Infections:

* Japanese encephalitis

* Yellow fever

* Dengue fever

* Sleeping sickness( African Tryponason)

* Malaria

Poor Sewage/Sanitation and Contaminated Drinking Water:

* Hepatitis A

* Cholera

* Typhoid fever

* Amebiasis

* Chagas disease

* Cryptosporidiosis

* Giardiasis

* Schistosomiasis

Blood Borne Diseases:

* Hepatitis B and C

* HIV and Aids

Air Borne Diseases

These travel with air droplets and saliva i.e., sneezes, coughs and people speaking to you.

* Tuberculosis

* Pertussus

With all of these in mind, it is necessary to reassess your destination and the diseases that are more rampant for that specific area. Then get inoculated accordingly. 

So don't forget these important reminders about getting your immunizations early. 1) They are crucial for a safe and enjoyable voyage;  2) they protect you from illness when you are exposed to harmful bacteria or viruses for the first time;  and 3) they protect populations at risk from contracting an illness brought in by you.

Royal Caribbean canceled cruise, sent ship on rescue mission to Puerto Rico

Royal Caribbean has canceled an upcoming cruise in order to send a ship to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands on a mission to help hurricane victims.

The cruise line sent ships to St. Thomas and St. Martin to rescue a total of 1,700 people after Hurricane Irma struck the area.

According to the Miami Herland, travelers on the canceled voyage will get a full refund.

President Trump said earlier that week that the federal government has had difficulty getting aid to Puerto Rico, compared to other U.S. areas hit by hurricanes in the past months, because it is an island.

After pressure from lawmakers, Trump announced that he would temporarily suspend the Jones Act, easing shipping restrictions that have been stifling relief efforts.

Choose your Raritan marine products here at Raritan Engineering. We are your #1 expert in marine sanitation supplies.

via Immunization Schedule

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Best Quality Marine Sanitation Supplies Around

You Can Rely On Our Marine Sanitation Products

Raritan Engineering Company, Inc. was founded in 1958 on the basis of the Patent for the PH Marine Toilet. Its successor, the PHII is still manufactured by Raritan. The Crown Head, the world's first macerating Marine Toilet followed in 1966. The first small on-board waste treatment system came in 1974. The pursuit of innovation has continued over the years, with numerous patents and product improvements.

The product line you visit on this website includes Marine toilets, both manual and electric, with fresh and raw water flush options. You will also find Type I and Type IIWaste Treatment Systems, Holding Tank solutions, our Icerette and Water Heaters. Installation aids include our Saniflex Hose, Vented Loops, Y-Valves, both manual and electric, Thru-Hull fittings, Ball Valves, Water Strainers and Check Valves. Small electronics like Toilet Controls, Tank Monitors, a Reverse Polarity Alarm and the Ruddermaster, a rudder angle indicator. Our cleaning products are environmentally friendly and the most effective we know.

Raritan is a family owned business with more than 55 years of experience. We are a U.S. Manufacturer and our products are assembled in Millville, NJ. Our committed employees average over 22 years with Raritan. We are proud of our ability to turn customer orders around in less than 48 hours, most times on same day. We stock repair kits for most of our finished products and sell large and small replacement parts for all current production, and for as many years after that as we can.

Raritan marinesanitation products prove their reliability under the rugged demands of real world boating. We invite you to let us prove it to you! We want to make sure you get the most convenience for your money. Please feel free to contact us with questions, or to review additional features available for your custom applications.

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Raritan Engineering Experts Share Great Tips for Foiling Beginners

Your Raritan Engineering Professionals Talk About How to Improve Your Foiling Skills

Raritan Engineeringwould like to share with you these topics we thought would be of interest to you this month regarding some great tips for foiling beginners.

Your Raritan Engineering experts talk about how the development of the all-new TF10 foiling trimaran continues as it seeks to be provide a flying experience to sailors of all skill levels and not just experts. Here is an update on the project from Thijs van Riemsdijk of DNA Performance Sailing.

The 36-foot long racing sailboat is versatile and exciting in all weather, easily sailing at 2-3 times the wind speed in lighter air and comfortably flying along at 25-30 knots in stiffer breeze.

As a group, we knew we wanted something that pushed the boundaries of what is possible in foiling boat design, and it looks like the designers and builders have created something completely unique and exceptional, said Dr. Malcolm Gefter, owner of Hull #1 and the driving force behind the new boat and class.

Dr. Gefter explained that he and rest of the TF-10's first owners are all experienced racers trying to create a class with state-of-the-art performance but without the kind of arms race and cost escalation from which most grand prix sailing classes suffer.

We've had dozens of people steering and crewing the boat here in 14 days, and not a single person got off the boat without a big smile on their face, said Heemskerk, referring to not only potential customers, but also the journalist judges who came specifically to Spain to test the TF10 and several other yachts nominated for the prestigious European Yacht of the Year competition.

A number of the journalists seemed uncomfortable at first, going from the other champagne-filled charter yachts to our little speed racer, but after a few minutes behind the tiller, we couldn't get them to put it down! he said.

Easy to Follow Tips for New Foilers

Pleasebrowse Raritan marine products here at Raritan Engineering, where we always take care of your marine sanitation supply needs.

With a crew of experienced sailors aboard the racing yacht and for the first time, no guests, crew continued to test new settings without drama. The boat easily accelerated past 25 knots in the quiet, flat water a perfect beginning to a day scheduled for the new owner's first sail since the boat was splashed in Holland early this summer.

A-Class and F-18 catamaran world champion Heemskerk is no stranger to dismastings, especially with his extensive work on the fastest and most modern of foiling boats, but he was surprised to see the mast let go in such light air.

Heemskerk said the yacht's designers and builders are already investigating the breakage to determine what modifications are needed before the production run gets fully underway, and they're confident the fix isn't complicated.

As a longtime research scientist and pharmaceutical inventor, Gefter knows firsthand the tough road that innovation can require, and the former Professor of Biochemistry Emeritus at MIT was introspective when he saw the topless racing machine sitting at the dock.

Dr. Gefter said he was pleased the team was working so hard to identify any issues, and that he was confident the boat would ready to race in South Florida over the coming winter.

So don't forget these helpful tips for foiling beginners. 1) Put some decent weight into the back of the boat; 2) be sure to have a nice strong rope; and 3) keep the wave from the wake going.

Photos: Toms Moya/DNA Performance Sailing

Ultimate sailing playlist: Songs to listen to onboard your boat

We will, of course, be singing Happy Birthday, but this got us thinking about other songs to sing along to onboard.

In no particular order, this is our sailing playlist. We would love to hear yours!

'Into the Mystic' Van Morrison

Possibly one of the most iconic songs to sail to.

Van Morrison's lyrics tell of a sailor heading home to his lover, although there has been much debate as to whether there is a deeper meaning.

Whatever the answer, this warm ballad will certainly get you singing along.

'The Ship Song' Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds

Named as one of the 30 best Australian songs of all time, The Ship Song is a beautiful, tender ballad, which will leave you with a lump in your throat and have you wiping the tears away before you know it.

But none of them reach the depths of Nick Cave's version.Best for a night sail.

'Lost Sailor' Grateful Dead

No list would be complete without a song from the eclectic American rock legends, The Grateful Dead.

Not the ideal song to play if you're nervous about your navigation or you are adrift, but otherwise a solid classic.

'Sail On' The Commodores

Written by Lionel Ritchie, this Commodores hit from 1979 will particularly resonate if you've gone sailing to get over a breakup.

The crew will definitely be belting out the chorus, helping to lift the mood.

'Sail Away' David Gray

In 2001 you couldn't escape David Gray's song it was being played everywhere!

Years later, and this song of escape has certainly grown on us. Best to listen to while passage planning it will certainly inspire.

Choose your Raritan marine products hereat Raritan Engineering. We are your #1 experts in marine sanitation supplies.

viaFoiling for Dummies: The Boat

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Macerator Pump Professionals Offer Great Tips to Maintain Your Own Outboard Motor

Your Macerator Pump Specialists Talk About How Easy Outboard Engine MaintenanceCan Be

Raritan Engineering yourmacerator pump distributors would like to share with you these topics we thought would be of interest to you this month regarding great tips to maintain your own outboard engine.

Your macerator pump suppliers discuss how today's outboard engines grant anglers the freedom to fish far from port with great reliability and peace of mind. Regular maintenance ensures that outboards continue to perform well and last as long as possible in the saltwater environment. Let's look at what you can easily handle on your own.

Changing Your Gear Lube

Routinely changing the gear lube helps you detect water that might be leaking into the gear case. The recommended service interval is usually the same as with engine oil. Use the lube specified in your owner's manual, such as SAE 90 hypoid gear oil.

The engine oil you use in your outboard should be certified as FC-W. This certification by the National Marine Manufacturers Association ensures that the oil contains additives to fight corrosion in the marine environment.

Pump in lube until it begins to spill from the vent. With the pump line still in position, replace the vent plug. Then remove the pump line and quickly replace the drain plug.

Using Grease on the Motor

Use a grease gun to pump marine grease into the zerk fittings outlined in the manual at the recommended intervals. Zerk fittings are usually found on the outboard's pivot tube (on which theengine rotates when it turns), steering tube and tilt-and-trim bracket.

Replacing Fuel Filters

A separate 10-micron water-separating fuel filter serves as the first line of defense in keeping water and dirt from getting to the engine. That's why it's important to change fuel filters per the manufacturer's maintenance schedule.

So make sure tobrowse our macerator pumps at Raritan Engineering, where we always take care of your marine sanitation supply needs.

It's important to regularly use a grease gun on all of the zerk fittings on your outboard, per the manufacturer's recommended service schedule.

Inspect the Propeller

After every trip, manually spin the propeller. If there's fishing line wrapped on the prop shaft, you can sometimes hear a soft tick, tick, tick the result of a piece of monofilament or fluorocarbon fishing line slapping the inside prop barrel.

Braided line is too limp to create the same sound effect, so you still need to remove the prop to inspect the shaft for a tangle of line and possible damage to the gear-case seal. Do this every other trip.

Zinc Replacement

Periodically inspect the sacrificial zinc anodes on your outboard. These intentionally corrode before your outboard does in order to protect the motor. Replace them when they are 50 percent gone.

Spark-Plug Service

The service interval for changing spark plugs is generally around 200 hours. Buy the right plugs, and gap them correctly. The gap between the center and ground electrodes will be specified in the manual; use a feeler gauge to confirm that proper gap.

Using the plug wrench, insert and thread the new plug into place (be careful not to cross-thread it) and tighten snuggly. Don't over tighten, which can strip the threads in the aluminum head. Snap the boot back on and reattach the coil.

Head Protection

Periodically treating the powerhead with corrosion-inhibiting spray lends the motor protection from errant salt spray under the hood. Use a corrosion inhibitor specified by the manufacturer.

The do-it-yourself route might not be for everyone. Even if you have a marine mechanic handle service, it's important to know what's required and why.

Don't forget these great pointers for maintaining your own outboard engine. 1)Routinely changing the gear lube helps you detect water that might be leaking into the gear cas; 2) use a grease gun to pump marine grease into the zerk fittings outlined in the manual at the recommended intervals; and 3) after every trip, manually spin the propeller.

Sailing away in a pumpkin? Only in Damariscotta

Sailors in Damariscotta got in their 600-pound pumpkins and hit the water on Monday, competing in the paddling and powerboat divisions of the annual Pumpkinfest & Regatta.

Costumed as vikings, pirates and gnomes, they battled for Pumpkinfest titles and the coveted Golden Gourd trophies. And plenty of pumpkinboat fans braved the rain to watch the orange ships sail through the harbor.

All gourd things were celebrated during the festival over Columbus Day weekend.

Events included a parade and enjoying pumpkins via land, sea and air: That would be a pumpkin derby, pumpkin catapult and pumpkin regatta.

And, of course, there was a pie-eating contest.

Reserve your items hereat Raritan Engineering. We are your #1 expert for all marine sanitation supplies.

via Do-It-Yourself Outboard Motor Inspection and Maintenance

via Sailing away in a pumpkin? Only in Damariscotta.

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Macerator Toilet Specialists Discuss How to Get Ready for Winter Sailing

Your Macerator Toilet Distributors Give Suggestions On How to Prepare for the WinterRaritan Engineeringyour macerator toilet manufacturers would like to share with you this week some great information regarding how to get ready for winter sailing.

During my admittedly few winters above the frost-belt, I have only fond memories of the last few days of the season. And I've always admired those who didn't let the tilt of the Earth dictate the way they arranged their days.

This month,Practical Sailorcontributor Drew Frye reviews measures to take if you plan to extend your sailing through the winter.

Practical Sailorreaders who have been with us for a few years are familiar with Frye's work, much of which is carried out from the deck of hisPDQ 32 catamaran. The boat, as far as I know, has not spent a full winter out of the water since Frye bought it.

Frye's climbing habit routinely makes its way into Practical Sailor's pages. His past research intofiber lifeline chafeandelasticity in deck cordagedrew directly from his own experience with climbing ropes.

Yourmacerator toilet experts discuss how a related pursuit that occupies Frye is the endless search for ways to reduce onboard weight. As the owner of a catamaran, he recognizes that for many sailors, every equipment upgrade presents an irresistible opportunity to shave extra pounds.

One of the finer pleasures of winter sailing is the solitude it affords. As Frye wrote when he first pitched the story, It has always seemed a shame to me that the great majority of boats in the country are only used in the summer.

So don't forget these important reminders while preparing for winter sailing. 1) Don't let hidden chafe doom your efforts to ditch wire lifelines; 2) consider using lightly used climbing ropes if you are comfortable with it; and 3) bring lots of hot beverages.

5 tips for winter sailing

Sailing in winter sounds like a cold and tricky business but if you take some simple precautions there should be nothing stopping you.

Who hasn't looked enviously from the deck of their laid-up boat in a yard on a crisp, sunny winter's day at a boat sailing gently by, a steaming mug of tea in the owner's hand. In the right conditions, winter sailing can be a joy.

But winter weather windows can be small, and you need to act fast if you want to make the most of a day on the water. Your reward will be a low sun, flat water and deserted cruising grounds.

Here are some tips and tricks to make you and your boat winter-sailing ready.

1. Keep your tanks topped off

It's worth filling up with fuel and water as often as you can in the winter: fuel berth opening hours are likely to be reduced, and hoses may freeze or the water supplies may be turned off to protect the pipes which makes it tricky to refill your tanks!

2. Fuel tank

Another reason to keep your fuel tank topped up for winter is to reduce condensation. A full tank has much less empty surface area for it to form, and thus less chance of diesel bug forming, especially if you also use an anti-diesel- bug additive.

3. Engine

For boats left afloat in salt water, it's unlikely that the temperatures will dip low enough to cause any water left in the engine to freeze, but it's worth attending to if a particularly cold snap is forecast. Make sure the coolant is topped up with the correct mix of antifreeze, and if you're really worried, run some antifreeze through the raw-water system.

4. Batteries

Starting a diesel engine from cold in winter temperatures will require more power than it does in the summer, so it's worth making sure your batteries are topped up either by a small solar panel, or by taking them home for a recharge now and then.

5. Bedding

If you're keeping your bedding on board so you can make a quick getaway, consider storing it in a vacuum bag. These keep linen and duvets dry and mildew-free: the air can be sucked out with a 12V vacuum cleaner if you're not on shore power.

Click herefor more information regarding Raritan Engineering and macerating toilets. We are your #1 experts in marine sanitation supplies.

viaGearing Up For Winter Sailing

via26 Tips For Winter Sailing

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Seacocks Professionals Talk About the Importance of Marine Electronics Maintanence

Your Seacocks Specialists Share Ideas on How to Maintain Marine Electronics

Raritan Engineering yourseacocks distributors would like to share with you these topics we thought would be of interest to you this month regarding the importance of marine electronics maintenance.

Your seacocks suppliers talk about how the pace of technology can render new electronics obsolete in months. Yet few boaters upgrade on such a time scale, opting to get the longest possible life from their electronics. When is it time to upgrade? Here are four signs.

1 Touch Point

Touchscreens are faster and easier to use than old-fashioned push-button systems. The speed of access also translates to greater safety, letting you keep your eyes on the water ahead, as well as quickly access information.

2 Forget Repairs

If a piece of old electronics breaks down, don't even think about getting it repaired. Outdated electronics might be repairable. But you're throwing good money against old technology.

Here at Raritan Engineering, we have seacocks for all your sanitation needs. We are always your #1 expert in marine sanitation supplies.

3 Seven Up

Seven years is a lifetime in the face of accelerating technological innovation. Think of what's happened since 2011 in terms of tech innovation: the refinement of touchscreen MFDs, chirp sonar, side-scanning sonar, 3D sonar, auto-routing, auto-charting, solid-state radar, wireless connectivity, plug-and-play system integration and much more.

4 New Boat, New Tech

If you're buying a new boat, congratulations. As you outfit your ride, leave the old electronics on your old boat. Work with your boat dealer or marine electronics installer to get state-of-the-art electronics and consider networking the new MFD with the propulsion and other systems.

Airmar Transducer Upgrade

If you step up to an MFD with chirp sonar, consider a transducer upgrade. Airmar Technology's new series of five in-hull chirp-ready transducers require no holes in your boat. Designed for solid fiberglass hulls, each model includes a base that's installed inside the hull and filled with eco-friendly liquid that allows the transducer to transmit through fiberglass.

Guide Tip: How to Adjust Sonar Sensitivity to Find and Catch More Fish

More than a couple times I have scrolled through social media posts and seen a few friends who were wondering why they couldn't catch giant walleyes that they were constantly marking. Truth is, marine electronics have come a long way and feature a lot of auto settings that work wonderfully, but they still require some fine tuning as conditions change.

The biggest and easiest of these setting that needs to be adjusted is your unit's sensitivity or power.First identify the depth. Next, adjust your bottom depth range to more than double this number. Example: If you're in 37 feet, make the bottom range about 75 feet deep.

After doubling the bottom depth range, you should see a double echo or second bottom return.

Adjust the sensitivity until you can see this second return just a little bit. If the second return looks like a yellow brick road (strong return), then you likely have the sensitivity too high; if it looks like a light blue line (weak return), then you need to increase the sensitivity.

No, this is not a fix all under all conditions, but it will allow you to get very close to using the correct power level on your fishfinder. This will ensure that you can see your jig if that's your goal, have enough power to see fish as you get deeper, or make sure you don't have so much power being sent out that those giant marks you think are trophies are actually baitfish.

Good luck fishin'!

Don't forget these great reminders for maintaining your marine electronics. 1) Make sure your touchscreen is still properly sensitive; 2) don't repair broken technology, just buy a new one; and 3) if it has been seven years since buying a new device, it is probably time to upgrade.

Choose your Raritan marine products hereat Raritan Engineering, where we always take care of your marine sanitation supply needs.

via Four Signs That You Need New Marine Electronics

via Guide Tip: How to Adjust Sonar Sensitivity to Find and Catch More Fish | OutdoorHub

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Marine Toilet Systems Specialists Talk About Why You Need to Secure Your Boat

Your Marine Toilet Systems Distributors Discuss How Securing Your Boat Saves You Hassles In the Future

Raritan Engineeringyour marine toilet systems manufacturers would like to share with you this week some information regarding why you need to secure your boat.

Two different harbors suffered almost the same fate as Hurricane Irma raked South Florida with hurricane force winds. In both places, tens of thousands of dollars in damage might have been prevented had the owners of large vessels better secured their boats.

In Boot Key Harbor, Marathon, a fifty-foot houseboat broke lose from its anchor and went careening through the mooring field where dozens of boats where moored. According to the salvage crews I spoke with, the houseboat was one of the key contributors to the pile-up in the harbor that caused several boats to break loose and go ashore.

The boxy houseboat has a colorful history. It had been moored at Boot Key for years, and its hulking mass made it one of the most conspicuous vessels.

Your Marine Toilet Systems Suppliers Share Ways That Help You Avoid Possible Boating Disasters

Yourmarine toilet systems experts discuss how even some of the most attentively moored boats in the harbor were no match for its bulk.

The scene in Dinner Key Marina, 300 miles to the north in Miami was nearly identical. In Dinner Key, however, it wasn't a slab-sided houseboat that bore down on a local sailing club, it was a slab-sided luxury motoryacht.

As Irma pushed up the center of the state, the storm dragged a five-foot storm surge and strong northeast winds into Biscayne Bay. That surge, along with the wind, apparently snapped the powerboat's docklines and sent it drifting down on the floating docks at Shake-a-Leg Miami, a community sailing program that Practical Sailor has supported with gear donations for many years.

But now their boats, among them a fleet of custom Freedom Independence boats designed by Gary Mull and equipped for disabled sailors, is out of commission. The jumble of boats crammed against mangroves was a mirror image of the mess in Boot Key.

Although they've met their initial goal of $50,000 in a matter of weeks, the cost of clean-up is costing far more than they anticipated. They are hoping to earn another $50,000 this month.

NKY firefighters repair emergency boat themselves, saving taxpayers $100K

The Covington Fire Department completed repairs to its emergency fire boat, which is now back on the water.

Project repairs were completed in-house by a crew of 20 Covington Company, city officials. Officials said their hard work saved the city thousands in tax dollars.

It cost the city less than $20,000 to complete the project. If we were to have outsourced this sort of work, it would have cost approximately $125,000 to $150,000 to make the repairs, Battalion Chief Seth Poston said.

Due to deteriorating conditions, the boat was deemed unfit for use and was removed from the Ohio River in February.

Repairs included eight new coats of paint to protect the boat's undercoat, sandblasting the boat haul to remove corrosion, fixed dock bumper protectors and repairs to the boat's fire pump engine.

Don't forget these reminders regarding why you need to secure your boat. 1) Insurance premiums are can be expensive to pay; 2) repairing damage could take many weeks; and 3) it is cheaper to secure your boat, than to replace it.

Click hereand see how you can find more information about Raritan Engineering and on marine toilet systems.

viaLoose Ships Sink Sailboats

via NKY firefighters repair emergency boat themselves, saving taxpayers $100K

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Marine Sanitation Professionals Discuss How to Install a Radar Dome

Your Marine Sanitation SpecialistsShare Tips on Installing Your Next Radar Dome

Raritan Engineering yourmarine sanitationsuppliers would like to share with you these topics we thought would be of interest to you this month regarding how to install a radar dome.

Your marine sanitation manufacturers talk about how proper installation plays a big role in maximizing the performance of marine radar domes. So, if you're considering installing a new solid-state dome radar aboard your boat or checking out the install aboard a boat you are buying, keep these factors in mind.

Elevation

To perform effectively, mount the radar dome high enough to give it an unfettered, level and full-circle view of the horizon, but not so high as to be adversely affected by the boat's pitching and rolling. The most common way of achieving this elevation on center console, express cruiser and walk aroundcuddy models is to install the dome on a hardtop or T-top.

Forward Angle

The radar should be installed so that it's level while the boat is underway. The bow angle is often greater when the boat is running at speed than when it's at rest. So, if you mount the dome level with the boat at rest, the radar beam will be aimed upward while underway.

Beam Clearance

Today's solid-state marine radars are so sensitive, they can detect objects that are just an arm's length away, including onboard elements such as the outer edges of your hardtop.

Other Antennas

Avoid mounting your new dome radar on the same horizontal plane as a second radar scanner, as the two radars systems can interfere with each other; a conventional-type magnetron radar can actually damage a solid-state scanner in this configuration.

Your Marine Sanitation Distributors Continue Talking About Radar Dome Installation

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I decided on the Furuno, I compared prices, and I ordered the thing. I didn't think to specify the length of the monitor/radome connector cable. I noted that it came standard with a ten-meter cable. Super!

In San Diego, I hired a rigger to rivet the radome mount on the front of our mast, about nine meters up. I didn't give the cable length a second thought during the two hours I spent trying to fish the cable past obstructions on the mast interior and then out through the tiny hole at the base. But I'm no dummy, less than five minutes after completing that job, I realized my mistake.

No way. Under the plastic sheathing is metal mesh sheathing, ten insulated copper wires, and a coaxial cable. If you splice in unprotected wire and coax, you'll get too much interference, it won't work.

So I had a plan and with the help of my friend Dr. Stewart in Eureka, I tracked down the cable, terminal strip, and junction box I needed. In a day I finished the installation of the radar I'd bought three months before-and it works like a charm.

It was a hassle to take the do-it-yourself approach, but I spent less, I know much more than I would have had I hired out the installation, and if we ever decide to pull the mast, it will take me about five minutes to disconnect the radar cable. Bonus.

Sheriff's dive team testing sonar finds car of man who went missing 41 years ago

A Goodhue County sheriff's office dive team was testing its new sonar unit on the Mississippi River when they found the vehicle of a man who went missing in 1976.

The vehicle belonged to David Jorgensen, who was last seen on February 27, 1976 on Trenton Island. In early May 1976, Jorgensen's body was located on the Wisconsin side of the Mississippi River in an area known as Warrentown.

At the time of the sonar discovery, the water level was high with strong currents and it was too dangerous to send the divers down. Thursday, a dive team was able to place straps on the vehicle and make a successful recovery.

Jorgensen's family members and friends gathered as the vehicle was removed. The sheriff's office hopes this recovery will bring closure to the question of what happened to Jorgensen's car.

The Pierce County Sheriff's Office, Minnesota State Patrol, Minnesota DNR, Red Wing Fire Department and Siewert's Towing and Recovery assisted with the recovery.

Don't forget these amazing tips for installing a radar dome. 1)To perform effectively, mount the radar dome high enough to give it an unfettered, level and full-circle view of the horizon; 2)The radar should be installed so that it's level while the boat is underway; and 3)Avoid mounting your new dome radar on the same horizontal plane as a second radar scanner.

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viaInstalling Radar Domes

viaDIY Radar Install

viaSheriff's dive team testing sonar finds car of man who went missing 41 years ago

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Marine Ice Maker Experts Discuss Why the Youth Today Aren't Buying Boats

Your Marine Ice Maker Professionals Share Ideas That Can Help Younger Ones to Get Into Boating

Raritan Engineering yourmarine ice makersspecialists would like to share with you these topics we thought would be of interest to you this month regarding why the youth today are not buying boats.

Your marine ice makers distributors talk about how millennials participate in boating at similar rates to their parents, yet they're far less likely to actually own a boat. Why? Here's a millennial's perspective.

Former Bain & Co. management consultant, millennial Fiona McGlynn, is on a sailing sabbatical with her husband, Robin.

My husband, Robin, and I had often discussed this question. Having become first-time boat owners only five years before, at ages 24 and 29, we were often the only identifiable 20-somethings at our silver-haired yacht club. Over the next few years, as we immersed ourselves in life on the water, we began to meet other millennial boaters, a handful of young salts who shared our passion.

Of course, the numbers surrounding boat ownership don't paint the entire picture. Lost in these figures are the young boaters who use their parents' boats, charter a boat for the day, or ride-along with friends.

I began to wonder what had caused this shift. Why don't more millennials own boats? Here's what millennial boaters and industry analysts said.

Financial strain came up as the number-one challenge for the young boaters we interviewed. As Mike Provance, a 36-year-old powerboater from Coal City, Illinois, noted, Cost is the big factor, but it's not just the boat. It's my truck, maintenance, fuel. It's worth it. But it adds up.

Keith Raycraft(36, Alberta, 16 Thunder Bolt bass boat) has lived on the water his whole life and pursued a career as a marine-engine technician. For Keith, family comes first. To me it's all about making memories with my daughter. When I was a kid, I couldn't wait for the weekend so my dad could take me to the island. I want that to be the same for her!

Getting Greasy And Sailing Anxiety

Ashley Banes(26, Iowa, 186 Hawk Sport) grew up powerboating with her dad on a 22-foot Mach 1 on the Mississippi River. Today she and her husband own a 186 Hawk Sport that allows them to take their 2-year-old out to fish, visit sandbars, and anchor out on weekends.

Guillaume Beaudoin(34, Quebec, C&C 24). Guillaume has a C&C 24 that he shares with a few friends in Montreal. He is also a filmmaker and is currently boat-hiking his way from Panama throughout the South Pacific, documenting community-driven ocean-conservation projects.

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Jimmy Palmer(36, New York, 311 Formula) started small, but has come to love the big go-fast boats and people associated with them. I enjoy going to charity fun runs, poker runs, and even just throwing anchor for a good day with friends. For the uninitiated, a poker run is a gathering of high-performance boats where each participating boat navigates a carefully charted course, stopping at five checkpoints along the route to pick up a sealed envelope containing a single playing card.

What's The Future Of Boating?

The appeal of boating transcends age, and 20- to 39-year-olds love boating for the same reasons their parents did. They see it as an opportunity to socialize, create family memories and adventures, and unplug from work.

Ian Drogin(28, California, Bavaria 44), along with his brother and three friends, recently completed a six-week sailing and climbing adventure in the Aegean Sea where they tackled several limestone crags in the Greek Islands. They chartered a Bavaria 44, Hellenic Sky, which served as base camp for their trip.

Mark Miele and Eden Yelland(37/34, British Columbia, 36 Universal Europa Sedan) live aboard their 36-foot trawler,Halcyon I, part-time and regularly coastal cruise in the Pacific Northwest. In 2015, the couple left their jobs and voyaged from Victoria to La Paz, Mexico.

How To Help Get Young People Out On The Water

Fellow Boaters

Share your knowledge.Experienced boaters make a big difference by offering advice, hands-on help, and encouragement.

Emphasize safety.A frightening experience on the water can put a newbie off boating. If you see a green boater (or anyone really) doing something that sets off alarm bells, be a friend and take the time to help, gently pointing out a safer approach.

Introduce a young person to boating.Do you have any millennial family, friends, or work colleagues with whom you enjoy spending time? Offer them an afternoon out on the water. Help them catch the boating bug.

'Airbnb for boats' startup Boatsetterbuys competitorBoatbound

Boatsetter will be taking select talent from Boatbound plus logistics tech and its inventory of vessels for rental.A source familiar with the transaction said the acquisition was paid for with Boatsetter stock valued in the low-millions range.

The deal makes Boatsetter the biggest peer-to-peer boat rental service in the States, and possibly the world.

To fund future acquisitions of other competitors, Boatsetter also is announcing it has added $4.75 million in funding to its December 2016 Series A round, bringing the startup to a total of $17.75 million raised.

Everyone's a captain

Boatbound launched back in 2013, well before Boatsetter, and raised more than $5 million from 500 Startups, equity crowdfunding platforms and boat manufacturer Brunswick.

Boatbound quieted down since moving from San Francisco to Seattle 2016 to cut costs and push towards profitability. Now the nationally available service is somewhat oddly being acquired by a competitor that was only operating in one state.

The combined company hopes things will sail smoothly thanks to Boatbound's technology for routing rental requests and Boatsetter's focus on insurance.

Based out of Florida, Boatsetter is a three-party marketplace where private boat owners and professional charter companies, captains and renters meet. Users can pick from nearby boats, rent one with a captain attached or pick a separate captain, and quickly get out on the water at an affordable price.

Baumgarten actually started a peer-to-peer boating insurance company called Cruzin that later merged with Boatsetter. That's how Boatsetter provides $1 million in liability coverage, $2 million in boat damage coverage, plus additional umbrella coverage to make renters feel safe.

Experience > possession

Now the 27-person startup has a new channel to chase the estimated $50 billion yearly total addressable market for boat rentals. Boatsetter has partnered with Airbnb's new experiences platform to let people pay to learn to sail in the San Francisco Bay, take a lesson from a pro wakeboarder in Miami or have paella cooked fresh onboard by a chef in Barcelona.

Boatsetter's biggest challenge will be developing awareness. Most people assume they need a ton of money or boating skills to get out on the water. But the world is shifting from a materialistic culture to an experiential culture. It's why Airbnb is blowing up.

People want to do amazing things they can capture on their camera phones and share on their social networks. They want memories. And it's hard to top gliding over the waves with friends on your own private boat even if it's just for the afternoon.

So don't forget these pointers when trying to encourage young ones to get back into boating. 1) Share your knowledge and experiences with them; 2) always be safety conscious; and 3) take them out on an afternoon trip on the water.

Choose your Raritan marine products herewith us at Raritan Engineering, where we always take care of your marine sanitation supply needs.

viaBoatUS Magazine: Why Aren't Millennials Buying Boats?

via'Airbnb for boats' startup Boatsetter buys competitor Boatbound