Advice from the Fire Department

• Most marina fires start aboard an individual boat. Many of the common fire prevention tips for homes apply to boats too.
• When choosing a marina, check around for fire protective measures such as fire extinguishers, cleanliness, clear dock passageways, security, good lighting, etc. If you don't feel safe, take your boat and your business elsewhere.
• Use Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) marine approved cord sets and connections. Do not hook up if you see burn marks or your cords sets will not firmly connect.
• Routinely replace cord sets. Worn or overload cord sets and damaged shore power connections are a common cause of fires.
• Regularly inspect electrical and fuel systems. Have a professional upgrade the wiring to maintain the needs of your navigational equipment and other appliances.
• Never leave operating electrical equipment, including heaters, unattended. When leaving your boat for any reason turn portable heaters off.
• Smoke alarms are important life-saving devices and should be installed in your boat.
• Plan your escape. Having an escape plan can save your life in an emergency.
• Have a U.S.C.G. approved fire extinguisher on board and know how to use it. Fire extinguishers should be mounted near an exit so you are moving toward an exit as you access the extinguisher.
• Keep the dock clean and clear. Don't leave engine parts, tools or other equipment on the dock.
• Properly dispose of oily rags in a metal container with a tight fitting lid. Leaving oily rags wrapped up in a grocery sack is not safe. The chemicals will begin to breakdown the rags, causing heat and possibly a fire.

Boat owners must take responsibility for preventing fires on their boat and in the marina. The most common causes of boat fires—electrical malfunctions, unattended portable heaters and poor housekeeping—are not particular to boating life. If you see a fire hazard or have concerns, share them with marina management.

- Some of the information is from Mike Telleria (Nordhavn.com)

Handy Information Links:
http://www.nordhavn.com/resources/tech/boat_fires.php
http://www.boatingmag.com/how-to/preventing-boat-fire
http://www.boatus.com/seaworthy/fire/
http://www.boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/021598tip2.htm
http://www.boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/022298tip2.htm
https://www.abycinc.org/news/

NOAA's prediction for 2019 Hurricane season

NOAA is anticipating between 9 and 15 named storms this year. Courtesy NOAA

NOAA is anticipating between 9 and 15 named storms this year, with 4-8 become hurricanes and 2-4 becoming major hurricanes. So you still have to be vigilant in your planning in case your home waters fall along the path of a major storm. Here are some tips to stay ready.

How do you prepare your boat for the hurricane season?

1. ENTER EACH HURRICANE SEASON PREPARED. 

Every June through November, recheck your supply of boards, tools, batteries, nonperishable foods, and the other equipment you will need if a hurricane strikes your town.

2. When you hear the first tropical cyclone advisory, listen for future messages. This will prepare you for a hurricane emergency well in advance of the issuance of watches and warnings.

3. Prepare your dock lines, and here is an excellent article about how to arrange your dock lines. Read here on how to secure your boat during a hurricane: commutercruiser.com/10-tips-for-revisiting-dock-lines-for-hurricane/

For the full NOAA forecast, go here: noaa.gov/media-release/noaa-predicts-near-normal-2019-atlantic-hurricane-season

https://www.noaa.gov/media-release/noaa-predicts-near-normal-2019-atlantic-hurricane-season

EVENTS

MAY 2019
May 10, 11, 12, 2019 - Kemah Greek Festival - Clear Lake City, TX
May 18 - Salute to the Heroes Fishing Tournament - Kemah Boardwalk Marina

JUNE 2019
June 2 & 9 - Tejano Nights - Kemah Boardwalk
June 19 - 23 - Texas Outlaw Challenge - Seabrook Texas

JULY 2019
4th of July Celebrations - Kemah Boardwalk
July 23 - Noon until 4:00 pm -  The Gypsy Rose Market - Kemah
 
AUGUST 2019
August 16 - National Rollercoaster Day - Kemah Boardwalk
August 24 - Salsal Beats - Kemah Boardwalk

SEPTEMBER 2019
September 7 - Mustang Car Show - Kemah Boardwalk
September 14 - Craft Beer Festival - Kemah Boardwalk
September 15 - Toughest 10K - Kemah Boardwalk
September 27 - 29 - Scouts Weekend - Kemah Boardwalk (Discount for Scouts in uniform)

Events every weekend - from May to September

MAY - AUGUST
Every Thursday Night - Rock the Dock - Kemah Boardwalk

JULY
Fireworks Friday - 9.30pm- Kemah Boardwalk 
Every Sat from 10 - 2pm - Nassau Farmer's Market - Nassau Bay
Tejano Nights - Every Sunday - Live Salsa music on the main stage all day! - Kemah Boardwalk 

May 28 - Sept 5 - 27th Annual CCA State of Texas Anglers' Rodeo
Galveston Events - Too many to list
Dickenson Events - Dickenson Area
Bay Area Blue Grass Concerts - Johnnie Arolfo Civic Center – Third Saturday each month

Information curated from:
Seabrook City Area Events Seabrook Texas
Kemah Boardwalk Kemah Texas
Bay Area Houston Texas
Clearlake Today Clearlake Texas
Galveston Bay Area Texas
Dickenson Area Texas

Check Your Policy for These Six Coverages

As boat owners prep for the season, it’s time to dust off the insurance policy and grab a magnifying glass to read the fine print. Unlike auto or homeowner’s insurance, recreational boat insurance has distinct coverages that can perplex and leave boaters scratching their head. What do you need to know? Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) takes a look at the fine print on six of the most important coverages.

1. The consequential damage fine print

Half of all sinkings occur at the dock when some small part below the waterline fails. However, these parts – an outdrive bellows, for example – most often fail due to “wear, tear, and corrosion” or a lack of maintenance, so the policy won’t pay for a new outdrive bellows. But here’s the rub: as a consequence of the failed bellows, your boat is now sunk and likely a total loss. Who pays for that? That’s why you need “consequential damage” coverage that pays for losses that often start with a failed part that may be excluded under the policy. The small inexpensive part that failed may not be covered but most importantly the rest of the repairs or total loss will be. One caveat: this consequential damage coverage often applies only to specific types of losses. For example, the immediate consequential damage resulting from any fire, explosion, sinking, demasting, collision or stranding.

2. The fuel-spill liability fine print

In addition to your policy’s standard liability coverage for physical damage or bodily injury to a third party, fuel-spill liability protects you from claims for cleanup or third-party damage to the accidental discharge of oil or fuel that can occur in a sinking, fire, collision, or grounding. Some policies only pay the costs associated with a fuel spill up to the policy’s set limit of boating liability coverage. A better policy separates out fuel-spill liability and provides coverage up to the maximum amount you can be held liable for under federal law, which today is a whopping $939,800.

3. The on-water towing fine print

Many boat insurance policies today offer some kind of on water towing endorsement that provides a level of towing and assistance for routine breakdowns or soft ungroundings. Know how you will be able to use that coverage – who provides the service and do they have 24-hour dispatch service to call for assistance? At what locations in the country will you have to pay for a tow out of pocket and be reimbursed? Having a separate on water towing membership plan can be a better bet as it can offer greater service levels, coverage options, direct billing so you can leave your credit card in your wallet, and priority towboat service on busy Saturday afternoons and evenings.

4. The salvage coverage fine print

When fires, sinkings, shed roof collapses or running up on shoal damage your boat, you end up with a “salvage” situation. If the boat is not a total loss and needs to be recovered and brought to a repair facility, costs can escalate quickly. Most boaters assume the cost of raising or moving the boat to a safe location is covered by their policy, but some marine insurers will subtract salvage costs from the insured value of the boat, reducing the funds available to repair the boat or the amount paid in the event of a total loss. Also in case of a total loss, you may receive a check for the boat’s insured value but only a small percentage of the insured value, just 5 or 10%, to pay for salvage costs, which may not cover the bill. That leaves your wallet short and you managing a potentially complex task. Better policies don’t let you go it alone and provide salvage coverage that is separate, but equal to the boat’s hull value coverage.

5. The boat trailer fine print

Not all boat insurance policies automatically provide boat trailer coverage so be sure to check, and also find out if there are geographic limits on where you may trailer the boat. Note that if you have an accident while towing, it is your boat policy that pays to repair or replace the trailer, but any third-party damage your trailer causes to property or injuries to people is covered under your auto policy.

6. The liability-only boat policy fine print

If you opt for a liability only policy make sure that it provides not only coverage for property damage and bodily injury to others, but that it also provides coverage for salvage and removal of wreck, and that a separate coverage is available for fuel spill incidents.

Need some help? The marine insurance specialists at BoatUS can help you review your current policy by calling 800-283-2883 and also offers free quotes at BoatUS.com/insurance.

NEWS from BoatUS

Boat Owners Association of The United States

Register here: http://www.tmcaspringfling.com

Love is in the air on the water...

With the Spring Season upon us, we thought we’d share some must-have apparel and accessories for the sailor in your life (or yourself!).

Breathe new life to your lucky sunglasses, you know the ones that have somehow managed to not go overboard. High quality polarized shades are a must on the water!  We found this amazing product, to replace scratched or missing lenses in your favorite pair of sunglasses. Fuse Lenses are Polarized, mirrored, provide night vision, you name it! They list just about every make and model for popular sizes, but if you don’t see your pair, you can send them in and they will cut a custom pair for you with the color and feature of your choice.  We love them because comfort and personal style can come in all shapes and sizes.

Sperry Authentic Original  

The one that started it all, the Authentic Original is still hand-sewn using time-honored craftsmanship, with premium materials and the wet/dry traction that made them legendary. Effortlessly setting the bar for what a real boat shoe should be, seafarers love the A/O’s capability, and street-farers crave its classic cool. Full-grain, unlined leather uppers resist effects of salt and freshwater to provide long lasting wear coupled with rust-proof eyelets and rawhide laces. The original razor-cut Wave-Siping™ for ultimate wet/dry traction provides sure footing boat deck to back deck. Already have a well-loved pair? Check out the Sperry website for updated styles as well as nautical inspired clothing and accessories. We love them because Sperry Top-Sider's boat shoes are tried and true.

Nautical Jewelry for your first mate

We found this necklace quickly, but nautical jewelry can be a thoughtful gift this season. From knot earrings from Tiffany, sailor bracelets and Mystic Whaler bracelet from Mysticknotwork, to a diamond pendant from your local jeweler. The possibilities are endless! We love this idea because it’s a great way to capture and memorialize a moment.

We don’t want to leave out the 4-legged sailors!

You have to check out this product! It is a classic dog leash, perfect for your favorite crew member. It has a spliced loop at one end and a bronze shackle on the other for easy attachment. Made of Sta-Set and available in many different colors for the perfect match. We love this because it will truly set you and your crew member apart.

Paws Aboard Doggy Boat Ladder and Ramp

The Doggy Boat Ladder is an excellent choice for use with arthritic, older, or overweight pets. It’s portable, lightweight and durable and makes boating fun and safe for you and your faithful friend. The ladder attachment is adjustable to smaller widths by sliding the arms inward. We love this because even old sea dogs can use some help from time to time.

What about last-minute gifts because you’re out cruising?

Try these easy but practical finds at stores nearby.

Classic Nalgene (hyperlink) water bottle is amazing for any purpose.

Snuggle up with someone special under this Anchor's Plush Blanket, and store it in this classic Anchor Basket.

Here’s one for the future sailor/boater joining the team this year. Check out these cute baby gowns which could easily work for a boy or a girl.

Finally, just in case someone needs a refresher course, share this funny book, Sailing for Dummies, when you need a good laugh! This can go so many ways, from a possible gag gift to give a power boat lover, to share your love of the wind and water with a new convert.

Need more inspiration? Send us a message!

1. FUEL SYSTEM CORROSION

Spring is a good time for your fuel system to be included in your regular inspection. Check the fuel system for corrosion and leaks around the fuel system causing corrosion. This is especially necessary for gasoline. Some less expensive fuel tank vent fittings are constructed of inferior material, lending to early corrosion and failure. Inspect the vent fittings as well as the vent hose and clamps. If the fitting is blistered or deteriorated in any way, remove it from the vessel for closer inspection, or replace it.

2. HULL & TOPSIDES

Spring is an excellent time to deal with the hull and topsides of your boat. Maintain the longevity of your color, whether gel coat or paint you need to wax and compound your hull to stave off the effects of oxidation, UV damage, and the harsh marine environment.

3. PROPS

The first thing to determine is whether your props need rehab or can you clean them yourself. This is a perfect off-season job and get your boat ready for the new season.

If your props need rehab, make arrangements to have your props delivered back to you in early or mid-spring. This will save you time, plus you will be able to avoid last minute problems, such as finding out that the prop is beyond rehab and needs to be replaced. Most marinas provide this service through other shops that service props full time. Check out our contractors for Seabrook Shipyard.
When you get them back they are usually painted and ready to go. Brass props are shiny and ready for installation.

If your props just need cleaning, apply several clear coats of antifouling. This will help reduce the growth of barnacles, both for freshwater boating as well as salt water boating. Keeping your props free of foreign growth will keep your props operating at maximum performance.

4. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Many boating failures occur as a result of corroded electrical systems, so keeping electrical components dry should be a regular part of your watercraft maintenance routine. Electrical fittings can be protected with a water-repellant, non-conductive grease or corrosion inhibitor.

• Inspect all electrical connections for clean, tight, corrosion-free connections. Corroded connections can be dangerous.
• Remove corroded terminals and use a wire brush to clean them, along with all cable ends.
• Charge your battery and have it tested to ensure it can hold a charge.
• Electrical systems should be regularly inspected by a qualified technician.

REMEMBER: All Marina Tenants get 40% off Quick Hauls.

Call (281) 474-2588

References:

https://www.boats.com

http://www.totalinsuranceplanning.com

FEBRUARY 2019

February 9 - 1-Day Marketing Event - How to Maximize your Online presence for your business in 2019 - Lakewood Yacht Club, Seabrook Texas

February 23/24 - Yachty Gras Boat Parade - Kemah Texas

MARCH 2019

March 23 - Porsche Car Show – Concours d’Elegance - Brought to you by Lone Star Region of the Porsche Club of America.

Living life on a boat.

In 2011, Roy and Veronica Jeans decided to sell all their things and put the rest in storage. Their move was not a typical one. No one had a job reassignment or some sort of life-changing opportunity. In fact, they continued to live their daily lives...from their boat. A 1976 46ft Hatteras to be exact.

In the onshore world, the living space equates to the size of a typical living room/dining room combo, around 400sqft. It was once a dream and became their reality.

When asked what Veronica does for a living, she usually prefaces it by saying, “well, I work from my amazing boat with an amazing view right inside Seabrook Marina”.  Roy Jeans generally alludes to the fact that after a long day at work in the office, he gets to come home to “paradise”. Doesn’t that sound delightful?

While it isn’t always sailing the open seas and cocktails on the back deck, being liveaboards has provided them the freedom from being tethered to concrete and walls and allows them to dream even bigger for retirement in a few years. What’s next for these two? Living their best life between Florida and Texas.

Here’s a look at what it’s like to be a liveaboard in Seabrook, Texas at Seabrook Marina:

View of the boat and her name: Etosha.

A remodeled bathroom.

Work must be done while you're living on your floating home.

Little helpers always come to visit.

What a view!

Amazing to call this place home.

On a very hot day, twelve boats helmed by women raced in GBCA’s annual Women’s Regatta on July 21.

In the PHRF Spinnaker Class, Arielle Delisser came in first on Airborne. Terry Matthews placed first in PHRF Non-Spin on Tocatta; and in Cruising Club Class, Elizabeth Larabee was first on Dram Buoy.

Congratulations to all the sailors and their crew!

New Members

The following new members have joined us this summer.

Allan Garvin, Kelly Gray, Martin Hamilton, Erik Jansson, Cyndi McDermott, Bill Mead III, Connor Morris, Jarrod Morris, John Scherer, and Joseph Vance.

Welcome to GBCA!

Cruzan Rum Race #6

On August 10, Cruzan Rum Race #6 was held on Friday night – like the old TGIF races! The weather played an interesting part, as anyone in the area will recall. Still, lots of racers went out and anyone who went outside enjoyed the beautiful rainbows after the storm. The pictures taken by so many of our boats show how dramatic the sky was - thanks to all who shared them! The after party, though late, was a great time and the hot dogs grilled by Jason and Basie were a hit.

Upcoming Events

Upcoming events include Rum Race #7, our 2nd to be held on a Friday night, August 24. Nobody pray for rain that day!

The following weekend, Labor Day, is the Redfish Raft Up – many GBCA friends plan to go enjoy the day on Sunday, September 2. If you’ve done it before, you know how fun it is, and if you haven’t – come out and see!

Since 1947, GBCA has been the place to race on Galveston Bay. We hope to see you at the Races on the Bay and afterward, for the awards parties at the Clubhouse for fun, food, and rum. Remember that we fund these parties and awards with our Membership Dues, so please check to see that your membership is up to date.

------------Kelley Dees

 Electronic gadgets make life easier in a lot of ways. But when power sources falter, as they do for nearly 2 million people in the United States after massive storms and hurricanes hit, digital communication tools can become useless at a crucial time.

Whether the problem is losing the ability to talk and text on a cellphone or suddenly being without news sources when the juice in a tablet or laptop fizzles out, our increasingly digital lives mean dealing with darkness and rough weather aren't our only concerns when the power's out.

Nothing is going to make an extended power outage easy. But here are 5 items to consider should you find yourself powered down by Mother Nature.

1. Hand-crank Radio

Listening to the radio for the news might seem decidedly old-school for the Twitter-and-tablet obsessed news junkie of the digital age. But when all else fails, the tried-and-true radio waves can be a valuable way to keep up with local weather and other news in the event of an outage, especially when you can power it up when all your other electronics fail.

Product to buy:

The Hand Crank Emergency Radio is a Raynic Solar emergency hand-crank radio powered AM/FM/SW/NOAA with a flashlight, reading lamp, cellphone charger and SOS Alarm. Or you can get a similar radio with a dog whistle!

Hand crank power ensures you always have enough juice when the power is not available. Keep an Emergency Radio in the emergency supply kit in the car and house, and one in the tent for use at the campsite. A switch on the front of the emergency radio lets you easily alternate between the FM radio and weather band features. The weather band radio connects to a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information directly from the nearest National Weather Service office.

Emergency radios can also charge basic cell phones, power an 85-decibel emergency alarm, and works as a flashlight too. Hand cranking for just one minute will provide up to 30 minutes of light, 10 minutes of radio, and 3 minutes of emergency alarm. Crank for 3 minutes of cranking time can power a cell phone for 2-10 minutes. Times vary with different products.

2. Battery charger

When communication is vital, one more phone call or text message could be critical. So, whether it's just recharging long enough to do that, or hoping to literally weather the storm for longer, a backup charger can keep you plugged in (figuratively, if not literally).

A portable power source, from Powky, has a 200-watt portable power bank with AC outlet for camping (42000mAh Power Supply for CPAP), 2 AC Ports, 4 USB Ports, 2 DC Port capable of powering lamps, phones, laptops, TVs, printers, fans, car pumps, toast maker, coffee machine and even mini-fridges

You can take it wherever you go and never run out of power. Ideal for travel, home or office use. In Hurricanes, fires, and other natural disasters, it is A very good home emergency power supply. Rely on 4 fully visible LED indicators to monitor the remaining battery. The built-in fan will out automatically to cool down the battery during charging to prevent this from happening and prolong the overall lifespan of the power bank.

3. Light source

Of course, you should have flashlights and fresh batteries around.

But finding them in the dark can be its own challenge. And, sometimes, you just need a steady source of light, not one you have to tote around. There are battery-powered lights like the LED Emergency Light/Lantern featuring an array of high-quality LEDs in white and red, and a built-in hanger enabling this LED lantern to be used in a variety of situations for both recreational and emergency use.

The potential uses of this light are endless. It can be bent, folded, and wrapped/hooked around objects. The user can place it on a flat surface for use as a freestanding light, or adhere it to most metal surfaces for convenient use. The bright light beams exactly where you need it to, providing maximum visibility.

This is super light, waterproof and collapsible which is perfect for the boat.

4. Power Inverter

If you need to power up something a little bigger than a phone, a power inverter might be a useful tool. If you want to be able to use a laptop or desktop computer during an outage, this may be the way to go.

A power Inverter can be used to convert DC power from your car battery into AC juice that can be used for things usually plugged into a wall outlet.

The Giandel 5000 Watt heavy-duty power inverter converts DC 12 V to 110V-120V AC upgraded version with hardwire terminals to provide 5000W continuous power and 10,000W peak power, featuring 4xAC outlets and LCD display, 2x2.4A USB port, with Remote controller and four pairs of strong cables. There are different sizes available as well.

Great for camping, boating, cars, and vacuuming!

5. Gas Power Generator

Generators may seem a bit scary but are actually easy to use. Power Boss Generator is a long-running and reliable tool that can keep anyone in control of their power needs up to 7000 Watt.

With increasing home power outages, no longer are generators for contractors and campers alone. In fact, a generator can keep a family protected from harm and save thousands of dollars in damage.

I have found all these items on Amazon, so you can find them. But you can also see other types of tools as well for comparison.

Do you ever sit on your deck and wonder what boating will be like in 100 years? We do. Sometimes we imagine Jetson’s-like technology and upgrades, and maybe we have robots as our captains. We may be completely pipe-dreaming here!  Fortunately, the future is already here. Things like alternative energy, hybrid boating, high tech comfort, and solar power top the headlines in 2018.

Superyachts and Alternative Energy

Superyachts have been trying to clean up their act since 2005 when restrictions grew tighter in regards to emissions.  SO what’s next? The industry seems to point to Biofuel, hydrogen gas, hydrogen fuel cells and liquid nitrogen gas (LNG).  For some LNG is the way of the future, but it comes with some limitations like higher volume, is combustible and requires more safety measures.  Others are more hopeful in the way of hydrogen. Batteries are also becoming more common, but also pose their own challenges. Read more about the future of boating and alternative energy.

Hybrid Boating Technology

Volvo released their hybrid marine propulsion concept and self-docking technology.  Their plans to release commercially are slated for 2021. Self-docking pretty much is what it says, taking the burden of docking from the driver to the boat. The hybrid fuel technology will allow the boat to operate both diesel and electric simultaneously. Read more about the future of boating with Volvo.

Tech Savvy Comforts

Seasickness. We dread it, but we can’t avoid it.  This is one area in the boating tech industry that seems to be getting some play.  Upgraded gyroscopes and other technical equipment aim to stabilize the boat, giving you an easy ride without the green face. On the  forefront, Seakeeper, provides the cutting edge idea. Read more about this futuristic device that gives those of us without our sea legs a chance.

Solar Power (makes sense right?)

Guess what? There is a Solar and Energy Boat Challenge that’s been around since 2014.  The latest and greatest in alternative boating is showcased here. “For the first time, the YCM is launching a brand new concept with the Energy Class. Engineering students and industrialists have all been given a one-design catamaran hull (all identical). Their mission has been to build a cockpit and design the most powerful and durable propulsion system from a given amount of energy. Be it Bio Fuel, battery, hydrogen, compressed air, LNG or anything else, the choice is wide, but it must be a clean source.” Want to know more about these futuristic boats? Check out this article.

Happy boating folks!

Thanks to http://osiland.com/6-yachts-maisons-flottantes-du-futur/ for the image!