Comments for Tropical Boating

Comment on Wax or PoliGlow on Blue Boat Topsides by Tom

Tom — Fri, 24 May 2019 13:19:19 +0000

In reply to john p. That's strange. I see that this comment was posted years ago but I just got an email notifying me of it two days ago. I thought I was only a bit late! Anyway, yes, I was happy using Poliglow on our blue hull. I refreshed it every year or so and it held up fine. I'm told by others who have used it for longer that it ultimately becomes necessary (and no fun) to remove all of it because the refreshing process only removes the surface of last year's coats. Over time, the coats build up and turn yellowish, especially on white hulls. Since this is a result of sun exposure and our boat lived under a tent, I think it would have taken many years to reach that point.

Comment on Wax or PoliGlow on Blue Boat Topsides by john p

john p — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 20:00:14 +0000

Hello Tom, I’m curious if you were happy with how the Poliglow held up? I have a green 2004 Sun Cat that pretty faded. Unfortunately compound and wax only makes it look good for about a month.

Comment on Cowmaran Trip Up The Myakka River by bryce

bryce — Sat, 02 Jul 2016 22:13:20 +0000

Excellent boat creation….Maybe you will consider adding solar laminate panels as a sun shade and power the boat from DC power. You could get an almost infinite range. Sunelec.com in Miami has these SUN 395 Watt Monocrystalline 4×8′ panels for $0.44/watt or about $175 per panel. The gas motors could be your backup in case of darkness if you choose not to use any batteries. Thanks for sharing.

http://sunelec.com/solar-panels/sun-395-watt-monocrystalline-solar-panel.html
builditsolar.com has lots of links for electric car projects that might also be helpful.

Comment on More Boston Whaler Modifications by Birdsall Fishing Products

Birdsall Fishing Products — Tue, 05 Jan 2016 09:25:21 +0000

Excellent project and congratulations on the results, it looks like a lot of effort went int making those improvements to the whaler. Thank you for sharing your challenge with us. Looking forward to reading more.

Comment on Watertribe 2013 Everglades Challenge Start and Checkpoint One Pictures by Virag

Virag — Mon, 21 Dec 2015 07:25:10 +0000

Thanks for your comment! The maigre drive is adjustable to fit varying size users. Even the smallest Mirage Drive Kayak can be adjusted to be used by tall people. Our owner is 6 feet 4 inches tall and he can adjust the Mirage drive to comfortably pedal the smallest Kayak. Please call our shop if you need any specific information on individual models, 800.429.3446. Or visit this page for detailed model informatiion:

Comment on Wing Sail on a Hobie Bravo by Joe

Joe — Mon, 21 Dec 2015 05:47:56 +0000

Operating the boat on my own was quite an experience today. I kept ankisg myself: What did Frank say to do?I got into trouble pretty fast. After being reminded on almost every lesson not to go near the rocks guess what I ended up over near the rocks. The wind was very light while I was going North out of the marina. There was traffic coming toward me so I decided to get to the right.The boat was moving real slow so I decide to tell my buddy to raise the jib. I made a big mistake and told him to pull the jib sheet on the wrong side. The boat immediately turned right toward the rocks. That’s when panic sets in and you try to remember everything you have been taught. I had my buddy let the jib out and he tried to drop the main sail as fast as possible. In the mean time I got the motor started but it wouldn’t go in forward gear. The boat had spun around and the stern was towards the rocks and the wind was coming over the bow. I had the motor rev’d all the way but the boat wasn’t moving. I was able to get the boat repositioned by paddeling away with the tiller/rudder. Once I cleared the rocks by a safe distance I was able to calm down, put the main sail back up and sail back to the dock. The dock hand confirmed the motor wasn’t working in forward gear which made me feel a little better.It’s amazing how everything comes back to you when your adrenalin is pumping. I’m sure my gaurdian angel was just messing with me that day.I wasn’t deterred though. We got another boat and went right back out again. I made sure the motor not only started but worked in forward gear. The rest of the day went fine and we made it back to the dock with a great My first solo story .

Comment on Outboard Lower Unit Crack by Dori

Dori — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 00:33:23 +0000

In reply to Tom. I have a 1994 Yamaha 75hp 2 stroke with the same lower unit crack. I just purchased the boat and probably wouldn't have if I knew more about motors when I bought it. The guy I bought it from told me that the crack had been there for years and it hadn't changed. Anyway....just curious to hear if you are still running this motor and if there has been any change in the crack in the lower unit.

Comment on Modifying And Upgrading My Boston Whaler Super Sport 15 by Marine Products

Marine Products — Fri, 04 Dec 2015 04:54:04 +0000

Modifying and upgrading a boat is no easy task and I am sure that a lot of boat owners will be able to draw inspiration and ideas from this excellent blog post, congratulations on a successful project.

Comment on Caring for Marine Canvas Covers and Isinglass by Birdsall Marine Design Products

Birdsall Marine Design Products — Fri, 04 Dec 2015 03:08:01 +0000

A very good article about boat covers which is a vital investment for every boat owner to make. Its good to know that there are different options for people who have their own boat and need to buy suitable protection.

Comment on What Should Be In Your Small Boat Marine Toolkit by Birdsall Fishing Products

Birdsall Fishing Products — Fri, 20 Nov 2015 03:18:36 +0000

This is an excellent list to have especially for boat owners who are new to the world of marine products. It is pretty scary for newcomers because they are overwhelmed by the sheer variety and what must be done. Thanks for sharing.