Monday, September 10, 2012

Let us manage your boat

Do you have a boat but not the time to maintain it?

Do you want a bigger boat but can't afford what you want on your own?

Let us manage your current boat or find 3 or 4 partners to share a boat and reduce the cost.

Keep checking back for updated information about what boats are available for partnerships and for details about the management program.


Sunday, May 8, 2011

Adding an Inverter

OK, I have 4 6V batteries split two for the port and two for the starboard engine with an isolator switch for banks 1, 2 and all. 

My bilge pumps are wired to the starboard engine bank.... I'm thinking about switching that to parallel over both banks. 

I want to add a 2000W inverter with a built in charger and am wondering if I should just use the 4 batteries that I already have or should I install a larger battery as a base to run the inverter off of or what? 

Even though I want to have a charger, she won't be plugged in to shore power all of the time. 

I'm just kind of thinking out loud but am looking for ideas before I come up with a final plan.


Please leave comments to help me flesh out a good plan.

Friday, November 12, 2010

Global Fix PRO EPIRB With Built In GPS For Sale

ACR Electronics
ACR 2844 GLOBALFIX PRO CAT II 

EPIRB WITH BUILTIN GPS


$700.00 plus shipping






Head offshore with confidence. With three levels of integrated signal technology ? GPS positioning, a powerful 406 MHz signal and 121.5 MHz homing capability ? the GlobalFix™ PRO quickly and accurately relays your position to a worldwide network of Search and Rescue satellites, reducing search time and increasing your chances of survival. It?s reliable signaling technology that has saved more than 26,800 lives since 1982.
The GlobalFix™ PRO broadcasts a unique registered distress signal that not only tells rescuers where you are, but who you are. The internal GPS will automatically turn on and acquire your position upon activation and then utilizes a powerful 406 MHz signal to relay your distress call to orbiting satellites. As local Search and Rescue is deployed, a separate homing signal and integrated LED strobe light guide rescuers to your exact location.
The GlobalFix™ PRO is small and rugged and comes with over 53 years of life saving technology built into every one. Performing a full functional self test of the GlobalFix™ PRO internal circuitry, battery voltage & power, and 406 MHz transmission gives you the peace of mind knowing your EPIRB will work the moment you need it to the most. ACR Exclusive: Built-in GPS acquisition test mode allows you to test the internal GPS receiver to ensure its working properly.
Tap in to the same field-tested rescue technology used by the U.S. Military, Coast Guard, NATO, Special Forces and Arctic explorers.
  • High Efficiency Electronics
  • Ergonomic, Compact Design
  • Highly Visible LED Strobe
  • Internal 16 Channel GPS
  • Marine Tough Design for Years of Useful Service
  • Non-Hazmat Battery
  • Electronic Battery Witness Seal
  • Made in the U.S.A.
  • Lead Free
Product Number:  2844 Category II, Class 2
Model Number: RLB-37
Size (no antenna): 6.97 X 4.2 X 3.58? (17.7 X 10.67 X 9.09 cm)
Weight: 20.5 oz (581g)
Battery: Class 2 (non-hazmat) lithium battery packs.
Replacement: Battery replacement due no later than 6 years from date of manufacture but 5 years from date of install or after emergency use
Material: High impact UV resistant polymer
Deployment Category I: Hydrostatic release (auto)
Deployment Category II: Manual release
Activation: Out of bracket and wet, or manually
Waterproof: 33ft (10m) Exceeds RTCM standard
Radiated Power: 5 W +/-2dB (406.037 MHz) : 50 mW +/-3dB (121.5 MHz)
Operational Life: 48 Hours minimum @ -4°F (-20°C)
Typical Performance: 70+ hrs. @ -4° F (-20° C); Longer in higher ambient temperature
Operating Temp.: -4°F to +131°F (-20°C to +55°C ) (Class 2)
Storage Temp.: -30°F to + 158°F (-34°C to +70°C)
Approvals: Cospas-Sarsat, USCG, FCC
Meets: GMDSS, RTCM, and IMO standards
Pending: MED
Limited Warranty: 5 years





Thursday, November 11, 2010

Our Store Is Open

We have started listing various boating and fishing items on eBay under the name Everything Below Retail and will continue to add items as we find good deals to pass on to you.

We are also looking in to opening a full service on-line store through the osCommerce platform that we used a few years back in our outdoor store.

Follow the links below to browse our eBay store and let us know what you think!

Main Store Page
Marine Electronics

Friday, October 29, 2010

Preparing For Rough Seas

In preparing for high winds and rough seas some precautions should be kept in mind.

Some basic considerations for dealing with rough seas are as follows:


  1. Secure all hatches, doors, windows and ports. 
  2. Secure all loose items in the interior.
  3. Pump the bilge's dry and check them at regular intervals.
  4. Stow away all loose gear and lash down any large items that cannot be stowed. 
  5. Keep your life preservers close and put them on well in advance of their necessity. 
  6. Prepare emergency gear like flares and first aid kit, sea anchor, safety harnesses, etc.
  7. Check your position and update your course as plotted on your chart. 
  8. Prepare alternative routes to more protected areas. 
  9. If  able. prepare some hot soup, coffee or stew for comfort. 
  10. Monitor your VHF radio via NOAA weather broadcasts, US Coast Guard districts and channel 16. 
  11. Reassure your crew and guests by explaining your plans to them. 


Be safe and enjoy your time on the water!

Docking Tips

Attempting to tie up to a busy dock on a windy weekend day can test any one's skills. The things you need to decide when you are about to dock is where you plan to tie up, where the other boats are at, where the wind is , and what the current is doing.

1) Look at how much room you have in the area you intend to dock.  2) Are other boats leaving or entering the area you need to turn?  3)  Which way is the wind is blowing? Knowing this can greatly aid your docking.  4)  Current can also effect you in a way similar to wind.  It may be in your best interest to maintain no more than steerage speeds and try to tie off immediately. Using your lines to assist in docking can save a great deal of time and can be used to provide a pivot point to swing your stern or bow to the dock. Let the lines do the work!

Boat Cleaning Tips

Metal Shine

There are many quality cleaners available for keeping the chrome and stainless steel on your boat protected. After applying a light film on your bright work, let the cleaner sit for about 15 minutes then wipe off with a clean cloth. After cleaning, you may also want to apply a sealer to provide a barrier against salt air. 


Teak Care

Teak requires regular care to maintain the original color and protect the wood. Wash off your teak with the mild detergent used for the hull, rinse, dry, and apply teak oil. If the teak has lost some of its color, rub it gently with sandpaper, clean, allow it to dray and apply teak oil. 

A little work in this area will make your wood look like new.

Cleaning Your Engine

It’s important to make cleaning your boat’s engine part of your cleaning ritual. Some boat owners choose to do this themselves, while others opt to have this done by an experienced mechanic. An engine cleaner like WD-40, used in combination with a cleaning cloth, is usually sufficient for removing grime and grease. These products also protect engine parts by creating a protective shield from moisture. If it’s an older engine with a considerable amount of build-up, you may need to employ a more powerful de-greaser, such as "Gunk." Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, and protect yourself and electrical engine parts first. 



These are but a few of the many tips for protecting your vessel from the  environmentt.