Archive for Boats
There is a Boating App for That!
Several of us here at Cannons Marina have the latest iphones and while we’ve had issues with reception, we remain loyal to the Apple brand. But hey Steve (Jobs) if you happen to read this blog – please send our bumper cases ASAP!
Anyway, the point here is to share with you our favorite boating apps. Let us know what you think or share your favorite apps with us!
Happy Boating!
A few of Our Favorite Boating Apps
- Animated Knots by Grog
We did a simple You-Tube video on how to tie boating knots several months ago and now there is an Boating Knots app for that!
Truly knowing how to tie a knot is useful- especially at the dock! Animated Knots by Grog is a comprehensive teaching and reference tool for boaters, climbers, fishermen, scouts and hobbyists. You can actually watch video as the knots tie themselves in simple step-by-step photo animations. See more on best boating knot apps.
- Anchor Alarm
The Anchor Alarm is an iphone app that lets you set and monitor your position relative to an anchor point. This app shows your distance from the point and your bearing to the point. So if your current position strays too far from that set point, an alert will sound. We like this app because it’s nice to have peace of mind on those nights at anchor. See more information at best boating apps.
- Marine: US East By Navionics
Voted Laptop Magazine’s best boating app and according to National Marine Manufacturer’s Association, “The coolest app a boater can buy!” We agree. This app is perfect for boaters, fishermen and any water sport enthusiasts. We like this app because of it’s varied capabilities to plan your on-water day. There are tides, charts, markers and marinas.
You can see more here at best Marine Navagation apps. Oh yea, we’ve included a link for our California boating friends.
Proactive Tips for Using Ethanol-Enhanced Fuels in your Yamaha Motor
Here at Cannons Marina we have said it once before and because it is the boating season, we will say it again – There are a few Proactive Tips for Using Ethanol-Enhanced Fuels in your Yamaha Outboard Motor.
Most people want to know why ethanol is such an issue? Simply put, ethanol has hygroscopic solvency properties. That’s a really fancy term for that it both it attracts and absorbs water, and loosens debris in your fuel system and over a short time this can negatively effect your engine’s performance and longevity.
Babies On Board Boats – Protect Your Little Ones while Boating
Babies love boats and boating. And it doesn’t take much for babies and young children to get blistering sunburns, especially on boats or in the water.
The potential discomfort should be more than enough for parents to keep kids well protected while boating.
Did you know that childhood sunburn more than doubles their chance of developing melanoma later in life?
Not to mention that excess sun exposure can lead to dehydration.
There are several things that you can do to protect your little bundle of joy.
Sun Protection for Boaters
Sun protection is the best prevention. In fact, Ninety-three million miles separate our sun from the earth, yet damage from its Ultraviolet (UV) rays KILLS ONE AMERICAN EVERY HOUR!
Malignant melanoma is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women ages 24 to 29, edging out breast cancer for those in the 30 to 34 year range.
Boating Safely & Boating Safety Equipment
Boating Safety Equipment
Boating Season is finally here and while we get ready to take advantage of our splendid spring-summer weather and water, there are a few things we feel you need to consider – the minimum required boating safety equipment for vessels 16-39 feet.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) minimum regulations are delineated below. But in the spirit of promoting boating safety, we believe there are additional considerations to keep in mind. Specifically-
1). Check the weather before you head out. Here in Florida weather changes suddenly and can sometimes get pretty fierce. Check the weather before and during your trip. Be prepared to go another day if conditions are questionable.
2) Make a float plan. Review it with a friend you can trust to call the Coast Guard if you do not return on time.
3) Consider the ambient temperature and make a plan for getting shade or warmth, as needed.
4) Apply sunscreen (at least 50 SPF) frequently.
5) Bring plenty of water and food for everyone on board.
6) Make sure to have up to date charts of the waters where you will be cruising and know how to read them.
7) If you have a pet you must have shade and water on the boat. Animals need sun protection and a shady cool place to rest. A doggie life jacket is a must too.
Earth Day, Green and Clean Boating Tips
It is Earth Day 2010. And, it just happens to be a gorgeous boating day here on Longboat Key. Cannons Marina is a clean marina and clean boatyard and as we do our part this earth day, thought we would share some clean boating practices and recommendations from Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection Agency.
How to Change A Yamaha Fuel/ Water Separator
Video on How to Check and Change Your Yamaha Outboard Fuel/Water Separator
There are fuel/water filters on your Yamaha Outboard motor that need to be check and changed every 50 hours. Filtering out water and stopping debris from entering your engine in the first place will always be better for the life and performance of your outboard.
New Florida Boat Laws for 2010
New Boating Laws for Florida
Finally! The winter chills we’ve experienced for the past two months are beginning to fade and when they do, we boaters begin to feel the call of the water. It’s time to begin the annual spring ritual of cleaning, polishing, swabbing decks, having our motors serviced and making sure we comply with all state and federal boating regulations.
Yamaha Motor Battery Service Maintenance Tips
Yamaha Motor Battery Service is both straightforward and yet complex
Yamaha Motor battery service and maintenance is simple but keep in mind that different motors require different batteries and this blog is specific to Yamaha Outboard Motors.
If you have another brand of motor I recommend consulting your local certified dealer for help and advice.
The main thing that we want to address is your battery’s size, type and the general maintenance will vary and that Yamaha Motor’s recommends a very specific size and type of battery based on the size of your motor.
The manufacture’s recommendations can be found in the owner’s manual. If you do not have an owner’s manual, you can try to find one online or just call the marina we will be pleased to help locate the information that is specific to your motor.
Yamaha Motor Fuel Additives, Long Term Money & Engine Savers
Fuel Additives are not Hype and here is why.
Over time, carbon and impurities can build up in your engine, causing premature wear and avoidable maintenance costs.
Yamaha recommends adding two fuel additives that can actually
protect your engine and save you money in the long run.
Ring Free is recommended to clean away the build-up of carbon and fuel impurities that can affect ring lands, pistons, combustion chambers, manifolds, ports, valves, the vapor separator and carburetors in either two- or four-stroke engines.
Boating Safety
The Gulf Coast of Florida offers nearly perfect boating weather just about everyday.
While heading out to fish or simply to take a relaxing cruise, here are a few basic things we feel every boater needs to do before leaving the dock:
Boating Safety 101: Life Jackets – Save Lives.
Boating Safety 101: Life Jackets
Did you know that the cause of death in over 70% of all boating accidents each year is drowning and that 85% of those drownings involve men, women and children who were not wearing life jackets or PFDs?
Sobering thought.
Help. I have a hook in my hand!
I was out on my boat fishing last week, having the time of my life, when all of a sudden I got an Eagle Claw 2/0 fishing hook stuck in my right ring finger.
Damn it hurt!
It was in past the barb, so firmly stuck, and I wasn’t sure how to get it out. So I stowed my gear and motored over to an “old salt” friend of mine who, I hoped, would surely have the answer.
If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, here’s what “we” did. “We” really means “him,” as I couldn’t look.He looped a long piece of heavy fishing line around the hook’s bend.
Then he pushed down on the end of the hook, the end where you normally tie your line, so it touched my skin. And then, and here’s the part I couldn’t watch, he jerked the line and the hook straight out. It actually hurt more than it did getting stuck, but it was out.
Dog Gone? Dogs on Board Boating Safety Tips.
Cannons Marina promotes safe boating for you AND your fur-faced best friend. Paws Aboard’s Doggy Life Jackets and Designer Doggy Life Jackets help keep pets safe on the water.
Constructed to provide Fido with buoyancy, along with a cozy, secure fit, the jackets feature an advanced breathable mesh underbelly for proper draining and drying, which gives your little buddy both comfort and a sporty appearance on the bow of your new Grady White Boat. Safety features include reflective strips for maximum visibility, a bright neon-yellow color and a handle on top for sure and easy grabbing.
Looking To Buy A New Boat? Guidelines To Help You With Your Purchase.
So You Want To Buy A New Boat?
As someone who has been in the marina business for over 50 years, here’s some “inside” advice we’d like to share with you, the first time boat buyer.
Boats will boost your opportunities for fun and add an entirely new aspect to your recreational activities. They’ll also rev up your social life. Just buy a boat and you’ll have at lest 20 new best friends!
But remember, buying a boat takes time, research and a clear understanding of how you want to use it. For now, forget all the great deals out there, and they are there, and step away from the emotional side of becoming a boat owner. Abide by the guiding principles that follow and you’re well on your way to finding exactly what you need and becoming a happy boater.
Tarpon Fishing Boca Grande. Basic Etiquette.
Recently I was tarpon fishing in Boca Grande. The trip is a yearly family tradition. My husband, son and I prefer to fish the beaches and Charlotte Harbor rather than the often crowded and famed Boca Grande Pass.
Let’s get one thing clear here, I love to fish and I am a non-professional fisher-lady, actually somewhat of a novice at the sport. Although a novice I was taught some basic fishing rules and etiquette, as I fish with a well known local guide by the name of Captain Scott Moore.
Photos of Your Special “Once in a Lifetime” Fish.
Photos of a special fish, magic light on the natural world, or an outing
with a friend hold the promise of years of enjoyment. Digital cameras make
capturing a moment in time easy, fun and allow you to develop your vision
in the digital darkroom. The best part is that you can enjoy this amazing
technology no matter what your level of expertise. Most digital cameras come
with software that let you enhance the image, crop the size, and share the
final product in a number of ways. You can send the images via e-mail, or
print them out to frame and display. There are a few basic rules that will
help you capture the best possible digital image:
Before you leave the dock, make sure you have fresh batteries, memory
cards (digital film), and a clean lens.
Boating knots: 4 basic but important knots to know.
A Boat, A Yacht and A SuperYacht!
During the holidays, we were searching the net and came across these interesting ships that we wanted to share with you. We thought you’d like to see how the other side sails the seven seas!
A boat is defined as a watercraft under 40 feet. A yacht generally ranges from 40 feet up to hundreds of feet. A superyacht is defined as being a luxury yacht typically over 148 feet.
Yamaha Outboard Motor Sale at Florida Boat Dealer.
Yamaha Outboard Motors’ and Cannons Marina, has TWO ways to save sales event!
And now is the time to act because this deal will NOT last long!
What to look for in a used boat?
So you’re in the market for a used boat, outboard motor or trailer. According to the Cannons Marina team, here’s what we think that you need to do before buying a used boat:
First find local Florida boat dealer or marina that have good reputations for quality boat sales and service. These local Florida boat dealers usually have good used boats in stock that have been inspected, certified and are ready for delivery. By using a local boat dealer or marina, you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing that if you have a problem your local seller is right down the road. This also acts as a benefit when you do your annual boat and motor maintenance, as the boat dealership will know your boat.
Why flush your Yamaha motor?
Yamaha Motor Maintenance Tips from Cannons Marina on Vimeo.
Safety Tips for Kids and Family on the Boat
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