CARVER OWNERS CLUB
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April 2008 - Special Boat Show Edition

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Stories

Featured Boats

The Spring Chesapeake Bay Boat show happens around the end of the month.  This is always an active time for the Club, both in terms of the website getting lots of visitors and in terms of our getting ready for the Rendezvous.  It's time to get the boat you've always wanted.  Here are some boats offered for sale on the website.

Finally, we have a refitted dinghy or just a fun boat to jet around in. The boat is very fast (40 + mph) and has low hours.  The trailer does not go with the boat, but it can be transported within a reasonable distance.  The price is $11,500.  Click here to see the photos.

 

Web Sites of Interest

If you have ever wondered which marine service provider offered the best service closest to you, you'll want to visit http://www.eboatlog.com.  This service lets you search for marine service providers by location and the service they provide. Carver Owners Club members can access the members portion of the eboatlog website at no charge.  They also provide you with a toll-free number to call (for an additional fee) to get current conditions or help when the Internet is not available. 

 

Computers on Board

I'm a big fan of using computers to help control and navigate the boat.  I find that most of the things I need to do can be done easier and cheaper on a computer, rather than a dedicated device, like a GPS unit.  Not that using a computer isn't without some pitfalls.

The biggest problem with using a laptop computer on the bridge is seeing the screen.  It's hard to see the screen in the bright sunlight.  You can buy a laptop with a "sunlight" screen, but the cost is prohibitive to me, about $2000.  I solved the problem by installing a flat panel monitor on the bridge and connecting the laptop to it.  Here's a photo. Note that the monitor is protected from the weather by a canvas/curtain cover.  To protect the laptop, I just put it on the deck and operate it with a trackball on a platform next to the helm station.

Tough Business

Most industry reports say that this could be the toughest year in recent history in the boating business.  To paraphrase one Sea Ray executive, if you're worried about losing your house to foreclosure, you're not going to be looking for a boat.  Sea  Ray closed one of its three manufacturing plants near Cocoa Florida.

Clearly the price of fuel and related products is also slowing things down. 

 
A Green Boat

The State of Florida recently published its Guide to Greener Boating and they made several interesting suggestions for reducing pollution from a boat, in addition to the legal requirements.  Here are a few suggestions:

  1. Shower and do laundry ashore to prevent discharge of phosphates into the water.  Phosphates come from the soap and detergent we use in cleaning.
  2. Stop using plastic shopping bags - use reusable shopping bags
  3. Use mooring facilities instead of anchoring when possible
  4. Use alternative cleaners, instead of commercial cleaners.  Here's a short list of alternatives.
Commercial Cleaner Alternative
Bleach Hydrogen peroxide
Scouring powders Baking soda
Window cleaner Vinegar in warm water
Head cleaner Baking soda and brush
Aluminum cleaner 2 tablespoons of cream of tartar in 1 quart of hot water
Chrome polish Apple cider vinegar to clean; baby oil to polish
Fiberglass stain remover Baking soda paste
Mildew remover Paste of equal parts of lemon juice and salt

It's hard to find low or no phosphate detergents.  According to Consumer Reports, Trader Joe's offers a line of detergents that meet new Maryland and Washington State standards (requirement by 2010) and perform excellently.  As for the other, alternative cleaning suggestions, I've tested hydrogen peroxide and baking soda and find them to be okay, if not as sexy as the commercial cleaners.  Baking soda cleaned stains that deck cleaner couldn't cut.  I'd be interested in hearing about your experiences.

 

Checklists

I continued to receive suggested additions to the Commissioning Checklist.  I've added a new category for safety equipment, such as flares and PFD's.  My thanks to everyone who suggested improvements.

 

Event News

Planned Events

We have the details for the Chesapeake Bay Rendezvous, June 6, 7, and 8.  This year's event will be held at Rock Hall, MD.  For more information about Rock Hall, go to http://www.rockhallmd.com.  The zip code is 21661.  We have slips reserved at Haven Harbour Marina, although you can also anchor nearby at Swan Creek.  The per foot cost is $2.10 per night, plus electric.  The Saturday Night cocktail party and dinner will be held at Waterman's Restaurant.  One of the menu choices is All-You-Can-Eat crab.  A shuttle operates until midnight, so we will have good transportation to and from the marina.  The per person cost this year is $75.00, thanks to the sponsors. You must be a member to attend.  Reservations are fairly limited, so I encourage you to make your reservations soon.  We're trying to make the reservation process easier this year by asking you to call us at 800-540-2926 to make reservations.  Make your reservations now.