How boaters can strive to be more environmentally friendly when running, cleaning and maintaining their boats
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Photo by Jameskingfish via Wikimedia Commons
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Showing posts with label environment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label environment. Show all posts
Friday, July 12, 2013
Green Boating Tips for the Eco-Minded Mariner
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Hurricane Sandy Impact on Chesapeake Bay Marinas and Boats
Hurricane Sandy hits the northeast coast of the U.S. impacting boats and marinas still in the water in NJ, MD, DE and VA areas of the Chespeake Bay [Photos]
For boaters along the northeast coast of the U.S., preparing your boat for a hurricane - especially at the end of October - is not at all a normal occurrence. At the end of October northeast boaters are usually thinking more about winterizing engines then bracing for a hurricane!
Hurricane Sandy was a powerful storm that hit October 29, 2012 (also known as Frankenstorm coming only 2 days before Halloween). The hurricane traveled along the eastern coastline of the U.S. and then made a sharp turn into the northeastern states of NJ, MD, DE and VA. Mixing with other winter storm systems the storm had a massive reach that impacted much of the northeast (including NY and New England).
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Skipjack Cove Marina on Sassafras River,
upper Chesapeake Bay |
Hurricane Sandy was a powerful storm that hit October 29, 2012 (also known as Frankenstorm coming only 2 days before Halloween). The hurricane traveled along the eastern coastline of the U.S. and then made a sharp turn into the northeastern states of NJ, MD, DE and VA. Mixing with other winter storm systems the storm had a massive reach that impacted much of the northeast (including NY and New England).
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Green Boat Cleaning Tips
How to clean your boat while also protecting the environment by using eco-friendly products and techniques (Guest Post)
Boating can be an absolutely wonderful experience. Going out to fish, waterski, explore, or just
relax can be a highlight of any weekend or vacation. So why do boat owners have so many
complaints, and where does that old complaint about the two best days of owning
a boat come from? Cleaning and
maintenance are the usual culprits.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Hurricane Irene: Preparing Boats on Chesapeake Bay and Northern East Coast
The Chesapeake Bay and the northern east coast of the U.S. rarely sees much damage with hurricanes or tropical storms, but boaters should still prepare their boats for strong winds and tidal surges from Hurricane Irene
Updated as of Sunday August 28, 2011
Ever since Hurricane Isabel caused huge tidal surges along the east coast and on the Chesapeake Bay in August 2003, boaters have had more reason to take precautions when hurricanes are predicted to come up the east coast.
The track of Hurricane Isabel took a direct course up the east coast and through the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay causing a once in a lifetime tidal surge that destroyed marina docks and sunk boats.
With Hurricane Irene (August 2011) predicted to follow a course up the eastern coast of the U.S., boaters should keep a close eye on weather predictions and plan to prepare their boats for the storm.
Path of Hurricane Irene for Chesapeake Bay Area
Here are some basic precautions boaters should take to prepare for a hurricane predicted to follow a course up the east coast and/or the Chesapeake Bay.
Keep a close eye on weather reports and hurricane path predictions.
NOAA is the best source for boaters when it comes to weather reports and tracking of hurricane paths. The NOAA National Hurricane Center shows up to date paths for all current hurricanes and tropical storms.
The MidAtlantic East Coast and Chesapeake Bay area has been upgraded from a high threat level to extreme as of 4:00 EST August 25, 2011.
The current path of Hurricane Irene (as of August 25, 2011) is projected to skim along the east coast just by the Chesapeake Bay. Hurricane Irene is on a similar path as Hurricane Earl in August 2010.
According to The Weather Channel, the current track remains west of the coast but can still shift up to 200 miles from the current track more inland. If Hurricane Irene shifts more inland the Chesapeake Bay will be more vulnerable. Hurricane force winds also extend 60 miles from the eye, so even if the path of Hurricane Irene is west of the Chesapeake Bay the bay is likely to experience very strong winds and tidal surges.
As of Sunday August 28, 2011 the Chesapeake Bay appears to have escaped the worst of this hurricane. Hurricane damage is reported as minimal and tidal surges did not peak over docks in most areas.
Boats docked on Sassafras River located on upper Chesapeake Bay appear to be fine. (photo taken at 9:30 am Sunday August 28)
Decide whether or not to haul out your boat ahead of the hurricane. The decision to have your boat hauled out of the water really depends on the path of the hurricane and the size of your boat. Most boaters want to avoid the inconvenience and expense of a haul out if they can. In August 2010 when Hurricane Earl was projected to hit the east coast many boaters pulled their boats unnecessarily. Large boats tied up well at docks are usually fine unless a direct path of the hurricane is predicted to hit a marina. Hurricanes rarely have direct hits to the Chesapeake Bay or northern parts of the east coast. But smaller, trailer boats should probably be pulled as a precaution because they can be impacted by high winds and rising tidal surges.
Prepare your boat for hurricanes with extra lines and fenders. Most marinas will suggest adding a few spring lines and fenders to protect a boat against high winds during a hurricane. But be sure to allow for extra high tidal surges with the lines. When the tidal surge from Hurricane Isabel hit the Chesapeake Bay we saw many boats get their stern pulled under the dock because the water went higher than the dock.
Secure or remove canvas from boats prior to hurricanes. A passing hurricane or tropical storm that does not make a direct hit (which is likely with Hurricane Irene) can still cause a lot of damage. Canvas can tear or blow off from hurricane force winds. Boats with canvas enclosures and biminis are at risk with high winds, so removing canvas and putting on a cockpit cover if you can is a good idea.
Prepare boats for expected power outages. The current path of Hurricane Irene is likely to cause high winds that will knock down trees and power lines. The Weather Channel is predicting that power outages are likely - for as long as 3 days. Its a good idea to empty and turn off boat refrigerators if docked at a marina. If the power goes out for an extended period of time refrigerators could drain boat batteries - if a bilge pump needs to kick in a boat could sink from a dead battery. Some marinas may also have to turn off power due to high tidal surges that reach the top of docks.
Hurricane Preparation Resources for Boaters and Marinas
There are many resources for boaters and marinas to use for preparing for a hurricane to avoid damage to boats.
For a straight-forward simple guide, the Firstboat.com Hurricane Guide covers some of the basics in a simple overview for boaters.
BoatUS Hurricane Resource Center has a full website that includes storm tracking and links to downloadable guides for boaters or marinas to prepare for hurricanes. They also offer a free Hurricane Advisory Emails to BoatUS members that includes storm advisories and tracking information. If your boat is impacted by a hurricane, they have a detailed page that gives after the storm hurricane guidance on how to contact boat insurance companies along with some simple maintenance tips for reducing any potential damage.
Everyday Health has created The Hurricane Disaster-Proof Healthy Eating Guide to serve as the food preparedness resource for Hurricane Irene, upcoming hurricane season and all natural disasters.
Ever since Hurricane Isabel caused huge tidal surges along the east coast and on the Chesapeake Bay in August 2003, boaters have had more reason to take precautions when hurricanes are predicted to come up the east coast.
The track of Hurricane Isabel took a direct course up the east coast and through the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay causing a once in a lifetime tidal surge that destroyed marina docks and sunk boats.
With Hurricane Irene (August 2011) predicted to follow a course up the eastern coast of the U.S., boaters should keep a close eye on weather predictions and plan to prepare their boats for the storm.
Path of Hurricane Irene for Chesapeake Bay Area
Here are some basic precautions boaters should take to prepare for a hurricane predicted to follow a course up the east coast and/or the Chesapeake Bay.
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| NOAA Path Tracking for Hurricane Irene |
NOAA is the best source for boaters when it comes to weather reports and tracking of hurricane paths. The NOAA National Hurricane Center shows up to date paths for all current hurricanes and tropical storms.
The MidAtlantic East Coast and Chesapeake Bay area has been upgraded from a high threat level to extreme as of 4:00 EST August 25, 2011.
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| Hurricane Irene path similar to Hurricane Earl in 2010 |
According to The Weather Channel, the current track remains west of the coast but can still shift up to 200 miles from the current track more inland. If Hurricane Irene shifts more inland the Chesapeake Bay will be more vulnerable. Hurricane force winds also extend 60 miles from the eye, so even if the path of Hurricane Irene is west of the Chesapeake Bay the bay is likely to experience very strong winds and tidal surges.
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Boats at dock after Hurricane Irene (Sassafras River on Chesapeake Bay) |
Boats docked on Sassafras River located on upper Chesapeake Bay appear to be fine. (photo taken at 9:30 am Sunday August 28)
Decide whether or not to haul out your boat ahead of the hurricane. The decision to have your boat hauled out of the water really depends on the path of the hurricane and the size of your boat. Most boaters want to avoid the inconvenience and expense of a haul out if they can. In August 2010 when Hurricane Earl was projected to hit the east coast many boaters pulled their boats unnecessarily. Large boats tied up well at docks are usually fine unless a direct path of the hurricane is predicted to hit a marina. Hurricanes rarely have direct hits to the Chesapeake Bay or northern parts of the east coast. But smaller, trailer boats should probably be pulled as a precaution because they can be impacted by high winds and rising tidal surges.
Prepare your boat for hurricanes with extra lines and fenders. Most marinas will suggest adding a few spring lines and fenders to protect a boat against high winds during a hurricane. But be sure to allow for extra high tidal surges with the lines. When the tidal surge from Hurricane Isabel hit the Chesapeake Bay we saw many boats get their stern pulled under the dock because the water went higher than the dock.
Prepare boats for expected power outages. The current path of Hurricane Irene is likely to cause high winds that will knock down trees and power lines. The Weather Channel is predicting that power outages are likely - for as long as 3 days. Its a good idea to empty and turn off boat refrigerators if docked at a marina. If the power goes out for an extended period of time refrigerators could drain boat batteries - if a bilge pump needs to kick in a boat could sink from a dead battery. Some marinas may also have to turn off power due to high tidal surges that reach the top of docks.
Hurricane Preparation Resources for Boaters and Marinas
There are many resources for boaters and marinas to use for preparing for a hurricane to avoid damage to boats.
For a straight-forward simple guide, the Firstboat.com Hurricane Guide covers some of the basics in a simple overview for boaters.
BoatUS Hurricane Resource Center has a full website that includes storm tracking and links to downloadable guides for boaters or marinas to prepare for hurricanes. They also offer a free Hurricane Advisory Emails to BoatUS members that includes storm advisories and tracking information. If your boat is impacted by a hurricane, they have a detailed page that gives after the storm hurricane guidance on how to contact boat insurance companies along with some simple maintenance tips for reducing any potential damage.
Everyday Health has created The Hurricane Disaster-Proof Healthy Eating Guide to serve as the food preparedness resource for Hurricane Irene, upcoming hurricane season and all natural disasters.
The American Red Cross disaster and emergency preparedness program, Be Red Cross Ready, has a handy one page Hurricane Safety Checklist that gives essential steps to prepare for a hurricane, emergency supplies needed and what to do after a disaster.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Dead Fish Likely Caused by Cold Water
Massive fish kill along shores of Maryland's Chesapeake Bay is likely caused by rapid temperature drop in the water this winter
The early January wash-up of a massive fish kill on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland created immediate concern for residents after the widely reported bird and fish deaths in Arkansas, Louisiana and around the world.
Over 2 million dead fish have already been found along the shores of Maryland's Chesapeake Bay.
But officials with the Maryland Department of the Environment seem convinced that the cause for the fish deaths in the Chesapeake Bay is cold water that got very cold very fast.
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| Photo courtesy of Maryland Department of the Environment |
Over 2 million dead fish have already been found along the shores of Maryland's Chesapeake Bay.
But officials with the Maryland Department of the Environment seem convinced that the cause for the fish deaths in the Chesapeake Bay is cold water that got very cold very fast.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Chesapeake Bay Rivers Frozen Early
Extreme cold weather freezes rivers - Sassafras, Elk, Susquehanna, Chester, Patapsco - on the Chesapeake Bay in early December
Boat owners in Maryland and Delaware getting a late start winterizing their boat - or even pulling their boat from the water for winter storage - were surprised to see that many of the rivers along the Chespeake Bay were already frozen.
With a few straight weeks of close to or below freezing weather, that was all it took to freeze water in many areas of the Chesapeake Bay rivers.
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Sassfras River frozen in early December 2010 - several boats were still in the water awaiting winter storage. |
With a few straight weeks of close to or below freezing weather, that was all it took to freeze water in many areas of the Chesapeake Bay rivers.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Ways Boaters can Protect Water Resources
In support of Blog Action Day 2010, take a moment to consider how boaters can help protect water resources
Blog Action Day is an annual event held every October 15 that unites the world’s bloggers in posting about the same issue on the same day with the aim of sparking a global discussion and driving collective action.
When I heard that this year's theme was water, I knew as a boater I had to get on board with the cause. Because a boater's life is all about water!
According to change.org, "Access to clean water is not just a human rights issue. It’s an environmental issue. An animal welfare issue. A sustainability issue. Water is a global issue, and it affects all of us."
So today, I am posting about ways boaters can help to protect water resources in support of Blog Action Day. I'll be joining forces with over 4,000 blogs, as well as fellow boating blogs that are also supporting the cause... like DailyBoater, the BoatFlorida blog and the MarineFuel.com blog.
Here are some Ways Boaters can Protect Water Resources...
When I heard that this year's theme was water, I knew as a boater I had to get on board with the cause. Because a boater's life is all about water!
According to change.org, "Access to clean water is not just a human rights issue. It’s an environmental issue. An animal welfare issue. A sustainability issue. Water is a global issue, and it affects all of us."
So today, I am posting about ways boaters can help to protect water resources in support of Blog Action Day. I'll be joining forces with over 4,000 blogs, as well as fellow boating blogs that are also supporting the cause... like DailyBoater, the BoatFlorida blog and the MarineFuel.com blog.
Here are some Ways Boaters can Protect Water Resources...
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Hurricane Earl Impact on East Coast Boaters
Hurricane Earl path is projected to skim the entire East Coast of the U.S. forcing boaters to quickly prepare for the worst
Boaters along the East Coast haven't seen too much hurricane activity in recent years. But with the current projected path of Hurricane Earl over Labor Day weekend, the impact is likely to range from inconvenient to catastrophe.
North Carolina is projected to get a direct hit from Hurricane Earl, but what will the impact be for the rest of the East Coast?
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Hurricane Earl path as projected by NOAA. |
North Carolina is projected to get a direct hit from Hurricane Earl, but what will the impact be for the rest of the East Coast?
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Gulf Oil Spill Impact on Boating
The BP oil spill is an environmental catastrophe that will have an impact on boaters and the boating lifestyle - reaching beyond just the Gulf Coast waters
Anyone who loves the water can sympathize with boaters in the Gulf Coast Region. The way of life for boaters has been threatened long-term by the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
For boaters that make a living from the water, the spill has been especially devastating. The Gulf Coast crab, oyster and fishing industry has come to a halt. Charter boats are sitting at the docks. Oyster processing plants are shutting down and laying off workers. Hotels, restaurants and other businesses that rely on tourism have seen a huge drop in business as visitors and vacationers cancel Gulf Coast plans. The survival of the birds, fish, crabs, oysters and wetlands of the Gulf eco-system are in jeopardy.
As I watch the news and continue to see the oil spread throughout the Gulf of Mexico, I cannot help but wonder how far-reaching this environmental disaster will become. Will the oil spread to the entire Florida coastline? Will the loop current take the oil around Florida and head north up the coast? Will the impact to the environment be felt beyond the Gulf Coast?
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Photo courtesy of NOOA |
For boaters that make a living from the water, the spill has been especially devastating. The Gulf Coast crab, oyster and fishing industry has come to a halt. Charter boats are sitting at the docks. Oyster processing plants are shutting down and laying off workers. Hotels, restaurants and other businesses that rely on tourism have seen a huge drop in business as visitors and vacationers cancel Gulf Coast plans. The survival of the birds, fish, crabs, oysters and wetlands of the Gulf eco-system are in jeopardy.
As I watch the news and continue to see the oil spread throughout the Gulf of Mexico, I cannot help but wonder how far-reaching this environmental disaster will become. Will the oil spread to the entire Florida coastline? Will the loop current take the oil around Florida and head north up the coast? Will the impact to the environment be felt beyond the Gulf Coast?
