Boat Cleaning Products Professionals Show How to Make Your Paint Job Last

 

Your Boat Cleaning Products Analysts Know We All Like The Shiny, Wet Paint Look to Last and Last

Raritan Engineering Company would love to share with you the following information regarding boat cleaning products and how to make your new paint job last for a long time.

The results derived from a professionally applied LPU topside refinish are as dramatic as the invoice that accompanies the makeover. The shiny, wet look and the protection it affords can last for years whether its three years, five years, or nearly a decade depends upon how kindly the rejuvenated surface is treated.

Giving your topsides proper maintenance attention, like waxing regularly, will keep them looking healthy.

• During application: Most well-executed LPU paint jobs begin with epoxy primers and fairing compounds as the underpinnings of a glistening LPU topcoat.


• Cleaning: Regularly sponge washing the hull is the first step in preserving the topcoat shine. Avoid cleaning with scrub pads and gritty cleaners; this should be a completely non-abrasive effort.


• Sailing is not a full-contact sport: More often than not, the decision to have the topsides re-painted has to do with localized damage that resulted from docking maneuvers gone awry, tussles at the starting line, or storm damage when a line gives way.


• Wax On-Wax Off: After the first two or three seasons of washing and protecting the surface from winter-cover abrasion and line chafe, there's often a need to tune up the gloss a bit.

The best bet is to follow up another good washing with a conventional carnauba-based wax like Mothers California Gold or Collinites #88 ( Best Choice for paste waxes, July 2009).

Your Boat Cleaning Products Experts Have All the Secrets to Waxing Your Boat Properly

Your boat cleaning products specialists know how important it is to breathe life into dull coats: Owners of boats with five- to seven-year-old intact LPU paint jobs that look dull but remain well adhered, can try rubbing out the surface with 3M Perfect-It rubbing compound and following up with a carnauba wax.

• Repair care: Repairs to two-part LPU coatings are a true test of product awareness and applicator talent. The interesting challenge here lies in blending the old and the new, and blending the circumference known as the overspray region. Matching color change and gloss variation is even tougher than automotive work.

One of the reasons why AwlCraft and other slightly softer and more user-friendly acrylic-based LPU paints are growing in popularity is that they are much easier to repair and buff than polyester-based two-part paints. Their longevity is good, but not quite that of old standby Awlgrip.

If you are planning a new paint job and looking for a durable, long-lasting finish, the December 2012 issue of Practical Sailor compared linear polyurethane paints after three years.

Visit us at http://raritaneng.com/category-pages/cleaners/and see how Raritan Engineering always has the best information and assistance possible regarding boat cleaning products.

via Extending the Life of Your New Paint Job

 

Your Boat Toilet Professionals Discuss Information on the Power of Navigation Control

Your Boat Toilets Experts Discuss Navigation Control 

Raritan Engineering Company your boat toilets analysts would like to share with you these topics we thought would be of interest to you this month regarding how easy it is to do your own marine charting. 

Your boat toilets experts know that the latest enhancement to electronic charting technology gives boaters the ability to instantly create their own high-resolution marine charts — cartography with more detail and up-to-date depth data than anything you can buy off the shelf. This is real-time charting that you can utilize immediately and in the future.

Humminbird AutoChart Live

Activating live-charting functions is as easy as pressing a few buttons on the touchscreen menu of your compatible plotter or fish-finder system. 

Humminbird’s AutoChart Live and Garmin’s Quickdraw Contours are free. An ­annual ­subscription to the Navionics Freshest Data club is needed to use SonarChart Live with a Raymarine plotter.

Garmin Quickdraw Contours

The technology can save you money. “Since you’re adding new HD chart data all the time, you don’t have to buy updated chart cards as often,” says David Dunn, senior manager for marine sales and marketing for Garmin.

Go to http://raritaneng.com/raritan-product-line/marine-toilets/marine-elegance/ and see how you can always find more information on boat toilets at Raritan Engineering.

Real-time charting systems work with any networked fish finder, such as a conventional 50/200 kHz system, chirp fish finder, or scanning sonar. 

The Quickdraw Community builds on the success of the company’s Quickdraw Contours software feature – a free, easy-to-use tool that lets mariners instantly create personalized HD maps with 1-foot contours on any body of water – allowing users to easily and quickly share and upload the best data available.

“Garmin customers have been collecting Quickdraw Contours mapping and depth data on their devices since the free software feature became available earlier this year, and now they have a way to easily share that data with others,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of worldwide sales.

Creating Quickdraw Contours data is powerfully simple. Once it’s turned on, users will instantly see contours with labels generated right on the screen as the boat moves – unlike competitor products, there’s no waiting around or sending the files in for remote processing, nor is there a fee to keep the data private or to share it with others. 

The collected data can be stored on any off-the-shelf SD or microSDTM card, as well as existing Garmin BlueChart® g2, BlueChart g2 Vision® and LakeVü HD Ultra cards. 

Data can be uploaded through a “Marine Profile” in Garmin Connect, and once uploaded, will typically be available on the web for download within 24 hours. With the intuitive map interface, users can easily locate and see the data shared by other users within the community overlaid on the applicable body of water. 

The Garmin Quickdraw Community on Garmin Connect is available now at garminconnect.com/quickdraw. Quickdraw Contours comes standard on all echoMAP CHIRP products, and is available as a free software update for all other echoMAP and many GPSMAP series products. 

Garmin Quickdraw Sharing

Recently, Garmin was named Manufacturer of the Year and received the honor of being the most recognized company in the marine electronics field by the National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA). 

For decades, Garmin has pioneered new GPS navigation and wireless devices and applications that are designed for people who live an active lifestyle. Garmin serves five primary business units, including automotive, aviation, fitness, marine, and outdoor recreation.

Click here and see how Raritan Engineering is always the leader in information regarding boat toilets and other marine products.

via Real-Time Marine Charting

via GARMIN INTRODUCES QUICKDRAW: MAKE AND SHARE YOUR OWN NAUTICAL CHARTS

Marine Parts Source Professionals Offer Free and Simple Gelcoat Repairing Techniques

 

Your Marine Parts Source Analysts Help You to Make Your Boat Look Amazing

Raritan Engineering Company would like to share with you this week some powerful tips on how to make and keep your sail boat looking amazing.

Your marine parts source specialists know that as good a job as the Badger does, however, setting up and cleaning the tool is a multi-step process. In the interest of simplicity, we have also outlined an alternative method of repairing gelcoat—applying gelcoat with a brush instead of with a spray gun.

The advantage of “painting” gelcoat on is that you save the $17 price of an airbrush and the hassle of setup and cleanup. However, you can't finish the job in one sitting; the gelcoat must be brushed on in several coats to achieve good coverage. 

Fortunately there is an even better solution, the Preval Sprayer. The Preval combines the best of the Badger and the paint brush. It's quick to set up and clean, and provides adequate coverage in a single application. 

The Preval Sprayer is not a new product. It has been used for many years by boatbuilders and boatyards to do spot repairs to gelcoat. It's not economical even for a yard to do minor cosmetic repairs with a big, compressor-driven industrial spray gun. 

Your Marine Parts Source Experts Explain Which Tools Are Needed On These Projects

Instead, use an unwaxed paper cup. Your marine parts source professionals say that you can just stick the stem of the propellant can in a corner of the cup as you spray. You must be careful to keep the stem immersed in gelcoat, or the sprayer will sputter and splatter. 

The Preval will spray 16 ounces of liquid with a full can of propellant. This means you can re-use it for several gelcoat repairs before you toss it.

However, you must carefully clean it after every use. Cleaning is a quick three-step procedure: First, stick the stem in acetone and spray for a few seconds. 

As a final precaution, stick the stem back in acetone and spray it through the system for a few more seconds. When buying gelcoat, it's best to check first with the builder of your boat, because he is most likely to have colors that match, or give you the information you need to make a match. 

As with any gelcoat job, the surface must be perfectly faired with auto body and/or lacquer putty, or fairing compound before spraying. The gelcoat must be thinned slightly with reducer to spray evenly (although acetone is often recommended from thinning, it will cause the finish to more quickly lose its brightness, color, and gloss). 

So don't forget these helpful reminders on how to keep your boat looking amazing. 1) Be open-minded about applying gelcoat with a brush and not an air gun;  2) the gelcoat must be brushed on in several coats to look its best;  and 3) remember that the surface must be perfectly faired with lacquer or auto body putty before spraying.

Learn more at Raritan Engineering about how we are always the best marine parts source. 

via Quick and Easy Gelcoat Repair

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Marine Products Pro Shop Says Don't Leave These Things at Home When Sailing

Your Marine Products Pro Shop Knows What All the Professional Sailors Keep In Their Pockets 

Raritan Engineering Company your macerator pump analysts would like to share with you these topics we thought would be of interest to you this month regarding essential tools not to leave at home when sailing. 

Your macerator pump experts know that YBW asked professional and amateur sailors what they kept in their sailing jacket pocket when they are out on the water. What do you keep in yours? 

5 things in my pocket:

Knife – I never sail without a knife
Phone – Especially if I am sailing on the coast. It also has my nav software on there and I can get weather information
Waterproof case for the phone, as electronics and seawater don't mix
Piece of flapjack which has to be homemade
Cup of tea…it's not really in your pocket…oh..perhaps a compass.

Dee Caffari

Dee Caffari has sailed around the world five times.

Your marine parts suppliers professionals know that in 2006, she became the first woman to sail solo, non-stop, around the world against the prevailing winds and currents and was awarded an MBE in recognition of her achievement.

In April 2011, she successfully completed another circumnavigation. Your marine parts and accessories analysts understand that with completion of the Barcelona World Race, Caffari became the only woman to have sailed three times around the world non-stop.

During training, the team successfully claimed the Round Britain and Ireland speed record for a female crewed monohull in 4 days 21 hours and 39 seconds.

Your Macerator Pump Professionals Continue the Discussion on These Essential Tools

You can find more information as well as get assistance on boat toilets and on essential tools never to leave at home while sailing at Raritan Engineering. 

5 things in my pocket:

Tissues, as my nose runs
Lip salve
Electrical tape as you always have to mark something
Wet Notes so I can write information down
A treat – my favourite is Harabo Starmix
(BTW – I keep my Leatherman on my belt!)

Nigel Stuart, Managing Director of Spirit Yachts

Your boat toilets specialists understand that Nigel Stuart joined Spirit Yachts as managing director in August 2014 following seven years at Discovery Yachts.

Your marine parts distributors experts feel that in his younger years, he sailed dinghies in the UK, Germany and Hong Kong before he developed a passion for wind surfing aged 16.

In his thirties, Nigel returned to the UK and started actively racing catamarans with his wife, Sarah. In 2013, he built his catamaran CROWNS (which is an acronym of the initials of his family) in epoxy carbon using infusion method.

With over 20 years' marine management experience, Stuart has worked with cruising yachts worldwide and is a successful catamaran racer in his spare time.

5 things in my pocket:

Knife/Multi-tool
Race watch as I do a lot of racing
Lip balm so I don't burn my lips
Sunglasses
Beer tokens i.e money!

So don't forget these helpful reminders for ideas on what not to leave at home when going sailing, knives, phones, waterproof cases for the phones, sunglasses, watches or lip balm.

Raritan Engineering has more information at their marine products pro shop on macerator pump, boat toilets, boat cleaning products, and on things you should never leave at home while sailing. 

via 5 things in your pocket

Marine Toilet Specialists Recommend Maintaining a Commitment to Improvement

Your Marine Toilet Experts Understand That Vision Impaired Sailors Are Some of the Most Enthusiastic 

Raritan Engineering Company your marine toilet professionals keep you well informed about the fact that being visually impaired doesn't have to mean retirement from sailing.

I was fortunate to have the opportunity to run a North U Match Racing Clinic for the vision impaired sailors preparing for the 2016 World Sailing Blind Match Racing World Championship, being held September 21-25 at the Sheboygan Yacht Club in Sheboygan, Wisconsin.

The clinic was in the Sonars they are racing in the Worlds, with three sailors to a boat. The skipper is required to be 100% blind, and the two others can have varying degrees of vision impairment.

They had some goggles I could wear to experience what their vision ability was like. One common view is like looking through wax paper. You can make out shades and rough shapes, but there is no clarity. 

They use two marks to form their starting line, each making a unique sound, and a windward mark with its own sound. They sail the traditional match racing course (W-L-W-Finish), but use the pin end of the starting line as the leeward mark.

In addition to the sounds of the marks, they have watches that beep and vibrate, and they are talking with each other as normal, so their world onboard is very loud!

Your Marine Toilet Specialists Recommend Maintaining a Commitment to Improvement

Your marine toilet experts know that we did a session about the Sonar on the dock, and we simulated the prestart and sailing the course on land, using the marks and doing the walk-throughs in real time. 

What I loved most was that every sailor and team was committed to improving, and to sharing their own experiences for the benefit of the others. 

Blind Sailing International is an Organisation to support expand and further the opportunities for visually impaired people competing in the sport of sailing.

 Blind Sailing International (BSI) does this through:

• Supporting international sailing championships.


• Promoting Visually Impaired sailing activities and achievements.


• Providing an information source.

Blind Sailing International started a class of Fleet racing which provided visually impaired sailors with a level playing field.

Sailing takes place in three fleets this allows;  Totally blind helms to race against each other, while those with poor partial sight race each other and those with more partial sight to compete against one another. 

The Homerus Organisation developed autonomous match racing for blind and partially sighted sailors.

Sailing to match racing rules, Blind and partially sighted sailors race a matched pair of boats around a course of audio sound buoys, using sound and wind to navigate and make all the tactical and sail trim decisions.

The three man Sonar Keel boat class and the two man Scud keel boat allows visually impaired sailors to race as part of mixed disability teams.

Learn more from Raritan Engineering about marine toilet and why being visually impaired doesn't have to mean sailing retirement.

Watch or related video on Marine Toilets

via Walter Raineri: A Blind Sailor

via Visually Impaired, Not Sailing Impaired

via Blind Sailing International

Marine Hardware Techs Share Important Advice on Survive a Boat Capsizing

Your Marine Hardware Analysts Say Survival Education Is Necessary

Raritan Engineering Company your marine hardware experts would like to share with you these topics we thought would be of interest to you this month regarding how to survive a boat capsizing.

Your marine hardware specialists know that an investigation is underway after a yacht carrying 30 people capsized in San Francisco Bay. Eight people, including three children, needed hospital treatment.

The 34-foot yacht, Khaleesi, capsized 100 yards from Pier 45 in San Francisco Bay, throwing 30 people, including three children, into the water. 

Go to http://www.raritaneng.com/ and see how you can find more information as well as get assistance on marine hardware and on how to survive a boat capsizing.

Your marine hardware professionals know that at the time, the yacht had 27 adults and three children, on board. Both the US Coast Guard and the San Francisco Fire Department responded to the incident, along with many so-called “good Samaritans”.

An investigation into the incident is now underway.

If you should capsize or swamp your boat, or if you have fallen overboard and can't get back in, stay with the boat if possible. 

• If you made the mistake of not wearing a life jacket, find one and put it on. 


• Take a head count. Reach, throw, row, or go, if needed.


• If your boat remains afloat, try to reboard or climb onto it in order to get as much of your body out of the cold water as possible. 

If your boat sinks or floats away, don't panic.

• If you are wearing a life jacket, make sure that it is securely fastened, remain calm, and wait for help.


• If you aren't wearing a life jacket, look for one floating in the water or other floating items (coolers, oars or paddles, decoys, etc.) to help you stay afloat.


• If you have nothing to support you, you may have to tread water or simply float.

If someone on your boat falls overboard, you need to immediately:

• Reduce speed and toss the victim a PFD-preferably a throwable type-unless you know he or she is already wearing a life jacket.


• Turn your boat around and slowly pull alongside the victim, approaching the victim from downwind or into the current, whichever is stronger.


• Stop the engine. Pull the victim on board over the stern, keeping the weight in the boat balanced, especially in small boats.

So don't forget these helpful tips for surviving a boat capsizing. 1) If you made the mistake of not wearing a life jacket, find one and put it on;  2) if your boat remains afloat, try to reboard or climb onto it in order to get as much of your body out of the cold water as possible;  and 3) If you aren't wearing a life jacket, look for one floating in the water or other floating items (coolers, oars or paddles, decoys, etc.) to help you stay afloat.

Click here and see how Raritan Engineering always has more information on marine hardware and on how to survive a boat capsizing.

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via 8 hospitalized after yacht capsizes in San Francisco Bay

via What to Do if You're Capsized, if Your Boat Sinks or Floats Away or if Someone Falls Overboard

Macerating Toilet Professionals Discuss Racing Rules

Your Macerating Toilet Professionals Talk About Some Major Racing Rule Changes

Raritan Engineering Company your macerating toilet analysts would like to share with you these topics we thought would be of interest to you this month regarding how racing rule adjustments will help increase female participation.

Your macerating toilet experts understand that the Volvo Ocean Race is making a major rule change to give world-class female sailors a much clearer pathway to compete at the highest level of offshore sailing in the 2017-18 edition.

The possible crew combinations for 2017-18 will be:

• 7 men


• 7 men and 1 or 2 women


• 7 women and 1 or 2 men


• 5 men and 5 women


• 11 women

Your pump toilet professionals know that teams will be able to change their crew combinations from leg to leg in the race, which starts from Alicante in October 2017 and visits 11 cities around the globe, but as in previous editions, teams will be required have the same crewmembers on board for the In-Port Race as either the previous or the subsequent offshore leg.

Ian Walker, Volvo Ocean Race 2014-15 winning skipper, and Olympic silver medallist, commented: “If female offshore sailors ever want to compete at the same level as the best in the world then they need to train and race with the best.

Your best macerating toilet systems analysts understand that the move follows the success of Team SCA's 2014-15 campaign, which saw an all-female crew finish third in the In-Port Race series and become the first to win an offshore leg in 25 years – but still saw a ceiling in their offshore performance overall without being able to learn from the more experienced sailors once out on the ocean.

Your Macerating Toilet Analysts Know All the Benefits of Having Mixed Racing Teams

You can find more information as well as get assistance on marine hardware and on how racing rule adjustments will help increase female participation at Raritan Engineering.

“Your marine hardware specialists know that sailing is one of the few sports where you can have mixed teams, and we want to take advantage of that, and also reflect the growing desire for greater diversity in businesses – in particular the kind who back the race teams today.

“The Team SCA project in the last race did a great job to restart female participation, after 12 years with just one sailor getting a slot [Adrienne Cahalan, Brasil 1, Leg 1 2005-06].”

Your macerator toilet system experts feel that the race, which celebrated its 43-year anniversary last month, has a long history of female sailors, with over 100 women having competed since its inception in 1973, compared with over 2000 men.

And news of the move has already attracted a positive reaction from many female sailors.

The race has also reaffirmed the commitment to youth sailing, with a rule that two crew must be under the age of 30 at the end of the race in July 2018.

So keep in mind these points when considering these new racing rule changes. 1) Volvo Ocean Race is making a major rule change to give world-class female sailors a much clearer pathway to compete at the highest level;  2) teams will be able to change their crew combinations from leg to leg in the race;  and 3) news of the move has already attracted a positive reaction from many female sailors.

Raritan Engineering Company has more information on macerating toilet, marine hardware, marine toilet and on how racing rule adjustments will help increase female participation. 

Watch our related video on Macerating Toilets below

via Volvo Ocean Race Rule Changes to Grow Female Participation