Q&A — The Keys to Better Docking
By Eric Smith | Shining Waters Marine
How does one get better at docking their boat?
This is a tough question, but the simple answer is practice. Here are a few tips to help you improve your docking skills.
Boat characteristics: Know your boat and how it’s characteristics or design will impact how it will react when docking. Propeller rotation will determine the kick of the boat when reversing. Sail drive, straight shaft (centre or off set) stern drive and jet drive all react different...
Q&A – Winter 2021
By Eric Smith | Shining Waters Marine
Spring Pre-Checklist to start the season off right.
Hopefully everyone survived your long cold winters and are looking forward to another boating season. Here are some tips to get your boating started early so that you can have a fun summer.
Batteries: These are the heart of your boat — they start your engine and run your lights and to do that they need to be in good condition. Check the voltage, if they were left in the boat and you have ...
Q&A – Spring 2020
By Eric Smith | Shining Waters Marine
COVID-19 and Boating? What else can I do?
We have had a few customers decide not to launch their boat due to COVID-19 this season.
However, we see this as an opportunity for you to enjoy the boating season with your family or alone regardless if you launch or not for the season.
If you have opted to stay out of the water for the season, all those years of “I’ll do it next season” projects could start to get checked off the list.
If you ...
Q&A – Summer 2019
By Eric Smith | Shining Waters Marine
Should I Compete in an Offshore Race with my Boat?
Let me ask — why wouldn’t you? Which race you do is the skipper’s decision, but there are several options available. Check with your yacht club/marina and sailing associations to see which race would be right for you.
The important thing is that you do one. Here are a few reasons that stand out for me as reasons to participate:
The personal challenge. From organizing crew to completing ...
Q&A – Spring 2019
By Eric Smith | Shining Waters Marine
Should I leave my mast up for the winter or take it down?
We have been asked this question many times and it’s a difficult one to answer.
First, as with all boating, it is the skipper’s decision. You know your boat better than anyone. Some boat yards make the decision for you (as removal is mandatory), but if you store your boat at a yard with either option, hopefully we can help with a little insight.
Removing your mast each season can be ...
