Lessons Learned

Lessons Learned – by Pat Carson

Is My RADAR Killing Me? The short answer is, of course not. According to the World Health Organization, to produce health defects, exposure would need to be 1000 watts per square meter or more...

Lessons Learned – by Pat Carson

10-4 Over And Out Do you cringe as much as I do when you hear “10-4, over and out” on the marine VHF radio? Every hobby and profession has its own unique vocabulary and...

Lessons Learned – by Pat Carson

Coast Guard Surfmen Surf – Waves or swell breaking on the shore or a reef. Generally, to be avoided in a small recreational boat. Surfman is the United States Coast Guard’s highest qualification for...

Lessons Learned – by Pat Carson

Ropes On A Boat On a recent yacht delivery to Los Cabos, one of our crew happened to be an avid sailor and we had many hours to discuss all things nautical. Although I...

Lessons Learned – by Pat Carson

Is It Right Or Is It Wrong 15 It is May, it is spring, and it finally appears that the torrential rains and foul weather are behind us. Every seven years or so we...

Lessons Learned – by Pat Carson

Boat Shows – Redux Owned by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida, the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show is truly the granddaddy of all boat shows. You should make plans for 2023 now....

Lessons Learned – by Pat Carson

Engine Antifreeze AKA Coolant That bright colored product in your vessel’s engines is a hardworking liquid, and unfortunately it is often ignored. To keep your engine operating at a proper and efficient temperature, coolant...

Lessons Learned – by Pat Carson

Nautical Acronyms When we give new boat owners lessons on boat handling, we include the use of common nautical terminology and in some cases its origins and common usage. Although it is not necessary...

Lessons Learned – by Pat Carson

The Lowly Magnetic Compass I know your boat has one. Some are quite well manufactured and if properly mounted, easy to use. Others are cheap dollar store products that are better suited for use on...

Lessons Learned – by Pat Carson

Winter is Coming… By the time you read this edition, winter will be just around the corner; and will your boat be ready? If you keep your boat on a trailer or on a...