1. Space
Many people think they are ready to move aboard and have slimmed their possessions down enough to make the move. But as much as you thought you have slimmed down your possessions, it still isn't enough. You will want to cut what you think is enough by half again. Are you a book reader? There are not many boats that can accommodate the kind of book library one owns in a home. Consider donating your books and start using one of the digital options. Buying digital books is easy and sometimes even more cost effective. This way you will no longer have to worry about storage and, as a bonus, you can take all your books with you when you travel.
Another big storage buster that many don't think about is the clothing issue. You will have to cut your wardrobe dramatically. Just remember that you won't needRead More Here
The New Arctic Titan Hits the Water
The Western Towboat Company in Seattle Washington that primarily tows containers, rails and aggregate barges up to 400ft in length, just recently launched it's 'Arctic Titan" tug. It is a sixth in a series of ASD oceangoing tugs that the company has built as an addition to its fleet of offshore and harbor tugs. The company regularly tows freight and rail car between Seattle and Alaska. Since many Alaska ports do not have assist tugs available, the maneuverability and reliability of the ASD tugs makes for a much more reliable schedule for the ports in the harsh weather of the region.
'Arctic Titan' is the seventeenth vessel the company has constructed and is the latest in the 'Titan' class and was constructed in conjunction with Jensen Maritime Consultant. The 'Arctic Titan will hit the water and begin service in the spring of 2012.
The 'Arctic Titan' is 120ft in length with a draft of 20ft and a beam of 35ft. The tug features crew quarters, galley, a main deckhouse with captains stateroom, axillary machinery space and storage cabinets. The 'Arctic Titan is powered by two Caterpillar C 175 Tier III engines rated at 2830HP each @ 1600RPM connected by carbon shafts to the Schottel SRP-1515 azimuthing drive units. Each unit swings a 4 blade, 104" diameter stainless propeller which produces an estimated bollard pull of 90 tons. There are also two axillary Caterpillar C9 engines with 100 KW generators as well as hydraulic power for the tow and headline winch. The tow winch is a Rapp Hydema with capacity for 4000' of 2 1/4" tow wire on a single drum.
Western Towboat has building and designing tugs for over 30+ years. The company employs carpenters, welders, fitters, machinists and mechanics that build the tugs from the keel on up.
The call of the sea, lake or river can be strong. If you enjoy seafood and fishing and have a streak nonconformity and independence you might be a good fit for living aboard your sailboat. Living aboard is a total life changer for so many reasons. You get rocked to sleep most nights. For us, fresh crab was just a dingy ride around the breakwater. Entertaining is a snap since everyone loves to just be aboard. Even in the marina; Cocktails or beer, if you pour it, they will come. Is it expensive?
Our last boat was a "Hunter 37.5". The yacht mortgage on her was about $62,000 so the payment was around $400 a month. The moorage payment was around $350 a month but.....Read More Here
Winterizing your boat does not have to be intimidating, but it is very important. If you neglect to winterize your boat, you may find some very expensive costs at the end of winter when you are getting ready for the new spring and summer season.
There are those that would argue that wood boats are by far the best for winter live aboards...follow this link to hear more about the great debate :) Wood Boats are Best For Winter Live Aboards
Puget Sound Marinas to Live aboard or Winter Over at. Depending on your situation you may want to dry dock or live in covered moorage. Here is a link to some helpful info on Wintering with your boat
Here is a link to a forum with some great info on keeping warm during the winter on your boat plus lots of other great warmth info Warmth...this way lol
Many boat owners enjoy participating in a Christmas boat parade. The boat parades at Christmas bring joy to onlookers. With the reflection on the water, Christmas lights have quite an added sparkle. Here are a few tips to help you decorate a boat for a Christmas boat parade.
1. Make a decorating plan for your boat. Decide if there is enough room for a Christmas tree; make sure it doesn't block the captain's view so he can safely navigate. Decide if you can use plug in Christmas lights or if you need battery operated lights. Decide on the type of decorations you want to use. For instance, it may be a themed Christmas boat parade requiring special decorations. Keep in mind that the decorations need to be visible from the shore. Small decorations are difficult to see.***Read More Here***
The Argosy Christmas Ship™ festival is a holiday celebration that has been a Northwest tradition for 62 years. Its main purpose is to bring communities together to celebrate the holiday season. From our flotilla of ships to the crowds of people who gather onshore, this celebration is one of the gems of the holiday season.
Each night, through December 23rd, 2011 the Argosy Christmas Ship™ sails to different Puget Sound waterfront communities, over 45 in total.
Read More Here: Argosy Christmas Ship Festival
If you look very closely, the seals nose is poking out under the dock...you can hear him breathing :)
Winterize Your Boat
Before you put your boat on ice for the winter, here's what you need to do to protect your investment.
Why put time and money into a boat that you're
not going to use for six months? That's an all-too-common attitude
when it comes to winterizing chores. Beeeg mistake. Winter weather
can wreak havoc (cracked blocks, corrosion, etc.) on a boat that's
not prepared for hibernation. Another tip: If your boat needs professional
help and you wait until spring to get it, you're hitting the boat
doctor at his busiest time. So it pays to take care of any problems and
dealer-required maintenance in the fall, before your craft is clutched
by winter's icy grip.
Camano Island is in the beautiful Puget Sound waters in Washington off the Port of Everett and the city of Marysville. There are many wonderful and interesting facts that many people do not know about the island. Armed with some of these interesting tidbits, you may better understand the history of this beautiful forested island.
Starting at the northwest corner of Camano Island is a location called Rocky point. The Indians who first inhabited the island called Rocky point theMore
There are many opportunities for boating in the Puget Sound. Whether you are a power boater who enjoys cruising or a sailer or who enjoys the wind in the sails, there are several clubs you can join to begin sharing your boating experience with others.
The Tollycraft Boating Club welcomes anyone that loves the Tollycraft yachts. You can download a membership application for their yacht club at www.tollyclub.com. After filling out and submitting the application you will be contacted by the club secretary for further instructions..........More.....
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