Posts filed under 'Media Stuff'
Owning a boat has an oxymoronic quality to it. “The simple life” can be pretty complex–I think of it as having a plane, a car, and a house compressed into a very small space. This specialized environment calls for specialized equipment and tactics…sometimes. In spite of what marine retailers would like us to think, there are a number of ‘normal’ (and inexpensive) items that we can put to very efficient use aboard our boats. For example:
- For easy lighting that won’t impair your night vision, stock red cellophane (the kind you get in rolls in a gift wrap store) and rubber bands. Cut squares to fit over flashlights and rubber band them in to place.
- Forget buying purpose-made bag clips. Clothespins can do double duty by securing laundry to the life lines as well as keeping the bag of potato chips (or whatever) closed. And only use rubber covered clothespins–the metal hinges on the wooden ones rust out in about five seconds in a marine environment.
- When the clothes dryer eats a sock, don’t throw away its mate. Save those unmatched socks to use as jar and bottle covers aboard the boat. They provide good shock absorbency.
- If you haven’t completely switched over to a digital camera, you should have plastic film canisters hanging around. Reuse them for storage aboard the boat–small fittings, pill boxes, herbs/spices, anything small that needs a compact home.
- Have several plastic spray bottles on board. Besides their use for cleaning solutions (e.g., a bleach/water combination for controlling mildew), they are great ‘hand showers’. Douse yourself on hot days to encourage evaporative cooling. And when you’re out on the ocean and go over the side for a bath, use a spray bottle to rinse yourself off with fresh water– works great. Just make sure you keep your cleaning solution bottles separate from your shower bottles!
- If you aren’t already doing so, save your old toothbrushes for cleaning and maintenance on the boat. There are loads of tight places above and below decks where a small brush works great. One overlooked spot: Use a toothbrush to clean the inside of anchor chain links.
- You can never have too many zip-locking bags. Keep several sizes available, and use them for more than just food storage. Spare parts, clothes, office equipment, medicines, and lots of other stuff will pack more compactly when transferred to zip locking bags. And reuse the bags: invert, wash, and then hang to dry with those double-duty clothespins.
These are just a few examples of the use of ‘non-marine’ things that have a place aboard a boat.
(c)Copyright 2004 Kerry S. Mason
About The Author
Kerry Mason is the webmaster for http://www.finesailing.com, The #1 resource on the Internet for sailing, boating and water sports enthusiasts. Be sure to visit his complete archive of articles at… http://www.finesailing.com/articles/index.html
January 10th, 2010
Are you planning to take a cruise- tour vacation to Alaska? Princess Cruise Lines has arguably the best Alaskan cruise-tour vacation packages available. Princess has their own sightseeing rail cars to transport you to one of their custom built lodges. To help you in your planning, we have put together a few hints and ideas on how to choose Alaskan cruise-tours.
How Long will I spend in Alaska?
Princess includes a seven night Voyage of the Glaciers cruise on every cruise-tour vacation package. You now need to decide how long you would like to spend exploring the natural beauty of Alaska’s wilderness.
A fascinating three night vacation tour will take you directly to Denali Park for a two night stay at the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge.
On a four night cruise-tour you can experience some of Alaska’s highlights featuring Denali, Anchorage and Fairbanks. You have the option of staying longer at your favorite destination.
The five night tour is the most popular of all Princess cruise-tour vacation packages. Explore Alaska’s interior at a more relaxed pace.
Six to eight night tours allow plenty of time to leisurely travel and explore the very heartland of Alaska. Perhaps an extended look at the highest peak in North America, Mount McKinley, is on your agenda!
You can of course add extra nights to your stay in Alaska on any of the cruise-tour packages. You can even add a vacation tour package to the Canadian Rockies.
What do I want to see?
The heart of Alaska cruise-tour goes directly to the Denali Park area of heartland Alaska. Alaska Wilderness cruise-tours include Denali with some of the other fascinating areas of Alaska. You can explore the lovely Kenai Peninsula, the history-steeped Copper River Area. Perhaps you would like to cross the Arctic Circle and visit the “Land of the Midnight Sun”. The longer you stay, the more there is to see and do. It’s up to you to decide where to go and what fascinating areas to see.
When will I go?
From May through September, Princess offers their fantastic cruise-tours. You will need to decide, generally, when you would like to go. If wildlife viewing is a big part of your cruise tour, perhaps July would be desirable when the young are emerging. To take advantage of “special” values, perhaps early or late in the season is best. In any case, these are very popular packages and you are well advised to book early.
What cruise to select?
Once you have determined when you would like to enjoy your cruise-tour vacation package, you must check the actual cruise schedule. Find a cruise that sails either before or after your desired tour time. You are now ready to make the next important decision - what stateroom to choose. You must decide whether you would prefer an interior room, an oceanview cabin, a balcony stateroom or a mini-suite.
As was stated earlier, these cruise-tour vacation packages with Princess Cruise Lines are very popular and do sell out. It is best to plan early so that you can take advantage of early booking discounts when available. This also guarantees that you will be able to get your desired cruise date and ship, in your desired stateroom with your desired tour package.
For more information on Princess Alaskan cruise-tours check out some of the other interesting articles including Alaska Cruise and Tours a brief review of the Princess packages.
The very best way to experience all that Alaska has to offer is to enjoy a cruise through the glaciers fields to Alaska where you star your land tour of this vast wilderness. Check out your options, make your decisions based on some or all of the above tips and book your fabulous Alaska cruise and tours on-line. Then all you need to do is get excited!
Brian A Schmidt is the author and publishier of a1-discount-cruises.com. For more articles relating to Alaskan cruises and tours, different cruise itineraries and other cruise related information check out http://www.a1-discount-cruises.com/articles for an article map. Visit http://www.a1-discount-cruises.com to find great discount cruises!
March 27th, 2009
Most of us have seen the newest robotic fish and some of these organic fish replicas are very proficient in the water. In fact they can almost wiggle-swim as fast as normal fish. The have cool names like “RoboTuna” and such, but they are assisting scientists in studying fish schools, habits, migration and fish behavior; sounds fishy? Indeed, but imagine what we will learn from these newest robotic fish replicas.
The Military is interested too, as they can be used to inspect ship hulls, hunt for sea mines and make great surveillance autonomous underwater vehicles or AUVs. They blend right in, as they look just like a fish. Spying on the enemy or locating sea mines so our “blue Forces” will not hit them. Saving lives of Navy Seals teams, sailors and marines landing in the region.
The Department of Homeland Security can use them to check out merchant ships from foreign shores, inspect Oil Tanker hulls for leaks, even make sure cruise ships are safe from harm. No enemy will be able to enter the harbors or ports of our nation, sneaking in from underwater.
But I propose another commercial use for them; saving lives. Let’s split the rear tail fin and put an extendable rope or cable of very strong material with a handle on it. If someone is drowning or gets carried away from a riptide at the beach the lifeguard would send out “RoboFish” to the rescue and then tow the drowning victim to safety. Think on it, it could work?
“Lance Winslow” - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/
February 13th, 2009
Multihull Advantages
Catamarans have been popular for many years in parts of the world such as Australia, France, and South Africa but have not caught attention in North America until recently. Catamaran sales have grown significantly in the past ten years in North America, and the subject of comparing cats and monohulls has become commonplace. Catamarans have been the fastest growing segment of the sailboat market. In the past couple of years the growth of this market has been over 20% per year.
Due to this rising market’s popularity the demand is greater than the supply at this moment. Taking this into consideration, catamarans have higher resale values over monohulls. Cats have been selling at prices close to or greater than what the owner originally paid for the vessel. This advent is firing the growth of this industry.
Ocean Handling
Cats have been noticed because of their many benefits over monohulls. First and foremost is their greater stability in rough waters. When it comes to sailing this advantage is definitely noticed. Monohulls tilt to one side while sailing due to their v-shaped hull. Passengers have to deal with the fact that while the boat is sailing they have to tilt to one side the entire time. This creates discomfort when trying to move around the vessel. Catamarans stay consistently level while sailing, allowing for passengers to get around without having to bend and contort to maintain balance.
The extra stability makes it safer for children to run around and play on deck. The elderly can have more of an enjoyable time, because of the lack of physical strain involved in getting around the boat. Catamarans make it easier for novice sailors to get a handle on maneuvering and sailing the vessel.
Cats have excellent load-carrying abilities. This is why they are often used as ferries; they provide a safe and stable platform. When there is added stability and a lack of heeling the chances of someone becoming sea sick is reduced. Passengers will be more inclined to stay off land for greater lengths of time when their comfort levels are high.
Catamarans have the ability of smothering rough water. The environment that is created by having two parallel floats(hulls) causes for air to be trapped between these two apparatuses providing additional lift. This provides an invisible cushion as the vessel passes over wakes and waves.
Speed
Catamarans will take you faster to where you want to go over monohulls. It’s not a question about whether you’re sailing or under power, catamaran designs are faster overall. The overall speed of a cat compared to a monohull of the same size is about 20% faster. Cats are being designed with smaller keels this indeed improves closed-hull performance. Monohulls are limited by a maximum hull speed; this is not the case for multihulls. The elongated thin hulls of a cat limit a bow wave. The amount of wind at a certain point in time is what will limit your maximum speed while sailing. Monohulls can only travel as fast as their bow wave to stern speed. Catamarans are lighter for their length compared to monohulls. Cats usually have taller masts with bigger sails.
Along with speed, cats are much more maneuverable, especially when it comes to power cats. With the engines on each side of the boat you can move a cat around its central axis.
Capsizing
The chances of capsizing on a cat are less probable than on a monohull. Of course, if your traveling at a high rate of speed you have to be careful, but you still have a little more leeway to be reckless than on a monohull. The problem here is that when you actually capsize a catamaran it is much more difficult to get the vessel back in its proper position.
Spaciousness
Catamarans are wider than monohulls. Given this fact a catamarans interior/deck is much more spacious. A 50ft catamaran has the same room as a 60ft catamaran. In other words, a monohull has the same volume as a 10ft shorter catamaran. Cats give you the benefit of anchoring in shallow waters due to their small draft. This gives the option of having a larger list of areas to anchor in than monohulls.
Since a cat has more room it creates a home like feel. The interior layouts tend to be more private. Heads and showers are separate. The dual hull layout gives way to the advantage of having heads and showers in opposite corners. Catamarans around the 40 foot range provide enough room for queen-sized rectangular beds. You don’t have to deal with the discomfort of pointy beds as you see in monohulls of the same size. The greater surface area also creates more storage room, so passengers don’t have to leave things behind. The added room can also mean you can pack for longer trips.
The extra room around a cat gives someone the freedom of being able to find a nice quiet spot away from other crew members. A larger foredeck and interior allows an escape for those who like spending time away from other crew members. Most catamarans have larger than normal cockpits with panoramic views. One can sit and relax in the salon and still feel like their outside. The space between the two hulls has multiple functions. This space allows for a net to be placed between the hulls, this can provide an extra lounging area or creates a perfect spot for sunbathing. Also, a dinghy-davit can be placed at the transom, fitting without a problem between the hulls. All of these benefits as compared to monohulls is the reason why catamarans are have also risen in popularity for sailing vacations.
To view the top selling catamarans today please visit http://www.catamarans.com/.
December 18th, 2008
Hoo boy, ask that question loudly the next time you’re at your favorite boater hangout, then sit back and watch the fun. As with most things about cruising, you’ll get eleven opinions for every ten people you talk to. And as fun as it may be to watch, listen to, and read about the debate about cruising boats–sail versus power, monohull versus multihull, full keel versus fin keel, and so on–it can also be pretty overwhelming for someone who is trying to figure out the best solution for their cruising dream.
I have ranted elsewhere about cruising evangelists–those of us who order you to “Do it now!” so much that you may end up feeling like a wuss if you don’t liquidate everything immediately and set sail, regardless of your particular situation. Well, a similar force operates when it comes to any of us who talk about cruising boats. No matter how neutral we try to be as journalists, our own biases can’t help but show through to the attentive reader.
Take me, for instance: I am monohull sailor who prefers fairly heavy, traditional double-enders made of fiberglass. Buy me a beer, and I will give you all the reasons why my preference has merit. Actually, I’ll give you the reasons even without the beer!
Move to the next table, and you’ll meet another experienced cruiser–this one a catamaran cruiser who has been cruising the Caribbean for years. By the time you leave, you will be convinced that multihulls are absolutely the way to go. Until you talk to the trawler owner over by the jukebox.
We each want to defend our investment–and not only in terms of time and money. We have put emotional coin into our boats as well. Even cruisers who don’t subscribe to the “live simple” approach and cruise at a level of comfort comparable to shore side dwellings have had to commit themselves to an “off the beaten track” existence. And many of us have done it in spite of the tuttings and headshakings of friends and family. Therefore, we will not only be very pro-cruising, we will likely defend the type and make of boat we’ve selected as the best choice for a neophyte who wants to cruise in the same mold as us.
Now, depending on our personalities, we will be more or less pushy when talking to you about our boat. I have seen some people get downright belligerent in conversations when they thought their boat choice was being questioned or was just being grouped with other candidates. On the other hand, I’ve talked to others (but not many!) who are reluctant to give anything even remotely resembling a testimonial for their choice of craft. For the most part, I think those of us in the cruising village know that our choice is one among many, and we are happy to talk about why we chose the way did and how it’s worked out–and we won’t get insulted if you go a different direction in your purchasing decision.
Whatever reactions you encounter when you enter into the boat-choosing conversation with us–and I certainly hope you will have that conversation–it’s OK. You won’t get “the answer,” but you will definitely come away with lots of things to think about as a result of your conversations with us, and though it may seem overwhelming at times, the nuggets you gather from members of the cruising village will serve you well in making a good decision for your particular situation.
Just keep in mind that we are an opinionated bunch, we cruisers, and are likely to stand firmly behind whatever boat we ourselves own as the best kind of vessel for cruising. And no matter how reasonable and scientific and anecdotal our proof is to sell you on the type of boat we’ve chosen, you will find equally compelling information from someone with a completely different type of boat.
So what is the right kind of boat for cruising? Well, like everything else connected to this particular lifestyle, the answer is: It depends.
Trish Lambert has been a cruising sailor for over twenty-five years and a first mate three times, with three different skippers and three very different cruising styles. She knows first hand what makes cruising successful, and what she has to share may surprise you! Whether you are a skipper or first mate, a singlehander or part of a cruising couple, sail boater or power boater, Trish can help make your cruising dream a reality. Check out her site at http://www.takehersailing.com for a wealth of cruising information.
December 18th, 2008
Most of the newer ships offer wheelchair assessable state rooms and can provide dining room seating arrangements to avoid stairs and raised areas. Just be sure your travel agent notifies the cruise line of your wheelchair usage and any other special needs prior to sailing when making your cruise vacation reservations. Cruise travelers with physical challenges should check with the onboard tour office to ensure that all pre-reserve tours can accommodate their needs.
Cruise travel may be the ideal vacation for an individual using a wheelchair, since it provides the opportunity to visit a number of destinations in a relatively short time. A cruise vacation provides effortless travel between locations without the inconvenience of packing and unpacking. You’ll appreciate the choice of experiencing the ship’s destinations or relaxing and enjoying the comfort of being pampered at a “resort at sea.”
Is important that if one of your party uses a wheelchair you want to ask the following questions:
* How many wheelchair accessible cabins on the cruise ship?
* Are the doors to the rooms and elevators wide enough to accommodate a regular wheelchair?
* Can I get my wheelchair out on deck and into the public rooms during my cruise vacation?
* Will I be able to access the dining areas?
In some ports of call, where the ship must anchor, access via wheelchair may not be possible.
Ships generally stock a limited number of wheelchairs but please be aware they must be pre-reserved at the time of your booking.
Due to S.O.L.A.S. (Safety of Live At Sea) Regulations, physically challenged passengers must have partial mobility, and a traveling companion who can assist them, should an emergency arise.
You’ll find that the newer, larger cruise ships have been built with the goal of full-accessibility. A new ship will have wider corridors, more spacious cabins, more, and larger, elevators and ramps where needed. In addition, the designated “accessible” cabins on newer ships are outfitted with many of the following features that will make your cruise vacation a more comfortable experience:
* Stateroom and cabin doorways wide enough for wheelchairs (at least 30″)
* Stateroom dimensions and floor space for maneuverability and bathroom dimensions adequate for maneuvering
* No “lips” or sills into bathrooms
* Sink positioned so wheelchair can roll under it
* Roll-in shower wit a fold-down stool in shower with detachable showerhead
* Bathroom walls with handrails
* Raised toilet seat, at least 17″ inches high
* Pull-down clothing racks
* Light switches at wheelchair level
* Adjustable mirror above sink
* Portable telephone
* Blinking lights in staterooms for the hearing challenged
In some ports, ships must anchor offshore due to size of the port or because of extreme weather (if the weather is too extreme they won’t stop at that port at all). They “tender” guests to shore with small boats that may not be accessible to guests in wheelchairs. You’ll want to check with the shore excursions department to determine which shore excursions are most suitable for you. In some destinations, particularly those outside of the United States, you will not always find accessible transportation and facilities.
Some of the Princess cruise line ships have hoists by the pool so a physically challenged passengers can enjoy the pool. Some of Holland American ships have the ability to tender wheelchairs into ports where they do not dock. Ask your travel agent to inquire with those lines to find the ship that is suitable for you.
There is no reason that anyone who is physically challenged should avoid a cruise vacation. Just remember when you are looking into cruise travel that you have your travel agent find the cruise ship that caters to your needs.
Now that you know that a cruise vacation may be perfect for you, call your travel agent and start packing.
Happy Cruising!
Copyright © 2006 Mary Hanna All Rights Reserved.
This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.
November 30th, 2008
