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Atlantic Yacht Basin has 85 years experience!

Tag Archives: boat storage

Tips from Atlantic Yacht Basin

Atlantic Yacht Basin, Blog

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Spring marks the beginning of boat season for many.  So whether you are getting your boat out of storage or making plans for the warmer weather ahead, here are some key things to remember.

1. Build out your “boat list” in advance — Keep a running list of things that you need to do on your boat and schedule that maintenance and those repairs or upgrades proactively. Some fixes and upgrades are seasonal, some are cyclical and some are occasional. But having a plan for how you want to tackle the work that needs to be done to keep your boat in good shape will help you keep its value and maximize your pleasure in getting out on the water — and often with fewer costly surprises as well.

2. Do a thorough engine and systems check and a test run before you take your boat out for its first big trips of the season – So many boaters end up with having major repairs or getting stranded unexpectedly if they don’t check things out before they’re hitting the water for long periods of time. Staying on top of what is happening with your boat – on-season and off — is key.

Keep this checklist in mind for your spring maintenance.

  • Change the oil.
  • Replace fuel filter and water separator and inspect coolant levels.
  • Check batteries and confirm that connections are secure.
  • Check all zincs on hull and running gear
  • Inspect all hoses and hose clamps.
  • Check shaft log and rudder packing for leaks.
  • Clean and polish exterior.
  • Inventory and inspect safety equipment – check dates on flares and fire extinguishers.
  • Check operation of bilge pumps.
  • Check electrical connections for corrosion  – including shore power cord.
  • Check communications and navigational equipment and lights.

3. Have a back up plan for your onboard communications equipment – So many people are such steady smartphone and computer users that they forget the importance of including a back up plan for their onboard communications equipment.  Or they try and rely too heavily on spotty cell reception and uneven Wi-Fi access while out on open water. Don’t get caught in a dangerous situation – for you or your boat – with communications or navigational equipment that is in sub-par condition.  Letting people know what you are up to from time to time while you are underway is also key.  Staying prepared and in contact helps ensure that you can get help if and when you need it most.

How To Make Sure Your Personal Flotation Device Fits Properly

Atlantic Yacht Basin, Blog

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http://www.boatsmartcanada.com/images/personal-safety-equipment.jpg

Did you know…

 

  • That half of all recreational boating fatalities happen in calm water?*
  • That these fatalities often happen close to shore?*
  • That in most cases, there were PFDs stored on board the boat, but they weren’t being utilized?*
  • That the number of U.S. boating accidents had steadily fallen from 1997 to 2012, but they have been on the rise since then?**

This is why The U.S. Coast Guard’ Boating Safety Division recommends that all boaters wear PFDs (personal flotation devices) while they are out on the water. Simply having them on the boat isn’t always enough to save a life.

Just wearing a PFD isn’t enough, though. It’s very important to select the right type of PFD, and to make sure that it fits properly. A PFD that doesn’t may slip off, be incapable of keeping the wearer afloat, cause an unconscious person to flip over, or in some cases, cause loss of blood flow or strangulation.

So how do you make sure your life jacket fits? Follow these guidelines, courtesy of The U.S. Coast Guard:

PFD Fitting Guidelines
Whether swimming, fishing, participating in water sports, or just having a family cruise, we want everyone to have a great time out on the water. As always, happy and safe boating from Atlantic Yacht Basin!

Sources:

*https://www.uscgboating.org/images/howtochoosetherightlifejacket_brochure.pdf

**https://americanboating.org/boating_fatality.asp

Atlantic Yacht Basin Summer Storage Specials

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Summer Storage 2018

Our storage referral program has been so popular, we’ve decided to bring it back yet again

If you refer someone who becomes a new storage customer for at least 3 months – both you and your friend will get an additional month of storage absolutely free!
You must refer a new storage customer to qualify and they should mention your name when they contact AYB to sign up.

Offer applies to summer storage only and storage must begin on or before August 1, 2018 to qualify.

We’re also a great stopover point for cruisers as well as those heading up and down the East Coast on their annual migrations and we are convenient to a number of airports and major highways as well as the ICW. And for local boat owners, the peace of mind that comes with storing and servicing your boat with AYB means that you can enjoy your boat up until the last minute, knowing that it will be in great hands whenever YOUR boating season ends.


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    Atlantic Yacht Basin featured on NOAA

    Atlantic Yacht Basin, Blog

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    NOAA

    Atlantic Yacht Basin has always put an emphasis on safety. As a hurricane storage facility, they have helped many boat owners safely endure storms and repair damaged boats. NOAA recently talked with Spencer Hull, Treasurer and Director of Market Development for Atlantic Yacht Basin, Inc. for a feature in their People of Weather-Ready Nation. Spencer was able to share his thoughts on how we can all become safer and more weather-ready boaters.Check out the article here:

    http://www.nws.noaa.gov/com/weatherreadynation/people/151030_spencer_hull.html#.VoU7-vkrKUn

    Focus On Atlantic Yacht Basin

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    Historic AYB

    Atlantic Yacht Basin, Inc. has been around for awhile. We offer a variety of services, enjoy working with our customers- new and returning, and are conveniently located on the AICW. As a trusted boat and yacht repair, refit, and storage facility, we invite you to learn even more of our history in our About Us section and in the following piece by The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net.

    Focus On Atlantic Yacht Basin, Great Bridge, VA, AICW Statute Mile 12

    Preparing for Hurricane Storage

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    Hurricanes are a force of nature. We will never be able to predict just how strong they will be. Like a tsunami, hurricanes can wreak havoc. Knowing what to do and when is vital to ensuring your boat rides out the storm with very few issues, if any at all. The following are just several of the steps you can take.

     

    Being Prepared

    Coastal states must be prepared for storms and hurricanes. Virginia is in the top ten list of states where residents will be most affected by storm surge flooding. Hurricane Sandy ripped through almost ⅓ of the States, with many of the states being on the east coast. Being prepared includes a number of things. Making sure your boat will be safe is one of the most important things to consider.

     

    Knowing The Risks

    Taking risks and betting there may or may not be a huge storm is not beneficial to anyone, particularly yourself. Truly understanding the risks involves a multitude of considerations. Think of the destructive forces of a hurricane: winds, high water, waves upon waves. Can you effectively care for your vessel, or would you be better off storing your boat in a marina? How long would it take you to find a harbor? Will you have the funding without insurance to move your boat inland every time a storm approaches? If so, will you have the time? By grasping the true affects a hurricane has, one can make informed decisions and take the appropriate actions.

     

    Finding The Right Boatyard

    There are several factors you should consider when looking for a boatyard to store your rig. The first thing you should do is talk to boatyard masters about how they handle hurricanes. Some yards require you make certain preparations, or even remove your boat entirely, in the wake of a storm. Your task will be much easier if you search out a facility that specializes in hurricane storage. Once you’ve assured that your boat will be safe and welcome during a storm, it’s time to go about finding the most storm-worthy storage option.

    There are a few factors affect a marina’s storm-worthiness. The first is geographical location. The more inland the better, usually. A non-tidal cove is a great place to avoid waves and storm surges. You’ll also want to look for an area that has been dredged to avoid potential damage to the bottom and sides of your boat from deep water draft that can get kicked up during a storm.

    Covered storage is preferable during a storm. Even if you’re in a great area to avoid water surges and waves, torrential rain and wind will still hit and have their effects. If you opt for covered storage, make sure that it is storm-worthy coverage. Metal is the best roofing material for hurricane resistance, followed closely by asphalt shingles. Roofing that is fused to the building or structure carries less of a chance of catching high winds and blowing away, or possibly down toward your vessel.

    Hurricane winds can be anywhere between 100 and 200 mph, depending on the storm. The best way you can protect your boat from gale-force flurries is is to reduce the windage. You’ll want to remove as much canvas, rigging, and deck gear as you possibly can. Tie down or otherwise secure any equipment that may be picked up and blown away, not only to protect your property, but to protect the vessels and structures around your boat.

    Some individuals choose to have their boat hauled ashore before a hurricane. This can be an expensive and time-consuming process that requires planning and preparation, but it is one of the safest ways to store your boat during a storm. Once far inland, your vessel is only susceptible to torrential rain and the small possibility of the hurricane spawning tornados.

     

    Taking Action

    This boils down to taking preventative measures and knowing exactly what you will do when the time comes. Have a hurricane storage reservation planned if your boat doesn’t have a regular storage facility. Also make sure that you have a sufficient insurance policy in place. You should have discussed and determined an insurance policy that will protect you during a storm. Like any other type of insurance policy, it must be taken out long before there are any signs of a potential threat.

    Hurricanes are one of the many great forces of nature and the brute force and destructiveness of hurricanes can be disastrous for boat and yacht owners. Being prepared, knowing the risks of not being prepared, finding the best storage facility, and taking action are just some of the ways owners can protect their vessels. Do your own research or check this great guide out to discover other ways you can protect your boat.