What’s Inside a Transom Garage on a Large Yacht?

Having a transom garage on a large yacht is as standard as having lifejackets onboard.  But in this case, the transom garage may not only hold lifejackets, it may even lifeboats!  A transom garage on a large yacht can also be adapted to house a variety of toys, so, the question is, what’s in your transom garage?

Sunrise Yachts, Turkey, introduced their newest opulent yacht, the 150′ Sunrise, at the Monaco Yacht Show in September, 2009.  The spacious transom garage on this vessel includes the standard equipment – two jet skis and a rescue boat – along with some non-standard equipment, a custom built Harley Davidson Rocker C motorcycle, painted to match the yacht.  With a reported USD $30 million price tag, you’ll have to be put on the waitlist until autumn 2010 for the next scheduled delivery date.

Trinity Yachts, Gulfport, MS, who are known for their custom built mega yachts, produced a 164’ vessel named Mine Games in 2007.  Enclosed in the transom garage of this luxury yacht is a $1.69 million personal manned submersible.  But not to be outdone, Rinspeed Squba introduced a zero-emission submersible car at the Geneva Motor Show in 2008; conveniently, this submersible also fits in a standard superyacht transom garage.

Other mega yachts have outfitted their transom garages with a Breathing Observation Bubble (BOB) which is manufactured by SpyMaster, UK.  BOB is an ‘underwater scooter’ that is driven by one passenger, can dive to depths of 40’, and is worth approximately $16,000.

Along with a helicopter landing pad, the hydraulically operated transom garage of the 2008 Hessen Man of Steel superyacht features a Novurania launch, Narwhal rescue boat, two SeaDoos, Scubapro diving gear for six, a Bauer Junior II dive compressor, complete with a Hydro-Mar launching system.  The Man of Steel is currently listed for sale on JamesList.com, the online marketplace for the rich and famous, for $58,379,100.

If you’re not interested in buying at this time, you could always rent instead.  In Athens, Greece, Fyly Yachting & Partners, Ltd., has a 92.5’ crewed luxury motor yacht available to charter.  Known as the Lady P, this boat provides a wide array of toys in her transom garage including two tenders, a jet-ski, water-ski equipment, snorkelling and scuba diving gear.

The 245’ Giant 1 mega yacht is available for rental from GreeceYachts.com for $300,000 per week.  Built in 1973, this former ice breaker has now been converted into a luxurious motor yacht.  The toys contained in her transom garage will be sure to please any passengers on board: two Novamarine RH 700 inflatables; two Yamaha FX 1000 Waverunners; a 20’ Rave Aqua Jump; two Hifly windsurfers; one Innovex Caribe Kayak; one Innovex XG3 Kayak; a ski roper set with Obrien equipment; four Schwinn Mountain bikes (two ladies, two mens); equipment for off-shore fishing; sixteen Tusa Flippers and snorkel equipment; and one dinghy with an outboard motor.

An average transom garage on a large yacht has a spacious teak bathing platform for swimming or entertaining, with hot and cold shower service.  And yet another mega yacht was reported to have a transom garage housing a hot tub  – goodness, what will think of next?

Sources:
Sunrise Yachts
Trinity Yachts
JamesList.com
GreeceYachts.com

Boat Engine Repair Shops in Mississippi

Whether you’re heading from the Magnolia state to Oakatibee Lake or the Gulf of Mexico, it’s always a good idea to have a reference list of boat engine repair shops in Mississippi, just in case.  But, before looking for boat engine repair shops in Mississippi, here’s a few preventative measures to keep in mind.

Ensure that you always follow the engine maintenance timetable as outlined by your boat engine manufacturer, ensure usage of the correct oil mix, and change your engine oil prior to winter storage.  These tips may help to reduce the need of looking for a boat engine repair shop in Mississippi, or any other state.

But when breakdowns do happen unexpectedly, you may have to seek the services of a boat engine repair shop, no matter what prevention has taken place.  Before agreeing to any potential work being done, ask for a written estimate; this is both for your protection and understanding, as well as that of the boat engine repair shop.  Also, ask fellow boaters about the reputation and professionalism of the boat engine repair shop you’re considering.

When you become a Silver Member on Marinefuel.com, you can use Advanced Searching to filter the E-Marina™ database, and find facilities based on specific amenities, such as boat engine repairs in Mississippi (and the rest of the US & Caribbean).

Beyond marinas, below is a reference list of boat engine repair shops in Mississippi you may want to consider:

C & S Marine Inc., of Flowood (a suburb of Jackson), MS, has offered sales and boat engine repair shop services for the past 23 years.  Locally owned and operated by Jerry Scott, the focus of C & S Marine has always been their customers.  They are factory authorized to supply warranty service on Yamaha and Mercury Marine outboard engines but can provide boat engine repairs on all makes and models.  C & S Marine is open 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday (closed Saturdays from September to January); telephone (601) 939-7788.

Midway Marine, located in Fulton (just outside Tupelo), MS, is locally owned and operated by Guy Conner.  Dedicating to encouraging families to participate in boating, Midway Marine offers full sales and boat engine repairs including authorized warranty service for Mercury, Evinrude, Tahoe, Nitro, and Tracker (Mako).  Their service department is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday; telephone (662) 862-7711.

Ocean Marine Group, with two locations, Ocean Springs and Gulfport, offers factory-certified technicians ‘with over 100 years combined experience.’  They are factory authorized to service Mercury, Yamaha, and Honda outboard engines.  Their hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; telephone (228) 822-2633 in Gulfport or (228) 818-0200 in Ocean Springs.

Blue Water Marine Repair has been servicing the Gulfport area for over 49 years offering the only factory warranty service for Volvo Penta diesel engines in the area.  They are a Rapid Response dealership providing after hour service for Volvo Penta warranty customers.  Blue Water Marine Repair is open Monday to Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; telephone (727) 327-6512.

No doubt there are many more boat engine repair shops in Mississippi to choose from but it pays to take the time to investigate before having your boat engine repaired.

Sources:
MarineFuel.com
C & S Marine Inc.
Midway Marine
Ocean Marine Group
Blue Water Marine Repair

VHF Marine Radios

The non-handheld radios typically transmit longer distances. Check the wattage of a radio to help determine how far it can transmit; 25W is the highest available (about 3.7-29 mile range). Handheld three or five watt radios transmit shorter distances. The distance varies greatly depending upon the antenna and various conditions. An advantage of handheld radios is that they do not require an external antenna to be purchased, set up, and connected.

The radio’s transmitter uses more electricity to transmit longer distances, which is of greater concern if it’s running on batteries. Power can be conserved by using a VHF radio with a control that allows users to turn down the wattage for short distance communications. A few marine radio models (like the Standard Horizon STD-HX370S) even have multiple wattage settings.

Icom IC-M88 Handheld Radio

Some radios offer a “Public Address” feature which allows for voice amplification through the microphone and an attached speaker, for when radio contact is not possible. Many VHF marine radios receive the NOAA weather band, a good source of marine weather information and alerts. A few radios also cover bands typically used for land purposes, like LMR (Icom IC-M88) or GMRS (Cobra MR HH425LI VP).

Radio brands include Midland, Uniden, Garmin, and Eagle. Boaters can purchase them from Radio Shack, Wal-Mart, Sears, West Marine, and various online retailers. The cost will vary depending upon features, range, retailer, and brand. Some cost hundreds of dollars new, others as little as $45. Used VHF marine radios are also an option; CraigsList is one place where boaters can find them.

In addition to proper installation, there’s a few steps boaters should take after buying such a radio. With new or old VHF marine radios, it’s a good idea to test the radio to make sure it transmits and receives properly, before leaving shore. Some boat operators need a license and/or permit to use one of these radios; this may be necessary for boaters who travel internationally, have large boats, or use their vessels for non-recreational purposes.

Marine VHF radios have many uses; requesting boat towing, making distress calls, receiving warnings of severe conditions, communicating with marinas, asking for navigational assistance, preventing collisions, and so on. The E-Marina directory provides information on specific channels to use when communicating with a certain marina by radio.

Alternatives to VHF marine transceivers include UHF and HF (shortwave) models. Handheld CB and FRS radios offer a good option for communicating with someone onshore or another boat in a small to medium sized lake. To use a CB in a motorized boat, it is best to buy a model with ANL.

SOURCES:
1. Google Product Search
2. Amazon.com
3. Cobra
4. Statemaster
5. Federal Communications Commission
6. U.S. Coast Guard

Facts about Nissan Outboard Engines

Then
Nissan outboard engines were first manufactured in 1984 in North America as a subsidiary of Nissan Industrial Equipment located in Memphis, TN.  The first Nissan outboard engine to be exhibited was in 1985 at the Bass Masters Classic held in Pine Bluff, AR.  Nissan Marine became a separate company in 1991 and established their headquarters in Dallas, TX; however, they still remain as a subsidiary of the Nissan Motor Company.

Now
Nissan outboard engines are manufactured in Tokyo, Japan, by the Tohatsu Corporation – the world’s second largest manufacturer of outboard engines.  Tohatsu also produces some Mercury and Honda outboard engines.  The Nissan Motor Company had a revenue income of USD $93 billion in 2008.

Makes & Models
Nissan Marine produces a selection of outboard engines ranging from 2.5 HP up to 115 HP and ranging in manufacturer’s suggested retail pricing from USD $1,054 to $11,354; these outboard engines include two-stroke and four-stroke models.  One of Nissan Marine’s most popular outboard motors is the award winning TDLI (Two-stroke, Low Pressure, Direct Injection) series featuring a “direct fuel injection system and a 32-bit ECU (Engine Control Unit).”   The TDLI outboard engines series are compact, fuel efficient, and produce low emissions in accordance with EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and CARB (California Air Resources Board) standards.  All Nissan Marine outboard engines come with a 3 year limited warranty program.

Parts & Manuals
Nissan Marine outboard engine owner’s manuals can be viewed, free of charge, at the Nissan Marine website.  Nissan Marine parts and service manuals for two-stroke, four-stroke, and TDLI models can be ordered from your local Nissan Marine dealer.  Basic outboard engine repair manuals can be purchased through Amazon.com.  

If you’d like to ask a Nissan Marine outboard engine question sooner than waiting for a manual to arrive, try the Just Answer website.  For a fee ranging from $14 to $34, you can ask a Just Answer expert about a Nissan Marine outboard motor and receive an answer within minutes from a certified marine mechanic.  You can also browse previous Nissan Marine questions and answers free of charge.

News  for 2010
The latest products introduced into the Nissan Marine outboard engine line-up include the new 6 HP four-Sail Pro cited as “the smallest four-stroke 25-inch shaft outboard motor available,”; new 15 and 20 HP Power Tilt motors; and the new 9.8 Power Tilt engine.

Dealer Locator
With 50 dealerships across North America, Nissan Marine dealers can easily be located by using the ‘dealer locator’ feature on the Nissan Marine website.

Owner’s Groups & Clubs
There are several online forums dedicated to Nissan Marine outboard engine owners including one at Marine Engine and another at iboats.com; there is also a Tohatsu outboard engine forum on Stripers Online, at iboats.com, and a Nissan Marine owner’s group on Yahoo.

Sources:
Wikipedia
Nissan Marine
Marine Engine
Iboats.com
Stripers Online
Yahoo Groups

live aboard marina

There are a host of factors to consider for the boater looking for a live aboard marina. First up is facilities: Most marinas have laundry and showers, but the live aboard prospect should check out the convenience from the slips, cleanliness and availability. How much power is available at the slips? Most marinas have only 30 to 50 amps available, which is probably not sufficient for the live aboard resident who needs power for refrigeration and heating. Car parking is another consideration. How safe or unsecured is the parking lot and what is the local area like? Some marinas will offer just the basics, while others may include access to marine fuel, a swimming pool, clubhouse, restaurant and store. One big turnoff can be boat repairs and painting going on near the boat slips in a marina where you are living.

To select a live aboard marina it is a must to go visit the marina. First, check on the marina policies towards live aboards and the applicable regulations. Then go talk to the boaters who are actually living at the marina. They will tell you about the marina management, the local conditions and the low-down on their neighbors.

It is common for marinas known for exceptional live aboard facilities and policies to have a ong waiting list slips.  Sometimes, marinas may have boaters living aboard short term, even if the marina has a policy against it. You will not read about these folks in the boating forums because they do not want to lose their secret priviledges! It appears there is underground communication between boaters living aboard, who pass tips back and forth within the community. I have found anecdotal stories of boaters who, once they were settled in their first marina, were able to find out about other marinas with even better atmosphere and ancillary services. If you are committed to the onboard living lifestyle it appears the secret maybe just getting started, then being willing to move around as you learn the ropes, and find the ideal spot for your vessel and personal intersts & temperment.

Finding a live aboard marina that is a good fit for you can begin by searching the internet, and making some phone calls.  But, before you make any final decisions, you really should get out and visit marinas, either by car or, even better, by boat.  It is often a “what you see is what you get lifestyle”, and the best news is: if you don’t like where you are today, simply shove off and try out another spot!

Sources: Sleeping with oars, cruising-women-on-yachts, liveaboard living

floating docks

Floating docks have the advantage over the fixed variety anywhere there is significant fluctuation in the water level. If the water level at your locations fluctuates enough you can end up with a fixed dock that is underwater or the necessity to have a ladder to move between the dock and a boat. Lakes and tidal areas can show significant water level fluctuations. A floating dock will rise and fall with the water level keeping the dock functional in all conditions.

Deep water indicates selecting a floating dock. If you shoreline drops abruptly to very deep water and floating dock is much easier to install than very long pilings or posts. In fact, if the water is deep enough, a floating dock may be the only options. If the water depth at the proposed dock location is over 10 feet, a floating dock is the way to go. Conversely, very shallow water may not be appropriate for a floater. There needs to be enough water depth for the dock to actually float and not settle on the bottom.

Floating docks provide flexibility to alter the size and shape of the dock. Many floating docks are put together in sections and it is easy to add sections for another boat slip, swim dock or other purpose. Changing the width or length of a floating dock is a relatively easy task compared to a fixed dock.

For the do-it-yourself dock builder, putting together your own floating dock is a doable task. Floating docks can be put together with a combination of parts such as flotation units that are available from firms that specialize in dock hardware and supplies from the local lumber yard.

Several issues should be kept in mind when considering or planning for a floating dock. The biggest concern with a floating dock is stability. A tippy dock is no fun and can result in an unexpected swim!  Three criteria make a floating dock more stable: longer, wider and heavier.  If you want a thin, finger of a dock jutting out into the water, a fixed dock is more appropriate. Width and length allow a dock to be stable as activities take place near the edge of the dock. A heavier dock will also resist tipping as the mass of a person moving to the edge will have little effect on the overall balance of the dock. Dock manufacturers often put extra flotation in the dock where tipping or instability may occur, such as where a ramp from the shore attaches to the dock.

The second important consideration for a floating dock is the anchoring system. The dock needs to anchored to both the shore and offshore. Offshore floating docks are usually attached to a series of heavy concrete anchors with chains crossed between anchor positions on the dock and the anchors. The dock should be allowed to move with changing water levels but also stay firmly in position. One tip I saw was to have weights partway down the anchor chains that do not reach to bottom, but keep tension on the chains. The shore anchor should be a sturdy connection from the dock to to the shore, but again, allow for changes in water level. A gangway or ramp may be firmly connected to the shore and just rest on the floating dock or have another form of connection that allows dock movement.

Sources: CottageLife, Marine Dock and Lift

Then
In 1931, the first British Seagull outboard engine produced was a twin-cylinder 10 HP known as the Marston Seagull; this British built outboard engine featured innovative concepts including a water-cooled exhaust and a reverse gear.  In 1938, the chief developer and the designer of the Marston Seagull purchased the patent and manufacturing rights for the engine and began the Bristol Motor Company.  Cited as “the best outboard motor in the world,” the Marston Seagull name was changed to become the British Seagull outboard engine.  As of 1996, British Seagull outboard engines are no longer manufactured.

Now
Although British Seagull outboard engines are no longer produced, parts are still being manufactured and supplied by British Seagull through Sheridan Marine located in Oxfordshire, England.

Customer Satisfaction
During the 65 year production run of classic British Seagull outboard engines, over 2.5 million outboard motors were produced, many of which are still in service today.  British Seagull outboards have a dedicated following of fans who love the reliability and performance of these traditional engines.

The Facts about British Seagull Outboard Engines

Makes & Models
During its run, the British Seagull outboard engine was produced in approximately 78 different models including: a 2 HP known as a 2 HP Seagull, a Featherweight, a Forty-Minus, or a Model 45 featuring a Mk3 ignition; a 3 HP Seagull also known as a Forty-Plus – this 3HP category also included a Model 60 with Mk3 ignition, a Forty-Plus with a clutch, and a Model 55; 4 to 4.5 HP engine series including the Century 100, Century Plus fixed drive, and Century Plus clutch; and a 5 to 5.5 HP series which included the Silver Century, Silver Century with Clutch (plus clutch model 75), Silver Century Plus clutch, Silver Century Plus clutch (models 80, 100, & 90).  British Seagull outboard engine Model 102 was primarily produced from the 1940’s to the 1950’s with some Model 102 engines produced until 1973.  British Seagull also produced Model 170, Model 125, Queens Belfast (QB), Curlew, Kingfisher, and Osprey outboard engine models.

Parts & Manuals
British Seagull outboard engine owner’s, service, and parts manuals are available directly from the British Seagull (Sheridan Marine) website.  Once you’ve identified your engine lettering and number, original British Seagull spare parts can be ordered from British Seagull by fax, telephone, email or snail-mail.  There are also two British Seagull repair handbooks written by David Sales available on Amazon.com.

If you’d like to ask a British Seagull outboard engine question sooner than waiting for a manual to arrive, try the Just Answer website.  For a fee ranging from $14 to $34, you can ask a Just Answer expert about a British Seagull outboard motor and receive an answer within minutes from a certified marine mechanic.  You can also browse previous British Seagull questions and answers free of charge.

Owner’s Clubs and Groups
There are several online forums dedicated to British Seagull outboard engine owners including Saving Old Seagulls (SOS), Seagull Restoration, Lagerholm, and Seagull Parts.  There is also a British Seagull owner’s group on Yahoo.

Sources:
Flickr.com Photo Credit – Outboard Engines by Elsie Esq.
Wikipedia
British Seagull
Sheridan Marine
Just Answer
Saving Old Seagulls
Seagull Restoration
Lagerholm
Seagull Parts
Yahoo Group

The Facts about Gull Outboard Engines

December 28, 2009
By Connie Motz, MarineFuel.com

Then
Gull Outboard Motor Manufacturing Limited was a Hong Kong based manufacturer, wholesaler, and distributor, of small outboard engines ranging from 1.5 to 3.5 HP.  The Gull Outboard company is no longer in business and so the history of the company remains vague.

Now
The official Gull Outboard engine website is currently not available; the response received is “this webpage is parked free courtesy of GoDaddy.com.”  After conducting a search on Archive.org, the last active page archived was dated July 3, 2008.

Customer Satisfaction
There are six ‘Reviews and Guides’ for Gull Outboard engines listed on eBay Canada; these comments include:

• “My advice is to stay far away from this product.  These motors are advertised to come with a warranty. When you attempt to make contact with the company regarding warranty service, you will not be able to find anyone to assist you.” – cando1072
• “engine quit after 5 minutes of use ! Spent  $85 for a check up in a marine store , did the same thing during the 2nd use plus the stop  button is broken now. Spent a lot of time try to fix it, not worth a penny…” – jetmiror
• “DO NOT BUY ONE – they are rubbish and any guarantee is worthless. Mine has never worked and they refuse to do anything about it. STAY WELL AWAY!” – megaboop
• “Just Junk – don’t consider buying one – I agree with everything that has been said in the other guides – I wasted my money – don’t waste yours.” – crazylimee
• “I, too, unfortunately purchased a 2.5 Gull Outboard Motor.  Everything other writers have said is true, but the biggest fool was me.  I should have checked before buying, which I did not do.  The biggest problem was starting the motor…” – 5671william

Makes & Models
Promising “durability, easy maintenance, and reliability at the world’s lowest price,” the latest Gull Outboard engines to be offered in 2008 ranged from 2 to 3.5 HP; they ranged in price from USD $399 to $549 with free global shipping.  The 2 HP Gull Outboard motor was a lightweight engine built for an inflatable or small boat; it featured a compact design with an inside fuel tank, and weighed in at only 20 pounds.  The Gull Outboard 2.5 HP engine offered the same features as the 2 HP model but weighed in at only 18 pounds; the 3.5 HP GULL Outboard engine was “rated best for weight to horsepower ratio.”  It is unclear as to whether Gull Outboard engines may still be purchased directly from the manufacturer in Hong Kong as ‘dealers and distributors wanted worldwide’ advertisements still appear to be live on the internet.

Parts & Manuals
According to the Gull Outboard engine archived website, “if you should ever have a need, Gull Outboards offer all outboard parts at a fraction of the cost of other marine outboard motor manufacturer’s pricing.”  Manuals for Gull Outboard motors are available online through the Internet Archive Wayback Machine.

Owner’s Clubs & Groups
There are a few online forums dedicated to Gull Outboard engine owners including Practical Boating, Marine Engine, and Fishing-Forum.

Sources:
GoDaddy.com
Internet Archive.Org
eBay.ca
HiMFR
Practical Boating
Marine Engine
Fishing-Forum

Boat and Yacht Insurance

Now that you know why, here’s how.  Choosing your boat and yacht insurance might prove to be challenging but with some persistence and understanding, here is some insight from Protect You Better and Voyager Marine to make the process a little easier.

What does your homeowner’s insurance cover?  Probably not much as far as boat and yacht insurance goes.  The dollar amount is likely minimal while any damage claimed must have occurred when the boat or yacht is at home, not when it’s in use at the lake or fishing at sea.  A homeowner’s policy will generally not cover total loss replacement, fuel spills or personal effects.

What size is your vessel?  A personal watercraft is under 16’; a boat is considered to be between 16-25 feet; a yacht is 26’ and over.  If purchasing yacht insurance, the coverage is initially the same as a boat but the terms used are somewhat different – ‘physical damage’ on a boat is called ‘hull damage’ on a yacht; ‘liability’ coverage for a boat is known as ‘property and indemnity’ (P & I) on a yacht.

What coverage does the policy offer?  Most policies for boat and yacht insurance generally cover physical damage to the vessel on an ‘all-risk’ base which includes fire damage, lightening, theft, wind, and vandalism.  When shopping around for a policy, requested coverage should include that for yourself, passengers, vessel, and liability coverage for possible injuries or damages to other vessels or people.

Boat and yacht insurance is similar to automobile insurance in that most standard policies offer minimal liability coverage with additional coverage in increments of $100,000 up to $50 million; underinsured or uninsured boater coverage can also be purchased.

Supplementary coverage can be purchased for the boat trailer, fishing equipment, and water-skiing.  Be sure to inquire if the personal property coverage includes computers, cell phones, or any other personal electronics that may be onboard; also, is there coverage for on-water towing, fuel spillage, or wreck removal?

How is the cost of your policy determined?  It’s based on the boat’s age, value, horsepower, speed, location of use, and the experience of the vessel operator.  Discounts can often be obtained for operators with approved boating safety courses, for newer vessels, and for having onboard devices installed like a burglar alarm, depth finder, ship-to-shore radio, or even by taking a higher deductible rate.

The National Society of Agents for Consumer Education (NSACE) recommends shopping around for your boat or yacht insurance and looking for an experienced boat and yacht insurance agent who specializes in this area.  A good insurance agent is your best asset to help design the ideal coverage for your boat and yacht insurance needs.

Now that you have your boat insurance – time to hit the open waters!  Use our FREE fuel shopping system to find your preferred marine fuel at the best price.

Sources:
Protect You Better (National Society of Agents for Consumer Education)
Voyager Marine
Boat U.S. (Boat Owners Association of the United States)