The joys of on-the-water paddle sports are many. Paddling your own canoe, kayak, paddleboard, or  surfboard takes individual skill, where you set your own pace and experience a sense of calm and quiet serenity as you glide across the pristine waters. You will encounter fewer & wild parties with large, raft-up boat flotillas crowding the waterways. Stand Up Paddle Boarding Stand-up paddleboarding originated in Hawaii, and while it is a recent addition to the list of paddle sports, some believe that it has been around for longer. Experts say it has existed for decades but came to prominence in the 2000s, evolving into the recognized sport today. Its earliest roots trace it back to the 18th century when native Hawaiians paddled along the Pacific from island to island. The modern applications of stand-up paddle boarding, or SUP as some call it, emerged in the mid-20th century with the extreme popularity of surf culture in the 1960s. The shores of California first welcomed SUP in 2005, where it caught on instantly among the locals. Today, SUP has spread across the country, with more than 22 million Americans participating in stand-up paddleboarding.   Simply put, stand-up paddleboarding involves getting on a surf-like board with a long SUP paddle which you will use to propel the board while standing up straight. This paddle sport is excellent for photographers as they can get a much better view while standing up. There is more than one way on how to paddle a stand-up paddleboard. You can race, tour, and surf. Many marinas have partnered with yoga instructors to offer on-the-water stand-up paddleboard yoga classes. It is refreshing to watch a class of yogis as they attempt perfect balance in a headstand on an unanchored, less than steady paddleboard! You can even turn your SUP into a kayak. More recent is white water paddle boarding for the thrill-seekers. Kayaking may have been the fastest-growing paddle sport, but stand-up paddleboarding has taken over this title. New variations of stand-up paddleboards have hit the market. Some boards are inflatable, some can be folded up into thirds with hinged sections, and newer paddleboards include tall seats and pedals. For SUP equipment information, click this link at CLR Marine. https://www.clrmarine.com/462m4/paddlesports.html.   SAFETY FIRST and WEATHER ALERTS WHEN PADDLE BOARDING While enjoying any paddle sport, such as paddle boarding, canoeing, or kayaking, be aware that weather can change in an instant. A calm stream can suddenly become a raging river if weather conditions suddenly change higher up at the stream's headwaters.    PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE (PFD) Wearing or carrying a PFD on-board is essential to paddleboard safety. Stand-up Paddleboards are considered "vessels" under the United States Coast Guard regulations when used out of designated swimming, surfing, or bathing areas. Individuals 13 years of age and older must have a PFD on board, and those 12 years of age and younger are required to wear a PFD at all times on the water. Not only can a PFD save your life, but it can also make it easier for you to climb back aboard after falling or jumping in the water. https://www.clrmarine.com/462m4/marine-safety/personal-flotation-devices.html   WHISTLE A whistle can be a simple, inexpensive item to carry that can make a huge difference in an emergency. You can use a whistle to alert motorized boats to your presence if needed or to get help from the shore if you have trouble on the water. A whistle can also be heard in the fog when visibility is at a minimum. https://www.clrmarine.com/m4/10020--acr-survival-res-q-whistle-w-18-lanyard.html   PERSONAL LOCATOR BEACON Personal locator beacons are handheld devices that signal 406 MHz, the same frequency used for newer emergency locator transmitters. Activate a PLB—in most cases, simply by extending the antenna and pressing the On button—and it transmits a powerful distress signal with a unique digital code. https://www.clrmarine.com/462m4/paddlesports/personal-locator-beacons.html   LEASH If you fall off your SUP while in the water, the leash will keep your board easily accessible. Wind, currents, and waves can quickly sweep your SUP away from you. Fasten the cord securely & around your ankle.   WETSUIT If you plan on going out on cold water, you should consider a suit to keep you warm. Hypothermia escalates rapidly. An accidental fall into a cold mountain lake or cold ocean water would ruin your trip. Remember that you won't have a stack of warm blankets or warm, dry clothing with you.   HELMET If you're going to take your SUP down a river, you should consider a helmet for the trip. Kayakers wear them, and their heads are much closer to the water than someone standing on a paddleboard. Falling onto hidden or exposed rocks from a standing position could cause a devastating impact. Protect your brain. Wear a helmet.   WEATHER Always be aware of the current weather conditions for your SUP outing and pay attention to the forecast for the day. Weather conditions can change rapidly in some locations, and getting caught in bad weather can be very dangerous. The wind is always a threat. The wind can quickly unbalance a paddle boarder, make it difficult to paddle, or even carry the board quickly away from a dismounted paddler. Have a weather app on your phone, and hopefully a signal will transmit while you are on the water. PADDLE with a PARTNER The best way to enjoy your SUP is with a friend. It is also one of the best ways to stay safe on the water. Paddling buddies can double-check gear before heading out and watch out for each other while out on the water. Let friends know where you will be. Leave your itinerary with someone on land. If you don't return at your designated time, your land buddy will start the search. Should your itinerary change, get in touch with your person on shore. Cell service may be limited on the water. Don't count on your cell phone to be your lifeline.   SUNSCREEN The sun is known to cause cancer in all states, not just California. Protect any exposed skin.    KNOW YOUR LIMITS Remember that you have that same distance on your return trip for every mile that you have traveled out. While the wind may be at your back on the way out, a headwind at the return will be a challenge as your energy is diminishing. Paddleboarding is an excellent way for you to blend in with your surroundings and slide from one area to another. Be safe. Know the distance to your destination or how much exertion you want to make at each outing. In addition, to stand-up paddleboarding, other paddle sports to enjoy are kayaking, surfing, and canoeing. We will explore these paddle sports in a future blog. Fair winds and smooth sailing.   To obtain more information about the products and services mentioned in this article, please contact CLR Marine https://www.clrmarine.com/. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________    Award-winning author Cheryl Kuba has been at the helm for more than 30 years sailing the Great Lakes, with side trips to the British Virgin Islands and St. Maarten. She has served as past- Commodore of Great Lakes Fleet 21 -Chicago region. 3happycampers.com ©Copyright Cheryl Kuba, 3happycampers.com, 2021.

Paddle your own Canoe   The history of canoes dates back 10,000 years to our forefathers, who launched dugout canoes made with animal skin and a skeleton frame of tree branches. More recently, there has been a discovery of a well-preserved birch bark canoe dating back 250 years.   Canoe rides are calm as you glide on rivers, altering your speed with your paddle as you are propelled along. Canoe rides are pristine. Of late, white water canoeing as a sport has become very popular and more challenging. Ocean canoeing falls under the white water category.   Tandem Canoeing   Canoeing with a buddy gives you someone to talk to, and gives you more paddle power for your vessel. These tips, provided by Voyageur Outward Bound School, will make your canoeing experience easier and safer.   Paddle on opposite sides of the boat-    To keep your craft from pitching back and forth and make the boat more stable under motion. For added stability, kneel if you’re in rough water or trying to gain ground in a headwind. Paddle in sync with your partner. Find your rhythm. It is the bow (front) paddler’s job to set the pace, and it is the role of the stern (back) paddler to match that tempo. The bow is where the speed comes in. Maximize your forward momentum. Call a “switch” regularly to change sides, which will help keep your boat going in a straight line. Keep your paddle shaft vertical.   The alternative is called “lily-dipping” – if you’ve got an itinerary to keep and miles to make, a vertical paddle shaft will ensure that the blade of your paddle is vertical during the power phase of your stroke – maximizing forward propulsion each time.   Wear your PFD.   Safety first in all boating activities. Canoes are very unstable, especially getting in and getting out.  Seventy-five percent of paddle sport-related drownings were found with no personal flotation device on. Twenty percent of paddlesport fatalities had alcohol as a contributing factor. Invest in a comfortable PFD, so you’re more likely to wear it. It won’t save your life if you don’t wear it. Dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature. A person dressed in street clothes has a 50% chance of swimming 50 yards in 50-degree water. Hypothermia is the natural killer.   Know your limits.   Measure before you go. Novice paddlers typically cover about two mph on flat water. Experienced paddlers looking for a workout can cover 3-3.5 mph. Anticipate what river current might do to your speed and itinerary.   Check out the CLR Marine Ritchie K-TD.2 Tie Down f/Kayaker Compass S-59 - Black  for better navigation. Sunscreen in all the right places.   Sun reflected off the water will burn in some unlikely places –  under your nose and back of your ears. In an aluminum canoe, there is added reflection off metal surfaces. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Both need to be attached with a keeper string.    Practice getting back in your boat.   If you are paddling solo, the best advice is to paddle close to shore and in the lee. Don’t be farther away from the beach than what you know you can swim with your boat full of water. The Canadian re-entry technique works well for the less-athletic and in choppy waters. Once you’ve T-rescued the capsized boat, have the swimmer get to one end of two boats held side by side by a rescuer. Put a hand on each gunwale, float on your back, and hook a leg over a gunwale of each boat. Then, arch your back and drop your bottom into one of the boats.   Beware of flat river-wide horizon lines.   These are often low head dams. They may look benign, with a modest 2-4 foot drop, but given how water hydraulics work, underwater currents trap and hold boats and humans. Learn to recognize these hazards and portage around them.   Pack good snacks.   In addition to ample water, consider packing power snacks or a picnic lunch, fishing poles, binoculars, extra chocolate.   Kayaking   Like canoeing, Kayaking allows the boater to glide across pristine lake waters and rivers. Most kayaks are made of roto-molded polyethylene resins. Kayaks have become very advanced, not only for the water but for ease of transporting, durability, and skill level. In 2021, you will find sit on top kayaks, folding kayaks, and inflatables.   Many of the same techniques used in canoeing apply in Kayaking as well. When going tandem in Kayaking, follow the same guidelines as canoeing tandem. Check out https://www.clrmarine.com/462m4/paddlesports.html   Surfing   Movies and television shows have popularized surfing over the years with the likes of Hawaii 5-0, Gidget Goes Hawaiian, and more recently Rip Tide, Momentum and Take Every Wave. Whether this is your first opportunity to catch a wave, or you have been practicing, studying and surfing around the globe, there is a surfboard with your name on it. And, there is a price range for boards from inexpensive to custom-made just for you.   There are three specifications for beginning and intermediate surfers when looking for a good board: Length (easy paddling and making speed, helps to catch smaller waves) Buoyancy (the thicker the board, the better it floats, the more waves you catch) Width (a wide board gives you more stability and will help you stand up consistently)   Getting started   If you are a beginner, the best way to learn is to be taught by an experienced surfer. Plan to get a wide board, and know that you will spend more time sitting and kneeling on the board, than standing. There are surfing classes at various resorts and beaches. They are worth the time and money.   Always think of safety first. Find a beach that is perfect for beginners with small waves. Be aware of your surroundings. Spot landmarks that you can see from the water. Spend time on the beach before you enter the water. Take the time to check your leash and your board. Watch other surfers and see what they do. Their successes or failure are good teaching moments for you. Pace yourself. Don’t rush to catch the biggest wave.   Paddlesports are meant to be relaxing, fun, and a terrific opportunity to commune with nature. Enjoy.   Fair winds and smooth sailing.   To obtain more information about the products and services mentioned in this article, please get in touch with CLR Marine https://www.clrmarine.com/. _________________________________________________________________________ Award-winning author Cheryl Kuba has been at the helm for more than 30 years sailing the Great Lakes, with side trips to the British Virgin Islands and St. Maarten. She has served as past- Commodore of Great Lakes Fleet 21 -Chicago region. 3happycampers.com ©Copyright Cheryl Kuba, 3happycampers.com, 2021.

Paddle Sports Supplies and Equipment Paddlesports can be a great way to have fun on the water, but you want to make sure you have the right supplies and accessories to get started, enjoy your time, and be safe. From inflatable kayaks to sunglasses, we have what you need to really enjoy the experience. We also offer personal locator beacons, so you can be found if you happen to drift off course. Depending on where you are spending your paddlesport time, it is possible to get lost. With a locator beacon, the people who are concerned for your safety can find you more easily. That can provide some great peace of mind for your trip.   You will also want to make sure you have the proper anchoring options, carts for your items, compasses to find your way, and life vests for safety and security. We can also provide you with medical kits, navigation lights, and rod holders so you can do some fishing while you are out on your adventures. Of course, you will need paddles, and we have plenty of those to choose from. Roof rack systems for storage on your vehicle are a great idea, too, and be sure to pick up waterproof bags & cases for anything you need to carry with you, along with a VHF - Handheld so you can keep communicating when you need to.

Taking your four legged or feathered family members cruising with you?   Part I (Part II – Long Distance Sailing with Salty Dogs, Cats & Feathered Friends, will be our next blog.)   Consider safety and comfort for all. Make no mistake. People- and pets fall overboard. One slippery deck, one unplanned jibe, or a rogue wave can knock the best of breeds into the drink.   Safety messages are always woven into our blogs. The same plans need to be in place for your pets. There is a certain helplessness factor with pets. We have yet to hear Fido yell "Man overboard!" Your first clue that your pet has fallen into the drink will be The Splash. Like babies, our animal companions also have a difficult time telling us what ails them when they are sick.      Bill Pinkney, the second African American to sail solo around the world, and the first to set a 27,000 mile course that took him around five capes, said about taking along pets. "I didn't take any pets on my voyage, because they couldn't make a choice, whether to be there, or not."   Does you pet want to be on the water, or not? Our first dog, Arthur, was a true salty dog. The minute we picked up our canvas bags, Arthur was raring to go. Our second dog, Abby, was not seafaring at all. She didn't like loud noises (the engine) and she didn't like the wind (on our 34' sailboat).   On Abby's maiden voyage, she became hyper to the point that one of us had to hold onto her by the collar, while the other sailed the boat. Upon our arrival in the harbor there was wailing, tears and gnashing of teeth. Not all produced by Abby! Our cute little 40lb. pup made it clear to us that she would rather be home, lying on the couch with the air-conditioning turned on high.   A life jacket for pets is a must for two reasons. One. It will keep them afloat in the water. Two. Most have a big handle across the back so that it can be grabbed and lifted back on deck by hand, or a boat hook.   Is your pet comfortable in its safety equipment? Try out every piece of equipment on dry land. We took our dog, Arthur, to the local marine store to get the perfect sized life jacket. Once on, the jacket fit well,but the dog wouldn't move. We couldn't get him to walk in the store, unless we removed it. Some time later, other sailing friends sent us a different dog life jacket, and it did the trick.   Have your dog or cat get used to the surroundings before you start the engine. Pets may seek enclosed shelter, such as a wardrobe locker, once the engine starts up. When underway and having to do difficult maneuvering such as navigating locks or narrow channels, pets should be securely below.   Think about where your pet is going to ride on your boat. Don't let any pet (or human) ride on the transom. The fumes from your engine can be deadly!   Your deck is slick, including your cabin tops. Our friends' had their Irish Setter sleeping on the cabin top of their 30' sailboat. The boat heeled, and the dog slipped right into the drink. Second concern. Our swim ladders were never meant to be climbed by four-legged critters with paws. Image trying to get a 60 lb Irish Setter up the ladder or over the transom? Have a plan in place.   Cats need a litter box on board. Once docked they may choose a different plan on shore, and may bring other critters back with them in the form of a mouse, bird, or gopher. For cats that go overboard, fenders and rope ladders are a way out of the water. Like dogs, cats should wear pet lifejackets.   Cruising with dogs, and their needs is a little easier. They are able to wait a little longer than cats before nature calls. There is always an exception.   If you have to row your pet to shore to take care of business, or you are moored at a mooring can or star dock, get the pet used to riding in the dinghy. Knowing we would be in the North Channel in Canada at anchor, Bob blew up our Zodiac at home in our living room, to get our dog used to getting in and out of the dinghy.     As in regular dog or cat owner life, have the required tags on your dog for identification, vaccinations, and a number where you can be reached. A collar and leash that light up in the dark is also a must.   Some cruisers take their birds for boat rides. Most are long range cruisers. Safety strategies for bird owners and boats will be covered in Part II of this blog.   Carry a collapsible kennel with you in the event that your dog or cat is injured, or rough weather, and you need all hands on deck. Best for transporting your pet if you need to go ashore in rough seas. Cat baskets, with a soft blanket inside, are recommended for cats onboard.   Do some investigative exploring on your boat from your pet's point of view. Decide which deck surfaces are the most safe. Deck and railing netting are a deterrent for pets going overboard.   Take the time and spend the money to make your voyages safe for all your passengers, especially your loving pets.   To obtain more information about the products and services mentioned in this article, please contact CLR Marine https://www.clrmarine.com/.    ________________________________________________________________________    Award-winning author Cheryl Kuba has been at the helm for more than 30 years sailing the Great Lakes, with side trips to the British Virgin Islands and St. Maarten. She has served as past- Commodore of Great Lakes Fleet 21 -Chicago region. 3happycampers.com   ©Copyright Cheryl Kuba, 3happycampers.com

Sea Tow Services International formed the Sea Tow Boating Safety & Education Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring on-water safety for recreational boaters.   Sea Tow CEO Joe Frohnhoefer, in a statement, said most boating accidents and deaths can be attributed to people who have never taken a safety course. Under the direction of executive director Michelle Knox Zaloom, a two-time Olympic rower, the foundation will focus on programs that will reduce recreational boating accidents, fatalities and property damage. A board of directors also has been appointed.   The foundation will work in tandem with the Boater Education Steering Committee, which is committed to identifying a minimum level of boater education courses approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators that can be implemented on a national scale.   The committee was formed last September, and its key representatives come from the Coast Guard, NASBLA, the Marine Retailers Association of America, the National Marine Manufacturers Association, Brunswick Corp. and INAMAR Recreational Marine Insurance.

  CLR Marine May Safety Specials Save on all of your safety necessities with select products from VIKING, Mustang, Full Throttle, Kent , Onyx, ACR, Raymarine, Simrad, McMurdo, SI-TEX, Ocean Signal, B&G, Lowrance, Globalstar, Inmarsat, Iridium, Icom, Standard Horizon, Johnson Pump, Rule, Fireboy-Xintex, GME, ProMariner, PENTAX and Bushnell. *The May Safety Specials are valid May 1st until May 31st, 2016.  Closeout items are valid while supplies last.                    Specials     Rebates    Close Outs     Remanufactured

  CLR Marine May Safety Specials Save on all of your safety necessities with select products from VIKING, Mustang, Full Throttle, Kent , Onyx, ACR, Raymarine, Simrad, McMurdo, SI-TEX, Ocean Signal, B&G, Lowrance, Globalstar, Inmarsat, Iridium, Icom, Standard Horizon, Johnson Pump, Rule, Fireboy-Xintex, GME, ProMariner, PENTAX and Bushnell. *The May Safety Specials are valid May 1st until May 31st, 2016.  Closeout items are valid while supplies last.              Specials     Rebates    Close Outs     Remanufactured

Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland last week signed legislation to enhance boating safety on state waterways.   The new law establishes “failure to control” as an enforceable boat operator rule. Many accidents occur as the result of operator inexperience or the forces of nature. These are not the result of a “rules of the road” violation or caused by reckless operation, but may result in minor property damage or injury.   The law also increases the horsepower limit on Pymatuning Lake in northeastern Ohio to 20-hp. About two-thirds of the lake is within the boundaries of Pennsylvania, which passed legislation to allow for the increase several years ago.   Also, the Ohio law creates a “no wake zone,” requiring boat operators to reduce their speed when passing a boat actively engaged in providing public service, including law enforcement, fireboats, search-and-rescue teams, dredges and towing services. This is similar to the law requiring motorists to proceed with caution and change lanes or slow down when approaching a stationary public safety vehicle displaying an emergency light.   Additionally, the law permits boaters to “slow tow” ski tubes and other towables in no-wake zones and areas outside of the designated speed and ski zones, and requires children under 10 years of age who board a watercraft under 18 feet in length to wear a swimsuit-style life jacket. The children's Type V personal flotation device was approved by the U.S. Coast Guard several years ago and is designed to be more comfortable and better suited to the activities of children participating in family boating.   The law also allows for the transfer of electronic titles for outboard motors. This provision reduces the time it takes to transfer titles by preventing the need for a watercraft dealer to first issue a physical title.   Also in the news today;   Maine offers online renewals for watercraft registration   Maine Gov, John E. Baldacci last week signed a bill that allows state residents to renew their watercraft online.   “Since taking office five years ago, I have made it a goal for Maine government to be more open and accessible to her people and this includes making more government services available online,” Baldacci said in a statement. “I'm very pleased that we are helping Maine people access an array of such services, putting everything from volunteerism opportunities to dog licenses and now boat registration renewals, at their fingertips.”   The legislation allows Maine residents to renew watercraft registration through a safe and secure Web site. The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife will continue to administer the registrations both online and in person.   Officials estimate that 125,000 watercraft are registered in Maine.  

NEWS ... Mustang Survival HIT Inflatable PFD Safety Alert   In keeping with Mustang Survival's commitment to the highest levels of quality and safety, we are notifying the public of an urgent advisory for specific Hydrostatic inflatable PFDs manufactured during April and May of 2012. A portion of these PFDs may be subject to delayed or non-inflations. To determine if you are impacted by this precautionary advisory please reference the instructions attached. Click for more information.

Safety First when it comes to Trailer Lighting   Safety is important, not only on the water, but on the road going to and coming from the water. If your trailer is more than a few years old, most likely you have had or are having some issues with the lights and the electrical system on your trailer. Fortunately, most issues are pretty easy to fix.   The first thing to do is to test the lights by hooking up to the vehicle harness and checking all lights to make sure they are bright and working. If any are dim or not functioning, connect a tester to the vehicle harness to see if there might be an issue with the electrical source. Cleaning the connectors of the harness on both the vehicle and trailer side is critical, and can easily be done with a can of electrical connector spray and a fine wire brush. Also, clean the ground contact and tighten the ground wire.   Make sure to check the ground screw and replace it if it is corroded. Most bulbs are easily replaceable by simply twisting them to remove and install them. You can also clean up corroded sockets by gently sanding away the corrosion with fine sandpaper. It's possible you may have to replace wiring, which can be purchased as part of a complete kit that includes new lights, connectors, and lenses. We suggest if you do not have LED light on your trailer to switch over to them. Led lights are brighter, more efficient and has multiply bulbs so you will never have a taillight completely unlit if one bulb burns out.   CLR Marine carries trailer lights and lighting kits, which are complete with license plate holder, wiring and side lights. Along with any other trailer accessory you may need.       Specials   Closeouts    Remanufactured    Rebates  

Several of our most recent blogs have been about emergencies while on board. This blog presents probably the most critical type of emergency and rescue in the form of airlift by a helicopter from your boat to shore. A helicopter is brought in when this is the only way to immediate safety and medical services.     Two events prompt evacuation by helicopter: Weather so severe that you will perish without removal, and a medical emergency where time is critical.   First, your VHF radio must be tuned to Channel 16 at high volume. When you make the emergency call for the helicopter, know your position. The helicopter pilot will give instructions as to what your course heading should be, and your speed. Clear your deck of any loose items that could blow into the water or create problems, such as coolers, soda cans, garbage cans, buckets, towels, jackets, etc. Lower all antennas, if possible. If you are on a sailboat, all sails should be lowered and secured.   The only passengers on deck should be the one rescued and those who can help. All others should be below.   Important things, every skipper should know. 1. The helicopter pilot sits in the starboard seat, and the retrieving cable is launched from the starboard side of the helicopter. 2. No spotlights or flares are launched or shined in the direction of the aircraft.   Your boat and the helicopter work better when both are aligned and underway on the same heading. If the boat engine is not working, then the vessel should still be set to the course indicated by the helicopter pilot.   Follow through with all instructions from the helicopter pilot before the helicopter is overhead. Once the aircraft is overhead, be prepared for extreme noise and windy conditions. At this point, the only signals from boat to helicopter will be hand signals because of the noise.   When an item is lowered from the helicopter – a static discharge cable is usally attached to the, stretcher, hook, or equipment – the spinning blades act like a generator and can generate thousands of volts of electricity into the cable. To avoid an electrical shock, let the static discharge cable touch down on the boat or in the water before touching it.    If the helicopter is lowering a person, the person may be lowered directly to the boat. Another way to lower a person or item to the vessel is with a high wire safely flown to the vessel's deck, and then the equipment will be lowered. Never secure a cable to the boat that is directly attached to the helicopter. If an ill or injured person is being secured into a gurney on deck, the helicopter will move away until the individual is ready to be hoisted up.   In extreme weather where the entire crew needs to be evacuated, know that the boat will be lost. There won't be anyone from the rescue squad that will be bringing the boat back to shore.   Rescue by helicopter is most likely a life and death situation. Remain calm. Listen to the directions of the emergency personnel. Review safety instructions with all visitors to your boat.   Fair winds. Smooth sailing.   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------   Award-winning author Cheryl Kuba has been at the helm for more than 30 years sailing the Great Lakes, with side trips to the British Virgin Islands and St. Maarten. She has served as past- Commodore of Great Lakes Fleet 21 -Chicago region. 3happycampers.com    ©Copyright Cheryl Kuba, 3happycampers.com   To obtain more information about the products and services mentioned in this article, please contact CLR Marine https://www.clrmarine.com/.  

Raymarine has identified a problem with Sport Drive autopilot drive unit. As a result the mechanical clutch assembly may fail, causing the steering of the vessel to lock in one direction with possible risk to the safety of the vessel and crew. See PDF for more information.

I have recently been made aware that there is a safety issue with Electronic Navigation Charts (ENCs). Specifically, when the user is utilizing either Base or Standard Display in an ECDIS, soundings are normally turned off. While using these display modes, if there is an isolated sounding that is shoaler than the surrounding depth contours, it will not be highlighted in the navigation system. The International Hydrographic Office (IHO) has already come out with a notice and the attached one-page sheet was produced by NOAA. NOAA is in the process of determining how best to fix the issue. Please refer to the following link for a more detailed explanation of the problem: http://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/staff/headline-ecdis-issue.html Please forward this e-mail on to anyone you feel needs to know this important information and has not been included on this mailing list. If you have further questionss regarding this issue, please do not hesitate to contact me (information below) or you may submit your questions via the Office of Coast Survey's inquiry page. Inquiries submitted by this method are numbered and tracked to make sure an answer is sent. You can find the inquiry page at http://ocsdata.ncd.noaa.gov/idrs/inquiry.aspx?frompage=ContactUs   Sincerely, Brian Link NOAA - Office of Coast Survey Navigation Services Division -------------------------------------------------------- Brian Link USDOC, NOAA, OCS, NSD 1431 Beach Street Muskegon, MI 49441 231-759-1252 brian.lin(at)noaa.gov

Safety Cables - 3500lb Capacity - PVC Coated - Pair Safety Cables ensure towing safety. Simply snap the set of 2 carabineer style hooks in place.  Includes over 3' of cable length with the proper weight rating. Features: Capacity: 3500lb PVC Coated Pair WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (dehp) which is known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Safety Cables - 5000lb Capacity - PVC Coated - Pair Safety Cables ensure towing safety. Simply snap the set of 2 carabineer style hooks in place. Includes over 3' of cable length with the proper weight rating. Features: Capacity: 5000lb PVC Coated Pair WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (dehp) which is known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to P65Warnings.ca.gov.