Captain Cognac’s Columns
Penny Pinching
Paper Towels
Z-fold paper towels, like you find in public places, are far cheaper than by the roll. Also, they take less space to store! Add a low cost compact dispenser and you have a sleek solution that blends in with the interior.
Yes! That is indeed a sailboat in the picture.
Insurance
For a 30 foot boat, marine insurance can vary by as much as $300 per year. Spending an hour shopping all the alternatives when the insurance is up for renewal can save huge over a few years. Don’t forget to check with your home insurance company too. Many offer insurance up to 26″, but some will offer what’s referred to as a “Rider” for larger boats.
Marine Specific
Tools, Parts, Fixtures and Accessories labelled and marketed as “Marine”, often come at a substantial markup compared to their RV, Automotive or Residential counterpart. For example; An oil filter for a marine diesel can be up to three times the price of the identical filter marketed for a car.
Interior lights for RVs may in some cases not offer the same durability in marine environments due to corrosion, but with some research, adequate alternatives can be sourced for far less than a similar marine item.
Fuel! an obvious one. Gas or diesel is much less at the pump on the road than at the fuel dock. Check regulations in your area though. Some municipalities legally prohibit the use of land fuel on the water. Many marinas and clubs have important safety regulations in regards to filling at dock.
Construction Material
For small pieces of strong durable and cheap plastic, Dollar-Store cutting boards even come in a variety of colors.
Shower Curtains come in all kinds of crazy, tropical, nautical, natural or plain designs and is a cheap source of waterproof fabric. Great for Curtains, Cushions or for the Shower even.
Superstitions
Renaming
Captain Cognac doesn’t believe in any superstitions. However…. there was that one time when the fog rolled in over the North Paclantic…
What happens if you rename a boat without adhering to proper protocol, ceremony or ritual?
Changing a boat’s name is supposed to anger the sea gods unless a specific renaming ceremony is adopted, that includes appeasing Poseidon and maybe Neptune as well. If renaming must happen, sailors often perform a de-naming ceremony to purge the old name from Poseidon’s ledger before christening the boat with the new name.
Wine
Pour wine on the deck for fair winds.
Often done as a tribute to Neptune, ensuring a safe and smooth journey.
Captain Cognac recommends a dry white wine if you must pour alcohol on the deck. Red wine tends to stain the gelcoat if it is less than perfect. Sweet wines leave a sticky residue.
The Ferryman
A Coin Under the Mast for Good Luck?
Placing a coin under the mast is a ritual intended to bring prosperity and safe passage. It’s also thought to pay the ferryman if sailors died at sea. I’ve also heard that the same can be utilized to neutralize a renaming curse….
Bananas
Bananas on board are said to cause everything from slipping accidents to spoilage of other produce. Bananas!
While they do accelerate the decay of other produce, the same is true in a house. Just don’t store them side-by-side. Bananas are best stored in their own net.
No-No Don’ts
Silicone
Be cautious using silicone to seal leaks on a boat. Polyurethane sealants last longer in marine environments. More importantly – Silicone leaves residue in the surface it’s been on, making adhesion of any other sealant challenging. Silicone can penetrate the surface and potentially “contaminate” the top layer.
There are many brands of Polyurethane sealants. Sikaflex is probably the most well known for marine applications.
“Rubber” or foam Slippers
While comfortable in so many settings, Crocs and other slippers, as well as flip flops, are a no-no on deck. The lightweight “rubber-like” material has no traction at all on wet or damp gelcoat.
Sailboat decks are cluttered with hardware. Flip flops offer no toe protection over bare feet.
Pinch Hazards
Lines around winches, cleats, fairleads and blocks are pinch hazards. Never grab a line on the “wrong” side of the winch. Try to make a habit of picturing what comes next every time you grab a line. Long hair and even loose clothing can easily get caught up in a winch.
