Mid-July is when both races to Mackinac Island, Michigan—one from Port Huron, MI and one from Chicago, IL—take place. Held on alternating weekends, these two races comprise some of the longest freshwater sailing races in the world and are significant tests of the sailors and boats that participate. This year, 196 entries made the start…
Mid-June on Lake St. Clair marks the annual Canadian Club Regatta, hosted by Windsor Yacht Club. The race is a medium distance nighttime affair that stretches from WYC at the mouth of the Detroit River, north and slightly west to the Point Huron lighted buoy, then back toward WYC for a total of 30.5 nm. …
As we get back to boating after a seasonal layup, we often take stock of safety items and inventory them to ensure we’re properly equipped and legal and refresh any items with expiration dates. While having serviced, operable equipment is important should a safety issue arise, do we give the same time and attention to…
When and how to check the hoses on your boat What comes to mind when you think of the words “boat smell?” Is it a fragrance reminiscent of the expensive sandalwood and lavender candle you smelled that one time at the day spa? How about musty basement mixed with a pile of wet wool sweaters?…
Last week, we talked about engine hours and how important—or less important—the number can be. If the engine is in good shape and maintenance is carefully documented, the next item of worry are the moisture meter readings determined through survey. For some people, high moisture readings are absolute showstoppers, while for others, they garner a…
One of the useful, but not always available indicators of engine health is the total number of engine hours throughout its life. Boat buyers usually ask the “How many hours?” question early in the process, but what the numbers actually mean is the subject of some debate. We typically encounter three types of engine hour…