How To:
How to get the most out of your CruiseCraft and boating lifestyle
.. that’s what we’re on about in this section.
It draws on the encyclopedic expertise of our CruiseCraft
owners to give you a better understanding of many different
boating issues.
If you are a novice boatie – this is a great starting point.
If you’re a “been there and done that, bought the T-shirt
and left” type, well, we’re backing that you’ll still find
a few pearls of wisdom.
As our latest addition to the Team CruiseCraft site, we will
be developing this section much more in coming months .. we’ve
got some innovative plans.
But first up, some thoughts on one of the most frequently
sought-after subjects - Bar Crossings.
With the right vessel, right attitude, right homework and
right preparation, you can become as comfortable with bar
crossings as you are driving your boat virtually anywhere.
The key is knowing when to cross a bar and when to stay home.
Cross A Bar:
There’s probably no-one better qualified on bars than
Bill Corten who runs bar crossing courses in his specially
built CruiseCraft Explorer 685 Reel Affair.
Literally thousands and thousands of crossings over
the notorious South Passage Bar (and most other bars
down the east coast) give Bill a level of expertise
that we doubt many others can match. The only real way
to learn is to invest in undertaking a course as many
in Team CruiseCraft already have. But here are a few
of the key principles which he teaches.
The Do’s
Before heading out, check coastal weather predictions, tide times, swell height and direction.
Heading out is potentially the most dangerous, so try to cross coastal bars in good conditions and gain experience gradually if new to offshore boating.
Log on by VHF radio with the Volunteer Marine Rescue or Coast Guard and don't forget to close the radio loop at the end of the day.
Check your boat’s operating systems thoroughly, secure loose equipment and ensure occupants are wearing lifejackets where there is potential for interaction with swell.
Correct engine trim has a big impact on boat handling while crossing bars.
Trim engine in heading out to sea and trim engine out coming home in a following sea.
If there is no surf break on the bar, maintain a steady speed.
Where there is break aim for the area of least wave activity, or time the run through the critical section during a lull or flat period.
Remember you are responsible for your crew, take a deep breath and remain in control without a sudden rush of blood to the head.
When through the entrance mark it on the GPS and take a note of backmarks or take a compass heading on a prominent feature.
The Dont’s
Don't cross a bar unless you are confident it is safe.
Don't lose your nerve and turn around in the face of a steep oncoming swell, it can be fatal.
Don't use too much power or you will get airborne and out of control.
Don't overtake a wave being ridden unless it has broken or you can see all its face from behind.
Don't rely solely on GPS when crossing a bar, use it as a guide and react to what you are seeing breaking around you.
Avoid large swells and run out tide combinations until you gain considerable
experience.
Ready to learn more? You can telephone Bill on (07)
3286 3647 or 0447 233 247.
Apply Team CruiseCraft Decals:
The decal comes in two parts - it is important to adhere to the following:
Equipment required:
A large bucket of water, clean rags, household dish washing detergent, a plastic egg flip and plenty of patience.
The procedure:
- Read all instructions from start to finish before commencing the job.
- Select an appropriate location on the side of the hull.
- Clean the location with methylated spirits. Observe the safety instructions on the methylated spirits container.
- Place one capful of detergent into the bucket of water and mix it well – you want it to be frothy.
- Wash the side of hull with detergent where the decal is to be located. Do not allow it to dry – leave it wet.
- Carefully remove the backing paper from the blue decal and wet the entire adhesive side.
- Place the decal on the wet area of hull that you have prepared. The detergent will allow the decal to be slid into the exact location and aligned correctly.
- Use the plastic egg flip or another straight edged piece of plastic as a squeegee to remove air bubbles and excess water from behind the decal and application paper.
- Allow the decal to dry completely – this may take up to 4 hours. Once it has dried, carefully remove the application paper.
- Now follow steps 4 to 9 to apply the silver part of the decal.
- Should any air bubbles be evident in the blue or silver part of the decal, use a pin to prick the bubble and squeeze the air out.
Cheers,
The Chief your Team CruiseCraft decal application staff.
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