An anode is a metal alloy attached to a metal object, such as a boat, to inhibit the object’s corrosion. The anode is electrolytically decomposed while the object remains free of damage.
When two metals are electrically connected to each other in a electrolyte like a seawater, electrons will flow from the more active metal to the other, due to the difference in the electrical potential, the so called ‘driving force‘..
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True! You’ve enjoyed your yacht for an entire year visiting places, small Greek islands and deserted beaches with your preferred company.
Now the time has come to inspect this yacht that has created a whole new way of life for you!
Your specialist is fully capable to take the job, but make sure he will perform all needed works (f.e. surveys, parts replacement, maintenance, etc), and in a few words, all actions required by the manuals and the visual inspection. Here are only a few tips for the maintenance you should perform during inspection.
BOAT
ENGINE
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Long before you decide to take vacations with yacht, something you expected so much, you must consider well the following issues, to avoid unwanted and unexpected bad experiences that can ruin irreparably your entire vacations. Do not forget that making and preparing as much as you can before you set sail, is the key to success
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All manuals on seamanship have a chapter on how to properly and safely anchor your boat or yacht. The tips below are only a basic guide to acceptable anchoring technique. One should understood thoroughly the correct procedures of the anchoring technique before going to sea.
Tips:
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When mooring up for the night, if the boat is stern to the wind many modern yachts are very noisy in the aft cabin.
Waves slap under the hull and can make sleeping very difficult.
When in an area where even quite small waves are likely to be passing through it, is always worth taking the trouble to moor up bows in to the expected wind direction, even if this means driving on to the mooring in reverse.
There is often considerable abrasion from the anchor swinging about and jumping up and down in its resting place, if the anchor is mounted on the bow roller
In this case use a short lashing to pull the anchor up to one side as far as it will go, so the anchor cannot crash and bang with every wave
An unwanted possibility of storing your anchor on the bow roller is that of catching it on another boat or its fittings when you are maneuvering in a tight space. Remove the risk by re-stowing it temporarily when entering and leaving a berth.
It is very serious and sometimes can cause disaster! At night a moment’s carelessness with a torch or lights below can destroy your night vision in a moment. It then takes about 20 minutes for your eyes to fully adapt to the dark again.
Your yacht must be fitted with red lights to reduce the loss of night vision. These can be very useful for general work around the boat but for detailed inspection of a chart they are not ideal and some of the features can be missed.
If you must use a light at night then close one eye during the period that the light is on. This will maintain night vision in that eye; you just need to remember which eye to use for dark or light!
It is frequently necessary to describe to a passenger where a buoy or other object is. This can be surprisingly difficult, when they cannot see something that appears obvious to you.
Here are some solutions to the problem:
One of the peculiarities of night vision is that it can be difficult to identify very faint images when you look directly at them.
The sides of your range of vision can be better at picking up poorly lit or unlit objects.
To use this part of your vision effectively, instead of staring in one place, try scanning the horizon by moving the focus of your vision in small overlapping circles.
When you found yourself in a poor visibility area such as fog or mist, the direction of sounds can be very difficult to identify.
One approach to improving you hearing is to try opening you mouth wide. Sometimes you can hear slightly better, if you then turn your head a few degrees from one side to the other you may get a better impression of the direction of a sound.
Whenever you are running the yacht on an autopilot, everyone on board must know how to stop it and take manual control.
So, always have someone who can react properly, near the commanding post.
It is notoriously hard to guess a vessel’s distance offshore.
One method that may be of use when offshore of a straight section of coast is a follows:
Estimate a line directly to the shore and one at 45 degrees to it. The distance between those two parts of the coast is the same as the distance offshore. All you need to do is guess how long the piece of coast is!
Smelly Toilets
If you find that the water in the heads smells after a short time it may be that the water being pumped in, is polluted.
Most of the time this is because the yacht is in enclosed waters such as a locked marina. To solve the problem flush the heads with fresh water from the shower.
This can also reduce the sulphur smell of the heads when the boat has been left for a period of time. It is generated by bacteria in the sea water in the pipes, flushing the system through with fresh water before leaving the boat may reduce the smell when the heads is first pumped.
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Rough weather food
In a rough weather case, it is much better to cook a simple meal than trying to prepare sandwiches. Trying to find out the places you have the makings of the sandwiches stored, may cause some trouble like seasickness, so if you still want to have sandwiches, make sure you have them prepared before leaving harbor.
Anchoring in confined spaces
It is a commonplace in the Mediterranean and specially in Greece to have yachts and other vessels anchor directly over the anchor of another vessel or very close to it. This is caused by the pressure on space in small anchorages. The departure of your yacht becomes then a difficult job, and more difficult if there’s no one aboard the other vessel.
In this case try to winch in as much chain as possible whilst approaching the stern of the other yacht. Then reverse hard on the engine and drag the anchor clear.
Beaufort scale
The Beaufort Scale is an empirical measure for describing wind speed based mainly on the observation of sea conditions. Its full name is the Beaufort Wind Force Scale
There are several points that are easy to remember the entire scale
Force 3
White water will first appear
Force 5
Spray begins to splash on the deck.
Force 7
The surface of the sea develops distinctive white streaks
With the points above, it is quite easy to assess wind forces between the points.
You can calculate the Beaufort scale if you divide the wind speed in knots by 5 then add 1 to find the force. For example:
20kn ÷ 5 = 4 + 1 = Force 5.
30kn ÷ 5 = 6 + 1 = Force 7.
Power winches and windlasses
If you have a problem with the power winch or anchor windlass, you better stop the operation by cutting off its power supply.
Make sure that all passengers know how to do this, in case the skipper is away from the working place.
Check lists
It is a good thing to have a detailed written to do list before you start a cruise making sure everything is well. And one more to check the things before leaving the yacht.
Since yachts become more complicated and include more complex systems, it is easy to forget to switch on or off some vital system when joining the boat of leaving it for a period of time.
Clear the chart table.
Keep your chart table always clean from items that do not belong there. Anything left on the chart table may fall on the floor, possibly damaging it.
It is easy to get in to the habit of leaving the dividers, pilot books etc. on the table in calm weather, but when the conditions change, everything goes flying.
Cleaning the anchor
Sometimes the anchor brings up large lumps of mud when it is raised
Instead of spending a lot of time trying to knock it off or scrubbing it, try reversing fairly fast with the anchor just below the surface.
The flow of water past the anchor will probably clean the worst of the mud off and there is little risk of damaging the boat with the anchor. You can clean off the residue later at your ease.
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If you have a situation of tangled ropes, and you are not so sure how to solve the problem, just throw the lines in the water for 5 minutes and the problem is solved by itself!
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Alcohol and Boating
While on board of a lovely yacht or on a cruiser you must always remember the cardinal rule. If you must drink, drink in moderation! From the 1000 boating accidents involving people every year, nine out of ten of them are caused because of drinking alcohol. We know it is tough to ask you not to drink on a pleasure boat, but sometimes just a couple of beers are too many. According to statistics, when you’re drinking, you’re much more likely to fall overboard. Another bad thing is that alcohol also reduces the physical ability of your body to protect against cold water. Be careful, alert and act wise!!
Fire Onboard
One of the most distressful things that can happen to a yacht when in open water, is a fire onboard. Although no one wants to face a situation like this, we must admit that it does happen. So you must be ready and prepared to deal with such a case. First make sure you have fully charged fire extinguishers for the type and size of the yacht.
Fueling your Boat.
Make sure you obey to the following fueling safety precautions:
Before Fueling
1. Stop all engines.
2. Shut off all electricity, open flames, and heat sources.
3. Check bilges for fuel vapors if the boat has an enclosed engine and fuel compartments.
4. Close all fittings and openings that could allow fuel vapors to enter the boat’s enclosed spaces.
5. Remove all passengers from the boat except the person handling the fueling hose.
During Fueling
1. Maintain nozzle contact with fill pipe.
2. Fuel filling nozzle must be attended at all times.
3. Wipe up fuel spills immediately.
4. Avoid overfilling.
After Fueling
1. Ventilate all spaces until odors are removed
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A
ABAFT = Toward the rear (stern) of the boat.
ABOARD = On or within the boat. (“Permission to come aboard”)
ABOVE DECK = On the deck
ADRIFT = Loose, not on moorings or towline.
AFT = Toward the stern of the boat.
AGROUND = Touching or fast to the bottom.
AHEAD = In a forward direction.
ALOFT = Above the deck of the boat.
AMIDSHIPS = Toward the center of the boat.
ANCHORAGE = A place suitable for anchoring in relation to the wind, seabed.
ASTERN = In back of the boat, opposite of ahead.
AWEIGH = The position of anchor as it is raised clear of the bottom.
B
BEAM = The greatest width of the boat.
BEARING = The direction of an object expressed either as a true bearing as shown on the chart, or as a bearing relative to the heading of the boat.
BELOW = Beneath the deck.
BITTER END = The last part of a rope or chain. The part of a rope used to form a knot.
BOAT = A fairly indefinite term. A waterborne vessel smaller than a ship.
BOOT TOP = A stripe of paint applied to the hull at the designed waterline.
BOW = The forward part of a boat.
BOW LINE = A docking line leading from the bow.
BRIDGE = The location from which a vessel is steered and its speed controlled.
BRIDLE = A line or wire secured at both ends in order to distribute a strain between two points.
BULKHEAD = A vertical partition separating compartments.
BUOY = An anchored float used for marking a position on the water or a hazard or a shoal and for mooring.
C
CABIN = A compartment for passengers or crew.
CAPSIZE = To turn over.
CATAMARAN = A twin=hulled boat, with hulls side by side.
CHART = A map for use by the captain.
CHOCK = A fitting through which anchor or mooring lines are led. Usually U=shaped to reduce chafe.
CLEAT = A fitting to which lines are made fast. The classic cleat to which lines are belayed
COCKPIT = An opening in the deck from which the boat is handled.
COIL = To lay down a line in circular turns.
COURSE = The direction in which a boat is steered.
CUDDY = A small shelter cabin in a boat.
CURRENT = The horizontal movement of water.
D
DEAD AHEAD = Directly ahead.
DEAD ASTERN = Directly aft.
DECK = A permanent covering over a compartment, hull or any part thereof.
DINGHY = A small open boat. A dinghy is often used as a tender for a larger craft.
DISPLACEMENT = The weight of water displaced by a floating vessel, thus a boat’s weight.
DOCK = A protected water area in which vessels are moored, i.e. a pier.
DRAFT = The depth of water a boat draws.
E
EASE = To slacken or relieve tension on a line.
EBB = A receding current.
EBB TIDE = A receding tide.
EYE OF THE WIND = The direction from which the wind is blowing.
F
FAST = To secure an object to another.
FATHOM = Six feet.
FENDER = A cushion, placed between boats, or a boat and a pier, to prevent damage.
FLOOD = A incoming current.
FOLLOWING SEA = An overtaking sea that comes from astern.
FOREPEAK = A compartment in the bow of a small boat.
FORWARD = Toward the bow of the boat.
GALLEY = The kitchen area of a boat.
GANGWAY = The area of a ship’s side where people board and disembark.
GEAR = A general term for ropes, blocks, tackle and other equipment.
GIVE-WAY VESSEL = A term used to describe the vessel which must yield in meeting, crossing, or overtaking situations.
GPH – Gallons Per Hour of fuel consumption.
GRAB RAILS = Hand-hold fittings mounted on cabin tops and sides for personal safety when moving around the boat.
H
HARBOR = A safe anchorage, protected from weather; may be natural or manmade; a place for docking and loading.
HATCH = An opening in a boat’s deck fitted with a watertight cover.
HEAD = A marine toilet. Head is also the upper corner of a triangular sail.
HEADING = The direction in which a vessel’s bow points at any given time.
HEADWAY = The forward motion of a boat. The opposite of sternway.
HELM = The wheel or tiller controlling the rudder.
HELMSPERSON = The person who steers the boat.
HULL = The main body of a vessel.
I
INBOARD = More toward the center of a vessel; inside; a motor fitted inside a boat.
J
JACOBS LADDER = A marine ladder made of rope, or chain with wooden or metal rungs. When conditions are such that neither a walkway nor a straight ladder can be used to board a vessel, a Jacob’s ladder may be used.
KEEL = The centerline of a boat running fore and aft; the backbone of a vessel.
KETCH = A two-mast sailboat with the smaller after mast stepped ahead of the rudder post.
KNOT = A measure of speed equal to one nautical mile (6076 feet) per hour. To convert knots to statute mph, multiply by 1.14.
LATITUDE = The distance north or south of the equator measured and expressed in degrees.
LEE = The side sheltered from the wind.
LEEWARD = The direction away from the wind. Opposite of windward.
LEEWAY = The sideways movement of the boat caused by either wind or current.
LINE = Rope and cordage used aboard a vessel.
LOG = The book containing the record of courses or operation.
LONGITUDE = The distance in degrees east or west of the meridian at Greenwich, England.
MARLINSPIKE = A tool for opening the strands of a rope while splicing.
MAST = A spar set upright to support rigging and sails.
MIDSHIP = Approximately in the location equally distant from the bow and stern.
MONOHULL = A boat with one hull.
MOORING = An arrangement for securing a boat to a mooring buoy or a pier.
MOORING BUOY = A buoy secured to a permanent anchor sunk deeply into the bottom.
NAUTICAL MILE = One minute of latitude; A measurement used in salt water approximately 6,076 feet = about 1/8 longer than the statute mile of 5,280 feet.
NAVIGATION = The art and science of conducting a vessel safely from one point to another.
NAVIGATION RULES = The regulations governing the movement of vessels in relation to each other, generally called steering and sailing rules.
OUTBOARD = Toward or beyond the boat’s sides. A detachable engine mounted on a boat’s stern.
OVERBOARD = Over the side or out of the boat. “Man Overboard!!”
PENNANT (sometimes PENDANT) = The line by which a boat is made fast to a mooring buoy.
PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE (PFD) = PDF is official terminology for life jacket. When properly used, the PDF will support a person in the water.
PIER = A loading platform extending at an angle from the shore.
PILE = A wood, metal or concrete pole driven into the bottom. It may be used to support a pier or a float.
PILOTING = Navigation by use of visible references, the depth of the water, etc.
PLANNING = A boat is said to be planning when it is essentially moving over the top of the water rather than through the water.
PORT = The left side of a boat looking forward.
PRIVILEGED VESSEL = A vessel which, according to the applicable Navigation Rule, has right-of-way .
PROPELLER = A rotating device, with two or more blades, that acts as a screw in propelling a vessel.
QUARTER = The sides of a boat aft of amidships.
REEF = To reduce the sail area.
RIGGING = The general term for all the lines of a vessel.
RODE = The anchor line and/or chain.
ROLL = The alternating motion of a boat, leaning alternately to port and starboard; the motion of a boat about its fore-and-aft axis.
ROPE = In general, cordage as it is purchased at the store before the use. When is put to use, it becomes line.
RUDDER = A vertical plate or board for steering a boat.
RUNNING LIGHTS = Lights required to be shown on boats underway between sundown and sunup, used to signal a craft’s position, heading, and status
SATELLITE NAVIGATION = A form of position finding using radio transmissions from satellites with sophisticated on=board automatic equipment.
SCOPE = The ratio of length of anchor rode in use to the vertical distance from the bow of the vessel to the bottom of the water. Usually six to seven to one for calm weather.
SCUPPERS = Drain holes on deck, in the toe rail, or in bulwarks for purposes of draining water
SEA ROOM = A safe distance from the shore or other hazards.
SEAMANSHIP = All the arts and skills of boat handling, ranging from maintenance and repairs to piloting, sail handling, marlinespike work, and rigging.
SEAWORTHY = A boat or a boat’s gear able to meet the usual sea conditions.
SECURE = To make fast. (Secure the damn rope!!).
SET = Direction toward which the current is flowing.
SHACKLE = A «U» shaped connector with a pin or bolt across the open end.
SHEERLINE – The fore-and-aft line along the top edge of the hull.
SHIP = is a large vessel that floats on water. Ships are generally distinguished from boats based on size and cargo or passenger capacity.
SLACK = Not fastened; loose.
SLOOP = A single mast vessel with working sails (main and jib) set fore and aft.
SOLE = Cabin or saloon floor. Timber extensions on the bottom of the rudder.
SOUNDING = A measurement of the depth of water.
SPLICE – Is the forming of a semi-permanent joint between two ropes or two parts of the same rope by partly untwisting and then interweaving their strands.
SPRING LINE = A pivot line used in docking, undocking, or to prevent the boat from moving forward or astern while made fast to a dock.
SQUALL = A sudden, violent wind often accompanied by rain.
SQUARE KNOT = A knot used to join two lines of similar size. Also called a reef knot.
STARBOARD = The right side of a boat when looking forward.
STEM = The forward most part of the bow.
STERN = The after part of the boat.
STOW = To put an item in its proper place.
TENDER – Refers to a dinghy or a lack of stability.
TIDE = The periodic rise and fall of water level in the oceans.
TILLER = A bar or handle for turning a boat’s rudder or an outboard motor.
TOPSIDES = The sides of a vessel between the waterline and the deck; sometimes referring to onto or above the deck.
TRIMARAN = A boat with three hulls.
TRUE WIND = The actual direction from which the wind is blowing.
TURNBUCKLE = A threaded, adjustable rigging fitting, used for stays, lifelines and sometimes other rigging.
UNDERWAY = Vessel in motion, i.e., when not moored, at anchor, or aground.
V
VARIATION = The angular difference between the magnetic meridian and the geographic meridian at a particular location.
VHF RADIO = A very high frequency electronic communications and direction finding system.
W
WATERLINE = A line painted on a hull which shows the point to which a boat sinks when it is properly trimmed
WAY = Movement of a vessel through the water such as headway, sternway or leeway.
WINCH = A device used to increase hauling power when raising or trimming sails.
WINDWARD = Toward the direction from which the wind is coming.
Y
YACHT = A pleasure vessel, a pleasure boat.
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