BH Marine » boat maintenance

Navigation lights

Editor — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 18:07:01 +0000

It’s hard to believe that it was not until the mid 1800′s that navigation lights were made mandatory aboard sailing ships, and as our seas become more congested no boater would dream of sailing at night without lights. Anyone with any sense will do all they can to ensure they are visible to commercial shipping, however, the RYA is frequently contacted by representatives from the commercial shipping sector on one matter: tricolour navigation lights.Mounted at the top of your mast, the tricolour is a useful way of saving battery power on a long passage, as most will only use one bulb. There are, however, drawbacks as RYA Cruising Manager Stuart Carruthers explained: “We are frequently contacted by commercial masters concerned because they are not picking out tricolour lights as easily as perhaps they should.”There are a number of reasons for this: tricolour lights have a tendency to disappear when there is a lot of background clutter, being at the top of the mast, tricolours exaggerate the angle of heel which also reduces their effectiveness.”Maintenance is also an issue: being at the top of the mast, the light will not get inspected as regularly as deck level lights. In addition to this, the fact that there is a substantial length of wire between the battery and bulb will inevitably reduce its power.”The RYA is not telling you not to do away with tricolour lights, just to be aware of their limitations.”Top Tips

Check for lens crazing; many lenses also tend to fog up following exposure to sea air which can substantially reduce their efficiency.
Check your bulbs are still working efficiently and are of the right size and type. Damaged filaments can compromise the brightness of bulbs, whilst if you are replacing lights, make sure you fit the correct bulb. If in doubt, check with the manufacturer.

Winter Anti fouling & Anodes checking

Editor — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 13:52:21 +0000

It is recommended to check your anodes and anti fouling once a year. Recently BH Marine lifted a Beneteau Motor Yacht out of the water, on inspection the hull needed simply jet washing and antifouling. Looking a little closer all of the anodes were missing, in other words they had been eaten away by the natural processes. It appears that this particular vessel was moored in Weymouths Dean & Reddyhoff Marina, near to the fresh water stream. I believe that with fresh water flowing past and electric to the vessel whilst moored up eats away at the anodes more. So in this particular case, we have now invested in a water proof camera on the end of a pole, so that we can see clearly the condition of the anodes during the year and time the lift out accordingly.For your price match anti fouling and annual lift out please contact Ben on 0845 0583935 or email ben@bhmarine.co.uk

Osprey Quay, Portland

Editor — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 17:47:44 +0000

I’m quite excited with the new developments at Osprey Quay, with yacht services, mechanicial lifts and restaurants. All we need now is some palm trees and a little sun! Is it going to be the new place to hang out in 2010?

Weymouth & Portland Marina Services

Editor — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 17:29:59 +0000

What are your views on the current services provided in Weymouth & Portland Harbour. What would you like to see improved?

Welcome to the BH Marine Boating Blog

Editor — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 13:39:40 +0000

Our blog will have information and news about all things boating related!