August 31, 2012
Battery Sulfation
Have you ever had a battery that seems to work well but “dies” much more quickly than expected? The problem may be a battery that is heavily sulfated – often the result of only light use (being discharged by only 15% or so). The sulfuric acid has become concentrated on the battery’s bottom and sulfate crystals have begun to form. And even though a multi-meter will indicate that all is well in terms of voltage, the capacity of the battery has become severely reduced. Sure, the battery will work just fine, but it will die much sooner than normal. There are certain chargers that have a setting that will temporarily boost the charging voltage for a brief period of time, causing a mixing of the electrolyte, and dissolving the crystals. The process is called equalization and can be done – depending on the manufacturer – about once a year. But beware: this should only be done on wet cell batteries; this same process can ruin other types. And you will need to make sure that you disconnect the batteries from the electrical system to prevent the higher voltage from damaging other equipment.
August 29, 2012
Battery Chargers
Having said those things, it should be somewhat obvious that it is extremely important to
use a proper charger to do the job of recharging your batteries! Most
chargers that are designed to charge you car batteries are not
designed to charge your boat batteries: they just don’t always completely
shut down. And how often do you think that you can remember to unplug
that cheap charger when things “look about right?” From what I have read,
a 3-stage charger – one that will totally shut off when the battery
has reached full charge – is your best buy. Without all the chemistry and physics involved, batteries will do best on a regulated diet of amperes and volts served up in the right amount… and in stages. There are three stages: 1) bulk, 2) absorption and 3) float. The bulk stage is where a battery is brought up to about 75-80% of capacity. Absorption is where the voltage is constant but the amperage is tapered while the battery is “topped off.” And finally, the float stage is where the voltage is just enough to keep the battery from losing any charge. I’m sure that you are aware of this, but a battery can lose – depending on how and where it is stored – up to 30% of its charge per month – just sitting around the house or garage! And there are all kinds of things that affect battery charge and loss thereof (like temperature, humidity, state of discharge, age of battery, etc); most of us never consider any of them. Does size really matter? Well… in a matter of speaking – yes! Try to get a charger that is rated at about 15% of the battery’s amp-hour rating (a battery with a 200 amp-hour rating would suggest the need for a 30 amp charger). I recommend the Dual Pro Professional Series 2-Bank Charger, 15-amp/Bank PS2
(see/click on photo above).
August 27, 2012
Things that will destroy a battery
There are essentially two things that will quickly and easily destroy your battery: 1) undercharging it or 2) overcharging it. The majority of deep cycle and starting batteries are lead-plate batteries filled with sulfuric acid. Undercharging them will ultimately cause lead sulfate to accumulate on the plates – this will eventually destroy the battery because the normal chemical reaction will be unable to continue. Overcharging the battery will accelerate the natural corrosion of the plates due to excess electrons being literally boiled out of the electrolyte. Ultimately, the fluid boils away and the plates are exposed to the air, which ruins them.
August 25, 2012
Boat Batteries : What You Need to Know
Usually, by the end of October, many of the lakes have “turned over” for the winter. Morning steam rising from the water indicates that the heat energy stored in the lake from the long hours of summer daylight is beginning to return once again to the atmosphere as the water begins its annual slumber and ultimate renewal. There is perhaps still a little time left for one final outing, but most – if not all – of you have taken your boats out of the water and gotten them cleaned out, “winterized” and ready for next spring’s trek back to your favorite fishing spots. You take very good care of your boats, motors, poles, reels and other gear inside the boat. But have you really taken the time to look after one of the most important pieces of equipment that you have on board – your batteries?
Most of us take our boat batteries for granted, in much the same manner as we do our car batteries. I used to do that. In fact, I had a car that sat in the warmth of the garage all winter. I thought that an occasional blast from a charger would be enough to do the trick. Boy was I wrong. And the result was a new battery about every other year – until, after a lecture from my mechanic, I got a little bit smarter about batteries. Not unlike young children, they require maintenance. Getting the right battery for the intended task is only part of the story – keeping that battery healthy with the proper charging and maintenance will ultimately ensure that you will have the necessary power when you call for it!
Most of us take our boat batteries for granted, in much the same manner as we do our car batteries. I used to do that. In fact, I had a car that sat in the warmth of the garage all winter. I thought that an occasional blast from a charger would be enough to do the trick. Boy was I wrong. And the result was a new battery about every other year – until, after a lecture from my mechanic, I got a little bit smarter about batteries. Not unlike young children, they require maintenance. Getting the right battery for the intended task is only part of the story – keeping that battery healthy with the proper charging and maintenance will ultimately ensure that you will have the necessary power when you call for it!
August 23, 2012
BOAT STORAGE
STORAGE SUGGESTIONS
• Fiberglass boats will "chalk" in time if left in the sun.
If possible, store them in a garage,
car port or cover them with a
breathable tarp.
• When storing your boat, open
all hatches to vent the boat and
prevent moisture which can cause rot,
rust or corrosion. Pull the plug to drain water.
To make sure that you replace the plug before using the boat, attach it to the boat key ring, or
someplace where you can’t miss it.
• Do not store boats under trees. Falling leaves will stain a boat (particularly fiberglass).
Tree sap and bird droppings are also tough to remove.
• Store removable seat cushions inside after cleaning & scrubbing them, treating any mildew spots that
have occurred, and drying them thoroughly.
• Check battery fluid and restore it as required. Check battery terminals and clean with a terminal
brush to maintain good electrical connections.
• Check boat accessories. If you have wood oars or paddles, check them for
roughness, splinters or cracks in the blade.
Replace if required. Check plastic or metal
paddles or oars for signs of wear
that might cause them to fail.
• Check your ropes, lines,
anchors, boat poles, rod holders
and other fishing and boating
accessories. Repair or replace any damaged equipment.
• Check the condition of your life preservers (personal flotation devices – PFD’s), and replace
when required. Sun, saltwater & age will damage PFDs. Note that you must have one for each
person on board, including children, and they must be properly sized for each person.
• When storing your boat, remove the electronics to prevent theft. Keep such instruments inside
to protect them. When removing electronics, protect electrical connections with de-moisturizing
compounds or sprays. Check your lights (bow starboard – green – and port – red and 360 degree
white light) to ensure that they are working.
• If trailering, use a trailer with adequate bunks or beds on which the hull rides, all positioned
appropriately to support your boat. This is most important when fitting a boat to a trailer the
first time. (For a complete guide on trailering, visit TakeMeFishing.org)
• Visually inspect the rest of your boat trailer at this time also. Check tires, tire pressure, hubs,
grease fittings, rust or corrosion on any part of the trailer, tongue, trailer hitch chains, lock, trailer
lights (night, right turn, left turn and braking lights).
• Lastly, check to make sure that your boat sticker or state certification is up to date along with the
trailer license registration.
• Fiberglass boats will "chalk" in time if left in the sun.
If possible, store them in a garage,
car port or cover them with a
breathable tarp.
• When storing your boat, open
all hatches to vent the boat and
prevent moisture which can cause rot,
rust or corrosion. Pull the plug to drain water.
To make sure that you replace the plug before using the boat, attach it to the boat key ring, or
someplace where you can’t miss it.
• Do not store boats under trees. Falling leaves will stain a boat (particularly fiberglass).
Tree sap and bird droppings are also tough to remove.
• Store removable seat cushions inside after cleaning & scrubbing them, treating any mildew spots that
have occurred, and drying them thoroughly.
• Check battery fluid and restore it as required. Check battery terminals and clean with a terminal
brush to maintain good electrical connections.
• Check boat accessories. If you have wood oars or paddles, check them for
roughness, splinters or cracks in the blade.
Replace if required. Check plastic or metal
paddles or oars for signs of wear
that might cause them to fail.
• Check your ropes, lines,
anchors, boat poles, rod holders
and other fishing and boating
accessories. Repair or replace any damaged equipment.
• Check the condition of your life preservers (personal flotation devices – PFD’s), and replace
when required. Sun, saltwater & age will damage PFDs. Note that you must have one for each
person on board, including children, and they must be properly sized for each person.
• When storing your boat, remove the electronics to prevent theft. Keep such instruments inside
to protect them. When removing electronics, protect electrical connections with de-moisturizing
compounds or sprays. Check your lights (bow starboard – green – and port – red and 360 degree
white light) to ensure that they are working.
• If trailering, use a trailer with adequate bunks or beds on which the hull rides, all positioned
appropriately to support your boat. This is most important when fitting a boat to a trailer the
first time. (For a complete guide on trailering, visit TakeMeFishing.org)
• Visually inspect the rest of your boat trailer at this time also. Check tires, tire pressure, hubs,
grease fittings, rust or corrosion on any part of the trailer, tongue, trailer hitch chains, lock, trailer
lights (night, right turn, left turn and braking lights).
• Lastly, check to make sure that your boat sticker or state certification is up to date along with the
trailer license registration.
August 21, 2012
ANNUAL BOAT CARE
ANNUALLY
• If you have a wood boat, check it carefully each spring or fall for possible damage or rot.
Be particularly vigilant in corners, under decks that might stay moist, along the waterline, and
the back of the boat (transom). If you can remove your boat from the water, place it on blocks or
turn it over for wintering.
• Scrub all boats at least once a
year, more often if used in salt
water. You can use a regular
brush for aluminum boats, but
check with your marina or boat
supply retailer for special gentle
soaps and tools for scrubbing
gelcoat or fiberglass without
damage.
• Use special fiberglass boat polish to
maintain the finish of your fiberglass boat
and preserve its value.
• Aluminum boats require little care, but
many are assembled with rivets. Make sure
that you check all rivets to prevent leaks.
With the boat in water, use a permanent felt
tip marker or chalk to mark those rivets or
areas that leak. Boat shops can fix this or
you can drill out and re-rivet (use only boat
rivets) or seal by hammering on one side
while a friend holds a steel stop on the other
side of the rivet.
• If you have a wood boat, check it carefully each spring or fall for possible damage or rot.
Be particularly vigilant in corners, under decks that might stay moist, along the waterline, and
the back of the boat (transom). If you can remove your boat from the water, place it on blocks or
turn it over for wintering.
• Scrub all boats at least once a
year, more often if used in salt
water. You can use a regular
brush for aluminum boats, but
check with your marina or boat
supply retailer for special gentle
soaps and tools for scrubbing
gelcoat or fiberglass without
damage.
• Use special fiberglass boat polish to
maintain the finish of your fiberglass boat
and preserve its value.
• Aluminum boats require little care, but
many are assembled with rivets. Make sure
that you check all rivets to prevent leaks.
With the boat in water, use a permanent felt
tip marker or chalk to mark those rivets or
areas that leak. Boat shops can fix this or
you can drill out and re-rivet (use only boat
rivets) or seal by hammering on one side
while a friend holds a steel stop on the other
side of the rivet.
August 19, 2012
WEEKLY/MONTHLY BOAT CARE
REGULARLY (WEEKLY/MONTHLY)
• When cleaning your boat, check for any loose fittings, cracks, loose rivets or other parts that need
care, special attention or replacement. Fix these immediately, or get the boat to a qualified marina
for a detailed check up.
• If you don’t like to spend time washing your boat, remove all fishing tackle, seat cushions,
electronics and other accessories, then run the boat through a high-pressure car wash or one of the
do-it-yourself washing bays. Because of the fittings on boat trailers and some boats, avoid using
brush-style car washes.
• Use special metal cleaners and scrubbers to maintain easily-corroded chrome, aluminum or
stainless steel fittings. This is especially important around salt water.
• When washing your boat, consider using bio-degradable detergents and soaps which are less
harmful to the environment.
• When cleaning your boat, check for any loose fittings, cracks, loose rivets or other parts that need
care, special attention or replacement. Fix these immediately, or get the boat to a qualified marina
for a detailed check up.
• If you don’t like to spend time washing your boat, remove all fishing tackle, seat cushions,
electronics and other accessories, then run the boat through a high-pressure car wash or one of the
do-it-yourself washing bays. Because of the fittings on boat trailers and some boats, avoid using
brush-style car washes.
• Use special metal cleaners and scrubbers to maintain easily-corroded chrome, aluminum or
stainless steel fittings. This is especially important around salt water.
• When washing your boat, consider using bio-degradable detergents and soaps which are less
harmful to the environment.
August 17, 2012
BASIC BOAT CARE AND MAINTENANCE
DAILY
• If you don’t use protective anti-fouling paint (to repel barnacles in salt water), make sure that
you remove your boat from the water every few days. This will prevent build up of algae and
barnacles. Scrub and wash the boat while it is wet and before putting it back in the water.
• If you use your boat in salt water, give it a freshwater rinse after each day of fishing.
Use plenty of soap and water and rinse thoroughly.
• If using an electric motor, charge the battery immediately upon returning from your fishing trip.
If you use a battery to start your main engine, check the battery frequently and charge as required.
• If you don’t use protective anti-fouling paint (to repel barnacles in salt water), make sure that
you remove your boat from the water every few days. This will prevent build up of algae and
barnacles. Scrub and wash the boat while it is wet and before putting it back in the water.
• If you use your boat in salt water, give it a freshwater rinse after each day of fishing.
Use plenty of soap and water and rinse thoroughly.
• If using an electric motor, charge the battery immediately upon returning from your fishing trip.
If you use a battery to start your main engine, check the battery frequently and charge as required.
August 15, 2012
More Seafood Questions Answered
Common Seafood Questions Answered
Here are the most common questions I get here about seafood so I thought I would address them here in one post. Fresh fish seems the major concern.
When is fish bad? Whole fish is bad when the eyes get cloudy and the gills get brownish in color, always look for clear eyes and ruby red gills when buying fish whole or having one filleted or steaked out. Cut fish is bad when the flesh does not spring back from touch, the flesh is opaque and/or has an ammonia type odor.
When is fresh or wild salmon season? People often ask for fresh salmon when they mean wild salmon that is why I included both terms. Typically wild salmon season runs from first of March to late November although some species are available late into winter. My advice is to always buy Alaskan salmon, if it is not available fresh, frozen Alaskan salmon is just as good, the process they use often makes the frozen salmon actually fresher than the "fresh" salmon you buy in market.
Is seafood better for you than red meat? Yes, it is recommended you have two to three servings of seafood a week compared to one of red meat, and yes pork is included in red meat despite their advertising it as a white meat. There is just so much good nutrition you can obtain from seafood that you just can't get from any other single food source, plus it is a high grade protein.
Here are the most common questions I get here about seafood so I thought I would address them here in one post. Fresh fish seems the major concern.
When is fish bad? Whole fish is bad when the eyes get cloudy and the gills get brownish in color, always look for clear eyes and ruby red gills when buying fish whole or having one filleted or steaked out. Cut fish is bad when the flesh does not spring back from touch, the flesh is opaque and/or has an ammonia type odor.
When is fresh or wild salmon season? People often ask for fresh salmon when they mean wild salmon that is why I included both terms. Typically wild salmon season runs from first of March to late November although some species are available late into winter. My advice is to always buy Alaskan salmon, if it is not available fresh, frozen Alaskan salmon is just as good, the process they use often makes the frozen salmon actually fresher than the "fresh" salmon you buy in market.
Is seafood better for you than red meat? Yes, it is recommended you have two to three servings of seafood a week compared to one of red meat, and yes pork is included in red meat despite their advertising it as a white meat. There is just so much good nutrition you can obtain from seafood that you just can't get from any other single food source, plus it is a high grade protein.
August 13, 2012
Seafood Questions?
Common Seafood Questions Answered
Here are the most common questions I get here about seafood so I thought I would address them here in one post. Fresh fish seems the major concern.
When does fish go bad? When fish goes bad is determined by the temperature it is stored at. At minus 10 degrees F or below it can last up to 12 months, at 30 degrees F about 7 days, at 40 degrees F (approx normal home refrigeration temp) about two to three days.
How fast does fish go bad? Typically it will last in home refrigeration two to three days after brought home from market. Temperature is always the key to how fast fish goes bad, the colder you can keep fish the longer it stays consumable.
Here are the most common questions I get here about seafood so I thought I would address them here in one post. Fresh fish seems the major concern.
When does fish go bad? When fish goes bad is determined by the temperature it is stored at. At minus 10 degrees F or below it can last up to 12 months, at 30 degrees F about 7 days, at 40 degrees F (approx normal home refrigeration temp) about two to three days.
How fast does fish go bad? Typically it will last in home refrigeration two to three days after brought home from market. Temperature is always the key to how fast fish goes bad, the colder you can keep fish the longer it stays consumable.
August 11, 2012
More Advantages to Fish
Dementia - elderly people who eat fish or seafood at least once a week may have a lower risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.
Depression - people who regularly eat fish have a lower incidence of depression (depression is linked to low levels of omega 3 fatty acids in the brain).
Diabetes - fish may help people with diabetes manage their blood sugar levels.
Eyesight - breastfed babies of mothers who eat fish have better eyesight, perhaps due to the omega 3 fatty acids transmitted in breast milk.
Inflammatory conditions - regular fish consumption may relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and autoimmune disease.
Prematurity - eating fish during pregnancy may help reduce the risk of delivering a premature baby.
Depression - people who regularly eat fish have a lower incidence of depression (depression is linked to low levels of omega 3 fatty acids in the brain).
Diabetes - fish may help people with diabetes manage their blood sugar levels.
Eyesight - breastfed babies of mothers who eat fish have better eyesight, perhaps due to the omega 3 fatty acids transmitted in breast milk.
Inflammatory conditions - regular fish consumption may relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and autoimmune disease.
Prematurity - eating fish during pregnancy may help reduce the risk of delivering a premature baby.
August 09, 2012
Advantages of Fish
Regular consumption of fish can reduce the risk of various diseases and
disorders. Selected research findings indicate the following:
Asthma - children who eat fish may be less likely to develop asthma.
Brain and eyes - fish rich in omega 3 fatty acids can contribute to the health of brain tissue and the retina (the light sensitive tissue lining the inner surface of the eye).
Cancer - the omega 3 fatty acids in fish may reduce the risk of many types of cancers by 30 to 50 per cent, especially of the oral cavity, oesophagus, colon, breast, ovary and prostate.
Cardiovascular disease - eating fish every week reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke by reducing blood clots and inflammation, improving blood vessel elasticity, lowering blood pressure, lowering blood fats and boosting 'good' cholesterol.
Asthma - children who eat fish may be less likely to develop asthma.
Brain and eyes - fish rich in omega 3 fatty acids can contribute to the health of brain tissue and the retina (the light sensitive tissue lining the inner surface of the eye).
Cancer - the omega 3 fatty acids in fish may reduce the risk of many types of cancers by 30 to 50 per cent, especially of the oral cavity, oesophagus, colon, breast, ovary and prostate.
Cardiovascular disease - eating fish every week reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke by reducing blood clots and inflammation, improving blood vessel elasticity, lowering blood pressure, lowering blood fats and boosting 'good' cholesterol.
August 07, 2012
Researchers worldwide have discovered
...that eating fish regularly - one or two servings weekly - may reduce the risk of diseases ranging from childhood asthma to prostate cancer.
Fish is low in fat, high in protein and an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids.
Fish is low in fat, high in protein and an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids.
Read more: Advantages of Eating Fish Foods - Health Benefits | Medindia http://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/fishfood.htm#ixzz20RjsQJF7
August 05, 2012
Health Benefits of Seafood
Recent studies have shown that the Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids found in fresh seafood have a number of heart-related health benefits. These polyunsaturated acids, otherwise known as "good fats", prove to lower cholesterol, decrease blood clotting factors and increase beneficial relaxation in larger arteries and blood vessels.
Additional fresh seafood health benefits in relation to brain functioning, skin conditions and ability to fight infection include improvements in:
Additional fresh seafood health benefits in relation to brain functioning, skin conditions and ability to fight infection include improvements in:
- Immune system
- Eye functioning
- Neurological functioning
- Infant brain development
- Intelligence
- Psoriasis
- Concentration
August 03, 2012
Seafood Health Benefits
Most people are completely unaware of the many health benefits of seafood. Fresh seafood is a genuine health food that has been shown to help prevent and alleviate growing list of ailments. Experts on human nutrition who have studied these seafood health benefits have determined that fresh seafood, when consumed at least two times per week, produces significant improvements in heart problems, arthritis, and other health-related issues.
Seafood as a Provider of Essential Oils, Vitamins, Minerals and Nutrients
A healthy diet should consist of a variety of fish, which are comparatively low in fat and high in Omega-3, including:
Seafood as a Provider of Essential Oils, Vitamins, Minerals and Nutrients
A healthy diet should consist of a variety of fish, which are comparatively low in fat and high in Omega-3, including:
- Sardines
- Salmon
- Rainbow Trout
- Tuna
August 01, 2012
Specials Everyday…
Check Out
Reservations for the dining room are taken for parties of six or more, unless it is a holiday such as New Years, Valentines Day, Easter, Mother's Day, etc. when reservations are required.
Starting in season we have Monday Deck Parties. On weekends, enjoy acoustical deck acts.
Make sure you check out our Photo Gallery Page to observe many of our food and dessert selections and pictures of the restaurant.
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