Destinations of the Sea

A typical vacation for you may have been to some pretty exciting or peaceful destinations. Chances are you booked your flight and hotel online or through a travel agent then anxiously awaited your vacation. You fly to a specific airport then perhaps rent a car to use public transportation. Next you see all the sites within a day’s drive of your hotel, hope your flight home and it all becomes a distant memory as you try desperately to recuperate from your adventure.

When travelling aboard a luxury motor yacht charter the experience is entirely different. First and foremost you are not limited by geography and you don’t have to worry about booking a hotel for each city you visit. Your luxury suite travels with you along with your personal chef and butler. On top of that, all of your closest friends and family can come along.

Luxury yacht vacation packages that also include a flight to the departing port can range from weekend trips around the Caribbean Islands and the Bahamas to week long travels to the Mediterranean sea. Generally the Caribbean is reached via Miami and European Islands and those in the Mediterranean are reached by a number of different departure cities. The all inclusive trip is yours for the designing. You choose where you will stop and how long you will stay. There are no other passengers to accommodate other than those you have invited so the choice is yours.

What Is It Like Aboard a Luxury Motor Yacht Charter?

Imagine the finest hotel with the best restaurant in the city at your disposal 24/7 and you only begin to see the luxury of a privately chartered cruise. Now add to that the best a private spa has to offer with exercise equipment, a spa tub and steam room and refreshing dips in a private pool. Now you are getting closer to the luxury of a private charter.

Accommodations are not the only aspect of luxury. Service that is top notch and available around the clock adds to the overall experience. A well trained and knowledgeable crew is always at your disposal. This includes the skipper, a first mate, the finest chefs, and discretely efficient housekeeping services. After experiencing such service you’ll want to take the crew home with you so you can extend the luxury of this type of travel.

Make a date with luxury by taking an online tour and reserving one of the finest sailing vessels on the sea. Your next trip will be the standard by which all others are measured.

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Here is a recap of some the yacht builders we presented over the past year or so. Each one is a shipbuilder of worldwide acclaim. Trinity Yacht can produce a 400-foot-long vessel. Azimut Yachts is renowned for its advancements in soundproofing technology. Christensen Shipyards has built more yachts measuring 120 feet or longer of composite materials than any other builder. The Burger Boat Company built numerous vessels for the U.S. during wartime. The firm also produced the first all-steel-welded hull made in the U.S. All are capable of fulfilling a buyer’s vision of a “dreamboat,” whether it is a power or a sailing yacht.

Presenting the newest, the best, and the most innovative in all matters of luxury lifestyle is a never-ending process. So stay tuned. More noteworthy and up-and-coming yacht builders will be introduced throughout 2007 – and beyond.

Azimut Yachts offer the best combination of features and benefits to its lucky owners. The Azimut 85, which premiered at the Genoa Boat Show in October 2005, is luxury afloat at its finest. The 85’s length is actually a tad longer than its name and 22 feet wide. Stephano Righini designed the exterior and Carlo Galeazzi manned the interior. The advanced soundproofing techniques and windows on both decks are only two of the yacht’s noteworthy and unique features.

Marquis Yacht is a U.S.-based firm that is definitely on the rise. With each release, beginning with the Carver 59 Marquis, the company is diligently establishing its niche for launching innovative, Italian-inspired-designed yachts. The 59 features twin 660 horsepower Cummins QSM11 diesel inboards, with the option to upgrade to twin 825 horsepower MTU Series 60 diesel inboards. The ship’s overall length is nearly 60 feet with platform and a waterline length that exceeds 45 feet. Standard features include a hydraulic swim platform and fore and aft shore-power ties.

Saying it in Italian just sounds more romantic than saying it in English. But no matter how you say it, the 44.8-meters long Gran Finale by Delta Marine is one beautiful boat! Launched in 2002, this tri-deck is the winner of the 2003 “Best Motor Yacht Over 38 Meters” by Showboats International. Its all-encompassing craftsmanship is perhaps the boat’s greatest benefit. However, providing a smooth ride at a cruising speed of 18 knots and a top speed over 20 knots, with its twin Caterpillar 3512B engine, is quite impressive too.

International Yacht Collection is a fourfold specialist in the luxury boating industry. The firm is capable of managing and maintaining a yacht for personal or corporate owners; taking a boating project from inception to design to completion; offering brokering services; and yacht-chartering specialists for either corporate or personal needs.

The Rasselas, the latest vessel launched by Feadship De Vries of the Netherlands, is the most technologically advanced yacht to ever float across the waters. Strident progress has been made in shipbuilding technology over the past 10 years, and this craft has incorporated it all. The innovative technology addresses environmental and operational issues, reduces noise level, and facilitates maintenance and favorably. Specifically, it burns fuel more efficiently and is easier to keep in tip-top condition. Measuring out at 62 meters, it is nearly 30 feet longer than the previous Rasselas.

Thank goodness the Burger Boat Company was revitalized in the early 90s and put back in the waters of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, by its new owners, David Ross and Jim Ruffolo. Founded in 1863 by Henry B. Burger, the contributions this organization made to the U.S. and to the boating industry are historic, patriotic and most inventive. From 1870 to the turn of the century, the firm specialized in manufacturing steamers, tugs, scows, schooners and barges to support the industrialization efforts of the USA. During World War I, Burger manufactured 22 vessels for the U.S. Navy and Emergency Corps. READ MORE

When the topic of the conversation turns to yachts, the size of a vessel is generally at the top of the pecking list. However, the more significant issue regarding long-term value is the materials used in the construction of ships. Christensen Shipyards has built more 120-plus-feet yachts with composite materials than any shipbuilder in the world. Composite materials eliminate rust and corrosion and provide better insulation and strength compared to ships built from aluminum and steel. This makes overall maintenance easier and extends the life of a ship threefold compared to those predominantly constructed with metals. Christensen Shipyards is a certified shipbuilder by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), which was established in 1862 and is the governing agency for safety standards of the marine industry. ABS is a non-profit organization with 150 offices in 70 countries.

Trinity Yacht encourages all yachtsmen to have it your way! Whether you are seeking a 72-footer, a 200-footer or a whopping 400-footer, your selection is built and designed to meet and, probably, exceed your expectations. Trinity can place bid on designs drawn up independently from outside sources or provide patrons with designs stemming from either its Victory Lane or Global Explorer series.

It is very difficult to begin a sentence with a company that prefers not to capitalize its name or products, such as eLuxury, iPod, or oceAnco. However, what oceAnco does capitalize wisely are its resources when it comes to designing and building superyachts. The firm has built some of the finest 50-meter-plus vessels to clientele around the world. Its main office is in Monaco, and its shipyard is based in Albasserdam, Holland. The yacht builder’s Web site boasts of 16 launched boats. Over the past three years, oceAnco has launched three stunning 60-meter-plus yachts: the Lady Lola at 62.6 meters, the Alfa Four at 60 meters, and the Dilbar at 66 meters. The Dilbar has two master suites and a dip pool on its sundeck that is over 15 feet wide. Mr. Alberto Pino is the interior designer of the steel hull with an aluminum superstructure, and oceAnco is both the naval architect and the exterior designers.

Princess Yachts International is a shipbuilder with over 40 years of know-how. The company, which began in 1965 and was known as Marine Projects (Plymouth) Ltd., originally specialized in making 20- to 30-foot ships. Today the company is regarded as one of the world’s most prominent manufacturers of Flybridge yachts and “V” class sports yachts. Yacht building began in 1970 with the launching of the Princess 32. Over the next decade, approximately 1,200 Princess 32s were ordered and sold.

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Some of the amenities you can enjoy with a catamaran sailing charter include cooling fans in the cabin and the salon. There are also fresh water transom showers so you won’t have to bathe in salt water on your catamaran sailing vacation. The electronics on board the catamaran include a GPS, a CD player and a VHF radio. You don’t have to do without cold food because catamaran sailing vacations have a refrigerator and beverage cooler on the yachts, as well as a barbeque and a microwave. Enjoy all the comforts of home as you are sailing along.

When you choose a catamaran sailing vacation, you will have a spacious deck where you can sunbathe, use as a diving platform or just sit and chat. The cockpit of the catamaran sailing charter is also quite spacious and has a table where you can sit and enjoy the scenery on days when the weather doesn’t allow you to spend time outdoors. From the seat on the helm you have a view of all parts of the deck when you are docking if you are operating the catamaran on your own.

The oversized main salon of a catamaran has ample room for all members of your group to be seated comfortably. There are huge windows that give you a 360° view to help you make the most of a catamaran sailing vacation. If there is a lot of sun, you don’t have to be uncomfortable inside, because with a catamaran sailing charter the overhanging top of the cabin provides shade from the sun as well as cooling down the interior. When you book one of the catamaran sailing vacations, the charter company will make sure you understand how to use the navigation charts before you depart.

When it is your turn to cook on your catamaran sailing charter, you can still be part of all the action with the way the galley is designed. The galley is located on the starboard side of the catamaran and the gallery area is an open space. You can cook and talk to everyone else at the same time. Along with a three – burner stove and an over, you have ample storage space for all your food supplies. For the sleeping arrangements, a catamaran sailing charter provides you with queen-sized berths, each with its private bathroom.

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If you regularly take your sail boat on the ocean, you should use an offshore life jacket. This survival jacket is designed to keep you afloat in rough waters. Even if you become unconscious during a sailing accident, this type of personal flotation device will turn your face up. With 22 pounds of buoyancy it is the best PFD to have if you are sailing in remote lakes where help may be a long time coming.

The classic life jacket for adults and children is referred to as the near shore survival jacket. It is not as bulky as the offshore PFD and is designed for sailing in inshore waters. This type of personal flotation device is designed for areas where you won’t have to be in the water very long before help arrives.

For comfortable sailing, you might want to consider a flotation aid. This type of life jacket is the one used for most recreational boating activities. These are not really survival jackets because although they will keep you buoyant in the water and save your life, if you are unconscious they will not turn your face up.

You need to know about the different designs of life jackets in order to equip your inflatable boat with the best survival gear for your passengers. Families that enjoy sailing together should have a personal flotation device for each member of the family. Life jackets and survival vests are not as bulky and uncomfortable as they once were. Make sure the PFDs you buy for your inflatable sail boat is certified by the Coast Guard.

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Yachting Day in Brighton

The best part of yacht sailing in Brighton as a favourite stag do is that you get a full day to ride a 36 ft racing yacht. You will be given a safety briefing before being taken by your skipper on board. For two hours, you will be taught the mechanism and the basic skills required for sailing. Chillisauce ensures that you are treated to a delicious lunch at the yacht club while sharing your new experience with the rest of the crew.

The time to test your skill comes in the afternoon when you will be asked to take charge of the yacht yourself. The skipper will then act as a passive crewmember and will only take charge of the yacht if your team finds it difficult to control. Each team will comprise of a minimum of six and a maximum of ten members. A fun filled stag do, yacht sailing is the best way to spend your stag weekend in Brighton.

The Positive side of Stag Do in Brighton

Stag weekends with stag parties and stag nights are the best ways to enjoy your weekend. Brighton, with its scenic beauty and thrilling nightlife is the right place if you are looking for a calm place, eager to escape the din and bustle of city life. When it comes to all types of stag outdoor adventures and water activities, stag do in Brighton gives you the ultimate pleasure. Yacht sailing, one of the most sought after stag do in Brighton, releases you of all the tensions of the past week and rejuvenates your mind by giving you a adventurous feel with a long lasting soothing effect on your mind. If you are looking for some adventurous water activities, just go for the big challenge of Yacht sailing in Brighton.

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Otherwise replace them immediately. Also same for the lure and sinkers should be rust free to avoid injuries. Be aware of the biting fishes like Muskie and others, it leads to life danger for you and others.

And also you should keep in mind about the weather conditions, always be aware of it, you should confirm from the officials is there any weather changes expected in that day, but no one can say exactly about the weather conditions, so you should come to sportfishing with all necessary safety things including your dress material like life preserver since it is painful, don’t avoid this to wear.

You should be aware of others while you do sportfishing with a group of people and don’t take children with you, The dangerous thing is doing the idiot game Noodling, this can lead your hands can be attacked by the cat fishes and some other types of dangerous fishes, many of the people has loss their life, while doing Noodles by searching the holes in the water by pending down up to their chest level.
Don’t decide to go for ice fishing without having secured build systems including your dress materials, also your health conditions may be affect by serious diseases. You should be careful always, sometimes careless leads to fall in ice.
If you follow these security things described above in this article, then you can enjoy the memorable sportfishing experience and safe you and others without injuries.

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Some of the most common inflatable ocean kayak accessory items include:
Life jackets and paddling vests – Coast Guard approved PFDs are a must for owners of inflatable boats and kayaks.

Inflator pump – You can inflate your sea kayak with a hand operated pump. A 110 V high volume inflator/deflator makes the job easier and faster.

Repair kit for kayaks – This is an essential accessory item in case the kayak develops a leak. The kit contains two patches of the hull material, glue and a valve replacement tool.

Bilge pump – A high volume hand operated bilge pump is essential for getting the water out of the inflatable when on the water.

Storage bags for bow and stern – Great boating accessories for storing your supplies and gear.

Kayak carry bag – Deflate and roll up the inflatable sea kayak, then place it on the bag and wrap the bag around it for easy storage.

Seats – It’s nice to have a seat with a back rest in your ocean kayak for long paddling or rowing. These Deluxe seats are very comfortable
Although there are many more types of accessories you can get for your inflatable ocean kayak, this will give you an idea of what is available.

The most important accessory on the above list is the life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD). A PFD is not considered an accessory for any boat, whether it is an ocean kayak or a dinghy. It is an essential part of any sea kayaking equipment and you should never go out in any inflatable without wearing a Coast Guard approved life vest.

The second most important inflatable boat accessory is your hull repair kit. Although Sea Eagle has a small patch kit for minor repairs there is a better inflatable ocean kayak repair kit available for bigger jobs from Tuff Coat. Most if not all of these boating accessories can be bought from the manufacturer or retailer where you bought the kayak.

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It is worth considering the following equipment when cruising this area. An SSB radio is useful for obtaining weather forecasts. It is very hot in the summer and ventilation is important. It may be worth fitting extra hatches and a wind scoop over the fore hatch will help a lot. An awning or biminy, covering the cockpit, to provide shelter from the sun is a must. A cockpit table is useful as eating outside during the summer months is one of the pleasures of cruising. Mosquitoes can be a problem and many boats screen all openings while others rely on mosquito coils, insecticides and repellents. Sunburn is the other hazard cruisers should be aware of, the sun can be deceptively strong while the boat is underway, plenty of cream and a hat will go along way to avoid the misery of sunstroke.

There is a constant east going current of between 1 and 2 knots flowing through the straight of Gibraltar and between the Costa del Sol and the north African coast. There is some tide to be considered at the western end of the region, Gibraltar sees 1 metre at most. This diminishes the further east traveled. The weather is affected by several systems and is consequently difficult to predict. There is an old saying that in the summer months nine days of light winds will be followed by a full blown gale that is inaccurate. A wind from the northwest is known as the “tramotana”. It can be dangerous because it can arrive and reach gale force in as little as 15 minutes. It often lasts for 3 days and can blow in excess of a week. The wind from the east, the “levante” can also blow for several days at gale force. Annual rainfall at Gibraltar is 760mm. The Costa del Sol will experience about 4 days a month of fog. Summer temperatures can exceed 35 degrees C and the winter months see around 15 degrees.

The remainder of this article looks principally at the harbours of the Costa del Sol. There are also numerous anchorages bbut only a few of the notable ones are mentioned here.

Marina Bay is largest of Gibraltar’s three marinas with 350 berths. Most berthing is stern/bow to. Larger yachts can lie alongside. Water and electricity on the pontoons. Within the complex you will find a chandlers, launderette and a good selection of restaurants and bars. There is an indoor market less than 5 minutes walk from the marina. Queensway Marina is much quieter than Gibraltar’s other two marinas. Security is excellent with all the pontoons being gated. Within the complex you will find several restaurants and bars.
Gibraltar itself was ceded from the Spanish to the British in the early 18th century and for most of it’s history since that time Spain has been trying to get it back. There is evidence of this wherever you go on the rock. The rock itself is honeycombed with tunnels constructed at one time or another for the purposes of adding to the defences of Gibraltar. Many of the older tunnels are open to the public and feature exhibitions of how life was for the soldiers of the day. Many of the tunnels are most definitely not open to the public and there is considerable speculation as to what might be seen in these. You can see Rosia Bay where Admiral Lord Nelson’s body was bought ashore from HMS Victory following his famous victory over a combined French and Spanish fleet at the Battle of Trafalgar. Nelson’s body was returned to Britain for a hero’s funeral but many of the seamen who died alongside him in the battle are buried on the rock at the Trafalgar cemetery. Take a cable car ride to the top of the rock, stunning views of Spain and across the straights to Morocco. Up here you will also find the famous colony of Barbary apes. Rumor has it that only when the apes are no more will the British leave the Rock. A rumor taken seriously by Winston Churchill, the Prime Minister of Britain during the Second World War, who on learning of their dwindling population ordered more to be bought to the Rock from Africa.

Puerto de Sotogrande is an attractive marina complex surrounded by apartments, shops, bars and restaurants. The overall design has been inspired by Portofino. There are
sandy beaches to either side of the marina and golf, riding, tennis and squash courts nearby. One of the most expensive marinas on this part of the coast.

One of my favorites is Puerto de la Duquessa. Not too big and not to noisy. The marina is surrounded by apartments, shops, restaurants and bars. The marina offers free medical care to it’s users. There are sandy beaches either side of the marina. The village of Sabinillas is 5 minutes walk to the north. Another bus will take you to the village of Casares which clings to the side of a mountain. Marbella, popular with the rich and famous is another bus journey away. Don’t expect to see the famous on the bus though, they are the ones in the Ferraris. Hire a car and drive up to the picturesque town of Ronda.

Puerto de Estapona is a medium sized marina with the usual development of restaurants and bars.

Puerto de Jose Banus, the marina of the rich and famous and the prices reflect this. Whitewashed, Andalucian style building surround the marina, hosting boutiques, bars, restaurants and night clubs. There are several Yacht Charter and Yacht Brokerage operations within the marina complex. Marbella is 15 minutes away by car or bus. Good beach to the west of the marina which belongs to the hotel and allows berth holders access. This can be arranged at the control tower. Many golf courses in the area.

The small marina at Puerto de Marbella is surrounded by tourist developments. The marina can be noisy at night during the summer months. Wind from the east, south and southwest can produce a heavy swell within the harbour. Be prepared to double up on lines. Beaches on either side of the marina but these get very crowded during the summer months. The town itself is well worth exploring. Don’t miss the famous Orange Square which can be found at the heart of the city centre.

Puerto de Cabopino is a pleasant, small harbour surrounded by Andalucian style houses which makes a nice change from the normal high rise developments. Good shelter within the harbour. Limited space for transient yachts and it is recommended that you call ahead to confirm there is a berth available. Marina charges are on the high side. Cabopino beach, with it’s fine sand is reckoned to be one of the best on the Costa del Sol

Good shelter can be found at Puerto de Fuengirola. The nearby town is both noisy and very busy during the summer months. All provisions can be obtained in the town. There are good beaches on either side of the marina but these get very crowded during the summer months.

Puerto de Benalmadena is a huge marina with over 150,000 square metres of water. There is good shelter with the only swell being experienced in a W gale. Whilst the surrounding area is the usual overpowering high rise blacks the marina itself is quite attractive. It was named best marina in the world in both 1995 and 1998. There are over 200 commercial premises including boutiques, night clubs and the usual numerous restaurants and bars. There is also a sea life centre. There are good beaches on either side of the marina. Malaga airport is just 8 km away.

Puerto de Malaga is the major commercial and fishing port of the Costa del Sol. The only facilities for yachts are at the Real Club Mediterraneo de Malaga and there is little room for visitors. Malaga, known as the “City of Flowers” is both interesting and charming. It can be reached on foot from the port.

The small harbour of Puerto del Candado is found 3.5 miles E of Malaga. Suitable for vessels drawing 2m or less. With strong winds from the W – SW considerable swell builds up and the harbour becomes uncomfortable. Harbour charges are low

Puerto de Puerto Caleta de Velez is a quiet fishing harbour 22 miles to east of Malaga. There are beaches on either side of the marina.

The anchorages of Fondeadero de Neja and Cala de Miel are both worth a visit. Cala de Miel has a fresh water spring.

Marina del Este is a purpose built marina set amongst a huge housing development in a beautiful area. Wind from NE – E produces a limited amount of swell within the marina. Harbour charges are high in the summer months. There is a small beach close to the harbour and a pool at the yacht club. There are prehistoric caves to be seen at Nerja. The city of Granada and the famous Alhambra can be seen in a days trip. As can the Alpahurras valley, with it’s charming villages, towered over by the magnificent Sierra Nevada.

Once a small fishing port, Puerto de Motril has developed into a commercial port serving the inland city of Granada. Beaches on either side of the harbour.

The harbour of Puerto de Adra was founded by the Phoenicians and has been in use ever since. Today it is both a commercial and fishing port. The continual movement of the fishing boats makes for much disturbance. Facilities are limited. Harbour charges are high. Beaches on either side of the harbour. Adra town is small and has little in the way of development for tourism.

Puerto de Almerimar, a very large marina with the capacity for over 1,000 boats. Excellent shelter from everything but strong SW winds when some swell can build up towards the entrance of the harbour. Prices are low. Astonishingly so compared to some other marinas on the Costa del Sol. Sandy beaches on either side of the marina. This part of the coast is covered with plastic greenhouses, it has to be seen to be appreciated both for the vast number of acres under cover and it’s ugliness.

Puerto de Roquetas del Mar is a small fishing harbour. Strong winds from the SE – NE make the harbour uncomfortable.

Good shelter can be found at Puerto de del Aguadulce except with wind from the ESE which can cause some swell making conditions uncomfortable. The marina can cater for some 150 boats. The complex includes a swimming pool and squash court. Sandy beaches to the S with waters clean enough to merit a blue CE flag. Two 18 hole golf courses.

The Puerto de Almeria is a commercial & fishing port. Yachts use the Club de Mar del Almeria. There are several large rusty industrial structures close by a dominating the view and giving the place a rather grim feel. Overall the shelter is good but strong winds from the E produce swell that makes it uncomfortable within the marina. The Alcazaba inAlmeria, a Moorish castle, is well worth a visit.

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Sailboat Chartering With or Without a Captain

You can choose from four types of sailboat vacation:

Leasing the sailboat without a captain or “Bareboat Chartering” – The sea has no secrets for you or your crew and you are capable of bringing the sailboat back to port even if a hitch happens during your trip.

Chartering a sailboat with a captain – You prefer to have a captain on board to help you with the bowline knot.

Sailboat training – You want to learn to navigate or you wish to enhance your knowledge. Charter companies offer courses at every level, for groups, couples, for a weekend or for the whole week.

Cruising with a captain and cook – You watch them raise the sails and manipulate the sauce pans, while you take it easy.

Choosing a Sailboat

The marinas cannot always accommodate boats that are too big. Also the draft of your boat should not exceed 4.5 to 5 feet and the beam 13.5 feet to 14 feet. We prefer mono hulls from 40 to 43 feet long. They combine space and comfort and generally find a spot in the small marinas of the Keys. These boats are also better equipped than the smaller sailboats. Catamarans rarely find a dock large enough and must anchor outside.

The boats are rented for a day, a weekend or for a week.

Best Time for Sailing the Keys

The Keys benefit from a subtropical climate. You can sail all year long but, like everywhere else, there is this fantastic time of the year and less favorable periods.

The best periods are: March, April, May, end of November and beginning of December.

The periods of tourism affluence are Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year

Possible cold front periods: End of December, January and February.

Hurricane, humidity and mosquitoes’ months are June to November, with a peak in August September, and October.

Books

Cruising Guide to the Florida Keys, by Captain Frank Papy.
Good basic information about places to visit, marinas, underwater activity, etc. Excellent maps describing the entrances to ports and marinas, usually difficult in access because of shallow waters.

Diving and Snorkeling guide to The Florida Keys, by Halas and Kincaid.
Excellent guide for skin diving and snorkeling. Description of coral reefs, exotic fish and sunken Spanish Galleons. Indication of depth and the level of difficulty of the different sites.

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A rudder angle indicator is a nautical device which monitors your rudder’s horizontal position. It is also referred to as a rudder reference gauge, rudder locator, or a rudder position sensor. We took a look at several different types of rudder angle indicators and reviewed them for you in this article.

Gravity Driven Rudder Reference Gauge

The first type we reviewed are gravity driven rudder angle locators. These simple devices attach to the center of your steering wheel and use gravity to pull a needle downward as the gauge moves in synch with the wheel. These units are inexpensive and easy to install with no cabling or drilling required.

During testing we found that these rudder locators to be inaccurate and unreliable. Any time that the boat rocks from side to side, the needle swings back and forth making it virtually useless in choppy water. On vessels with hydraulic steering, these indicators give poor reference of the rudder angle due to variances in hydraulic fluid pressure. Our Score: 3/10

Mechanical Arm Rudder AngleIndicators

The second type of rudder indicator we reviewed operates using a mechanical arm. Mechanical arm rudder locators are the most common type on the market. Arm-driven units like come stand-alone or as a part of auto-navigational systems.

These mechanical indicators consist of a dashboard gauge and an arm (often sold separately) that connects to your rudder or outboard motor. A downside to these devices is that on some vessels the rudder moves further in one direction than another, this cannot be read by the mechanical arm. Otherwise, these units are accurate and reliable. They are somewhat pricey though, ranging from $350-$2000 and typically require expert installation. Our Score: 6/10

Cable Driven Rudder Locators

Last but certainly not least, we reviewed cable-driven rudder angle indicators. Unlike other indicators, these units work for both in-board and out-board motors. A company called SmarTrac inc. currently holds a patent on the system which is used in their product the SmarTrac Rudder Locator.

The SmarTrac rudder angle indicator has a sending unit (also
called a potentiometer) that is mounted near your rudder or outboard motor. A steel cable is then pulled from the sending unit and hooked to your rudder linkage. This unique cable driven system allows the device to measure the entire range of rudder movement.

The sensor sends data through a 3-conductor cable to the dashboard gauge which then calculates a reading using a built-in microprocessor. The microprocessor is easily programmed to match the specifics of your vessel. This product is effective for use on hydraulic steering systems because it connects directly to the rudder linkage. Accurate, inexpensive ($199), and easy to install, this new technology could make a big splash in the nautical electronics market. Our Score: 10/10

Rudder Angle Indicators: A Smarter Way to Dock is a post from: Troncoproducoes.com Travel - Airline tickets, cheap hotels, cruises, vacations & honeymoon travel