B’LASTER HALTS CORROSION
Several months ago I shared with you my thoughts on a product known as PB B’laster. In this gearhead’s opinion, this product is one of the most effective penetrating fluids available to professionals and boat owners alike. I’ve used it for more than two decades, and it’s come through where many other products have failed, loosening frozen nuts, bolts, and more.
For this reason, I agreed to review another product from B’laster Corporation (blasterproducts.com): CSP Corrosion Stop. I figured if it’s as good as PB B’laster, then it’s worth trying. I wasn’t disappointed.
CSP is a water-resistant, spray-on inhibitor/protectant that prevents and arrests rust and corrosion. Its light consistency, something like melted butter, means it flows into cracks and crevices, displacing moisture and forming a protective film. It’s safe for use on metals, as well as on electrical and battery connections. It had no detrimental effect on any of the plastics to which it was applied.
Here’s another plus: I also tested the product’s dielectric properties, and my multimeter indicated infinite resistance. That means Corrosion Stop won’t conduct electricity, at least not the voltages found aboard recreational vessels.—Steve D’Antonio
EAST COAST TRAINING DUO
Sea Sense, the Women’s Sailing & Powerboating School, has teamed up with Jung Yacht Charters in Sarasota, Florida, to train trawler owners in all aspects of cruising in a trawler. Jung Yacht Charters specializes in Grand Banks trawlers from 32 to 49 feet and operates along Florida’s beautiful Sun Coast. The firm’s location is an ideal jumping-off point to Sarasota Bay, the Intracoastal Waterway, and the Gulf of Mexico, and it’s only a short distance from the Sarasota airport.
Sea Sense now offers five-day, women-only liveaboard courses and custom courses of any length for individuals, couples, groups, or families from Jung’s charter base at the Sarasota Cay Hotel and Marina.
To find out more, contact Sea Sense at 800.332.1404 or 727.865.1404 or visit seasenseboating.com.
CRAZY ABOUT COPPER
There’s good news about bottom paint for those who are trying to boat “greener.”
In order to be environmentally friendly as well as effective, antifouling paint is now (and has been for many years) available in a form that Interlux calls “Micron Technology.” The use of copper in Interlux’s Micron 66 product provides 24-36 months of protection for the hull, and because of the way it repels algae rather than sloughing off into the water, it is simply better for Mother Earth.
The benefits of copper were promoted recently at an educational presentation by representatives from Interlux and chemical engineer Neal Blossom from American Chemet, the main supplier of copper to all marine paint companies. The event was held at the prestigious New York Yacht Club in New York City.
Copper, we learned, is a natural biocide that helps control its own toxicity levels in the environment. Hull fouling is one of the largest contributors to the spread of invasive species, and using bottom paint is one of the best preventive measures. The old technology of abrasive bottom paints is simply that: old technology. The message Interlux wants to send is that copper is not an enemy of the environment and that when it is combined with quality products, such as Interlux paints, it can be an aid in preserving our watery world.
If your inner chemist is intrigued, visit copperantifouling.com or copper.org. Browse www.yachtpaint.com to learn more about Interlux’s campaign for safer products.
A NEW INFLATABLE KAYAK FOR CRUISERS
Keeping fit while cruising can be a challenge. Rowing a boat or paddling a kayak can be an easy way to get your muscles moving after days at sea, but storing rigid kayaks is not always an option, depending on the space available on one’s boat deck.
The Airis kayak, new from Walker Bay (walkerbay.com), is a well-made paddling kayak that’s inflatable and easy to store. It is available in two models, the Airis Play and the Airis Sport. Both come in two sizes, offering a complete range of four new boats.
The patent-pending technology behind these boats is called AirWeb High Pressure Construction, which incorporates a heavy-duty, seven-layer, polymer-coated fabric joined by thousands of drop-stitch fibers, much like an elaborate web. This fabric is lightweight (the kayaks start at 15 lb.) and creates a hull that is incredibly rigid and glides through the water with ease and comfort. Walker Bay says Airis kayaks are tear and abrasion resistant and are equipped with additional material in high-wear areas.
The Play and Sport models vary in length, weight, and price, ranging from $750 to $1,249, and each comes with a variety of special features.
WHITEHALL ROWING STOPS BY
On a sunny day this past fall, we got a phone call from Whitehall Rowing’s Harold Aune, who told us the company’s truck was en route to New York to deliver one of the newest rowing boats and would be passing through Annapolis. Would we like to have their man, Wilf, show us the boat on his way north from Florida? Of course!
The next day, Wilf pulled up with his truck and trailer full of Whitehall rowing boats. The newest model is the Spirit Solo 14, which we wrote about in “News & Notes” in the April ’07 issue. Seeing the boat in person made all the difference, as it allowed us to truly grasp the high quality of this handmade skiff. While a little on the pricey side (the 14-footer is now $7,200), the rowing boat weighs 150 lb. and is finished to perfection, with an extremely thoughtful and practical design and functional details that equate to timeless quality. It is a mini yacht in its attention to detail.
If you’ve made a New Year’s resolution to stay in shape, check out this boat, a great source of exercise and also a practical dinghy. Visit whitehallsolo.com/whs_video.php to watch a video of the new Solo boat, or see the real thing at our Trawler Fest this May 22-24 in Anacortes, Washington.
SELENE SEATTLE FOLLOWS STANDARDS
Buying a boat is a very personal experience. Working with a broker you trust and respect is just as important as buying the right boat.
The Certified Professional Yacht Broker (CPYB) program honors brokerage firms that are committed to the highest standards of the industry and who meet a rigorous set of qualifications. It was recently announced that Selene Seattle is now a CPYB endorsed broker. Selene is the only Washington State brokerage firm to have earned this designation. Congratulations!
Selene Seattle is located at 2046 Westlake Ave. North, Suite 104, Seattle. Stop by, visit seleneseattle.com, or call 206.352.1168.