SPRING FEVER

Come April and May, a strange illness sets in. It’s a phenomenon that poets have documented for centuries. In a flurry of psychological and sexual renewal, millions of men and women of the northern hemisphere experience rapid increases in mood and energy in stark contrast to the lows felt during winter time. But is this so-called spring fever a real biological phenomenon or have the poets simply led us all to believe in fairy tales?

What is spring fever?

Generally speaking, spring fever refers to an onset of psychological and physiological symptoms associated with the arrival of spring. Its symptoms include a flushed face, increased heart rate, restlessness, daydreaming, and, of course, an increase in sexual appetite.

While “spring fever” is not a definitive diagnostic term, researchers are only beginning to understand how the change in seasons influences our mood.

What causes spring fever?

Although the exact cause of spring fever is still unclear, scientists agree that hormones are probably the driving force behind all this feverish friskiness. (Who would have guessed?) But different stimulants trigger our hormones in different ways, and there are at least three well-known stimulants that come knocking in April.

Cause No. 1 — Light

When seasons change, the retina (the part of the eye connected to the brain) reacts to increases in the amount of daylight. This information is monitored by a tiny region of the brain known as the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Considered the human biological clock, the SCN controls the secretion of melatonin, the well-known sleep hormone. As light during the spring months increases, the body produces less melatonin, causing a lift in mood, a reduced desire to sleep and an increase in libido.

While this is probably the most accepted cause of spring fever, there are a few simpler explanations as to why spring gets us so sprung.

Cause No. 2 — Exercise

Warm weather increases physical activity. Combine physical activity with healthy rays of sunshine and you’ll see an immediate improvement in mood. Whether it’s because of an increase in endorphins (the “feel-good” hormone), vitamin D, blood flow, or some other biological marker, scientists have long known that exercise is just as good as any antidepressant in lifting our moods. But this doesn’t necessarily explain the gender-specific boost for male sex drives.

For that explanation, we need to get real basic.

A marine survey can prove invaluable. The key is to know what type of survey you need, how to best prep the boat, the time required and what a survey report can offer.

There are different types of marine surveys, “One is a Pre-Purchase inspection, which is the most extensive. The Condition & Valuation inspection, which is the one most requested, is mainly used for financial and insurance purposes. Specifically, it’s very useful to insurance companies to determine if the vessel is an acceptable insurance risk. It will also include the valuation to determine the fair market value of the boat. The Damage inspection consists of an inspection that will help establish the cause of a loss and settle on the extent of the damage.”

It’s a good idea to ask a surveyor if they are familiar with the type of boat to be surveyed.

Some surveyors may only survey modern boats typically used in charter, and may lack the specific knowledge of boats built using unusual materials, or older boats. If a boat is wood, or steel or alloy, then finding a surveyor with experience with these materials is important. Ask them for a sample survey too. Most surveyors will be happy to provide this.”

Prepare the boat for a survey

The boat should always be clean and free of miscellaneous items. Paperwork should be on hand and available to present to the surveyor. If it is required to have the boat hauled out or to undergo a sea trial, the arrangements should be made and scheduled by the owner. 

How long does a survey take?

It depends on the size of the vessel. I can take one full day to inspect a typical 45-foot sail boat. It takes then probably another half-day to write the report. Length of time also depends on the vessel’s overall condition.

A 24-foot runabout can likely have a survey completed in a few hours. A 140-foot mega yacht survey could take a week.

It’s not mandatory for a boat owner or potential buyer to attend a survey. 

The most common question marine surveyors are asked?

How Much? What’s the cost? Owners and buyers all too often look at a survey as merely a logistical ‘hoop’ to jump through. However, a good survey report serves as a tool to highlight deficiencies and plan future maintenance pre-purchase, to determine the cause and scope of damage (particularly if a third party is involved in an incident) as well as study costs for a complete claim and to represent the owner’s interest during the repair process

Complete Your Pre-Launch Inspection and Maintenance

To help ensure a smooth, safe start to the boating season, have a certified technician or mechanic perform the recommended maintenance on your vessel. Whether or not you get a professional tune-up, be sure to complete the following checklist before leaving the dock:

• Inspect all of the safety equipment on board, including fire extinguishers, flares, personal flotation devices and first-aid kits, and repair, recharge and restock them as necessary.
• Check all lights on your boat to make sure they are in place and operating properly.
• Open the engine compartment to check for excess water in the bilge.
• Check for any electrical issues, such as loose, disconnected or corroded conductors.
• Check that the battery is properly secured to the vessel.
• Check the fuel tank for leaks, and ensure there is proper ventilation.
• Check the fuel filters to make sure no water is present.
• Fill your tank with the freshest, highest-quality fuel available.
• Change and check the oil level before starting the boat for the first time.
• If you will be towing your vessel to its launch point, you will also need to properly inspect and maintain your trailer prior to your first outing.

Get In, On and Out of the Water Safely

Once all tasks on your pre-launch checklist are complete, you can start your engine and get out on the water. It is important on your first, and every trip of the season, to:

• Follow safe launching practices.
• Monitor the engine temperature to make sure it is not overheating.
• Monitor the cooling system to make sure it is operating correctly.
• Ensure you and your passengers know and follow safe boating practices.

Remember: Every Vessel is Unique

The work required to get your boat water-ready will depend on, whether it is used in fresh or salt water, its size, manufacturer, model, and the state in which it is registered. Be sure to get the information you need, then develop and follow the right spring ritual to help ensure every trip of the boating season is safe and fun for all.

Read this interesting piece from Brandon Steiner, the collectible legend. 

Good stuff! What do you think?

Losing isn’t the opposite of winning, it’s a part of winning

By Brandon Steiner on Feb 24, 2017

Vince Lombardi once said, “Winning isn’t everything; it’s the only thing.”

And, when talking about what there is to be proud of after a loss, Derek Jeter once said to me, “What did you accomplish, you lost?”

But to tell you the truth, I don’t necessarily agree.

The biggest obstacles in life are often the biggest springboards towards achieving something great.

Understand how important it is to have a winning attitude because you can’t have a positive and negative thought at the same time. The average person has 60,000 thoughts a day…that’s over 420,000 a week!

How many of them are you cluttering with negativity?

I think the biggest mistake people make is that they don’t think they should ever lose. Sometimes it’s a blessing to lose. With every loss there is silver lining to be found.

Losing is not the opposite of winning. The people who understand losing but don’t accept it are the ones on a fast track to success.

Ask yourself this: would you rather win the game by 30 points or play your best, most competitive game but lose by 2 points? Clyde Frazier told me some of his favorite games were the ones he lost against Earl Monroe because he liked the challenge and because earl brought out the best in him every time they played and he knew he had to pay his absolute best defense to stop and control his offense in order to win the game

In order words, embrace all results. No matter the outcome, think "what can I learn?" Sometimes it is okay to lose as long as you don't lose the lesson. 

Losing is a blueprint for winning. Being able to work through losing will make you an even biggest winner in thelong run. 

Winning may be everything, but losing is everything too. What is an important loss you encountered and what did you learn from it? Did it help you in the future?

Got some spare time this off-season? Here’s what you can do to fill that gap and help yourself later.

The winter season is showing its teeth right about now — but that’s no reason to let your boat collect dust. On the contrary, now is the perfect time to tackle some of those small projects that can be hammered out quickly. Here are 20 great tips to fix minor ailments and have your boat ready to rock once the weather begins to warm.

1. Get a Grip
   Place sandpaper around a filter — between filter and filter wrench — to make removal of greasy, slippery fuel and oil filters easier.
2. Screwed
   You broke a screw off flush, or nearly so, and need to extract it? Cut a slot with a Dremel tool grinding-wheel attachment, and then remove it with a screwdriver.
3. Wing Ding
   Replace wing nuts on battery terminals with lock nuts (typically three-eighths-inch for positive and five-sixteenths-inch for negative) for season-long resistance to loose connections due to vibration.
4. Push, Push, Push
   For cleaner caulk lines, use a cartridge gun, not toothpaste-style tubes, and always push rather than pull the gun.
5. Move It or Lose It                                                                                                                                                                                           If your trailer is used only for spring launch and fall haul, make sure to move it a few feet once in a while to prevent the bearings from taking a set; alternatively, jack it up and spin the wheels once in a while. It’s also a good idea to tow the trailer a mile or so to exercise the tires and help prevent belt separation.
6.  KY
   Lubricate filter gaskets with a dab of oil before installing to ensure the O-ring doesn’t bind.

Here’s some tips that can help you keep your sanity and make it through the year.

The Problem: Your new outboard has low hours, yet you notice salt deposits near the spark plugs.

Probable Cause: Seepage from the water-jacket cylinder heads.

The Fix: This isn't uncommon with new engines that are barely broken in. Have the dealer re-torque the cylinder head bolts to factory specs.

The Problem: There's a faint sooty outline on the salon carpet around the engine hatch.

Probable Cause: The engine is hungry for more air and is drawing in exhaust fumes.

The Fix: Increase ventilation either with larger exterior vents, a blower system, or both.

The Problem: There's a vile sour smell all through the boat.

Probable Cause: Gray water is leaking into the bilge.

The Fix: Check the shower sump pump reservoir for hair clogging the filter screen, which causes the soapy water to overflow into the bilge. If your boat has a shower and no sump pump, this is your problem. Another likely cause is a leaking hose in the MSD. A concentrated emulsifying bilge cleaner/deodorizer (such as Simple Green Marine) will help sweeten up things.

The Problem: When you hit the starter button, the engine's solenoid clicks but the engine doesn't crank over. The other electrical gear on board works fine, so you're sure the battery is okay.

Probable Cause: One of the batteries probably has a corroded terminal.

The Fix: Disconnect both connectors and clean the terminals with a battery post cleaning tool or a wire brush. (Do this monthly during the season.) Leave the battery terminals disconnected for now. Also check the engine end of these cables. Remove the ground connector from the engine block and the hot lead at the starter solenoid. Clean the terminals. After remaking these connections, spray a generous coat of Marine Electronics Grease.

The Problem: The hydraulic steering seems mushy and the response uneven.

Probable Cause: The system probably has air in its hydraulic fluid.

The Fix: Most of these systems allow air to be bled out from a fitting at the ram (near the rudders). Following manufacturer's recommendations, crack the bleed screw and have someone cycle the steering system back and forth to purge the air. Afterward, it will be necessary to top off the oil in the reservoir.

The Problem: On the shakedown cruise with your new boat, the bilge pump runs continuously, but there's no water below decks.

Probable Cause: The float switch could be facing forward. It's an improper installation.

The Fix: The float switch should face aft. Otherwise, the running angle of the boat will cause the float switch to rise and activate the pump, even if there's no water in the bilge.