General Boating Info
Anchoring in Changine Wind and Tidal Conditions
It is a good idea to use two anchors when anchoring in tidal areas or when there is a front approaching. In both cases the boat will be swinging on its anchor to a new direction. And when that happens the anchor will have to break loose. Some anchors can reset quickly and safely, but many do not. And even the good ones may cause some problems.
The best bet for these conditions is to set double anchors.
There are two ways to use double anchors. If the change of direction is not too radical, you can place two anchors ahead of the boat. It is important that you lay the anchors out at an angle.., not in line.
To do so, lower the anchor and allow the boat to drift back slowly applying more and more resistance on the devit/cleat until you have the minimum 7:1 anchor rode (length of anchor rode let out is seven times the depth of the water) and then some. Now, go forward at a 45-degree angle to the present anchor until you are abeam of it, lower the second anchor and drift back to where the anchor is set at 7:1 ratio. Secure them both and you are safe.
For radical changes (i.e., a total reversal of tide) you may need to set at 180-degrees from the boat. To do so lower the windward anchor, then let out enough anchor rode to more than double the 7:1 ratio. Then lower the downwind anchor. Now go windward again until you are directly between the two anchors and secure them both. This will allow the boat to swing in both directions.
Information courtesy of The American Boating Association
updated: 3/9/2012
What do the letters and numbers in the hull ID/serial number (HIN) mean?
The first three characters in every hull identification number (HIN) are the manufacturer's identification code (i.e., TNR for Thunderbird). The only way to obtain a manufacturer identification code is through the U.S. Coast Guard. Characters four through eight are the boat's serial number, which must consist of letters in the English alphabet, Arabic numerals, or both; except the letters 'I', 'O' or 'Q' (because of their similarity to the characters '!' and '0'). The boat manufacturer chooses a boat's hull serial number. The fourth character in Formula's HIN identifies the plant location of manufacture ('M' is for Miami, and 'D' is for Decatur) NOTE: The Miami, Florida plant is no longer in operation. Characters nine and ten in each HIN indicate the month and year the boat was manufactured. Character nine, the month of manufacture, must be indicated using the letters of the English alphabet, starting with January as 'A' and ending with December as 'L'. A=January B=February C=March D=April E=May F=June G=July H=August I=September J=October K=November L=December A boat is considered certified to comply with the safety standards in effect on the first day of the month shown in the ninth character of the HIN. Character ten is the last digit of the year of certification (or manufacture). This is a typical Formula Manufacture Identification Code for a hull serial number manufactured on August 1993 - TNRD1234H3. Characters 11 and 12 are the model year of the boat and must be indicated using Arabic numerals. A complete HIN would look similar to TNRD1234H394. (Formula's model year changes in July.) Each HIN must be carved, burned, stamped, embossed, molded, bonded, or otherwise permanently affixed to the boat so altercation, removal, or replacement would be obvious. WARNING: ALTERATION OF A HULL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (HIN) WITHOUT THE SPECIFIC WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE COMMANDANT OF THE US COAST GUARD IS SPECIFICALLY PROHIBITED BY FEDERAL STATUTES AND COAST GUARD REGULATIONS. PERSONS CONVICTED OF THE ALTERTION OF A HULL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ARE LIABLE FOR CIVIL PENALTIES.
updated: 3/9/2012
What is a MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) Number?
Many marine communication devices, including marine radios equipped with Digital Selective Calling (DSC) and Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) equipment rely upon a 9-digit Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number to identify itself and more importantly the user of the device.
Newer marine radios have a special Distress Alerting Capability that will, upon the touch of a button, transmit a distress message which can include its identity (MMSI) and location - only if the radio has been programmed with a MMSI and is connected to a electronic positioning system (e.g. GPS, LORAN). The Coast Guard recommends DSC-equipped VHF radios for all mariners because of these capabilities.
The U.S. Coast Guard and the National GMDSS Task Force are concerned that many users of these devices are not obtaining, registering and/or properly entering their assigned MMSI into these devices. Lack of an MMSI will make some of these devices inoperable, such as AIS, or incapable of operating advanced features or distress alerting capabilities of the device. Leaving the MMSI unprogrammed, entering a false identity or not updating a previously-programmed device with your own identity may delay a rescue and under certain situations is unlawful.
MMSI use and registration greatly assists the U.S. Coast Guard in responding to an alert since it contains a description of the vessel and telephone numbers used to contact the vessel's owner or point of contact in an emergency. MMSI numbers are issued by the FCC if the vessel requires a Station License, otherwise they can be obtained from Boat U.S. (www.boatus.com/mmsi), Sea Tow (www.seatow.com/boating-safety/mmsi), and Shine Micro (www.shinemicro.com) often at no charge. Those having MMSIs should keep registration information current, including phone numbers, address, name and type of boat.
updated: 3/9/2012