Knots and Notes: The Old Bowline and the New VC 17

Sept 26, 2024

I may be a trifle luddite, but despite marveling at modern electronic equipment in some ways I miss the days of charts and parallel rules. It put us more in touch somehow. Lost too are some other seemingly antiquated techniques – splicing twist and even tying knots. The other day one of the most competent helmsman I know confessed that he didn’t know how do a bowline.

I was pretty impressed that Grady White boats sent along a refresher video on knot tying.  They couched it in some gentle terms, ‘you may know how to tie them but it’s a great thing to teach your kids…’.  Yes, right the kids…lol.  There’s a lot of similar stuff all over the internet, so no excuses.

In other news the kind folks at Bayfield Marine sent along a note regarding VC17. As we found out last year, that very popular anti-fouling paint was abruptly pulled off the market for environmental reasons to the unhappy screams of users (have a read of Ask Andrew: VC17 – Some Facts and Suggestions). Some had a managed to stockpile a few cans, others were switching to substitutes although that often required removal of the old paint, prep etc.

My thought at the time was that they would certainly develop a replacement, although we had no indication of that until this notice via Bayfield Marine:  

Other marine retailers will likely have similar information. It’s nonetheless surprising that the replacement will take five years.  Let us know what you are doing.

John Morris, Online Editor

Related Articles

Video Gallery

Starcraft SV 16 OB

By Craig Ritchie

Photos by Starcraft Marine

Building great boats has always come down to a mix of art and science, and that’s particularly true when it comes to meeting the biggest challenge of all—creating an appealing yet affordable family runabout. Buyers want a boat that is affordable but not stripped to the bare bones.

Enter Starcraft and its delightful SV 16 OB, an all-new-for-2025 family deck boat that elegantly balances comfort, amenities and affordability.

Read More

Destinations

The Erie Canal – An Extraordinary Waterway

By Mark Stevens

Photos by Sharon Matthews-Stevens

As I shift our chartered canal boat into neutral, I’m soothed by the soundtrack of bird calls, the occasional plaintive horn of a distant train and the hum of our engine.

I reach for the VHF to radio the lockmaster in charge of Erie Canal’s Lock 32 dead ahead. Our boat spins gently in the current like a maple key in a mud puddle.

“This is Onondaga,” I say. “Headed westbound and requesting passage.”

Read More

Lifestyle