Signs of Spring

Ah yes, the leaves are in bloom, birds are eyeing each other and my allergies have returned. But more importantly, down on the docks you can definitely tell the season is upon us.

 

May 11, 2023

Ah yes, the leaves are in bloom, birds are eyeing each other and my allergies have returned. But more importantly, down on the docks you can definitely tell the season is upon us.

1 The travel lift is in high gear whether pros do it or DIY, boat prep checklist are mostly checked and splashing is happening.  On the coasts boats are popped and clean and its go time.

2. Chandleries and Canadian Tire are overflowing scurrying boaters looking for line, shackles, coolers and replacement kits for the Jabsco.

3. The water level is back. After last autumn’s low levels inland, it’s fingers crossed time but at least we can get off out of the slip for a few months.

4. Kids are back on the docks. The boaters of tomorrow have the good sense to leave topside waxing and oil changes to the boaters of today, but now that there’s fun to be had they are strapping on their Snoopy pfd’s and getting on board.

5 Food suddenly tastes better. The other day when I was sorting out the boat, a friend made a run to Subway and brought me a sub. Once in a winter while, I grab one on the go for sustenance, but that day it was gloriously gourmet. I sat by the dock and enjoyed it with sunshine and waves lapping.

When it’s boating season everything truly is better.

Caption: A dramatic demo, this 9-metre floating Subway sub was part of an Australian PR campaign

 

John Morris, 

Online Editor

Related Articles


Boston Whaler 350 Realm

By Andy Adams

You might be dreaming of an adventure boat, or a luxury cruiser, or maybe a serious fishing platform. You might dream of an overnight exploration boat, or a boat that entertains a big group of friends or family. Whatever your ambitions, the features and appointments, and the stellar performance of the Boston Whaler 350 Realm, equipped with triple Mercury Verado V10-cylinder 425 horsepower engines, feels like it could do just about anything. It’s the Great Entertainer.

Read More


Destinations

The Whitsunday Islands

By Mathew Channer

On my first day as a commercially registered yacht captain, I sailed a Fontaine Pajot 38 catamaran from mainland Australia across the Whitsunday Passage to the western shores of the world-famous Whitsunday islands.

We cruised northeast on a 15-knot beam reach… perfect catamaran sailing conditions, watching the hazy shapes of the islands colourize and morph into crescent beaches, jungled ridgelines and rocky outcrops. 

Read More