The Sextant – a Celestial Navigation Tool

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Understanding the Marine Weather Forecast

What Does the Marine Weather Forecast Tell You?

A marine weather forecast is so important for yachters and boaters (and their guests) to understand. 

As all boaters know, a sudden change in weather patterns can not just interrupt a day at sea, but it can put your vessel and your guests in danger. Knowing how to interpret the marine weather forecast, both before you set sail and while you are on the water, is vital to avoiding any potentially hazardous weather situations.

Marine Weather Forecasts are different to general weather forecasts, as the predictions include wind and wave information. This information can help you decide if it is safe to set out on your planned boating trip.

What is the Marine Weather Forecast?

 

In Canada, the Marine Weather Forecast is published by Environment Canada, using observations from ships, weather satellites, weather buoys and lighthouses.

There are three main forecast bulletins issued by Environment Canada, covering a five-day period, which are updated multiple times each day.

  • Regular Marine Forecast

This forecast is for the coming 48 hours and includes information about:

  • Wind speed in knots
  • Wind direction
  • Weather conditions
  • Precipitation
  • Visibility (included if less than 1 nautical mile)
  • Moderate or severe freezing spray expectations
  • Air temperatures if below 0oC
  • Extended Marine Forecast

This forecast is issued for days 3 to 5 and is intended for long term planning purposes. The extended forecast only details anticipated wind conditions.

  • Wave Height Forecast

Issued for the coming 48-hour period, this forecast details the anticipated wave height in meters or whether waters are covered in ice.

Additional information is also published as:

  • Technical Marine Synopses: Gives a brief overview of the main weather systems in the area.
  • Marine Weather Statement: Used in support of the regular marine forecast to provide more detail when significant or hazardous conditions or weather warnings are predicted.

Localized warnings and watches are also issued if one of the following significant conditions is expected:

  • Tornado
  • Gale
  • Squall (Gusts of 34 knots or higher plus thunder)
  • Waterspout
  • High water levels

As well as being found on the Environment Canada website, marine weather forecasts are also continuously broadcast on VHF radio channel 16 by the Canadian Coast guard.

How to Use the Marine Forecast to Determine if it is Safe to Sail

Reading or listening to the boating weather forecast should always be part of your pre-trip checklist, but that is only useful if you know how to interpret the information within it. 

Here are some key items to be aware of:

Wind: Forecasts state the wind direction using compass descriptions and give the wind speed as an average or a range. When gusts are predicted this indicates winds will increase by 10 or more knots for short durations. As a guide, whitecaps can start to form when winds are over 10 knots.

Waves: Waves will be affected by wind speed and direction as well as tidal currents. Canadian wave forecasts only describe the wave swell which is the distance from crest to trough. When higher swells are combined with short interval times (waves coming closer together) due to high winds, waves can be larger and cause a hazard or danger to smaller vessels.

Weather conditions: Watch forecasts for extreme conditions such as heavy rain, low visibility due to fog and high-water levels as these could obstruct your vision or cover obstacles that are usually above water level. If you are caught on the water in these conditions, ensure you use your radar if your boat is equipped with it, to detect other vessels or objects. 

Ultimately, a combination of the marine forecast, your own observations and experience and the capabilities of your vessel will tell you whether it is safe for you to take your boat onto the ocean. 

Remember to continue to listen to the boating weather forecast while you are on the water. Additional updates will be broadcast if a significant change to predicted weather is expected to occur.

What Should I Do If I Get Caught in Bad Weather at Sea?

Regardless of predictions, the weather can still change suddenly and even the most careful boater can find themselves in an unexpected situation. To avoid extreme weather changes, keep an eye on the horizon at all times to ensure you see major storm systems before they reach you.

 If you do get caught in bad weather on the ocean, remember the following tips:

  • Reduce your speed to as low as you can while still making headway
  • Ensure everyone aboard is wearing a personal floatation device
  • Turn on your running lights
  • Head into large waves at a 45-degree angle
  • Go to the nearest anchorage or marina
  • If you can’t make headway or your engine fails deploy your anchor and make a distress call

Also see our guide to safe boating in poor visibility for more tips on staying safe when visibility is restricted by bad weather or strong winds make it difficult to maneuver your boat.

Tools and Equipment for Weather Monitoring

Keeping track of the marine weather forecast has never been easier thanks to the development of a number of high-tech tools.

A number of smartphone apps are now available for boaters which give up-to-date marine forecasts for the area you are in. This can be particularly useful if you are boating in international waters.

In addition, modern barometers, meters and wireless weather stations can be added to your yacht to ensure a detailed forecast and accurate weather predictions are always available when you are on board.

Get a Yacht Equipped for Weather Monitoring at Van Isle Marina

At Van Isle Marina, our friendly staff are always on hand to give advice on local marine weather conditions. If your original destination is off-limits due to incoming conditions, our staff will gladly make alternative suggestions so you can still enjoy your day. How about lunch at the Waterfront Grill while you wait for the weather to clear?

Looking for a new yacht that has the latest weather tracking technology already installed? Our yacht broker will work with you to find a vessel that ticks all your boxes and has the equipment to provide you with a marine weather forecast too. Contact us today for an appointment with our yacht broker.

A Guide to Waxing and Painting your Boat

How to Get Your Yacht Shining Like New Again

There is nothing more pleasurable than sailing on a sunny day in a boat that’s sparkling like new. Unfortunately, we all know that UV rays and salt water can take their toll on your boat’s shiny finish over time, but regularly waxing or painting your boat can help retain that ‘like new’ finish.

While refinishing your boat can be time-consuming, expensive and even a bit tricky, the results are definitely worth it. Our guide to waxing and painting your boat will help you decide which is the best option for your vessel and take you through the process step-by-step for each.

Why Do I Need To Wax Or Paint My Boat?

Most new fiberglass boats are finished with a protective gelcoat which starts off shiny and smooth. Over time, this gelcoat layer gets damaged by exposure to the sun and saltwater causing:

  • Discolouration
  • Cloudiness or chalkiness
  • Dullness
  • Fine scratches

Waxing or painting your boat will remove this damage and restore your yacht’s shine. Regular waxing also protects the hull and topside by sealing the surface, therefore preventing water stains.

Wax Or Paint – Which Does My Boat Need?

Ultimately, the type of boat you have, its age and the level of damage will be your guide as to whether a polish and wax or a paint job is required. For example:

Polishing and Waxing:

  • Polishing and waxing regularly will help restore and maintain your boat and protect it for the boating season
  • In most cases, some polishing of the gelcoat will be required before wax is applied
  • Polishes contain abrasive compounds which will remove some of the old gelcoat and reduce oxidation, cloudiness, small scratches. Polishing is usually done using a mechanical buffer
  • Wax is then used to protect and seal the gelcoat and repel water and UV rays 
  • Wax can be applied directly over a gelcoat which is in good condition with no scratches or damage

Painting:

  • Sometimes the gelcoat gets worn too thin by years of polishing and waxing – in this case, painting is the best option for a ‘like new’ refresh.
  • Painting is a more time-consuming and expensive job; but once done, the finish will last for a long time, especially if maintained with regular wax coatings.

If you are unsure about what treatment your boat needs, always consult with an expert at Van Isle Marina’s world-class Yacht Park. While we do not offer topside painting or waxing services, we do specialize in anti-fouling services, including:

  • Seasonal application of new anti-fouling including wet sand surface prep
  • Prepping new boats for service in saltwater. Marking waterlines and applying epoxy barrier coatings
  • Sandblasting and stripping old anti-fouling
  •  Changing zincs
  •  Polishing running gearRent scaffolding at van isle marina yacht park

We also rent scaffolding for anyone who wants to complete this work themselves or have a third party come in and complete these services.

Top Tips For DIY Boat Waxing

Experts suggest waxing your boat at least once a year, although many people like to do it twice – at both the start and end of each boating season.

Step 1 – Clean, Clean, Clean! Use an environmentally-friendly boat wash to ensure all salt, dirt, mould, grime and stains are removed.

Step 2 – Polish to restore the gelcoat layer. Depending on the level of damage, different polishing techniques may be required including wet polishing or rubbing compounds.

Step 3 – Wax on! Apply thin layers of wax coating to seal and protect the polished gelcoat. Wax options include:

  • Carnauba wax – a natural wax that gives a glossy finish ideal for boats with little to no damage
  • Cleaner wax – includes gentle scrubbing ingredients to help remove dirt and stains
  • Polishing wax – made of synthetic materials, blocks UV
  • Restorer Wax – has coarser compounds mixed in to deal with heavier oxidation

For more information check this review of boat wax by TripSavvy.


Top Tips For Painting a Boat

Painting your boat’s hull and topside can be time-consuming and expensive, but once it’s done it will last for years with regular waxing. You can paint over gelcoat or over an existing paint layer.

Before you start painting make sure you have all the equipment you will need and you have enough paint to complete the job. There are different types of boat paint to consider:

  • Single-part enamel – easy to use but wears fast
  • Single-part polyurethane – lasts longer than enamel
  • Two-part polyurethane – most expensive but lasts longest

Totalboat’s guide to topside painting explains the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Once you are ready to paint, follow these steps:

  1. Remove any hardware, wood trim and decals
  2. Repair surface imperfections like chips or gouges using an epoxy filler
  3. Prep the paint or gel surface by washing, de-waxing and polishing
  4. Apply primer, allow to set before applying paint in thin even layers to prevent dripping
  5. Once the paint has fully cured, apply wax layer to protect the paint
  6. Enjoy the compliments your shiny paint finish will no doubt bring!

Remember, painting your hull and topside is different from anti-fouling paint, which should be done every 1 – 2 years. Ask our experienced team about our anti-fouling and epoxy prep services!

Van Isle Marina Can Help You Find What You’re Looking For!

Based in Sidney, BC; our team of professionals are waiting to help you – whether you are looking for recommendations for someone to complete the work for you, or want to do it yourself. We can offer advice and provide the equipment or supplies you may require – just ask!

Looking for that brand new boat shine? Our yacht sales team would be glad to help you find your new dream boat. Contact us today for more information on services or sales.