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 Seaglass 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.

Complete Haul-Out Service at Van Isle Marina Yacht Park

Boat maintenance is a key part of keeping your boat seaworthy, safe and looking great. After all, there is nothing more enjoyable than cruising in a boat you know is in top notch condition and is well protected from the corrosive elements of the ocean.

Saltwater, marine organisms and UV rays can all take their toll on your boat’s finish, integrity and performance, but regular maintenance can help retain the appearance and extend the life of your vessel.

While yacht care can be daunting, time-consuming and expensive, you don’t have to do it all yourself! Instead, make the most of the services and equipment available at Van Isle Marina’s World Class Yacht Park to keep annual maintenance chores manageable and effective.

Why Do I Need To Do Annual Maintenance on My Yacht?

Performance and fuel consumption can be adversely impacted when any part of the boat’s operating system – from its engine to its electrical systems or even its paint work – is not maintained.

Poor boat maintenance might mean a yacht that doesn’t run as fast, or an engine that vibrates, but there can also be serious malfunctions or expensive replacements which no one wants.

Some care tasks are required after every trip, and some only need to be addressed annually. Annual boat maintenance tasks include:

• Mechanical check-ups
• Electrical system care
• Topside painting
• Fabric maintenance
• Waxing

For the purposes of this article we are focusing on the maintenance of the hull of the vessel which includes:

• Antifouling painting and epoxy barrier coat prep
• Zinc replacement
• Running gear maintenance

Hull maintenance should be done as part of your annual haul-out when other care tasks can be completed too. It is most important these tasks are completed while your boat is out of the water so damage can be properly assessed and corrected before the next sailing season.

See Van Isle Marina’s ‘Boat Maintenance Checklist’ for a complete list of the boat maintenance requirements you should be addressing every year.

What is Hull Maintenance and Why is it Important?

Hull maintenance, or bottom side maintenance, is the maintenance of everything underneath the water line, from the running gear to the hull itself.

Since this part of your vessel spends most of its life underwater, it is susceptible to wear and deterioration due to salt and marine organisms like barnacles. Annual boat maintenance will clean away any grime, dirt and sea life, revitalize the running gear and provide protection for the coming year.

Hull and bottom side maintenance tasks include:

1. Antifouling bottom painting and epoxy barrier coat prepping

If your boat is in the water most of the time, antifouling bottom paint will need to be applied annually. These paints include biocides such as copper which discourage barnacles and other aquatic organisms from attaching themselves to your hull.

Different types of paint are available. Look at your owners’ guide or talk to an expert at Van Isle Marina to determine which paint is best for your vessel:

Ablative, also known as self-polishing, paint gradually wears away to reveal fresh biocide as water moves against your boat. Great for yachts which are taken out on the ocean regularly, but not recommended for boats that sit idle in the water for long periods.

Hard, or non-sloughing, paint creates a tough hard coating which releases biocide gradually. Ideal for fast boats as it won’t wear as quickly as ablative paint, but it will require removal before fresh paint can be applied.

Hybrid paint can hold up to fast speeds and repeated haul-outs while remaining smooth.

Epoxy barrier coat is a two-part paint that can be applied before bottom paint to fill any uneven spots and create better paint adhesion.

2. Changing zinc anodes

Zinc anodes, also known as sacrificial anodes, are installed on boats to protect the metal components of the boat itself from galvanic corrosion. This is an electrochemical process that happens when two different metals which are contacted electronically, are submerged in water. Without zinc anodes (which corrode faster than other metals) propellers, shafts, rudders, drives and even the hull can be significantly damaged. Zinc anodes are placed in various locations on your boat and should be replaced at least annually.

3. Cleaning and polishing running gear

Maintenance of running gear such as hull fittings, shafts, propellers, rudders, struts and intake grates is vital to protect the longevity of your yacht. When your boat is hauled out these should be cleaned, inspected and polished to prevent sluggish performance and engine vibrations.

Can I Get Help With My Hull Maintenance?

Although some of these maintenance tasks can be done by boat owners with some time and patience, there are a number of advantages to asking an expert to complete maintenance tasks.

• They have the experience to get a smooth finish on bottom paint – a rough paint finish can result in drag that impacts speed.
• The Yacht Park has the correct equipment and trained staff so tasks are done right the first time.
• You can save time compared to doing it yourself.

The Yacht Park at Van Isle Marina has a great team of experts available to help with haul-outs and bottom-side maintenance tasks. If you wish to complete some maintenance work yourself, the Yacht Park offers rental scaffolding and our dedicated staff can assist you with getting the products and equipment you require.

Van Isle Marina’s World Class Yacht Park Offers Premium Maintenance Services

At Van Isle Marina, our Yacht Park features a self-propelled haul-out trailer which enables our staff to take care of everything without you even needing to be on site.

Yachts can be lifted and blocked, ready for the boat owner to complete scheduled maintenance work, or it can go directly onto the water treatment ramp where our staff can pressure wash, scrape and sand before other maintenance begins.

Van Isle Marina’s Yacht Park crew would be pleased to assist you with your bottom-side services. For any other maintenance or repair tasks, our Yacht Park staff can offer a list of approved trades who are welcome to work on your vessel on site.

For more information about the Yacht Park, dry storage and maintenance services we offer, contact us today.

How to Keep Boating Throughout Winter

Winter boating is a growing hobby here on Vancouver Island. While many boaters choose to winterize their yachts, tuck them up on dry land and wait longingly for spring, it’s entirely possible to stay on the water throughout the winter months.

Boaters in the Pacific Northwest benefit from milder winters, which means we can take advantage of the quieter off-season. By boating in the winter months, you can enjoy visiting destinations like the San Juan Islands, Gulf Islands and Desolation Sound even more when there are fewer people around.

Weather and water conditions can be quite different in winter. To ensure you and your vessel stay safe and secure, please read through this winter boating and cruising checklist.

You may also want to read our Winter on the Boat – Tips and Tricks post for even more useful information.

Preparing Your Yacht for Winter Use

Before you start planning a boating trip this winter, make sure your yacht has been prepared to perform well in wintery conditions. 

Mechanical preparation

• Add antifreeze to engine coolant and make sure it is fully topped up.
• Charge batteries. Engines need more charge to start when it is cold. Dead batteries are more susceptible to freezing which destroys them.
• Fill the gas tank and add an ice-preventing stabilizer. 

Heating equipment

Engine-based heating will not be enough since it doesn’t provide heat when the engine is off. For winter boating, add an additional heat source such as:

• Electric space heater (use only if moored with electrical hookups to prevent battery drainage)
• Diesel space heater
• Diesel furnace
• Propane fireplace or heater

Insulate

• Install hull insulation
• Make or purchase window coverings with foam or extra insulation. Use when moored or anchored
• Add a cockpit tent to protect the topside from the elements. This also creates a space to hang wet clothing and towels

Equipment check 

Make sure you have the following equipment on board at all times, especially when enjoying winter boating.

• First aid kit
• Personal flotation devices and buoyancy aids
• Noise and light makers – whistle, bell, flares, flashlights
• A plastic snow shovel and a long handled brush for sweeping ice from decks
• Ice-breaker in case your vessel gets iced in at dock

What Should I Bring on a Winter Boat Trip?

In order to stay warm and comfortable on a winter boating or winter yacht trip, bring the following with you:

• Warm clothing (always bring spares)
• Long underwear
• Thick wool socks
• Shirts
• Warm or lined pants
• Fleece vest or hoodie
• Waterproof hooded jacket
• Knitted cap
• Gloves – full and fingerless sailing gloves
• Insulated boots or sturdy shoes with good non-slip grip

Food and Drink

• Plenty of warm drink options – coffee, tea, hot chocolate, broths
• Easy hot food, such as soups
• Granola bars and snacks in case heating food is not possible. Dehydrated and fresh fruits and vegetables are always good to have on hand, even for short trips

Linens (any linens not in use should be vacuum packed to save space and prevent damp and mildew)

• Plenty of warm blankets 
• Bath and hand sized towels
• Bedding, incl. pillow cases and extra sheets

What To Do Before Heading Out For a Winter Boating Trip

Do these things before every winter boating trip.

• • Check the weather
  • Check weather forecasts such as the pacific marine weather forecast and US NOAA Pacific region weather maps
  • Check local VHF weather channels
  • Check local ocean buoy and lighthouse reports</span
  • Tell someone at home about your plans and your route before you head out
  • Check equipment is all working and charged – batteries, VHF radio, GPS
  • Fill water tanks
  • Learn about surviving in cold water

  Winter Boating – What To Do if Bad Weather Hits When You’re On The Water

  In winter, conditions can change extremely quickly out on the water. Be aware and be prepared.

  • Keep track of weather
    • If you are in the path of an incoming storm or low pressure system, get to the closest protected moorage. Either a dock, marina or sheltered bay and ride out the storm
    • Secure loose items above and below deck
  • Watch for ice on the water
    • Most fibreglass boats are able to push through up to 1 inch of ice without significant damage
    • Use ice pick or ice breaker if necessary
    • Aluminum hulls should not be taken through ice
  • Keep your deck ice free
    • Use seawater and brush to scrub ice from the deck
    • Use seawater to melt ice on railings, lines and hoses
  • Keep an eye on gas, water and battery levels – be aware of the location of your nearest, open service facility

  When You Return From a Winter Boating Trip

  Prepping your boat as soon as you get back to dock will protect your yacht between journeys and ensure it will be ready for your next trip.

  For boats hauled out of the water:

  • Drain water from engine – run engine for a few seconds then move to down position
  • Drain water tanks and water pumps
  • Add antifreeze to engine
  • Add fuel stabilizer to gas tank
  • If stored outside, cover with a breathable cover
  • Charge batteries

  For boats kept in the water:

  • Keep fuel and water tanks topped up
  • Turn off water pump and clear lines to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting
  • Close all thru-hull valves to prevent water from entering the hull
  • Tilt outboard engine up and out of water
  • Use desiccant material or a dehumidifier to prevent damp
  • Use an engine compartment heater if weather predicted to drop below freezing
  • Cover boat with a breathable cover to prevent mildew build up
  • Charge batteries

  Dock Your Yacht at Van Isle Marina This Winter

  Want to boat more this winter? Van Isle Marina’s full service marina is open year round so you can find all the services, equipment and assistance you need to keep boating through the winter.

  Our marina is conveniently located in Sidney, BC and we have water and electrical hook-ups available with moorage. Our fuel dock and pump out facilities remain open seven days a week throughout the winter.. Looking for a new yacht to go cruising with this winter and many years to come? Our experienced sales team here at Van Isle Marina can help you find what you are looking for and get you out on the water. Contact us for information on sales, moorage rates, dry storage and our marina facilities.

What to Consider When Buying a Boat

Owning a boat opens up a whole new world of on-water adventure for you and your family. Buying a boat is a major decision but one you won’t regret if you choose the right one.

Whether you are looking to buy for the first time or upgrade your current model, there are a number of considerations that you can use to help you find the perfect boat.

5 Key Things to Consider When Buying a Boat

1. What type of boat meets my needs?

There are so many different types of boats to choose from that it can be hard to know where to start. Thinking about what you want to do in your boat and who you’re going to be doing it with is a great starting point.

What activities do I want to do? Are you looking for a boat to take deep-sea fishing? Do you want to cruise the coastline for a multi-day sightseeing trip or is your aim to have fun in the lake pulling wakeboarders and skiers? Each activity requires a different type of vessel, engine and equipment.

What size is right? A bigger boat is likely to have more features and facilities, but it will cost more to buy, run and store. If you are a first-time buyer, test drive a few different sized boats to see which you are most comfortable operating. 

Which engine type and horsepower option is right? There are a number of different engine types available including:

• Outboard Motors
• Gas Sterndrives
• Diesel inboards
• Water jet propulsion

The type you choose will influence how the vessel drives, steering and stability, noise and pollution, storage, wear and tear and more. Consider an engine with a horsepower capacity close to the maximum for the boat to ensure it is able to perform in all conditions.

Where will I use and store the boat? Are you planning to be out in the deep ocean where you are at the mercy of incoming weather systems? Then consider a cab where you can get some protection. If you want to store your boat at home, you will need to choose a style and size that can be trailered.

2. Should I buy a new or used boat?

The decision to buy new or used will depend on your budget, taste and whether you are willing to make cosmetic and mechanical upgrades if necessary. 

Benefits of a new boat include:

• Getting exactly what you want
• Benefiting from the latest technologies
• A warranty to cover any issues

Benefits of a used boat include:

• Getting more boat for your money compared to new
• The ability to research the make, model and get real reviews before deciding
• With a marine survey you can find out the condition and history of the vessel

This used boat buying checklist is a helpful starting point if you choose to buy second-hand.

3. Where should I buy my boat from?

When looking for a new boat, you have a number of options of where to shop.

• Boat Shows – If you are able to attend a boat show, you have the benefit of being able to see the models in person and there are usually special deals if you buy at the event. The downside is that you usually have to make a quick decision to get the bargain.
• Dealers – Benefit from the knowledge and expertise of a dealer who can advise which models and features will best suit your needs. Dealers are able to assist with warranty coverage and services too.
• Private sales – This is an option for more experienced boaters with the confidence to inspect and identify any issues with a vessel as private sales cannot be returned and have no warranty.

Always go out on a test drive if you can. Use the opportunity to check the boat’s facilities, equipment and handling.

4. What is my budget?

Your budget for your boat purchase will undoubtedly have an impact on which vessel you end up buying. Additional and ongoing costs which you should be aware of before buying include:

• Insurance – theft, damage and loss insurance 
• Registration fees – if required for your vessel
• Storage – purchase of a trailer or annual moorage / dry-storage fees. View Van Isle Marina’s storage fees here for an idea of the monthly or annual cost
• Equipment and accessories – Personal safety gear, upgraded GPS, sports fishing gear – the required and desired extras can add up
• Maintenance and repair – likely to be higher if you have a second hand boat with no warranty
• Fuel / operating costs – fuel is likely to be your biggest ongoing cost depending on how far and how often you go out and how fuel efficient your engine is.

View Van Isle Marina’s 10 costs you must know before buying a boat guide for more information.

5. What are the requirements of boat ownership and operation?

If you are buying a boat for the first time, make sure you educate yourself regarding the documents the federal government of Canada requires for boat ownership and operation. These include:

• Pleasure Craft Licence – serves as ID for the vessel
• Pleasure Craft Operators Card – an accredited online course and test is available 

Make sure you read and understand the Safe Boating Guide for information on operating vessels in Canadian waters, boating safety requirements and trip planning.

Buy Your Next Boat with the Support of Van Isle Marina’s Dealership Experts

Van Isle Marina’s highly experienced yacht sales team are keen to match buyers to the boat that is right for them.

As exclusive dealers for Pursuit Boats, buyers can discuss the many models with our sales team. We also act as broker for private sales, providing more options for our buyers.

Contact us today to set up a meeting with our sales team and start the search for your perfect boat.

Once you’ve found the yacht of your dreams, check out our moorage and storage options and all the other amazing facilities our state of the art marina offers.