Cruising World Editor at Large Tim Murphy had a project pop up for his Passport 40 Billy Pilgrim, so he knew just where to go for supplies. Before getting started, Tim stopped at West Marine to pick up all of the gear he needed to install a new set of solar panels on his sailboat:

• Solar Panels
• Electronic Controller(s)
• Cable (Duplex conductor, sized per ABYC)
• Wire Terminals (preferably heat-shrink)
• In-Line Fuse Holders (2 per panel)
• Fuses
• Cable Ties
• Cable Loom

With the help of the pros at West Marine and Navtronics, Tim and the crew successfully installed new solar panels and is ready for his next journey aboard Billy Pilgrim.

Got a project? Need some supplies? Stop by your local West Marine or visit www.westmarine.com before getting started.

The post How to Install Solar Panels on Your Sailboat appeared first on Cruising World.

Given the wide variety of life jackets available to recreational mariners, it’s hard to come up with excuses for not wearing one when underway on the water. After all, any even modestly experienced skipper will tell you that the unexpected can and does happen. Should an accident occur and you find yourself suddenly in the water, the best personal flotation device is the one you wear—not one that’s been left on board in a locker because it’s uncomfortable. 

While foam sport vests are well-suited for dinghy sailors, water-skiers and people who want to remain agile in the water, they can feel bulky and be hot to wear on warm summer days. A popular alternative is an inflatable personal flotation device (PFD), and it’s easy to see why: It’s lightweight, doesn’t get in the way when you move about and, with proper maintenance, will be ready to go when needed.

According to the US Coast Guard’s most recent safety report, “2020 Recreational Boating Statistics”, when the cause of death was known, three-quarters of fatal-accident victims drowned, and the vast majority of them—86 percent—weren’t wearing a life jacket. Given those sobering numbers, one of the easiest ways to stack the odds in your favor is to find a comfortable life jacket, then put it on and keep it on until the anchor is down or you’re back at the dock.

Types of PFDs

Inflatable PFDs come in a number of styles, including waist belts (think a fanny pack, but worn in front to keep you face-up when inflated), and vests that can be manually or automatically inflated in seconds. Which is best? Well, that depends on how you plan to use the PFD.

For sports such as paddleboarding that mostly take place close to shore, a waist pack could suffice. Most models are manually inflated by pulling a cord attached to a firing mechanism and a CO2 cartridge. If you go in the drink, pull the cord, and the flotation bladder pops out and fills with air. One drawback with this sort of PFD is that many models require you to reposition them by putting them over your head once inflated; therefore, they’re not recommended for nonswimmers.

An inflatable life vest, on the other hand, will be ready to go once you put it on and adjust the straps so it fits snuggly. There are two types of US Coast Guard-approved vests. Type II inflatable PFDs provide at least 33 pounds of buoyancy and are suitable for most water conditions. Type III inflatable vests are intended for inshore waters with land nearby and provide at least 22.5 pounds of buoyancy. Our take: If you’re going to spend the money, go for a Type II because you can use it anywhere.

And speaking of using an inflatable vest anywhere, most countries and airlines allow them in checked and carry-on luggage. Plan to take your own PFD along on your next aquatic adventure!

How to Choose a PFD

When buying an inflatable PFD, you have several choices to make. We recommend you try on various models before you buy, if possible. Sailors tend to amass several, and some are more comfortable than others.

A basic vest will be just that: a horseshoe-shaped collar that you put over your head, with a back strap connected to a waist strap, which in turn clips in front of you. For night sailing or offshore voyaging, opt for a vest that includes a built-in harness, which provides beefy webbing loops or metal D-rings to attach a tether to you and the boat. Again, for a few bucks more, you gain added versatility.

Having attended “Safety at Sea” sessions where we got to climb into a pool and actually inflate a vest, it’s easy to see the benefits of adding a leg strap to the device to keep it from riding up when inflated. Some models come with a leg strap, but aftermarket straps are also available.

When it comes to how the vest gets inflated, you have options there too. If your main use will be sports where you’re apt to get wet a lot, a manually inflated device would be your best bet because you decide when to deploy it. These PFDs are equipped with a fill tube that allows you to inflate the vest by blowing air into it, and a pull cord that sets off a CO2 cartridge to inflate the vest. However, the disadvantage of this type of vest is also that you have to decide to inflate it, meaning it won’t work if you’re incapacitated.

Automatically inflated PFDs are another option; again, you’ll have a couple of choices to make when you shop. Some vests rely on an inflater that employs a water-sensitive chemical bobbin to trigger the CO2 firing mechanism. (A manual inflater cord and inflation tube are also included.) Should you go overboard, the bobbin quickly dissolves and the vest inflates. The downside is the bobbin can also dissolve in particularly wet conditions, such as heavy rain; once inflated, the vest will need to be rearmed.

The alternative is a vest that uses a hydrostatic inflation system that senses water pressure and automatically goes off when the sensor is in 4 inches of water. We prefer this type of vest, though they are a bit more expensive.

Maintaining Your PFD

Any inflatable PFD requires a bit of attention, and don’t be afraid to unzip the outer cover to have a look at the bladder and inflation mechanism inside. Most manufacturers recommend you use the inflation tube to inflate the vest before the start of each boating season. Leave the bladder inflated for at least 24 hours to be sure it doesn’t leak. Also, check the expiration date of the CO2 canister and triggering mechanism; most need to be replaced at five-year intervals. It also pays to have spare recharge kits aboard in case a vest gets inflated, either on purpose or accidentally. We’ve replaced the bobbins, CO2 cartridges and hydrostatic valves on several vests. Although the details vary according to brand, it’s a simple job, and most rearm kits come with clear instructions.

When armed and ready to go, you should see a green indicator through the clear window over the inflation mechanism. If it’s red, the CO2 canister and trigger need attention.

Other than that, an occasional rinse with fresh water and a cleaning with soap and water are all that are required to keep an inflatable vest in good working condition.

A couple of last pieces of advice: Get in the habit of checking to see if the inflater indicator is green every time you put on the vest. And if you go aboard a boat and are given a vest to use, be sure you understand how the PFD inflates. Again, be sure there’s a gas canister installed and ready to go. Then you’ll be ready too, should your boating adventure take an unexpected turn that lands you overboard.

Ready to buy a PFD? Head to your local West Marine or visit www.westmarine.com to start shopping and to find more useful advice on all things boating.

The post Inflatable Life Jackets—There When You Need Them appeared first on Cruising World.

Rhode Island sailor Ralph Cirillor won the Cruising World enews sign-up sweepstakes, held during September’s Newport International Boat Show. Ralph signed up for Cruising World’s weekly enews while visiting the show. He’ll receive a $500 prize from West Marine.

“I love sailing and boating because it is a freedom that must be experienced,” he said.

Congratulations Ralph and enjoy!

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Our pal Ian Scott, the skipper of the Swan 36 Coco, was in need of some new rigging in order to set sail this season. With the help of our friends at West Marine, Cruising World walks through the steps to re-rig your sailboat. Want to get started on your own project? Make sure to visit the Rigging Shop at your local West Marine or visit their website.

The post How to Re-Rig a Sailboat appeared first on Cruising World.

Cruising World’s Roundtable series brings you behind the scenes with your favorite sailing products, sailboat manufacturers, and more. Join the editors of Cruising World as they invite special guests for rousing discussions about topics important to sailors. Subscribe to never miss an episode!

This installment of Cruising World Roundtable brings together our editors & West Marine’s Zach Grover and Brian Obolewicz to discuss the vast array of sailing equipment and services one can find in West Marine stores across the country.

Start shopping online at westmarine.com or find a store near you: westmarine.com/store-finder.

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On Tuesday, December 1, 2020, West Marine kicked off its annual grant cycle for its nonprofit, BlueFuture. Encouraged to apply are nonprofit, community-based organizations that teach sailing, powerboating, fishing, paddling or surfing; provide boatbuilding instruction; foster aquatic sustainability and conservation practices; or encourage learning in the marine sciences.

“We are proud to provide this opportunity to deserving nonprofits and organizations across the country that are dedicated to giving kids water life education and experiences. Now more than ever we recognize the importance of getting kids out on the water,” said Ken Seipel, CEO of West Marine. “Many organizations lost their sources of funding in 2020 and we knew we needed to continue with BlueFuture and support these nonprofit organizations that provide kids, especially those who may not have the opportunity, with a path to engage with boating, fishing, marine sciences and conservation.”

BlueFuture annually distributes much-needed grants to dozens of nonprofit organizations across the United States. Nonprofits interested in applying can visit westmarine.com/BlueFuture to fill out and submit an online form. Grants are unrestricted allowing the recipient to determine how the funding will be used. The applications will be reviewed after the grant period closes on December 31, all winners will be notified by the end of February 2021 and grants are scheduled to be distributed in March 2021.

BlueFuture is a donor-advised fund set up through the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County, and all donations are fully tax-deductible. During the 2020 Month of Giving this December, donations can be made at checkout in a West Marine store or online and 100% of the funds raised will go directly to BlueFuture grants. To learn more about BlueFuture, visit westmarine.com/BlueFuture.

The post BlueFuture Grants Help Get Kids on the Water appeared first on Cruising World.

A grand opening celebration of the 24,000-square-foot store was held on December 7-8, 2019.

Attention Seattle sailors! West Marine has opened its largest store in the area with more than 24,000 square feet of space to serve the needs of area sailors, anglers, powerboaters and watersports enthusiasts. Located at 1400 NW 45th Street, Seattle, the new store features an expanded, state-of-the-art electronics and marine audio section, a greater selection of engine parts and the retailers largest full-service rigging shop. The huge clothing section features a boot wall plus all the weather gear from your favorite marine brands.

The flagship will also be a regional hub for West Marine Pro, the wholesale business that supports the region’s marine businesses and delivers a broad selection of core boating products.

“We are extremely excited and proud of our new Seattle West Marine,” said Lynn Gambrell, store manager. “The new store is nearly double the size of our old location and will provide our customers with more boating products than ever before, allowing us to better outfit, educate, and inspire boaters of all types.”

Check out store hours and the event schedule at westmarine.com/seattle

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Just when when young crew members are heading back to school and sailors are starting to think about putting their boats away for the season, they can still launch a new adventure by purchasing paper sailboats to display at West Marine stores across the country and help raise funds for the The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Since 2016, customers have helped West Marine raise and donate nearly $200,000 for research in the fight against blood cancers. It’s easy: Buy a boat, put your name on it, and stick it on the display. Then, watch as the fleet in your local area grows.

Sailors have been longtime supporters of LLS, primarily through racing in the Leukemia Cup Regattas, where teams tap friends and family and take pledges for the cause. Since the first regatta in 1988, more than $70 million has been donated.

“For the past three years, West Marine has been proud to partner with LLS and our customers to contribute to the organization’s mission – a world without blood cancers,” said Laura Barry, director of marketing communications for West Marine in a press release last week. “One hundred percent of each donation supports LLS to help in the fight against leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Each year, our associates and more so, our customers, go above and beyond to donate to this cause and we cannot thank them enough.”

If you’re headed in to buy antifreeze or some other late-season gear, don’t miss this chance to lend a hand.

The post Launch for a Cause appeared first on Cruising World.

No Receiver Required! Wirelessly stream audio from virtually any Bluetooth device – quick and easy. Instantly stream your favorite songs from your smartphone or tablet. You can also stream your favorite internet radio apps, such as Pandora, Spotify, iHeart, etc., from your connected device. (app required, not included.) The four-channel Class D Marine Amplifier is rated IP66 waterproof and produces up to 1200 watts of power. This new innovation is ideal for boats that do not have a stereo receiver already installed just wire the amp to power and to the included speakers, connect your Bluetooth device and rock on! The bundle includes two 6.5-inch 300-watt Dual marine grade Illuminite Speakers that are back-lit to enhance the lighting in your cockpit, and a waterproof/floating hand-held RF remote control.

Features

• No Head Unit Needed

• Bluetooth

• Light Up Speakers

More Information

Website: West Marine

See the complete 2018 Marine Electronics Guide

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Scuba diving is a mind-blowing experience, but divers know just how easy it is to become disoriented, underscoring the importance of a good dive computer. Garmin’s Descent MK1 is its first GPS-enabled dive watch. It has a three-axis compass and in-dive data, as well as monitoring heart rate and up to six gases. The battery can live for 19 days in watch mode and 40 hours in dive mode. Underwater exploration will be significantly safer with this around your wrist.

Features

• Built in GPS
• Supports multi gas mixes
• Built in compass, gyroscope, and altimeter

More Information

Website: West Marine

See the complete 2018 Marine Electronics Guide

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