Resources

This is where you will find member contributed articles on topics such as restoration, show judging, trailering, safety, etc.

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The Ideal Woody Boater First Aid Kit

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We all love going out and enjoying rides on the beautiful boats we own. However, one of the worst things that can happen is someone getting hurt or injured along the ride. Having a small first aid kit is not only necessary but extremely handy. Below, there are pictures of the first aid kit we have in our 67 Lyman Cruisette. Pick and choose what you like or feel is necessary for your boat but I figured I’d share what is in ours.




The first most obvious items are some band-aids. We have multiple sizes but if you just have a standard size, it will be just as good. Gauze, gauze pads, and tape are not necessary but we have some in our kit just to be on the safe side.

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Another bunch of important items for your first aid kit are various relief creams.  In our kit, we have a hand wipe, a sting relief wipe and a couple of the antiseptic towelettes.  Along with the wipes, we also have a bottle of Sting-Eze some bacitracin.

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Another one of the necessary items that is needed for a first aid kit is an ice pack. This is one of the ice packs that you just have to shake, and then the pack activates.

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Our last couple of items are some “tools”, a pair of scissors and a pair of tweezers. Whether you get a splinter on a dock or need to cut a fraying line, these two items come in handy a lot more often than you would think.

And finally, you will need something to hold it in. We used a small tackle box with the rearrangeable walls. This way we could align the inserts to fit the needs of our kit. However, if you feel this is too large and bulky for your boat. A small pouch or even a small fanny pack will work.

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And there you have it. A complete woody boater first aid kit. Having a first aid kit onboard is just on of those things that you really need. It puts your mind at ease and you will never be left without a band-aid or a pair of tweezers again. So go ahead and enjoy your beautiful wooden boat with your new first aid kit!

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Spring Commissioning Checklist

Keeping your boat in good working order is as much a part of the boating experience as boating itself.

This is especially true when taking your vessel out of a long hibernation in winter storage. Here are some quick tips to help you prepare your craft for another great season on the water.

General Maintenance • Check all screws, bolts and other fittings to ensure they are properly secured. • Keep the hulls and decks of the boat cleaned and waxed. This will protect the hull from sun damage and hairline cracks and will help increase your fuel efficiency. • Coat all electrical fittings with a water-repelling, non-conductive grease or corrosion inhibitor, such as Pertox.

Engines and Fuel Systems • Inspect fuel lines, fill and vent hoses for softness, brittleness or cracking. • Check all joints for leaks. • Clean and tighten both ends of the battery cables. Don’t forget to check the battery water level. • Examine fuel tanks, fuel pumps, filters and cooling hoses for any leaks. Replace any rusted clamps.

Trailers • Inspect tire treads and sidewalls for cracks or lack of tread, and replace as necessary. Be sure to double-check air pressure. • Look over the bearings and repack as needed, since these tend to run dry after repeated exposure to water. • Test tail and back-up lights.

Before Getting Wet • Examine the prop for dings, pitting and distortion, as well as the hull for blisters and stress cracks. • Make sure the engine intake sea strainer is free of corrosion and is properly secured. • With your boat on the trailer, swell the planks or strakes by wetting the bottom (preferably from the outside) to confirm you won’t overtake the bilge pump capacity when you launch.

Last But Not Least • Check expiration dates on flares and fire extinguishers. • Inspect dock and anchor lines for chaffing. • Update or replace old charts and waterway guides. • Make sure your boating license and registration are up-to-date and stored in a safe, waterproof place.