Features

Hey! Who’s the Captain? Kids & Decision Making

I used to drive a sporty car, live in a cozy, inexpensive apartment and vacation in the Caribbean. Now I drive a minivan, live in a good school district with outrageous taxes (we’re leaving when my youngest graduates high school!), and vacation at Disney parks. Ah, the days when decisions were ours alone to make! Nowadays, my kids definitely influence... Read more of this article

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Ever-Changing Tides

Trying to make headway against an opposing tide, we understand that the current slowing us down has something to do with the Moon pulling the water. But what exactly are tides and how do they work? Dr. R. Lawrence Swanson, Associate Dean of the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences at Stony Brook University in Southampton, explains that, “tides... Read more of this article

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Pump It

The weather is beautiful, the boat’s fueled up, you have sandwiches and drinks in the cooler, and you head out for a great day on the bay.  Then, just as the anchor sets, someone needs to use the head, only to find it fairly full. Years ago, this head-ache would require you to weigh anchor and head to a marina to be pumped (back in the dark ages,... Read more of this article

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Blending Boating & Business

Plenty of boaters take refuge on the water with family and friends, leaving stress behind on the shore. However, some share their boats with clients, co-workers or even bosses as they build strong workplace relationships or create new moneymaking opportunities. We asked readers about their business entertaining experiences, and asked social pros for... Read more of this article

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Don’t Do What I Did

There are very few times onboard a boat as relaxing as being at anchor on a beautiful summer day.  One such day held that promise as we left Northport at 11:00 am in our 37’ Silverton for a 20 minute ride to the anchorage area of Lloyd Harbor (along the southernmost part of the harbor just west of the lighthouse). The day was gorgeous– 80 degrees... Read more of this article

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A Craving For Teaching

When I was in school, I was terrified to stand up in front of the class and speak. In fact, if I knew beforehand that I would have to read a report (or anything similar), I would seriously consider “being ill” the next day! Fortunately, things change.  In my professional life, I had many occasions to conduct meetings, give presentations, and even... Read more of this article

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Catching (Sight Of) Seals

James Sullivan is a naturalist whose main job is tending to animals who are hurt. Yet he often finds himself soothing anxious human passengers about to embark on a seal cruise.  He quiets new boaters’ concerns with repeated statements including, “The water will be calm,” “The boat ride will be gentle,” and “You can always see the shore.” Sullivan... Read more of this article

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Letter To The Editor From Robert Zingale

To quote a line from the movie Jerry McGuire, “You had me at hello.” This pretty much sums up our boating life for the past year and our involvement with the United States Power Squadrons®. My wife, Cristina, and I moved back to New York in 2009 and suffered through the first summer without a boat.  In July 2010, we became the proud owners of... Read more of this article

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Simple Steps to Minimize Propeller Injury

- Personally look at the area around your boat’s propeller before starting the engine. Don’t count on others– see for yourself - Before you set out for the day, take a moment to inform your passengers of the location and dangers of the propellers, and call attention to any propeller warning labels around your boat. - Never permit passengers... Read more of this article

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Easy Maintenance

Even if you’re not planning on doing any work until it warms up, now is the time most marine supply stores start running their early spring sales. Because of such sales, this is really a great time to stock up on what you’ll need to get your boat in shape before launching it. Consult your list, and start shopping…. Unless, of course, you still... Read more of this article

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Piloting a Boat: It’s Different than Driving a Car

When you get in your car and pull out of the driveway, you give a quick look in each direction and then stay on the right side of the road.  You expect other drivers will know the speed limits and rules of the road, and will behave in a civilized manner at stop signs and intersections. Though defensive driving is important, you don’t continuously... Read more of this article

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Built from Scratch

Carol Tucher, Jen Clement, Bree Nurnberger, Kathleen Scheibel, Kathy Cullen, and Ann Bell. (Ann Marie Morreale not present.) Kathleen Scheibel introduced her son, Sam, to a project she had been working on all winter. With childlike enthusiasm, she asked, “Aren’t you impressed with what your mother can do?” Her work in progress was a kayak built... Read more of this article

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Boating & Biking

Some of Long Island’s most beautiful spots are not just reachable by boat. There are harbors, parks, and villages that make wonderful places to explore by bicycle. Though you know a boat & bike trip would be both environmentally friendly and health enhancing, do you dismiss the idea because there’s no room aboard for a bicycle?  Consider buying... Read more of this article

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Sailing Proud: The Knickerbocker Sailing Association

When sailor Steven Kelley boxed up his belongings and moved to his boat, some thought he was crazy.  But not his partner of seven years, who was fully on board with the plan. The couple rented out their home, and now their floating “efficiency apartment” holds everything they need. “The great thing is, when we go on vacation, we never need to... Read more of this article

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