Get the Most from your Electronic Charts

Updated Features Like Aerial Imagery and Detailed Marina Charts Provide Useful Info, Enhance Navigation Close to Port Most cruisers are aware of themany advantages GPS/chartplottersand electronic chartsoffer when it comes to navigating safely and efficiently.This is true whether they’re sailing along the coast for the day or spending the winter cruising from one tropical Bahamian port Read More

Plotting Your Course

Charting through the Years In September 1987, I sailed my 30-foot Hughes Columbia from Chesapeake Bay to Little River, South Carolina. After a few days of waiting weather, I exited the Little River Inlet and pointed the bow toward Bermuda, some 1,000 miles away. To find that small speck in the middle of the Atlantic, Read More

Rules of the Road-The Forgotten Rules of Seamanship

“Unbelievable! What are they doing?” This might be some of the dialog going on in your head on a typical summer weekend on the Chesapeake Bay, Long Island Sound, or any busy body of water. More often than not this is the direct result of a near collision situation. A good understanding of the rules Read More

Understanding the Basics of AIS

One cannot but marvel at the strides and innovations in onboard marine electronics. Today, equipment traditionally found on the sophisticated bridges of commercial vessels and mega yachts are now available in simpler forms to the recreational yachtsman. One such item that has become available and affordable to the recreational boater is Automatic Identification System, or Read More

How to Handle Your Vessels Refit

ON YOUR BOAT Written by Captain Juan Watson Many owners out there have either been down this road before or are about to head that way at some stage … the dreaded refit! It is absolutely understandable why there might be some trepidation. The following hypothetical situation will provide you with some perspective and useful Read More

Bottom Painting

Environmentally friendly spring commissioning Written by Captain Chuck Baier Being an active boater for decades, I’ve been able to see firsthand how things we do on and around the water affect the environment. Today, many of us make a concerted effort to use only green, eco-friendly products for cleaning and maintenance projects. There are a Read More

Let Us ZINC About It

Written by Captain Juan Watson My trusted diver has finally got an opportunity to get to one of my client’s vessel in Annapolis to change out the zincs. This particular client decided not to haul the boat this year, but instead leave it in the water at a marina. As part of the winter plan Read More

Midseason Maintenance

Increase the Life of your Boat Written by Captain Chuck Baier You’ve no doubt been told over and over that preseason maintenance and service will ensure a trouble-free boating season. What you probably don’t hear as often is that regular maintenance and service during the season goes a long way toward making your time on Read More

Winter Wisdom

Helpful Preparation Tips for Winter Lay-up Afloat Written by Captain John Strong Do you keep your boat where the winters aren’t too fierce but still cold enough to put an end to the boating season? If your boat is in the water all year, don’t ignore it all winter. ACE is pleased to offer important Read More

Spring Fitting-Out Safety Checklist

A Complete Safety Inspection of The Engine, Hull, and Other Systems Should Take, at Most, Only an Hour or Two. This Spring Can Make the Upcoming Boating Season A Lot Safer and More Enjoyable. • Inspect and lubricate seacocks. Hoses and hose clamps (two at each fitting below or near the waterline) should be inspected Read More