Safe at Sea: ‘Old faithfuls’ to keep on board
Recently, I met up with an “old salt,” Tom Niswonger. He has a wealth of boating experience, both in Michigan and Southwest Florida. Over the years, Niswonger has owned more boats than just about anyone I know.
In fact, his experience and knowledge are vast, particularly in the area of boat-engine maintenance. For years, Niswonger has taught the engine maintenance course offered by the America’s Boating Club of Sanibel-Captiva. Perhaps it is one of the most popular courses because he brings in — drags in, in truth — a ton of engine parts so the class is very hands-on.
Like all “old sea salts,” Niswonger is never without a story of his adventures and, usually, those tales scare the daylights out of me. He has done it all.
When we were talking, I asked him what two items every vessel should have on board, particularly ones that most people would not think of. He was quick to reply, “Well, the old faithfuls in my boating have always been duct tape and WD-40.” Neither one would have been at the top of my list, until he explained: “Their uses are endless.”
Here are just a few — by the way, these are good for the landlubber, too:
DUCT TAPE
– When you need to take something apart, put all the small pieces on the sticky side of the tape. There is nothing more frustrating that searching for the last washer or nut that you have lost track of. Plus, this will prevent parts from rolling around the boat.
– Bilge fishing?! When you need to get down into a hard-to-reach spot, roll up some duct tape (sticky side out, of course) and attach it to a wire hanger. See what all you will retrieve.
– Tape a spare key under some hidden part of your boat.
– Have you been so frustrated at getting a small screw threaded? Tape the screw to the end of the screwdriver, then once it is threaded, pull the tape off and continue.
WD-40
– Keeps engine belts and hoses from drying and cracking.
– Repels water from boat shoes. (Who knew?)
– Removes gum from cabin carpeting.
– Helps untangle fishing line.
Words of wisdom from a great instructor who’s practical tips are endless! If I’m lucky, he just might share some more!
Pat Schmidt is a member of America’s Boating Club of Sanibel-Captiva. For more about the chapter and its boating education courses, visit www.sancapboating.club or contact education@sanibelcaptivasps.org or 612-987-2125.