Featured

A Captain’s Guide to Reading Channel Markers

One of the most important boating skills — and one that even seasoned boaters can brush up on — is properly reading channel markers. Whether you’re cruising into a marina, navigating an inlet, or heading home at sunset, understanding markers keeps you safe, off the sandbars, and exactly where you’re supposed to be.

Colors

The number one rule to remember is the classic phrase: Red, Right, Returning. When you are returning from open water (heading upstream or back into a harbor), the red markers should be on your starboard (right) side. Green markers should be on your port (left) side. These markers typically appear as buoys or fixed posts and are numbered — red markers have even numbers, and green markers have odd numbers. The numbers increase as you head inland.

If you’re heading out toward open water, the rule reverses. Red will be on your left, and green will be on your right.

Shapes

Pay attention to the shapes, too. Even if colors are hard to see due to glare or weather, the shapes help: red markers are typically triangular (“nuns”), while green markers are square or can-shaped. Dayboards (signs mounted on posts) follow the same pattern with red triangles and green squares.

You may also encounter junction markers, which indicate a split in the channel. These will display both red and green colors. The top color shows the preferred (primary) channel. For example, if red is on top, follow the red marker rule for the main channel.

Be Aware

Finally, remember that markers guide you through the safest and deepest water — but they don’t replace situational awareness. Always monitor your charts, depth finders, tides, and surroundings.

A little attention to channel markers goes a long way. Mastering them not only keeps your boat (and prop) in good shape but also makes you a more confident and courteous captain on the water.

Featured

Banana Walnut Muffins

Prep time: 15-20 min

Cook time: 25 min

Total time: 45 min

Yields: 9-10 muffins

Ingredients

  • 1/3 C almond flour
  • 1/3 C tapioca flour
  • 1/3 C coconut flour
  • ½ C milk
  • ¼ C coconut sugar
  • 3 eggs, whisked
  • 2 bananas, mashed
  • ¼ tsp sea salt
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ C chopped walnuts

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°.
  2. In a large bowl mix together dry ingredients (flours, coconut sugar, sea salt, baking soda).
  3. In a small bowl mix together milk, eggs and vanilla extract.
  4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until batter forms.
  5. Fold in the walnuts.
  6. Pour into lined muffin tins and bake for 25 minutes.
  7. Remove and serve with a dab of grass fed butter or ghee!

For more recipes and lifestyle tips
connect with me over at:
refreshednutrition.com
info@refreshednutrition.com
Refreshed Nutrition
@Refreshed_Nutrition

Featured

This Season’s Foodie Trend: Hello Butter Boards!

This Season’s Foodie Trend: Hello Butter Boards!

We can thank TikTok for the hottest new food trend – the Butter Board. Back in September 2022, Brooklyn-based cook/food blogger Justine Doiron posted the alternative to a charcuterie board on TikTok and the Butter Board hoopla began to churn! It is important to note that the concept of the Butter Board was originally included in a 2017 cookbook, Six Seasons: A New Way with Vegetables, by chef Josh McFadden, and that Doiron’s Tik-Tok just whipped everyone into a frenzy.

The Butter Board is most likely much higher in calories and saturated fat than your average charcuterie board, but we offer you both a standard butter board and a heathier alternative blow.

Butter Board How-Tos

Slather a cutting board with softened butter and then season with flavors of your choice. (Justine used salt and plenty of lemon zest). Then, sprinkle your favorite chopped herbs over the seasoned butter base. Additional toppings can include pickled red onions, roasted garlic, and rosemary; figs and fresh mint; veggie options like radishes, shredded carrot, finely chopped broccoli; or proteins like diced salami or bacon. Whatever appeals to your taste buds. Top with a seasoned honey, if you like.

Everydayhealth.com offers these ideas for a heathier board. Slather your board with smashed avocado, hummus, or ricotta cheese as an alternative to the butter. Topping remains the same as the butter is the ingredient that tilts the board in terms of healthy vs. less healthy but your choice of herbs, veggies or chopped nuts combine to make the board a healthy one.

The most important ingredient for any butter board, healthy or not, is the bread you use to wipe up all that butter board goodness. A classic French baguette is a great option as is a dark pumpernickel, sourdough, or pretzel roll.

Featured

Make a Splash with These Holiday Gift Ideas

If you’re shopping for someone who lives for salt spray, sunrise cruises, or lazy afternoons on the water, here are some thoughtful, practical, and fun gifts that any boater would love to unwrap this holiday season.

There’s no better place to start than safety essentials! A reliable life jacket never goes out of style — the Onyx A/M-24 Inflatable PFD is a great pick. It’s low-profile, automatically inflates in water, and stays lightweight so it’s super wearable. For dock days, consider a more traditional foam option like the Bass Pro Recreational Life Jacket, which gives you peace of mind without breaking the bank.

For boaters who like to put a soundtrack to their downtime, a floating Bluetooth speaker is a no-brainer. The iLive floating speaker is water-resistant, floats, and clips easily — perfect for deck parties or relaxing at anchor.

Next, help them protect their gear with waterproof storage. A dry bag is indispensable, and theSea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Sack is ideal — ultralight, durable, and completely weatherproof.

Here’s something delightfully cozy and cool: a Mission Boat Hammock. This isn’t just any hammock — it’s specially sized to hang from a boat tower. Trust me, your friends will fight over who gets to lounge in it.

For someone who takes pride in their space and wants to add a personal touch, this Personalized Boat Name Engraved Cutting Board makes a beautifully tailored gift. It’s great for prepping meals or just showing off a beloved boat name in the galley or onshore. Impress Dazzle your friends even further by serving delectable charcuterie spreads on your new cutting board!

Let’s not forget style — Sperry Authentic Original 2-Eye Boat Shoes are a nautical staple with that classic, wet-or-dry grip and the kind of timeless look that matches any boater’s wardrobe.

Finally, a bit of thoughtful onboard organization goes a long way. The TidyBoat Brush Head Organizer  is a simple but smart gift — it keeps brushes (and other cleaning tools) safe, dry, and easy to find when it’s time to scrub down.

Whether you’re shopping for safety, comfort, or pure boater joy, these gifts are sure to resonate. Give something that’s useful and meaningful, so they’ll know you really get the boating life.

Featured

Taking a Look Back on the 2024 Sea Turtle Nesting Season

Each year between March 1 and October 31 the research staff at Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC) monitors sea turtle nesting activity on 9.5 miles of beach in North Palm Beach County, Florida; however, nesting often occurs prior to and following those dates. Three species of sea turtles utilize the beaches close to the Center. Because the turtles come ashore during this time, nesting season allows our team the opportunity to study and monitor these populations.

The first species to hit the beaches each year is the leatherback, followed by loggerheads, and then finally the green turtles. 2023 was a record year for sea turtle nesting on the beaches monitored by LMC with over 25,000 total nests, also representing a record of 15,672 nests for loggerheads. This year, as of the end of October, 14,950 total nests have been recorded.

Each evening, LMC staff are working on the beaches as turtles are nesting. During this time the staff can get bloodwork, measurements, weights, and tag key specimens with flipper tags and occasionally satellite tags. One leatherback named Patricia has visited the beaches monitored by the Center frequently and was satellite tagged in 2023. After leaving the beaches of South Florida, Patricia headed all the way up to the chilly waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence south of Quebec. That is a marathon journey by boat, let alone swimming. Another leatherback named Domino missed the all-time diving depth record for the species by 336 feet reaching 3,669 feet.

With each morning survey, our research team identifies every crawl left by nesting sea turtles. The three species that nest on the local beaches all leave a unique signature path in the sand. Each crawl is identified to a species and reviewed as to whether it was a successful crawl resulting in a nest or a false crawl where the turtle decided not to nest for any number of reasons from type of sand, light pollution, presence of predators, or human interlopers.

While each nesting year is different, the team at Loggerhead Marinelife Center is on the front lines of sea turtle research. Despite nesting numbers being very high last year, hatchling survival was rather low likely due to high temperatures and a dry summer. The rainy season of 2024 has led to increased hatchling production as the rain cools off the nests. Conservation efforts that began nearly 40 years ago have helped most sea turtle populations in the United States begin to rebound, but they are not out of the woods (or sand) just yet. Loggerhead Marinelife Center benefits from the partnership of Loggerhead Marinas which help support the critical work we do.

Andy Dehart – President & CEO

Loggerhead Marinelife Center

Photos courtesy of Christian Del Rosario and Andy Dehart

Featured

Fudgy Pecan Bourbon Balls

Ingredients:

8 ounces 60% cacao dark chocolate, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

1/2 Cup heavy cream

1/3 Cup bourbon

3/4 Cup pecan halves, finely chopped

Instructions:

1. Place chocolate in a medium bowl. Bring heavy cream and bourbon just a simmer in a saucepan over medium. Remove from heat and pour cream mixture over chocolate. Let stand 1 minute; stir vigorously until cream and chocolate are thoroughly blended. Let mixture cool 15 minutes. Cover with plastic wrap, and chill until firm, about 2 hours. (If you cannot make the truffles immediately, the mixture will keep, covered, in the fridge up to 1 week.)

2. Place chopped pecans on a shallow plate. Line a baking sheet

3. Working quickly and using a small warmed teaspoon (dipped into hot water and then dried), scoop chilled chocolate mixture by 2-teaspoon portions, and shape each into a ball. Place each ball on chopped pecans. Once the plate is filled, wash hands and roll balls in pecans to completely cover. Transfer balls to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining chocolate mixture and pecans.

4. Chill balls until firm, about 1 hour. (Or freeze until firm, about 10 minutes.) Enjoy them now, gift them, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 1 week.

(Recipe from southernliving.com)

Featured

Signal Corps Two-Letter Flag Signals and VHF Radio call signsTwo-Letter Flag Signals

Two-Letter Flag Signals

Have you ever seen flags being flown while out on the water that you didn’t recognize? Being familiar with your flags can help you and other boaters stay alert and be safe.

A C: I am abandoning vessel

I T: I am on fire

A N: I need a doctor

J F: I am in distress and need immediate assistance

A Q: I have an injured person who needs to be taken off immediately

J G: I am aground and in danger

C B: I require immediate assistance

J L: You are at risk of running aground

C J: Do you require assistance?

J W: I have sprung a leak

C N: I am unable to give assistance

K F: I require a tug

C P: I am coming to your assistance

K N: I cannot take you in tow

D V: I am drifting

N C: International Distress

D X: I am sinking

N E: Proceed with great caution

G W: Man overboard

N F: You are running into danger

I M: I request to be escorted until further notice

N G: You are in a dangerous position

VHF Channel Markers

Whether you’re very comfortable with using your VHF radio or still figuring things out, knowing how to use your channels is essential to communicating effectively with those around you.

16: Hailing and distress

09: Ship-to-ship and ship-to-coast (for example, when contacting marinas)

68: The same as Channel 9, but this channel is also used for commercial ship-to-ship

06: Ship-to-ship communication for safety only

21A and 83: Coast Guard internal communication only

22A: This is the channel you’ll be switched to if you call the Coast Guard, and your situation isn’t life threatening

13: Navigational (bridges, locks, etc.)

70: Reserved for digital selective calling

12: Port operations

25, 26, 27, and 28: Public telephone-link up with a land-based marine operator

69, 71, and 72: Ship-to-ship communication

WX-1, WX-2, WX-3, and WX-4: Weather broadcasts

Featured

A message from our friends at Loggerhead Marinelife Center

The words “coral reef” have several connotations. To many it invokes memories of snorkeling or diving in the clear blue waters of the Florida Keys, Caribbean or other tropical parts of the world. Others think of days out on the boat fishing and enjoying time with friends and family. Some may think of a Jimmy Buffet ballad backed up by his band the Coral Reefers.

Few, however, think of the valuable roles coral reefs play in our natural world and in our coastal economies. Worldwide, coral reefs are hotbeds for biodiversity that support 25% of all marine species and over $36 billion in tourism. If you enjoy recreational fishing it is important to know that coral reefs provide shelter and food as well as reproductive and nursery areas for many marine species including those that are commercially and recreationally valuable as food fish.  According to the PEW Charitable Trusts nearly 6 million fishers in the world rely on coral reefs for their products which have an estimated annual value of $375 billion globally. The annual value of coral reef-based fisheries in the US is well over $200 million.  

Brain Coral | Photo courtesy of Andy Dehart

Healthy reefs are not just important for protecting our fisheries and tourism, they are critical for protecting our coastal communities. Coral reefs are the first line of defense against powerful storms by reducing wave height an average of 84%. In many tropical coastal communities, mangroves and coral reefs work in tandem to protect shorelines from severe storms and flooding. A recent study found that Florida’s Coral Reef annually provides over $675 million dollars in flood protection benefits to people, property and jobs – increasing to over $1.6 billion during severe storm events.

Unfortunately, coral reefs are facing many local, regional, and global stressors including declining water quality and unusually high ocean temperatures that led to 2023-24 being declared as the 4th global coral bleaching event. In addition, an outbreak of the virulent “stony coral tissue loss disease” continues to affect corals throughout Florida, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean.

Staghorn Coral | Photo courtesy of Andy Dehart

Since coral reefs are so valuable, it’s critical to keep them healthy and resilient. Luckily there is still time to save these amazing ecosystems! Loggerhead Marinelife Center and its partner organizations are focused on all areas of reef conservation ranging from education to habitat restoration and disease control. We need your help – the boating community is key to helping us build innovative private and corporate partnerships that will support protection and restoration of these ecologically, culturally, and economically important ecosystems.  

There are several things you can do to help in this fight to protect this resource for generations to come. Some of the most impactful things you can do are:

  • Use reef safe sunscreen. Visit https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/news/sunscreen-corals.html for more information.
  • Choose sustainable seafood by using a program like Seafood Watch.
  • Practice safe boating by anchoring in sandy areas away from reefs and sea grasses – far enough to ensure the anchor chain does not drag over these sensitive habitats.
  • Be chemical aware. Many cleaning chemicals for boats can harm the reefs as can fertilizers used in your yard at home.
  • Recycle monofilament lines to prevent derelict marine debris.
  • Refuse or reduce single-use plastics. Plastics eventually break down into nano plastics and trickle into the food and water we consume.

I learned to snorkel in the Florida Keys at the age of 5. I have had a lifetime of adventure and excitement on or under the water on coral reefs. I have been very fortunate to have dove with large sharks, snorkeled with sea turtles and watched goliath groupers. At Loggerhead Marinelife Center we want to help build awareness for these special places to ultimately protect them. We know we have kindred spirits in the boating community that love the coral reefs just like we do, and we thank you for being partners in their protection.

Andy Dehart

President & CEO

Loggerhead Marinelife Center

A Conservation Success Story: Green Turtles

Too often in the environmental space, the stories are of doom and gloom. While our planet and its natural ecosystems including our rivers, lakes, and oceans are under pressure, there are reasons to celebrate. Many of these stories occur because humans cared and decided to take action.

In late 2025, the green turtle, one of the species of sea turtles that nests on Florida’s coast, has been downlisted from “Endangered” to “Least Concern” globally on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. The IUCN is a global organization working towards conservation of imperiled plants and animals. The movement of the green turtle to “Least Concern” globally is a win for sea turtles and is a story of hope about how human involvement and protection can work for species recovery.

For over a century, green turtles were exploited for their meat, eggs, and shells, while also heavily impacted as bycatch in fishing industries. By the 1970’s, green turtles in the Atlantic were near extinction. In Florida alone in the 1980’s, there were roughly 4,000 green turtle nests annually, which then climbed to 50,000 nests, or more, each year in the state by the 2010’s. This year, Loggerhead Marinelife Center’s research team alone counted 8,363 green turtle nests on the 10 miles of beach that they monitor.

Global Conservation Efforts

Numerous efforts occurred to help protect sea turtles in the United States and around the world. First, federal protections were put into place such as the Endangered Species Act, which was enacted in 1973. These protections banned harvest of sea turtles for their meat and eggs. In many areas, the nesting beaches themselves were protected from development and poaching activities by establishing standardized nesting beach monitoring to protect the nesting turtles and their eggs. This was coupled with increased educational outreach about why each turtle and each nest matter.

Loggerhead Marinelife Center has been at the forefront of these monitoring and educational efforts since 1983. Another critical aspect related to the increased nest numbers that we see across all three nesting species in Florida came through the development and adoption of the Turtle Excluder Device (TED) for commercial fishing. This unique piece of fishing gear used in trawl fisheries allows the shrimp and other small fish to be captured while pushing any accidentally captured turtles to a hatch, which allows the turtle to swim out.

Continuing This Effort

We should certainly celebrate this conservation win but also highlight that not every regional population of green turtles has increased like we have seen in Florida. We need to ensure continued protection for all sea turtles including the loggerhead, leatherback, hawksbill, and Kemp’s ridley, which are still listed as threatened, endangered, or critically endangered. We have seen how quickly humankind can bring species to the brink of extinction, but when we choose to act as we have done with alligators, bald eagles, buffalo, and now green turtles, we can also help protect and restore these amazing animals and help the ecosystems that they live in.

Andy Dehart

President & CEO

Loggerhead Marinelife Center

Lets Make Lemonade!

Two refreshing lemonade recipes to keep you cool on hot days.

Classic Lemonade

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 5 cups water
  • 6 lemons
  • Ice

Directions:

  1. Combine in saucepan 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, rind of 2 lemons, cut into pieces
  2. Stir over low heat until sugar is dissolved.
  3. Boil about 7 minutes. Cool.
  4. Add 1 cup lemon juice (5-6 lemons) 4 cups ice water.
  5. Pour over ice in pitcher or tall glasses.

(Recipe from Betty Crocker’s Picture Cookbook, 1950) 

Spicy Strawberry-Jalapeño Lemonade 

Ingredients:

  • 1 quart strawberries, hulled and split into quarters lengthwise
  • ½ jalapeño pepper, seeds and ribs removed, cut into 4 pieces
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • Pinch salt
  • 1 cup fresh juice from 5-6 lemons
  • 3 cups cold water
  • 1 quart ice 

Directions:

  1. Combine strawberries, jalapeño slices, sugar, and salt in a medium bowl and toss to coat. Let rest for 30 minutes. 
  2. Remove and discard jalapeño slices. Set aside 1 cup of macerated strawberries for garnish.
  3. Transfer remaining strawberries and any exuded juices and syrup into a blender.
  4. Add lemon juice. Blend on high speed until smooth, about 1 minute.
  5. Strain through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher. Discard solids. Add reserved strawberries and cold water and whisk to combine.
  6. Add ice. Serve in ice-filled glasses garnished with a strawberry and a jalapeño slice. 

(Recipe from www.seriouseats.com) 

The Best Charcuterie Board Combinations

Dazzle your friends with your ability to provide tiny bites of fabulous finger foods, whether sweet or savory. Check out our ideas for some fun food boards.

Food boards are a great way to provide a lot of variety for an easy-to-do appetizer or dessert course. You can choose to use a small wooden serving board or large platter or repurpose a cookie sheet or pastry board. The options are truly endless.

Tips:

  1. Consider guests’ dietary needs and make sure you have something for everyone.
  2. That said, do not have more than six or seven choices on any board. Too many choices, in this case, is not best.
  3. Label whatever you can – use flagged toothpicks, mini-chalkboards (check out amazon.com), or frame a cute diagram or drawing of the offerings. Be creative!
  4. Keep everything in easy to manage bites – after all, the purpose is to use your fingers and keep everyone satisfied until the main event is ready.

Traditional Charcuterie Board

Pronounced “shar-cu-tree,” the word charcuterie roughly translates to mean “cold, cooked, meats.” It dates to the 15th century and was used to describe a butcher shop that sold such meats. Nowadays, the trendy adaptation of the word calls to mind a board laden with a variety of meats and cheeses.

  • Bread and crackers: A crusty bread, think French baguette or crostini and artisanal crackers, such as multi-grain or herbed options. Also a few standard Ritz crackers won’t be left behind.
  • Cheeses: Rule of thumb: one hard, one soft, one spicy and two ounces per person. Consider Brie, Manchego, and a traditional Sharp Cheddar.
  • Olives: make this a mix of marinated kalamata, green, and black olives.
  • Cured Meats: hard salami, prosciutto, smoked ham, and summer sausage work well!
  • Nuts: Use small shot glasses or fingerbowls to serve up some unshelled pistachios, cashews, and Spanish peanuts.

Crostini Board

Crostini are small pieces of sliced bread, toasted or fried and topped with the spread of your choice:

  • Bread, pre-sliced, pre-toasted/fried
  • Pre-made toppings such as olive tapenade, pesto spread, or the standard tomato bruschetta*  
  • Cheese toppings can include soft cheeses like ricotta, burrata, or mozzarella

Vegetable Board

Fresh, crisp, and colorful veggies are a heathy alternative to a cheese and meat board.

  • Fresh veggies, cut into easy to eat pieces, such as radishes, red and yellow bell peppers, zucchini, cucumber, and carrots
  • Dips such as ranch dip or garlic aioli*

Dessert Board

  • Dark or white chocolate-dipped fruits such as strawberries, kiwi slices, or orange slices
  • Dried Fruits such as apricots, pineapple and mango
  • Gumdrops and Jordan almonds
  • Shortbread cookies, cinnamon-sugar graham crackers, or chocolate-covered graham crackers

*(To make tomato topping, finely dice 4-5 Roma tomatoes and combine with 1 clove minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar and ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper)

**(To make garlic aioli, whisk together 1 cup mayonnaise, 3 gloves minced garlic, mashed, 1 teaspoon lemon juice and a dash of cayenne pepper. Cover and refrigerate one hour before serving.)

Our Role in Protecting Turtles, From the Nest to the Water

Loggerhead Marinelife Center has a front row seat to one of the busiest nesting beaches in the world for sea turtles. The 9.5 miles of beach that we monitor and study sees nesting activity by three species: leatherbacks, loggerheads, and green turtles. From year to year, nesting counts can widely fluctuate in a natural cycle, but we are fortunate that all three species are stable or increasing in our region. However, this not always the case globally.

For hundreds of years, sea turtles have been hunted for their meat and eggs as food, and their shells have been harvested to create various products, ranging from decorative combs to eyeglass frames. Historically, they have been caught as bycatch, or unintended catch, in fishing industries that use trawling nets and longlines. In 1973, the Endangered Species Act was enacted to prevent extinction and promote recovery of imperiled species. A recent article published in PLOS ONE, titled Marine mammals and sea turtles listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act are recovering, provided an in-depth evaluation of the success of conservation efforts in the United States.

All sea turtle species that we see in Florida’s waters are protected at the state and federal level, which often have separate conservation status designations that are separate from those in the Pacific Ocean. These protections prevent harvest of sea turtles and their nests and offer protection to nesting beaches. The science community and commercial fishing industry worked together over 60 years ago to invent the turtle excluder device (TED), which dramatically reduced sea turtle bycatch and net damage without reducing the targeted catch of the fishermen.

The impacts of this level of protection for species on the verge of extinction have been incredibly successful. In 1979, Florida had just 62 green turtle tests, and by 2015 that number increased to over 37,000. Last summer Loggerhead Marinelife Center researchers counted 1,729 green turtle nests on just 9.5 miles of monitored beach. Sea turtles are a critical part of the marine ecosystem both as predators and prey while also helping to provide food to beach- and shore-based predators and nutrients to dune plants. Each species of sea turtle has a unique diet. Leatherbacks feed on jellyfish, keeping their populations in check, and hawksbills feed on sponges on the reef, preventing competition with corals. Sea turtle hatchlings are also a food source for many animals including gulls and popular game fish such as dolphinfish and wahoo.

Sea turtles are still vulnerable to entanglement in derelict fishing gear, ingestion of plastic, and boat strikes; therefore, their continued protection is essential. At the Center, we are grateful for the collaboration with Loggerhead Marinas to help support our vital work to ensure days on the water are filled with wildlife, whether you are fishing, diving, or just cruising.

Photos courtesy of Andy Dehart

Andy Dehart
President & CEO
Loggerhead Marinelife Center

Boat Maintenance Basics: Keep Your Vessel Shipshape

Owning a boat means endless adventures on the water, but it also comes with the responsibility of keeping your vessel in top condition. Regular maintenance ensures safety, extends the life of your boat, and prevents costly repairs down the line. Whether you’re new to boat ownership or just need a refresher, here are some key maintenance basics to keep your boat in shape.

Keep Your Vessel Clean

Salt, dirt, and grime can build up quickly on a boat, leading to corrosion and damage over time. Regularly wash your boat with fresh water, especially after saltwater outings, and use marine-friendly soap to keep the hull, deck, and seats looking fresh. A coat of wax on fiberglass surfaces can help protect against UV damage and oxidation.

Inspect and Maintain the Engine and Battery

Your boat’s engine is its heart, so routine checks are essential. Before each outing, inspect the engine for leaks, check oil and coolant levels, and ensure belts and hoses are in good shape. Regular oil changes (as recommended by the manufacturer) and flushing the engine after saltwater use will help keep things running smoothly. Regularly inspect the battery terminals for corrosion, ensure it’s fully charged, and replace it if it’s nearing the end of its lifespan.

Keep an Eye on the Fuel System

Inspect fuel lines for cracks or leaks, ensure fuel filters are clean, and use fresh fuel to prevent buildup and clogging. If your boat sits for long periods, adding a fuel stabilizer can help prevent issues when you’re ready to hit the water again.

photo from Loggerhead Cortez Village marina
Maintain the Propeller and Hull

A damaged or bent propeller can reduce efficiency and put unnecessary strain on the engine. Before each trip, check for dents or debris tangled around the prop, and have it repaired or replaced if necessary. Inspect the hull for cracks, blisters, or damage, and repair them promptly to avoid bigger issues. If your boat is stored in the water, regular bottom cleaning and applying antifouling paint can prevent marine growth that slows you down and damages the hull.

Inspect Safety Equipment

Routine maintenance isn’t just about keeping your boat running—it’s also about safety. Check that your life jackets, fire extinguishers, flares, and first aid kit are in good condition and up to date. Also, test your bilge pump and navigation lights to ensure everything is operational.

Store It Properly

Proper storage protects your boat from the elements and extends its lifespan. Whether you keep it in a slip, on a trailer, or in dry storage, use a quality boat cover to shield it from sun, rain, and debris. If you’re winterizing, be sure to drain water systems, add antifreeze where necessary, and give the boat a thorough once-over before storage.

A well-maintained boat not only performs better but also keeps you and your passengers safe on the water. Sticking to a regular maintenance schedule helps prevent headaches and ensures your vessel is always ready for your next adventure. Happy boating!

Green Beneath the Waves: A Dive into Seagrass Habitats

Did you know that seagrass and seaweed are not the same thing? Seaweed, like kelp and the floating sargassum we are overly familiar with here in Florida are not true plants, they are macroalgae. They lack specialized features like roots and the ability to flower. Seagrasses, on the other hand, are flowering plants that are more closely related to lilies and orchids than grasses. They have roots, stems, leaves, and produce flowers, seeds, and pollen. Seagrasses grow in shallow, coastal waters in groups called meadows or beds and are critically important to the health of our coastal waters. Seagrass beds serve many functions like nursery habitat for invertebrates and baby fish, including snapper and stone crab.

Seagrasses are also important carbon and nutrient sinks that produce large amounts of oxygen through photosynthesis. By rooting into the sediment, they stabilize the bottom; a healthy bed of seagrass helps trap fine particles and absorbs excess nutrients from the surrounding water. Not only do these seagrasses play a critical role in the health of the oceans and in generating oxygen for the planet but they are food for some our most beloved animals – manatees and green turtles. Both feed almost exclusively on different types of seagrasses and are challenged by the rapid loss of seagrass in our coastal areas.

These rapid losses are happening because all marine ecosystems are delicately balanced, and too many nutrients can be detrimental. Just like our lawns, seagrass beds need some organic fertilizer, but they can be harmed if the nutrients are too abundant. Instead of helping the seagrasses to grow, the excess nutrients feed microscopic algae causing massive blooms in the water column. This makes the water murky and prevents sunlight from penetrating to the seafloor; ultimately starving the seagrasses of energy they need to grow and thrive. 

Currently, excess nutrients in our coastal waters are not from natural sources but rather from runoff associated with agriculture and urban areas combined with the seepage of waste from failing septic systems and aged wastewater pipes. These pollution pathways are leading to more frequent and severe algal explosions in our nearshore waters and ocean ecosystems – causing massive seagrass die offs. This starts a vicious cycle – as seagrass beds die, the sediment their roots held together becomes loose and gets stirred up by waves.  This worsens the water clarity and makes restoration of these habitats challenging.

As Loggerhead Marina boaters there are some simple steps you can take to help us at Loggerhead Marinelife Center to protect our coastal seagrass beds. First is through responsible boating: Go Slow for Those Below! To help protect sea turtles and other marine life, travel at the minimum speed needed for safe navigation. This also reduces your risk of running your boat onto shallow seagrass beds that could cause scars in the sediment and take years to recover. When choosing a place to anchor, look for a sandy patch rather than grass as anchors tear seagrasses out at the roots. Second, reduce fertilizer use at home and fertilize only in the dry season. Plant native trees and landscape that do well in the local environment. Lastly, support responsible local watershed management including septic to sewer infrastructure upgrades and low-impact development and green infrastructure projects. As someone that enjoys life out on the ocean, in the Intracoastal Waterway, or any number of bays and harbors you see the bounty of what seagrasses provide. Be good stewards and help us protect these incredible coastal ecosystems.

Andy Dehart

President & CEO

Loggerhead Marinelife Center

Better boater tips:

simple steps to protect our coastal seagrass beds

  • Travel at the minimum speed needed for safe navigation and to avoid scarring shallow seagrass beds
  • Look for a sandy patch when anchoring rather than grass as anchors tear seagrasses out at the roots.
  • Reduce fertilizer use at home and fertilize only in the dry season. Plant native trees and landscape that do well in the local environment.
  • Support responsible local watershed management including septic to sewer infrastructure upgrades and low-impact development and green infrastructure projects.