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- Introduction
- Featured Article - Mercury cuts 50 salaried positions
- Product Review - Engel 65 QT Ice Chest
- Boat Safety - Preparing your boat for a hurricane
- Joke of the Month - Blond Swimmer
Introduction
During the past month, we have changed the heading
of our website to make it more vibrant and better
reflect the beautiful beaches and waters of Florida.
We hope you like this new look and enjoy this copy of
our newsletter.
Safe Boating,
Capt. Frank, President
Florida Boaters Guide.Com
Featured Article - Mercury cuts 50 salaried positions
As the boating industry continues to feel the pressure
from the current recession and higher fuel prices
another major manufacturer announces layoffs.
On
April 2nd, Mercury Marine laid off 50 salaried
employees as the boating industry continues to
founder.
That's about a 3 percent reduction in the company's
local work force, as reported by a spokesperson for
Mercury.
Mercury indicated the cuts were made in response to
sinking demand for boats and engines. The job cuts
are permanent and came from a wide range of
positions, including office workers, managers and
directors.
Mercury officials have said from the beginning of the
year that 2008 would be a tough year for the company
and the industry. More jobs could be cut if the
economy continues to slump.
Mercury Marine constantly monitors
the state of the marine industry and the demand for
product, and reacts accordingly. Additional
reductions in work force could be a possibility should
the market continue to weaken or if the company sees
a more effective way to address market opportunities
according to company officials.
The cuts did not affect Mercury's 1,600-member union,
however,
members have suspended contract negotiations with
Mercury Marine and planned to meet April 12 to vote
on strike authorization, a precursor to a walkout. The
union's three-year contract is set to expire June 21.
A number of employees also volunteered to retire
early, and other vacant positions will not be filled. The
majority of the cuts came from Fond du Lac, but
workers in Florida and Oklahoma also lost jobs.
A Mercury spokesperson said, "generous" severance
pay would be
given to employees who lost jobs. Other
assistance, including a program that helps workers
find other jobs, would also be available.
In another statement, it was disclosed that there are
no plans to sell, shut down or move
Mercury Marine, the reaction is simply a result of the
slowness in the industry.
The last time Mercury laid off salaried employees was
in 2006.
Brunswick, Mercury's parent is showing other signs of
strain relative to its boating industry interests.
Brunswick announced plans several weeks ago to
shut down production of Baja boats in Bucyrus, Ohio,
by the end of May. Some 285 people will lose jobs
when the plant closes, according to the company's
Web site. The shutdown came in advance of plans to
sell the Baja to Fountain Powerboat Industries, Inc., of
Washington, N.C.
Brunswick's boat sales fell about 10 percent last year,
according to a company press release.
The Engel 65-Quart High-Performance Fiberglass Ice
Box was designed for "dirty" applications like storing
fish or "wet" applications such as placement on
decks. The Fiberglass Ice Box features more than 2"
of polyurethane insulation for maximum efficiency, and
will keep its contents cold for a remarkable 9 to 11
days.
The Fiberglass Ice Box is covered in a glossy,
white gel coat finish to facilitate cleaning and to match
the deck finish of most boats. The white gel coat finish
is also UV resistant and all metal fittings are marine-
grade. The Fiberglass Ice Box will withstand years of
exposure to the elements. The Fiberglass Ice Box's lid
is secured with stainless steel attachments but is
removable for cleaning. The lid is also strong enough
to sit on or stand on, and tightly seals to the body with
an airtight gasket to maximize efficiency.
The 65-Quart
Fiberglass Ice Box weighs 29 pounds and measures
29.88" X 16.75" X 16.5". It sells for about $265.00 but
you will save a ton of money on ice.
June 1st is the beginning of hurricane season in
Florida. We thought it would be helpful to provide you
with a few tips on how to prepare for one well ahead of
time. Remember, we have a tremendous amount of
weather information that is up to the minute as a
hurricane approaches Florida. Make our weather
section your source of hurricane information.
Here are some tips you can use as a checklist to help
you protect your boat. You would be surprised to know
what people forget:
Docked Boat
remove excess gear, including spare rigging
clear self-bailing cockpit drains
close all through hull fittings
set chafe gear where lines will rub
remove portable fuel and oil storage
containers
remove ship papers
shut off fuel tanks
leave anchor light on
leave auto bilge pump on
set and check storm anchors
consider attaching lines to cleats at a 45 degree
angle
consider tying your boat between two piers or
along a pier and anchored off one side
consider attaching 3 sets of bow and stern spring
lines
Moored Boat
remove excess gear, including spare
rigging
close all through hull fittings
remove ship papers
leave anchor light on
check openings to ensure boat is watertight
attach chains directly to pennants instead of
swivels
use double of triple chafe protection
clear self-bailing cockpit drains
remove portable fuel and oil storage
containers
shut off fuel tanks
leave auto bilge pump on
use storm pennants to increase scope
add an emergency catenaray weight at the vessel
end of the chain
use chafing gear over entire length of
pennants
if no permanent mooring is available, use tow
storm anchors at 45-degree angles
Anchored Boat
remove excess gear, including spare rigging
close all through hull fittings
remove ship papers
leave auto bilge pump on
use 3 or 4 substantial anchors and good tie
rope
use enough line to allow for storm surge
take valuables off
clear self bailing cockpit drains
remove portable fuel and oil storage
containers
shut off fuel tanks
check openings to ensure boat is watertight
tie your boat high on the mainland to a substantial
tree or similar structure
keep a navigable passage at tour stern to allow
other boats passage
leave enough room between your boat and others
to allow for swing
There was a race between a brunette, a redhead and
a blond to swim from the mainland to Vancouver
Island, doing only the breaststroke.
After about 14 hours the brunette staggered up on
shore and was declared the winner.
About 40 minutes later, the redhead crawled up to the
finish line in second.
Nearly four hours after that, the blond finally came
ashore and promptly collasped in front of the worried
onlookers.
When the reporter asked why it took her considerably
longer to finish the race, she replies, "I don't like to
sound like a sore loser, but I think those two other
girls were using their arms!"
