by Laurence Burgin on November 25, 2008
We’re excited to be sharing with you our maritime stories and highlights from the world of yachting and boating.
Through the years of my experience on the water with all kinds of boats, I’ve worked hard – and had a boat load of fun too! I have been fortunate to explore my passion and find the spirit of the ocean wherever I go. I have lived and worked, raced and cruised, fished and played – all on boats in the pursuit of finding better, safer and more enjoyable ways to live life to the fullest.
There are many stories to share here – so check back often to get the updates – and please add your comments, feedback and questions.
Laurence Burgin
by Laurence Burgin on May 30, 2009
A recent job that Marine Stainless completed was an upgrade to La Dolce Vita, a Selene 59 Classic trawler yacht.
We fitted a new Rocna 70kg and upgraded the bow roller to Heavy Duty.
Depending on the original factory specs and build-out as well as the needs of the customer, sometimes there are vital upgrades that make a world of difference to enjoyment and peace of mind when boating.
For the type of boating that La Dolce Vita will be doing the comfort of a Rocna anchor was welcome.
“La Dolce Vita” Selene 59 manuvering at Bobin Head NSW
David Brown and Patricia Williams – proud owners
Under construction in the yard
Roller boxs after rockers removed
Non captive axel lock screw
Rocna 70 test, it fit OK but not snug enough to bash through Southern Ocean
Original rocker box, note no base
Revised rocker box, note now curved, bail loop fitted to prevent chain jump, captive axel screws, side bearing
Top view rocker box, note fwd roller machined to suit anchor stock width, aft roller to suit 5/8 chain
Test fitting with ply model- Alex holding weight
Test fit from deck
Templating for landing pad
Roll bar landing pad
Rocna fitted nice and snug
by Laurence Burgin on May 29, 2009
For the best of the best in boating the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) was the place to go.
In true boatie style exhibitors braved the weather and saw the boat show through. With 140 knot winds on the Gold Coast at the beginning of the show it was truly lucky that there was not damaged property all around. The first day, Thursday, was cancelled due to extreme conditions, but Friday was a boomer. On the Saturday one of the pavilions got caught by a squall and virtually blew up like a balloon ready to take off, but it didn’t, fortunately for all.
The crowds seemed happy enough and ducked from cover to cover if the rain came over. Certainly there is nothing like a bit of a scramble out of the rain to add a bit of fun to the show. There were lots of undercover shelters with two big pavilions and great eating spots that were well supported – relaxing dining, quick snacks, sausage sizzles and endless coffees and of course the hard liquor to go with all of last year’s boating and fishing stories. With every tilt of the glass the fish got bigger and swells rocked the boats even more!
Ocean Solutions, one of Marine Stainless’ preferred suppliers, did a great job of displaying many of their products at the show with a display of cookers, BBQ’s and fridges. The range of cookers is from 2 burners up to 4, with gas stoves that many homeowners would be envious for. As well as these main items there were other quality products and, working side by side the Oceans team we all had an excellent response from customers.
The Marine Stainless display of Rocna also attracted a lot of attention. Many a customer stopped to talk to myself, Sam and the Marine Stainless team to find out exactly what the Rocna would do in regards to their safety at anchor.
New launches were a feature of the show which attracted many an eager buyer. Exhibitors did a tremendous service to their businesses with displays that showed off their products to the fullest and dare I say it, but I think the weather actually added that extra touch of drama that exhilarated exhibitors and show goers alike.
Boat builders had great sales and Riviera reportedly wrote $A5M in business by selling four boats whilst Royce Black from Seawind Catamarans’ reportedly sold 2 of their multi-hulls.
There seemed to be endless craft to view and there were plenty of people searching in and out around the boats and the pavilions to find what was going to suit them best.
GPS displays were very popular with some dynamic equipment to view. Boating could never be easier with the best in GPS, quality hulls, outstanding fittings and accessories, and of course anchors that hold fast.
Propellers both large (huge!) and small seemed to be at every turn and the sheer size of them caught the eye of the small boat owner.
Muir had an impressive display of their windlasses and capstans. Anyone who was having on board problems with anchor retrieval would have found solutions within this range on display.
It seemed like every style and shape of craft with all accessories were on display. From a buyers perspective one couldn’t ask for more, it was all there on display at the SCIBS.
If for some reason (like lousy weather) you missed the SCIBS then make a date and come to the Sydney International Boatshow.
When: 30 July to 3 August 2009
Time: 10am – 8pm Halls, 10am – 6pm Marina
Where: Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre & Cockle Bay Marina, Darling Harbour
Technorati Tags: Anchorworld, BBQ, Boat Show, Laurence Burgin, Marine Barbecues, Marine Stainless, Ocean Solutions, Rocna Anchors
by Laurence Burgin on May 22, 2009
Well the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show was off to a wild and wet start!
After 60 knot gusts and a 24 hour storm went through the Sanctuary Cove Marina and pavilions the start of the show was postponed till Friday. Lucky we are showing off our waterproof anchors!!
The Marine Stainless crew and all the Boat Show team worked through the storm to get everything set up and ready. We all agreed the show must go on.
Now we are all ship-shape and are hoping the weather holds. We were pleased to see the sun shining – and we are proud to be showing off some of the many new and innovative products at show.
It is great to see many familiar faces – and we hope to see you there at the show too.
Leave us a comment below – we’re up for reseach missions or scouting for that next bright shiny object you have been craving for.
Do send the sunshine! 
Laurence
by Laurence Burgin on May 15, 2009
Safety at sea is always the first priority. If you are out enjoying the day’s boating and then decide to come home but have engine failure, your day can very soon become a nightmare.
I understand that to be in this position is a far from a desired situation and I have very strict ideas about water safety.
I have designed a Marine Diesel course so that all boaties have the chance to understand about their motors. A strong point is preventative maintenance because preventative maintenance can save lives and also a lot of money in the end. It is much better to replace a damaged part before it stops working, than have it stop working out at sea and no chance to fix it before nightfall sets in or the wind blows up.
Many women and crew members attend the courses so that they are confident when going offshore in their boats. Even if not going offshore you still want to be able to maintain your motor and know that you will be as trouble free as possible.
I have some new ideas I would like to share at our next course on 30 May so if you want to enjoy your boating and have more confidence, then ring and book yourself in.
This is a day you will enjoy and feel so much more empowered once completed.
I will also give you a copy of my book about marine diesel maintenance to make sure you can keep on top of how to have marine safety.
Come along and share your boating experience with other course attendees, you won’t be sorry. Looking forward to meeting you.
Laurence
Next Course: Saturday, 30 May 2009
See full details: Marine Diesel Course Information
by Laurence Burgin on May 12, 2009
We’re always looking for great quality anchoring accessories and windlasses for our customers and their boats that we work on. There’s an important relationship between good design, great equipment and the right product for the right situation.
Safety and seaworthiness are always paramount – and looking good is the icing on the cake!
Check out our action video featuring a few of the many Muir windlasses and anchoring accessories that we are passionate about.
How about for your boat? What are your favorite accessories and seaworthy stories? Leave a message below or call us on O2 9939 0122
by Laurence Burgin on May 11, 2009
Your Diesel Fuel is your Boat’s Blood
Good Fuel / Blood = Healthy Engine / Body
Marine Fuel System Basics
- Fuel tanks must be clean and full. Try not to run tanks too low, as this makes it easier to pick up water.
- Tanks must be well secured in the boat.
- Always have one (preferably twin) primary fuel filter / water trap and an engine filter / water trap. Twins can be swapped under way if they get blocked.
- Primary fuel filters should be changed regularly – the same time as an oil change – every 100 hours. Secondary filters may not require changing as regularly.
- Some engine filters can be replaced with a standard fuel filter / water trap unit, e.g. CAV.
- Keep spare fuel filters (plus two extras!) in a clean and dry place, in a plastic bag.
- Use only high quality fuel lines. They must be clean, internally and externally, and easily removable with quality twin hose clamps.
- Check your tank breather line is not blocked or letting water in. Check deck fillers to see if the o-ring is sealing correctly.
- Makes sure you know where bleeding points and the fuel lift pump are and how to bleed the engine if it runs dry.
- Don’t rely solely on your fuel gauge; use the logged fuel taken and hours run to check. Dipsticks are great.
Tips to prevent ‘Diesel Bugs’
- Keep a constant eye on the condition and colour of your fuel. If it goes dark it could be getting the ‘bug’.
- Always use a biocide fuel additive when refueling, this prevents ‘Diesel Bugs’. These is a specific algae that grow in fuel tanks and they can rapidly block fuel filters.
- Ask around for the best fuel dock that sells fresh diesel with biocide added to their holding tanks.
How about you? Any more fuel system tips you’d like to share – or war stories you have learned from? Please share them in the comments below.
by Laurence Burgin on May 7, 2009
We are excited to be preparing to exhibit at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show. It is coming up soon – 21 – 24 May. I hope you can make it to the show – it sure is a big fish to catch – and there will be a huge new collection of boat bling to drool over – and get some good deals on.
Here are my top reasons to come along…
The learning experience
- There is no time like the present to be finding out what the latest products are that the suppliers are offering for the coming season. This show is world class and if you are looking to have the best and safest boat and boating equipment for your needs, then you will find the best selection right here, in fact for just about anything that goes on water
- Talk to suppliers and get problems solved
- Catch up on suppliers and create new ones if you’re in the industry
- Meet other customers and buyers
- Engage with suppliers meeting boat builders
- Meet with original equipment manufacturers on site (Ah, that would us – Marine Stainless too!)
- We’ll be demonstrating a range of Marine Stainless products – including Rocna anchors, Stainless BBQs and innovative stainless fittings that we have designed.
Join in the fun
- Talk about ‘Fun in the Sun’ – going to the SCIBS is like going to Florida in winter
- Revel in the buzz and excitement at the Show
- Enjoy the beaches, the nightlife, the fun parks, the golf courses and luxury living at the resorts
Best of all Squeeze a Deal! Earmark all those features you are going to put in your ‘retirement machine’.
Planning your ‘cruise’
If you are a ‘boat show cruiser’ allow yourself 3 days for this show. Plan for one 1 day in the Pavilions and one day for the Marina. On top of that the Hospitality tents will need to be checked out too! Your boating buddies will want the low down on them as well!
A great way is to get yourself organised by checking out the Guide and making appointments so ensure that you don’t miss out on the contacts. You may not get another chance to see these suppliers for another year.
The logistics
There is nothing to stop you. You can get to the show by Boat, Car, Bus or Helicopter!
Choose your venue – stay near the show and shift into town for a Gold Coast revival after the show or stay on the Gold Coast during your whole visit.
If you would like to catch up with me at the show, please make contact and book your time!
Check our Boat Show events page for more details of the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.
Visit Marine Stainless at Stand A80 – where we are co-exhibiting with our local distributor Ocean Solutions.
See you there!
by Laurence Burgin on May 5, 2009
Early in 2009 I had the opportunity to be involved with Robert and Andrew Latimer, brothers and joint owners of the 53 foot steel yacht Chimere.
What has been so exhilarating for the Marine Stainless team is that the Chimere is on a Medical Sailing Ministries trip to Vanuatu where they will be providing the transport for medical teams to get from island to island and which will also be the ‘hotel’ for the medical team who will be running volunteer clinics on various islands under the Vanuatu Prevention of Blindness Project.
This is what adds that extra passion for our work, knowing that the Marine Stainless team can help prepare a boat for offshore sailing, especially when it is a charity cruise.
On 2 May 2009 the Chimere crew sailed out of Sydney and headed towards Vanuatu. Thousands followed them out and waved them off. Many people have the passion to help others in need and these dedicated yachties on the Chimere will be able to do just that.
Marine Stainless was involved in getting the Chimere seaworthy for the trip ahead. Planning of this nature does not happen overnight. Many weeks of boat preparation takes place.
When offshore sailing, the boats need to have had every item checked and be in top working condition.
Marine Stainless was instrumental in checking:
- The boat through to make sure that it was in a fully safe operational condition before leaving. This safety check has to be absolutely thorough and is carried out by myself and the team with military precision. There is no excuse for mistakes in this procedure.
- The motor, especially the alternator and the starter motor. If you have any problems with these when you are at sea you are in real trouble. If the alternator is not charging the batteries you have no power and you most definitely do not want to be in stormy conditions and not be able to start your motor.
- Storage containers and storage systems, dingy anchor and dingy storage systems which in this trip are going to get a lot of use because the medical crew are going to be taken to and from shore on a daily basis as they set up and attend their onshore clinics.
- The anchoring system and supply of a high quality Rocna anchor. The Rocna anchor was chosen because it has proven time and time again that it holds in all environments and all weathers
By the time the Chimere was ready to sail, excitement was in full swing.
It gave me great satisfaction to be able to offer discounts on products as a way of sponsoring this trip and to help this boat get safely underway.
We will keep you posted as we follow the journey of these volunteers on this trip and Chimere’s involvement in this project at Vanuatu. If there is anything you would like to follow regarding the cruise here is the website: Medical Sailing Ministries
You can leave messages below in the comments section for the Chimere’s crew – well be sure to forward them directly to them. And what about you – would you like to comment on what cruises that you have been on? Let’s share these stories so that we can all learn and have peace of mind when sailing the oceans of the world.
