Cleaning; Treating; Sanitizing; Corrosion, Mold & Odor Control [Updated Nov-2025]

With preparations for an upcoming season of boating beginning for many, we are publishing our updated, extensive list of tried and true products (as described in the title) we use and highly recommend in case you find it helpful. 

★ Some excellent recent additions/ discoveries of note are flagged with a red star.

Please let us know of any products you use that you feel we should try.

  ➛ ➛ From our list of Stuff we have and use [and do...] in the right sidebar ➛ ➛   

Following are the products we keep onboard, and what we use them for. 

The selection comes from many years of reading hints from others as well as buying and trying many of the touted and recommended assortments of lotions and potions at one time or another. 

Categories include: [in order presented]

★ =  Recent additions/ updates

• ★ Microfiber towel rolls [washable; saves 60+% paper towel usage...]
• Odor Control/ Removal
• ★ Cleaning/ Degreasing/ Stain Removal
• Sanitizing
• Laundry
• Toilets, Shower Sumps and Sink Drains 
  
• Holding Tanks
• Bilge
• ★ Sunbrella [canvas]
• Ropes/Lines [cleaning; treat to reduce water retention and help prevent freezing in winter]
• ★ Mold, Algae, and Mildew Control [Also: Keep your deck from turning green...]
• Descaling
• Corrosion Prevention/Removal
  
• Bronze [and Brass...] Cleaning and Polishing

Before continuing on this page, take a few minutes to read this excellent article from Practical Sailor . It helped us to better understand what cleaners to use for what, and how to make our own formulations to beat 'boat tax' pricing on some commonly used potions...

We have reduced our inventory to the following few products that seem to work the best for us [and are economic, low toxicity and volatility (where possible), and readily available...]

We carry concentrates when available and cost-effective. [e.g., 1 Gallon of bleach concentrate makes up to 100 gallons of household bleach when diluted with water, but is very caustic if spilled... Likewise for vinegar and others as noted, below.]

A wise precaution is to read and download [you may not have internet access when you need the information...] all the Safety Data Sheets [SDS] about each product you keep onboard. It is useful when questions about the product arise, and in case there is an accident. 

What are your favorite products? Please also leave a comment if you have used what we list below and have found something better, or have suggested additions.

––––––––––––

★ Microfiber towel rolls [for use with cleaners and polishers listed below; washable; saves 60+% paper towel usage...]

Odor Control/ Removal

• PureAyre Marine Enzyme works great for eliminating odors including head, gasoline and diesel
• Medi-Aire Biological Odor Eliminator [Eliminates any odors of biological origin e.g., urine, vomit, smoke, etc.]
• Manufacturer's Info
• We prefer the unscented version
• Pricing varies; Shop carefully.
• Borax for removing diesel fuel odors - works on clothes too
• White Vinegar [See Cleaning/Degreasing, below, for concentrate for diluting]
• Baking Soda
• 55 uses for baking soda [and there are many more...]
• References:
• The New Getting Rid of Boat Odors [By Peggie Hall. Highly recommended]

Cleaning/ Degreasing/ Stain Removal

• ★ Someone To Do It [Cream Cleaner] This is a 'Where have you been all my life' find! [Thank you Robin!] This is the absolute best hull, etc. cleaning product. The only product we have found that easily and completely removes diesel exhaust stains from our AwlGrip painted hull. It reduces the number cleaning products we keep on board, and is cheap!
• Super Clean [The best we have found so far for removing most diesel exhaust stains (soot) from the hull... A good degreaser (think BBQ...) and nonskid cleaner; avoid breathing overspray... (consequently we mainly use outdoors)]
• Krud Kutter is a great water based cleaner/degreaser for routine cleaning. [No volatile fumes from solvents- but is still smells a little funky to us... ] 
• Manufacturer's Info [There are many specific types of Krud Kutter]
• Original Version [the one we typically use...]
• SDS
• Oil Eater [The absolute best stuff for cleaning up oil spills on the boat, and cheap! Although the WD40 Specialist water based Degreaser (further below) is giving it a challenge...]
• Dawn liquid dish detergent [We wish they had an unscented version...]
• White Vinegar [Grocery store vinegar is 3% acetic acid. You can buy concentrated versions...] to reduce storage requirements by making your own batches of 3% by adding water. e.g., 30% Vinegar; [This is non-consumable garden grade vinegar]
• Read this discussion about concentrated vinegar
• Buy food grade and dilute to 3% if you plan to use in food
• Concentrated bleach [Not the grocery store variety... 1 gallon can dilute to make 100 gallons of grocery store bleach.... good for cleaning stubborn deck stains, mold and mildew on non-fabrics, etc. Very caustic! Store carefully...]
• Stains on fiberglass:
• SoftScrub
• Ospho [also in Corrosion Prevention/Removal section, below]
• Baking Soda
• 50+ uses for baking soda
• Starbrite Rust and Stain Remover [Safely and easily removes rust stains from our AwlGrip painted hull and deck]
• ★ WD40 Specialist [water based] Degreaser and Cleaner [Excellent water based degreaser; can therefore be mailed USPS]
• Available as water soluble pods so we can make it as strong or weak as needed.
• Think engine room, degreasing winches when servicing, etc.

Sanitizing

• White vinegar [See concentrated vinegar info under Cleaning/Degreasing, above]
• Neutra Sul HP41N Professional Grade Oxidizer [shelf stable 7% hydrogen peroxide] 
• For treating previously treated potable water for hydrogen sulfide odors and iron contamination.
• Also removes vestiges of bleach after sanitizing with bleach. 
• Manufacturer information
• Bleach [We carry a concentrate that makes 50-100+ gallons from 1 gallon...]
• 1 tsp of 5.25% sodium hypochlorite [unscented household bleach] in 50 gallons of water yields ~ 2ppm [the minimum concentration for sanitizing...]
• We use up to 6ppm in potable water for sanitizing water ,tanks, and plumbing.
• Practical Sailor article with detailed instructions for sanitizing water systems.
• Sporicidin [Removes mold, stains, and odors; bacteriostatic for 6 months. Used in hospitals. Available in concentrate. Look for unscented.]

Laundry

• Oxyclean [we prefer unscented; use with your detergent of choice- also add borax for strong odor removal] 
• Also good for other cleaning chores- including sails...
• Add ~1/2 tsp to composting toilet urine jug to eliminate odors and scale
• Detergent of choice [we use HE non-scented detergent with our front-loading washer]
• White Vinegar [see info above about concentrate; dilute to use against certain odors]
• Ammonia [Great in super greasy loads... Don't use on wool!]
• Pre-stain treatment: Shout and/or Resolve Stick [Oxyclean also makes a pre-stain treatment]  

Toilets, Shower Sumps and Sink Drains 

• Raritan CP [Bio-enzymatic toilet cleaner; shop around as pricing varies]
• Keeps the shower sump and sink drains crud free too... [And clears plugged drains...]

Holding Tanks

• Marine Digest It  Enzyme [Excellent for dissolving soap scum, clogs, liquifying contents, and eliminating odors. Use regularly per instructions. 1 qt bottle lasts us 6+ months. Safe for pets.]

Bilge

• TUF-ENUF BILGE Natural Bilge Cleaner bacterial bilge cleaner [Eats oil, fuel, etc. Deodorizes. Pricing varies. ]

Sunbrella

• Waterproofing: 303 Fabric Guard
• Mold/Mildew stain removal: 
• ★ RMR Brands Complete Mold Killer & Stain Remover Bundle [Excellent results!] 
• Two different liquids: Disinfectant and Mold and Mildew remover
• Available cheaply in gallons
• Starbrite mildew stain remover [Usurped by RMR. Now the strong second choice]
• Homemade Formula B [Drew Frye: Borax; TSP;  Baking Soda (sodium bicarbonate)]

Ropes/Lines

• Cleaning [See this Practical Sailor how-to] 
• We achieve good results using our unscented HD plant based laundry detergent, above
• We also treat with Wet & Forget to arrest green growth over time [algae, mildew, etc.]
• See Mold and Mildew Prevention, below
• Conditioning; Improve water resistance and instill freeze proofing [for winter boating]
• NikWax Polar Proof [also for waterproofing fleece garments]
• ★ Nikwax Rope Proof [relatively new; Subjectively we think the results on rope are similar to Polar Proof, above;  Practical Sailor review.]

Mold and Mildew Control and Prevention

Removing stains:

• Best at removing stains and initial control: [In order of effectiveness.]
• ★ RMR Brands Complete Mold Killer & Stain Remover Bundle [Excellent results!] 
• Two different liquids: Disinfectant and Mold and Mildew remover
• Available cheaply in gallons
• Starbrite mildew stain remover [Strong second choice; formerly first choice]
• Also read this article about making your own formulations
• Heavy duty removal and control: Sporicidin [Removes mold, stains, and odors; bacteriostatic for 6 months. Used in hospitals. Available in concentrate.]
  

Prevention:

• ★ Best ever treatment for keeping algae and mildew [green] off the deck, out of lines, canvas, sails, etc.  Wet & Forget concentrate.  [Thank you Mellisa and Mike! We apply this each fall and never have any green develop on our deck, lines, sails, etc. Safe for pets. Cheap. This stuff really works!!]
• ★ RMR Brands Complete Mold Killer & Stain Remover Bundle [Excellent results!] 
• Two different liquids: Disinfectant and Mold and Mildew remover
• Available cheaply in gallons
• Long term, economical, non-volatile and non-toxic control: Concrobium Mold Control 
• Manufacturer's info
• SDS
• Make your own Concrobium
• SunPac mildewcide and mold inhibitor [For uninhabited spaces. e.g., long term mildew prevention in boat, vehicle, camper, etc. when away for extended periods. Area must be ventilated with fresh air before occupying. [Paraformaldehyde has no detable odor, so leave yourself a note in the treated space...]
  

Related Resources:

• Practical Sailor e-books re: Mildew

Descaling

• CLR [Calcium, Lime, and Rust remover]
• Safe [for us and metals]; very effective; available most everywhere; cheap vs. specialty products
• Our uses include: 
• Descaling plumbing [e.g., A/C coolant plumbing, salt water flush head plumbing, etc.] 
• Descaling  engine raw water cooling circuits [e.g., heat exchangers, outboard engine flushing, etc.]
• Removing rust stains on fiberglass
• Removing hard water deposits in shower stalls, sinks, etc. 
• Practical Sailor article about descaling solutions

Corrosion Prevention/Removal

• Rust Prevention:
• Tools and spare parts: 
• ZeRust products of choice
• We use a lot of the ZeRust drawer liner for lining tool boxes and wrapping spare parts before shrink wrapping and/or vacuum bagging
• Corrosion-X
• We even spray our bronze through-hull valves, raw water strainers, etc. to keep them pristine [not green...] Results last for years.
• Rust removal: 
• ★ Evapo-Rust Water based; safe; no fumes; can therefore be mailed USPS [Thank you David J!]
• Manufacturer's info 
• Ospho
• Also great for removing stubborn stains from fiberglass... [rinse immediately...]
• Starbrite Rust and Stain Remover [Safely removes rust from our AwlGrip painted hull and deck. ]
• Spotless Stainless [removes rust stains from stainless steel, and re-passivates the surface to help prevent rust and stains; Manufacturer info]
• Most effective above 70°F...
• CLR [Calcium, Lime, and Rust remover; see Descaling, above]
• Loosening frozen fasteners:  e.g., loosening stainless steel bolts stuck in aluminum; rusty engine bolts, etc.
• PB Blaster
• Weasel Piss [50% acetone and 50% ATF (automatic transmission fluid) Works really well...]
• Corrosion and seizing prevention: 
• Lanocote
• e.g., electrical connections; rigging turnbuckle threads; SS fastener threads, etc.
• Tef-Gel
• e.g., SS Fasteners- especially SS used with aluminum

Bronze [and Brass...] Cleaning and Polishing

• Five proven home brews [Practical Sailor]  
• Slice a lemon in half; salt it; rub on bronze to remove green tarnish...

Satellite Phone Short Cuts [Iridium 9575] and Important Phone Numbers

This post was originally to announce this new page in our sidebar category Stuff we have and use [and do...]

This post now automatically redirects to the maintained permanent page.

Please read our updated page [which was last updated July-2017] to see the most recent information, as this post is only an announcement and will become out-of-date over time... 

The out-of-date original post follows: [24-June-2016] The text is aged parchment color to remind you this is the old version...  _________________________________________________

Original post 24-June-2016:

We use an Iridium Extreme satellite phone [Model 9575] when we travel in regions where we cannot use our mobile phones and there is no WiFi available.

Following is some information about using this phone [some of which may apply to other phones...] which we share in advance with our guests [and fellow sat phone users...]

We include ways for testing some of the 9575 features, querying minutes remaining, and sources of important phone numbers we like to have on hand in case of need. 

Since our satellite phone is just one of several ways of communicating with us, we maintain a comprehensive document detailing methods and procedures for contacting us. 

We only share this document with select friends and family using Google Docs as the gatekeeper. [As outlined on our Computers, Devices, and Applications page...] 

We also share our contact document via a link we add to the comments section on the NOAA registrations for our EPIRBs and PLBs so any SAR authorities can gain immediate access. [We do this in part because, for unknown reasons, the NOAA emergency beacon registration forms do not accommodate satellite phone numbers- as of June-2016 anyway...]

Here is a sample version of our live Contacting Denali Rose document in case it is of interest.


Iridium 9575 Documentation:

The [222 page...] Iridium manual is not required reading, but perhaps worth having in your virtual library to help keep Murphy at bay...

The quick start guide may be worth a glance, however...

How to make a voice call:

First, a note for our guests about our current sat phone plan: We can call world wide. However our current [discounted] service plan only allows the phone to operate when physically located within Alaska or Canada, and when within ~20 miles offshore of those respective coastlines...

Here is my quick start guide for making voice calls using our sat phone:  [This is pretty much just like any cell phone...]

• Turn on phone
• The phone must have clear view of the sky
• Point top of antenna to the sky [The tip of the antenna tilts so you can point it straight up...]
• The phone may work acceptably well inside of fiberglass boat cabin if not connected to the external antenna
• Wait for green light [indicating it is on the network]
• A 3 bar minimum signal is preferred for a longer call duration [before dropping...]
• All sat phone calls drop eventually due to satellite orbits
• Enter the complete 11 digit phone number [just like dialing from a mobile or land phone]
• Country Code [1 for US and Canada]
• Area Code
• Phone Number
• e.g., USCG Alaska RCC [Rescue Coordination Center] numbers:
• 1-(800) 478-5555
• 1-(800) 399-5555
• Press Green key to initiate call
• Press Red key to end call

A note about dialing our sat phone: The 9575 can be programmed to accommodate standard international dialing protocols. We choose this so that in case of an emergency, no specialized dialing knowledge is required 

Why is this important? You must dial 00 (zero zero) first when calling from a sat phone. The 9575 (and probably other sat phone models) does this internally via a setting if we so choose, eliminating the need to remember [and possibly forget under duress...] this requirement... 

More about the Iridium 9575:

GPS: If you are not familiar with this model sat phone, it also has a built-in GPS (which only works well outdoors in clear view of sky- otherwise we have witnessed it off target by as much as 5-10 miles...) 

SOS: It also has a red SOS button (using GEOS, which is the same as a DeLorme or Spot device...) 

The red panic [SOS] button will get the same response as activating a PLB for life or death only situations... [See how to test, below.]

Phone numbers we like to have on hand in printed and electronic form:

Along with our regular phone book of numbers, here are some additional phone numbers we like to keep waterproof print-outs of [as well as keeping fresh copies in our virtual library and programming into our mobile and sat phones]:

• Alaska SAR [Search and Rescue] phone numbers [Other states are also available from this source...]
• USCG RCCs [Rescue Coordination Centers]
• USCG RCCs Alaska:
• 1-(800) 478-5555
• 1-(800) 399-5555
• Reporting and Cancelling accidental EPIRB, PLB, ELT activations
• 911: You can also dial a central 911 emergency service from an Iridium 9575 sat phone... [but not all sat phones...]
• Free Phone Test Call: 1-480-752-5105 [I believe this is Iridium only...]
• Use to confirm phone is operational and learn how to make a call
• If phone is working, you will hear a recorded call completion confirmation message
• Minutes remaining on sat phone account: Call or Text 2888
• Here is an example of an automated response from texting 2888 [analogous to texting *3282# on your mobile phone for a cell data usage report]: 

  You have 134 minutes. Your account will expire on Nov 06, 2016. [Renewal date... every 6 months] This account has no minutes expiring between now and Nov 6, 2016. [Minutes roll forward upon renewal and expire after 3 years.]

Testing the SOS (GEOS) safety service:

It is recommended you test the SOS setting on your device routinely. [We do this annually right after renewing the sat phone plan.]

Before calling the appropriate number below, please make sure you have your sat phone's IMEI number and Iridium sat phone number ready. 

• +1 888 460 4554 (Toll free - US Only)
• +1 281 271 8588 (International customers)
• Press option 6, then option 1
• The recording will ask you to go back to the main menu and select a non-emergency number if this is not an emergency
• Please ignore this message and allow the system to connect you with the emergency operations centre in order to conduct the test 
• Then tell the operator that you would like to test the SOS feature on your Iridium product and they will inform you to deploy an SOS and will inform you if the SOS is working correctly 

SMS devices vs. Sat Phone for Wx data [Updated May-2017]

We occasionally participate in various boating forums. [See our Some Forums We Read sidebar for links...]

Some of those topics may be relevant here, so sometimes we repost to our blog for reference.

The following may be one of those cases. To accommodate our non-boating blog readers, add additional detail, and/or just cause more confusion, I sometimes add some additional {information and links} to the original forum post, below.

And since we are talking about electronics, in the future technology described on this page will become dated and/or obsolete. Therefore, we will attempt to keep this information current regarding what we have and use, and what we are researching/considering for the future. Consequently, this page may be updated over time...

––––––––– Updated 30-May-2017 [by Bill] –––––––––

Introduction and background:

Delorme [now owned by Garmin] makes some great two-way satellite [Iridium] text [SMS- short message service] communicators that connect wirelessly to your smart phone(s). They seem to be usurping the once ubiquitous one-way SMS devices from Spot in the marketplace.

What is SMS? [Short Message Service]

SMS is what we typically call 'texting' or 'instant messaging' on our smart phone. It is limited to text characters only. [MMS (Multimedia Message Service) is what allows us to send photos, videos, sound clips and the like...] 

SMS messages are limited to 160 text characters per message. Multiple short messages can be chained together [concatenated] to make longer messages. But unlike email where the entire message is contained in one document, SMS is limited when longer pages of information are involved... 

SMS is great for quick, abbreviated communiqués. But do you want to read a letter composed of 20 small bits of paper, or have it all together on one sheet of paper...? 

Not only can you text with anyone in the world from anywhere in the world, but you can also log your location on a map for friends and family to follow your journey, and send SOS distress signals. 

There are many usage plans. e.g, For US$60/month you can have unlimited texting, and pause your plan when you don't need it. [You cannot currently pause Iridium phone plans in the same way without loosing minutes and/or service...] 

Recently, DeLorme introduced weather subscription services. 

However, for ocean sailing, and particularly high latitude adventures, the weather products available on SMS devices are deficient in some aspects. 

For example, SMS weather products do not currently include some of the weather forecast information considered important- perhaps critical- by many sailors for forecasting marine weather. [e.g., weather fax, GRIB files*, satellite imagery, etc.]

In the following 'reprint' of a forum discussion, I propose that a satellite phone [and perhaps even a satellite IP device like the Iridium GO! (references embedded in forum discussion, below...)] is almost as cost effective as an SMS only device, and is capable of requesting and receiving the missing weather forecast products not available via SMS only [not to mention email and voice communications in addition to SMS...] 

My proposal is that a sat phone [or hot spot like the Iridium GO!] is presently a better choice for a boat at sea than a device limited to SMS only if one needs detailed marine weather products... 

Please read this post in its entitreity before assuming I am panning two-way SMS only devices... I'm not; they have their place... just not for marine weather forecasting... Not yet anyway...

_____________________

Link to Original forum post [7-Jun-2016]

Re: Complete Com and Weather with inReach

---

Quote:

Originally Posted by artisthos  I think I have solved our weather and communications system. Use an inReach. DeLorme inReach - Two-way satellite text messaging, tracking and SOS anywhere in the world now they have weather. The expedition plan is $65 a month which you can purchased by the month. Each weather download is a dollar. I have not confirmed that this is the Premium Marine Plan which we would have. The inReach Explorer device is $380. Plugging it into a pad or laptop would give you the weather with wind and waves. You can communicate with unlimited 114 character messages. Combine this with a AIS VHF receiver to see ships broadcasting. A chart plotter like GPS Navigator may complete the system. Plus it would be easy on the batteries. Maybe we could avoid getting radar which is hell on the battery. Thanks for a great group, I'd buy you all a beer if I could find the link.

Hi Tom,

What a fun adventure you have planned.

As a fellow high latitude sailor [but on the other coast...] I would encourage you to gain a deeper understanding of the marine weather [and Wx forecasting] in the areas you plan to travel before concluding that the automated products currently available via SMS only [Delorme, etc.] are adequate for your needs.

My statement has nothing to do with whether the DeLorme, Yellowbrick, and similar two way SMS devices are useful. They are, but within limits with regards to weather products.

Expanding on what I mean about Marine Wx, I believe there is a difference between understanding the Wx, and understanding the Wx products available for diagnosing/predicting/confirming the Wx where you are. [For more details, here is a related blog post which links back to another somewhat related discussion on this forum, and contains links to some of the excellent marine Wx resources we rely upon...]

What are some of the Wx products I cannot do without when traversing higher latitudes that are not all available via SMS? 

• Weather Fax [surface forecasts and 500mb charts]
• Satellite Images
• Forecaster's Discussion [What were 'they' thinking?...]
• Detailed Marine Forecasts
• NAVTEX
• GRIB files of my choosing [variable data as needed; one download feeds several applications onboard]
• Etc.

Very recently I assisted some fellow sailors on a crossing they made by aggregating [and sometimes interpreting...] and sending Wx info they could not find/receive through other resources on their DeLorme InReach, so I have some recent experience with this.

It looks like the recently released DeLorme Wx offering is a nice interface rendering GRIB data. But I constantly remind myself GRIB data is computer generated and not interpreted by a human- except you and I... WeFax charts contain those interpretations, as well as illustrate fronts, have ship reports from the area, etc...

Another point I would like to make is, after a quick cost analysis I would argue that doing all this via sat phone costs about the same, and yields far more usable results and capabilities.

e.g., A used Iridium Sat phone costs the same [for older phones- scroll down to the 9505] as a new InReach. [For the sake of discussion, newer used sat phones cost twice as much. Scroll to 9555 on above link...]

Your annual unlimited SMS service with DeLorme is US$65/mo for a monthly contract, or $600/yr for an annual contract; 500 Int'l sat phone minutes are US$730/yr. We use about 400 minutes/year downloading Wx data twice daily [as needed], and send/receive text only email and SMS messages as well. And we can make voice calls in an emergency.

DeLorme forecasts are US$1/each, so that would be US$2/day for us. For US$1/day we subscribe to UUplus service so we can download any Wx products we need [all free via SailDocs] and send/receive email with anyone. Of course it uses sat phone minutes, but that is already accounted for above.

We can also do all of the above on our Marine SSB/MF/HF radio, but we choose to use the sat phone for reliability and expediency.

[Here is my detailed write-up about our Sat phone and costs, which includes more specifics (and hopefully clarity) with links to much of what I mentioned above.]

In closing, please don't take my comments as discouragement regarding your adventure. Please accept them as encouragement to further your depth of understanding of marine weather- especially for the complicated weather areas you plan to explore.

There are many Wx prediction products, and several somewhat cost effective methods for receiving them while on the water. I hope this provides more food for thought as you work through what might be best for you.

Best wishes with your impending adventure!

Cheers!

Bill

PS: As a side note, I would also strongly advise RADAR capability for your trip [Dense Fog...] The newer digital units (3G, 4G, etc.) are very easy on the batteries... [We have a 4G and speak from experience...]


Additional Resources:

• Weather and review of DeLorme Inreach [Panbo]
• Wx on DeLorme InReach; Boat Galley
• Attainable Adventure Cruising Weather eBook [Modest membership fee required, and so worth it to us...]
• DeLorme Inreach Explorer Review [Practical Sailor]
• * Per a comment by a user at the above article, you can purchase various GRIB subscriptions. [This is unsubstantiated and unevaluated as of 30-May-2017]

Lightning and Sailboats... [Updated Jul-2023]

We occasionally participate in various boating forums. [See our Some Forums We Read sidebar for links...]

Some of those topics may be relevant here, so once in a while we will repost on our blog for reference.

The following may be one of those cases. To accommodate our non-boating blog readers, sometimes we add some {additional information and links} to the original forum post, below.

Link to my original forum post [12-Feb-2016]

Update Feb-2020: The image originally included with this post is no longer available and has been replaced with the followng video and alternative article.

Download the above boat owners report. [Very informative.]


Timing is everything...

A good reminder to keep spare [and all] electronics secured in a Faraday cage...

Cheers!

Bill on Denali Rose

Re: Sailboat Lightning Strike Caught On Camera

---

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobFord  Interesting event- Lightning strikes have always been a concern for me. Can somebody who has knowledge on the subject, comment on my statement. " My cat. is all aluminium, am I in a " Faraday Cage " ? "

Hi Bob,

I've been collecting some lightning resources over time, but am certainly not an expert. The answer to your question is complex- and not favorable. But, statistics [and physics...] demonstrate that you are better off in your metal sailboat than we are in our fiberglass one... However- according to insurance claim statistics- we are better off in our monohull than you are in your catamaran... And all of us increase our chances of being struck 5 to 10 fold while at anchor... Are you sensing a pattern here?... [All this gleaned from the references, below...]

Here are a couple of resources that relate to your question: The first is this well written article in Ocean Navigator [by the owner of an aluminum sailboat that was struck...] and the second is Marine Lightning Protection Inc. [the company founded by the professor referenced in the above article...]

As a general reference regarding lightning and [fiberglass?] sailboats, attached is a publication from the University of Florida entitled Lightning and Sailboats.

In case this is helpful, and may none of us ever find out first-hand how well protected from lightning we, our vessels, and electronics are...

Additional Resources:

• Lightning Protection on Sailboat
• Owner's report: Lightning Strike on Perseverance
• NMEA 2000 surge protection  [Added Jul-2023]

Cheers!

Bill on Denali Rose

Attached Files

Lightning on Sailbosts.pdf (438.8 KB, 139 views)

Computers, Devices and Applications

This post was originally used to announce this new page in our Stuff we have and use [and do...] sidebar.  

This page automatically redirects to the new permanent page.

Please go to that updated page to see the most recent information. [We update it several times each year.] 

The original post below is only the announcement and is now out-of-date... [It may be fun to look at in the future, however...]

The out-of-date original post follows: [Apr-2016] The text is aged parchment color to remind you this is the old version...

_________________________________________________

Original version, below. [Published 30-Apr-2016.]

It is now out of date! See the most recent version.]


_________________________________________________

This is part of a series describing some of our common boat systems and their operation.

We refer to these often not only for our own use, but also when asked specific questions about systems on Denali Rose, and when participating in discussions on various forums.

We aren't implying our choices are the best or only way to go; they just happen to be the decisions we made about what works best for us...

It is worth noting that most of the software [i.e., applications, or programs] we mention, below, is also available for many other devices and operating systems...

And since we are talking about electronics, in the future our choices described on this page may become dated and/or obsolete. Therefore, we will attempt to keep this information current regarding what we have and use, and what we are researching/considering for the future. Check back often as this page will change over time...

And please leave a comment if you spot an error or omission, or have recommendations based upon your own first-hand experience.

Computers: This page is now out of date! See the most recent version.]

We are retired management professionals. Therefore we are lazy and prefer to avoid having to do too much [or know too much...] to keep our computers functioning well. We therefore use Apple Macintosh computers and its Unix based operating system. [OSX] 

We also run Windows on our Macs for any programs we need to use that require that OS. [None at present; May-2016]. Also, it surprises many that Windows runs faster on our Mac Powerbooks than on most dedicated Windows machines... This we constantly rediscover whenever booting/running Windows while sitting next to someone with a powerful, dedicated Windows computer...]

We like portability, so we use laptops. We each have a personal one, and we keep our prior generation models as back-ups. All are kept up-to-date, synchronized, and immediately available for use.

Our philosophy is that all of these electronic devices and gadgets- even though they are expensive- are disposable devices... [I know. That hurts, doesn't it? But think about that for a moment...]

Therefore we use them until they no longer work or perform well enough to do the job at hand. Then we replace them with current models. [Cry once...] Transfer everything over, and try to keep going...

Computer Software: [A select few of the many Applications (Programs) we rely upon...]

• Navigation:
• OpenCPN [Navigation and route planning; integrated with our N2K network.]
• GPS [and GLONASS] source is NMEA data on our wireless network
• Documents, Books, Manuals, etc.: 
• Google Drive [for the Ship's library documents. 20GB and growing... All manuals, technical books, documents, etc.]
• Install Drive sync software on your computer
• Keeps a copy on our computer(s) so we always have access to everything
• Syncs to the cloud whenever we have internet access via WiFi or Cell data connection so we have permanent back-up accessible from anywhere in the world from any computer
• Google Docs, [Spread] Sheets, etc. [for all spreadsheets, documents, etc.]
• Works offline, and syncs whenever we have an internet connection
• Excellent for collaborative efforts
• Google Calendar
• Works offline, and syncs whenever we have an internet connection
• Syncs with the calendar on our phones and tablets
• Great for sharing specific calendar(s) with specific individual(s)
• eMail and document transfer:
• Gmail [for personal and boat email when WiFi or cell data are available.]
• UUplus email [and document retrieval service e.g., Weather, news, etc.]
• Also works via any internet connection including Sat phone, WiFi, Cell, etc.
• i.e., Is not limited to sat phone only unlike the Iridium GO! email app.
• Optimized for Iridium Sat phones; works on the GO!
• Additional details available on the following pages:
• Satellite Communications
• Cellular and WiFi data
• Weather:
• PredictWind Offshore App [Weather]
• zyGrib [GRIB viewer; weather visualizer]
• Sharing Computer Screens with Tablets and SmartPhones: 
• View/control what is on your computer screen from your tablet or smartphone
• Activate Screen Sharing on Mac
• Install Mocha VNC on the tablet(s) and/or smart phone(s)
• Windows:
• VMware Fusion [For running other operating systems on your Mac]
• e.g., Windows, Linux, etc.
• Entertainment [Also see this heading under Tablets, below.]
• Movies: [Videos]
• VLC Media Player [Plays most video formats]
• Books:
• Kindle App [for reading books- and PDFs too; e.g., manuals] 
• You can also email PDFs to this app [Think boat manuals...]
• Syncs with our Kindle eReaders and our tablets and smartphones
• Unlimited book subscription [30 day free trial]
• Audible Books [Our favorite way to share a book... 30 day free trial]
• Bookbub - A free website that tracks discounted and free books by provider, and emails you when they become available. Sign up for your account, list your preferred providers, reading genres, and notification intervals. My Kindle has over 500 books on it, and most of them were free. Bookbub
• Music [Use your Music app of choice...]
• Since we use Amazon Prime for free shipping, we also get their music offerings. [Free 30 day trial]
• Movies:
• Since we use Amazon Prime for free shipping, we also watch many free movies and catch up on our favorite TV shows. [30 day free trial.]
• Netflix Streaming
• Etc.

Tablets: This page is now out of date! See the most recent version.]

Since we like the Macintosh computers, we have iPad Tablets. [iOS is the operating system that runs on iPhones and iPads]

We each have our own model of choice, and a third dedicated to ship's systems. [And like our computers, our old (still functioning) tablets will be kept as back-ups (and dedicated picture/slide show kiosks) as they are replaced in the future...]

We buy iPads with cell data capability [i.e., not WiFi only...] so they have a built-in GPS [part of the cell chip...] and can be used as back-up navigation devices or hot spots if we lost use of our smart phones.

Tablet Software [Also installed on our SmartPhones]: 

Some of the important Applications/Programs we rely upon are listed, below. There are many more. These just happen to be the ones we find ourselves using most often among hundreds of apps on our devices... [>200 in May-2016, and counting...]

• Navigation:
• Sea IQ Open [Recreational version]
• Garmin BlueChart Mobile [Great for route planning, tracking and user friendly enough for guests to use and follow-along without interfering with the primary navigation systems...]
• Skipper [The only app we have found that combines charts and Topographic land maps. This is very useful where we currently travel...]
• All of the above are integrated with Active Captain data for offline use.
• Commander Compass [Hand-held compass on steroids]
• Theodolite [A multi-function augmented reality app that combines a compass, GPS, map, photo/movie camera, rangefinder, and two-axis inclinometer into one indispensable app. Theodolite overlays real time information about position, altitude, bearing, range, and inclination on the iPhone’s live camera image, like an electronic viewfinder. Way cool...] 
• Weather:
• Storm [A somewhat sensationalistic (though occasionally fitting...) name for an otherwise worthwhile product from WeatherUnderground- another wx data aggregator...]
• Weather 4D [Weather and Routing]
• Steep initial learning curve with limited help [but a great product] 
• Includes realtime Iridium satellite orbit information [helps with planning/optimizing sat comms]
• Barometer App
• Specifically a recording barometer app e.g., electronic barograph 
• Device must have barometric sensor in it. 
• e.g., Beginning with iPhone 6 and iPad Air 2 
• Apps we are currently [May-2016] using/evaluating include: 
• Barograph
• Bar-o-meter
• The following apps from Black Cat Systems: [among many others...]
• NAVTEX
• HF FAX
• Both of the above are back-up app for interpreting radio transmissions if our packet radio modem failed
• See our Marine SSB & HAM Radio page for more info
• Weather Calc [Useful calculations and conversions]
• SWBC Sched [World wide shortwave radio broadcast schedule; e.g., news, weather, etc.]
• Sharing Computer Screens with Tablets and SmartPhones:
• Mocha VNC [For viewing Macintosh display on Tablet(s) and iPhones.]
• GoFree [Proprietary device and app for wirelessly mirroring our MFD (Multifunction display; i.e., chart plotter/RADAR) to Tablets, Smart Phones.]
• Journal
• Wave Trax [Logging and voyage documenting]
• Reference:
• Grog Knots [Best animated knots app...]
• Boaters Reference [An excellent pocket reference of all things boating...]
• USCG App [Detailed boating law info, Rules of the Road, and float plan generation and filing.]
• Wire Sizer [Calculates wire size needed and tracks your wiring projects]
• SWBC Sched [World wide shortwave radio broadcast schedule; e.g., news, weather, etc.]
• Security:
• Drag Queen [Free and robust anchor alarm from Active Captain]
• Siren Marine [Software for using/programming our Siren Marine security device]
• See this blog post for additional details
• Entertainment: [Also see this heading under Computers, above]
• Books:
• Kindle App [for reading books- and PDFs too; e.g., manuals] 
• You can also email PDFs to this app [Think boat manuals...]
• Syncs with our Kindle eReaders and our tablets and smartphones
• Unlimited book subscription [30 day free trial]
• Audible Books [30 day free trial]
• Bookbub - [A free website that tracks discounted and free (even temporary free offers) books by provider, and emails you when they become available. Sign up for your account, list your preferred providers, reading genres, and notification intervals. Donna's Kindle has over 500 books on it, and a majority of them were free.]
• Overdrive [A free app that allows you to borrow ebooks, audiobooks, and more from your local public library, anywhere, anytime, all you need is a library card, and sign up for a free account. 
• Music [Use the Music app that comes with your tablet...]
• Since we use Amazon Prime for free shipping, we also get their music offerings. [Free 30 day trial]
• Movies:
• Since we use Amazon Prime for free shipping, we also watch many free movies and catch up on our favorite TV shows. [30 day free trial.]
• Netflix Streaming
• Etc.

SmartPhones: This page is now out of date! See the most recent version.]

You guessed it; we like and use Apple iPhones. [iOS is the operating system that runs on iPhones and iPads]

We also keep our older phones that have been replaced over the years, and unlock them so we can use them internationally with SIM cards we purchase as we travel...

We have a great cell data plan on our smartphones, so one is typically used as a hotspot device [using a cell booster to maximize the signal strength and distance] that is broadcast to all devices on the boat using our WiriePro [See Networking, below...]

Comparison shop smartphones and plans. 

SmartPhone Software: [See Tablet Software, immediately above, because most iOS apps run on both devices.]

Printer [and Scanner/ Copier]:

We wanted a compact printer [B&W and Color], scanner, and copier all-in-one as those are the functions we need traveling internationally.

We ended up with an HP Envy Printer and couldn't be more pleased. It is compact, wireless, and works first time every time... And the expendables are reasonably priced. At under US$100 it is hard to beat.

One thing we have learned over the years [regardless of which printer you have] is to use heavier weight paper [e.g, 24 pound stock instead of the usual flimsy 20 lb stock] for printed documents you will be providing others [e.g., foreign government representatives, etc.] It holds up better while you are transporting it in your shoulder bag, and feels good in the hand of the recipient. [Like letterhead stock does...]

FAX: [Facsimile]

For transmitting and receiving faxes, we use the HelloFAX service in a browser on the computer. [We need internet connectivity to send/receive a FAX...]

HelloFAX is an online service we use on the rare occasion when we need to transmit [or receive] a FAX. Sending is free; receiving requires a small monthly fee, and is something we rarely need to do...

Since we keep scanned copies of all our ship's papers, passports, etc. on our local computers, it is quick to print and/or FAX copies quickly, as needed. [e.g., When checking into foreign countries, applying for permits, etc.]

Networking: [Connecting it all together...]

  Wired: 

• We have both a NMEA 2000 [N2K] and a proprietary ethernet network [B&G] our computers can be physically connected to. However, we typically rely on a wireless connection as outlined below.

  Wireless: [WiFi or Cell Data for internet access]

• WiriePro 
• Boat WiFi router (local wireless and guest networks)
• Cell hotspot with SIM card available via WiFi
• See our Cellular and WiFi Data page for additional details
• WiFi-1 
• Proprietary WiFi device that allows us to see and control our chart plotter and RADAR screen from our tablets and smartphones
• Connected to ethernet network
• Also see GoFree application under Tablets/Software, above.
• Available from Amazon
• WLAN [Wireless Local Area Network] from a laptop
• We can set up a local wireless network from any of our laptops if/as needed

Additional Resources: 

This page is now out of date! See the most recent version.]

• Reviews:
• Practical Sailor [Subscription required. Well worth it to us...]
• Panbo Marine Electronics Hub
• i-Marine Apps
• Sources:
• Amazon [We often find the best pricing especially when shipping to Alaska is considered...] 
• Us: [Denali Rose]
• If you find our information worthwhile, please use our link whenever you make purchases from Amazon. [There is absolutely no additional cost to you. Ever... And it is totally anonymous; We never know who made what purchases...] 
• Thanks for considering this. It does help keep us incentivized to produce and maintain this level of detail...
• See our Support page for additional information