Process of Packing an Anchor Chain

I just wrote an article for eHow on the correct method of packing an anchor chain. This is really something you want to get right the first time, because you won't find a fouled anchor chain until the very worst time possible. When you're trying to shoehorn your boat into a crowded anchorage, you don't want to find your anchor chain and/or rode jammed up. Here is the best way I've found to keep everything running smoothly in your anchor locker:

Process of Packing an Anchor Chain

Anyone care to share an anchoring horror story or two?

Fractional Yachting Article in BoatU.S. Magazine

My article on fractional yachting appears in the current issue (Jan/Feb 2010) of BoatU.S. Magazine. Entitled The New Math: How Fractional Yachting Is Changing the Face of Boating in America, I explain the growth of fractional yachting and highlight a few of the key players like the Freedom Boat Club and SailTime. BoatU.S. members should receive it any day. If you aren't a member - you should be!

To join BoatU.S., and receive the magazine and dozens of other great perks, click here.

Key Bank Exits Marine Lending

In a stunning move yesterday, Key Bank announced that they will no longer offer boat and RV loans. Key Bank is the single largest marine lender in the United States. This move is a direct result of the current financial crisis.

Key Bank is the largest marine lender to exit the market, but certainly not the first. They continued lending after giants like GE Money pulled the plug.

This will further destabilize an industry that is already against the ropes. With extremely limited lending options left in place, expect new boat sales (and used boat sales, for that matter) to continue to plummet.

Latitudes & Attitudes Article

Here is a link to a reprinted article I wrote for Latitudes and Attitudes Magazine in their September 2005 issue. It tells the tale of two dimwits (myself and Randy) who tried to sail a 30-year old, 25-foot sailboat 5,000 miles from San Diego to New Orleans through the Panama Canal. Enjoy.

No Mardi Gras, or How Not To Sail 5,000 Miles on a 25' Boat

Hurricane Gustav Article

Here is a link to an article I wrote for Associated Content about Hurricane Gustav:

New Orleans Begins Preparations As Gustav Threatens

Spline Weights For Sale

I have 14 pure lead spline weights for sale. They were cast by the fine folks over at www.splineweights.com before they ceased operation. These are the Whale model and their dimensions are as follows:

• 1 7/8 inches wide
• 4 7/8 inches long (not including brass rod)
• 1/8 inch brass rod
• 3 pounds
• Cast-in-place brass rods
• Green felt base

Here are some photos:



I paid $28.50 each for them and they are basically brand new. I'll let them go for $20 each AND I'll pay for the shipping to any U.S. address (keep in mind that the shipping weight will be 42 pounds) if you want the entire set of 14.

These are ideal for yacht design and building. You can use a personal check, money order, or PayPal. Get in touch with me at dave@truesouthyachts.com if you have any questions!

Laborde Products expanding to Texas

Laborde Products, our local Yanmar dealer based in Covington, Louisiana, is expanding by opening an office in the Houston area. They are hoping to capitalize on the oil and gas, marine, and agricultural business available in Texas. Joe Manning Jr. will head up the Texas branch.