I have been faced with this question many times and each time I struggle to come up with a practical answer.

"They're fun." "They come pre-furnished." "They're easy to clean, just hose them off."

The response is inevitable - "O-kaaay," with the you're crazy look in their eye.

Crazy, that's a good word for it. Crazy in love with the touch of the ocean air, the pull of the waves, the gentle rocking as you stand on the deck, the waxy smooth feel of the bright work, the open air, the open water. Need I go on?

Once you've been bitten by the boat bug it is hard to ignore the pull. Some people can never understand it, having been bitten by a completely different kind of bug. Luckily I know I am not alone and when I pull out on the water to enjoy a day on my boat I know I will be surrounded by other boaters just as "crazy" as I am.

Tips For Safe Spring Boating Has your boat been in mothballs all winter? We hope you've been out boating these past few months as winter is a spectacular season to be out on the water here in the San Francisco Bay. Weather you've used her or not this winter, your boat could use a good once over this spring for the sake of safety . Remember, safe boating is smart boating! Here is a Coast Guard Vessel Safety Checklist: are your numbers displayed properly? is your registration and/or documentation current? do you have personal flotation devices or life jackets, one for each person on board? do you visual distress signals that work? are your fire extinguishers in working order and up to date? have you assured yourself that you have proper ventilation? do you have adequate sound producing devices? are your navigation lights in working order? do you know your state requirements? Remember, if you have any questions, you can always contact the Coast Guard to run a FREE inspection! Or contact your local Power Squadron. Their resources enhance boating safety and enjoyment. National Safe Boating Week is May 19 through 25, 2007 January 2007 Why Would Anybody In Their Right Mind Buy A Boat? by Kimmie Haworth There’s an old saying; “boats are nothing more than a hole in the water into which you pour money”, but are they? Boats have tremendous entertainment value. They can keep you occupied for hours, weeks and longer - much longer. You can entertain friends and family on board for an afternoon or a weekend on the water. If you have a family, boating is an ideal way to spend quality time together. Kids seem to blossom on board, using their imagination to find new ways to keep themselves occupied. Kids and boats seem to go together like hot dogs and mustard. They gain confidence and pride when allowed to take the helm. Maybe the dream of sailing off to exotic places inspires some people to purchase a vessel. I recently met a young couple who had just bought a Hans Christian 43, a very sturdy and traditionally styled sail boat capable of sailing on any ocean in the world. They plan to cut ties to land and sail away in fall of 2007. Although not considered far away or exotic by most yardsticks, the Delta is my idea of paradise. Give me a secluded cove surrounded by trees where I can swim in fresh water in my birthday suit and I’m in heaven. Some people keep boats just to have a place to escape from everyday life. They are perfectly content to spend time at the dock tinkering, cleaning, waxing or polishing the bright work. It’s true that boats don’t look even remotely like your office. Phones don’t ring while you are on board unless you want them to. Visit any marina on a Saturday or Sunday and you will find the docks buzzing with activity. The sound of electric sanders perfecting already brilliant varnish will greet you as you come through the gate. Perhaps some people buy a boat for the sense of independence it provides. When you are on the water you must be totally self reliant. Tow BoatUS and the Coast Guard are there to catch you if, God forbid, something serious happens, but for the most part you are on your own. My handsome Captain Sweetie has repaired broken fan belts while we were underway. It’s not uncommon for things to break on a boat. Being able to make the repairs and continue on with your journey is part of the experience. Competent boating instills a sense of confidence, especially in young sailors. Other people like my dear friend Lyn Reynolds, like to pit man against the sea. Lyn loves nothing more than to experience the ocean in her most temperamental moods. He will head out in heavy fog or high winds, always single handed, towards points unknown. His idea of boating is exploration and adventure. I’m exactly the opposite and will tuck my head in the sand at the first sign of danger. My friend Katie believes that every boat afloat is home the spirit of a shipwrecked sailor. It certainly makes sense because each boat I have ever known has its own unique personality. Some are cranky, some are sweet, some playful, some elegant, while still others are stalwart and noble. So, perhaps the answer is that you do have to be a little bit crazy to own a boat. It takes an independent mind to follow a dream. Good for you and welcome to the club! Tips For Winterizing Your Boat 1. Replace old or frayed dock lines. Winter storms blow through with hurricane force. Replacing your dock lines is cheap insurance against damage. Don't forget to set up fore and aft spring lines so your boat doesn't move around in the slip. 2. Check cockpit drains. Check for leaves and debris that blows into the cockpit and remove frequently. Clogged drains can sink a boat right in the slip! 3. Start your engine even if you don't go boating. Heating up the engine is a good thing to do during the winter. It keeps everything lubricated. Check to see that sea strainers are free of marine growth and that plenty of water is coming out the exhaust. 4. Leave a fan or light bulb turned on inside the cabin. Even a low wattage bulb can help circulate air and prevent mold from growing. If you are not going to be on board for extended periods of time, leave lockers and doors open so that air can move freely throughout the interior. 5. Check roller furling to see that it is securely wrapped. 6. Go boating! California is famous for those beautiful days, right in the middle of winter. Enjoy your boat and get your money's worth all year long! McGrath Yachts, Inc 1070 Marina Village Pkwy #106 Alameda, CA 94501, USA Toll-free 877-444-1837 Tel 510 521-5020 Fax 510 521-5024 Email Us 925 209-7813 Ed McGrath, Broker http://www.yachtworld.com/mcgrathyachts