Marine Solenoids

Solenoids are electrically operated switches consisting of a coil of wire around a metal plunger. When electricity flows through the coil it becomes a magnet, and pulls the metal plunger into itself. This pulling action has all sorts of purposes on an engine: it can. for instance, be used to shut off the fuel supply, allowing the engine to be stopped from the dashboard, or to operate the heavy duty switch that allows current to flow between the battery and starter motor.

On most small petrol engines, that is all the starter solenoids do, just allow current to flow to the motor. The physical connection between the motor and the engine is achieved by an arrangement known as a bendix, made up of a cog (called a pinion) that can slide along a spiral groove machined into the motor's shaft. While the motor is stopped, a spring holds the pinion down towards the starter body by a spring. As the starter starts to turn, the pinion takes time to catch up so for a fraction of a second it is turning more slowly than the shaft on which it is mounted. As a result, the spiral groove in the shaft screws its way through the pinion, forcing it away from the starter body to engage with a circle of matching teeth (called the ring gear) on the engine's flywheel. As soon as the engine starts, the ring gear drives the pinion faster than the motor is turning, so the opposite happens: the pinion screws its way back down the starter shaft to disengage itself from the ring gear.

Diesel engines generally have a more rugged set-up called a pre-engaged starter. Here, solenoids do two jobs. The first part of their travel is used to push the starter pinion into engagement with the ring gear: only when the pinion is engaged can the plunger complete its movement to allow current to flow to the motor.

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Buying Your First Sailboat

Sailing is great. You become part of the environment around you as you capture the winds energy and move ahead.

There are all types of sailboats. Generally speaking, there are cruisers, racers, cruiser-racers, center cockpits and pilothouses.

If you are a first timer, there is no better time to jump into one. Prices are down and deals are for the making! You have to look at the different types available (going to a boat show is the best place to start) and find what makes you feel comfortable. How it looks, how the cockpit feels and the cabin below will influence your decision. The cruiser type sailboat ranging between 25- 30 feet is a common first sailboat, because they are easier to handle for the inexperienced sailor.

When you are more experienced, your choice becomes refined. You start where you feel comfortable, just as you would with a car, and, after a while, you may like cruising and go for a larger sailboat with more speed and comfort. Or you may turn to racing - a great sport the whole family can enjoy. You learn quite a bit about sail handling and usually join the club. They may have cookouts and activities lined up the year through. There are racing machine sailboats out there in all sizes, but with sparse interiors, less weight and more speed. But a new breed of sailboats has been coming out, getting better year after year. It is the racer-cruiser, capturing the best of both worlds.

Center cockpit sailboats present the deck forward and aft with the steering towards the center of the sailboat. This configuration allows you and your guests to relax in the stern area of your sailboat rather than everyone being in the cockpit. The stern railing usually has built in seating and some also have deck mats to layout and get a tan.

Below there is your cabin made up of your salon (living room), forward stateroom (bedroom), with a head (bathroom), and to the rear of the salon there is another stateroom with an ensuite head. This area is usually large and enticing, depending how large the sailboat is. But, best of all, I find it great after a long cruise to just go back there, close the door and relax in peace.

The pilothouse is a nice change. This type of sailboat features an aft cockpit with steering and, if the weather gets bad or if it is raining, you can duck in to the cabin ahead, which is usually raised and also contains a cockpit. That becomes your salon with another cabin area further ahead and below. Sleeping accommodations are in the salon like all sailboats and also up forward. The pilothouse gives you great visibility and everything can be handled out of the weather.

There is a world of options to explore in a boat. Finding one is all part of the fun. Boat dealers and yacht brokers are all out there to help and because they want your repeat business, you can be assured they are on your side.

Captain Douglas Malat is a licensed captain and co-author of http://www.YachtAuthority.com, where you will find a great selection of sailboats for sale in your area.

Boat Hoist - Vertical Or Hydraulic Boat Lifts

The boat hoist offers ease in storage, security and maintenance, thus ensuring that the boat is kept dry and out of the water when not in actual use. Maintenance becomes that much easier, its possible to wash down the boat after use - this is a great plus point in a saltwater or brackish environment. Once washed downed the boat is all set for the next outing.

Boat hoists are available in a choice of different models -

Manual - these vertical lifting hoists feature a large wheel that is hand-cranked to turn and raise the lift. It's possible to up-grade these lifts to include a direct drive unit, so replacing the wheel with a push-button operation.

Hydraulic - these vertical or cantilever lifting hoists are quiet and quick to operate and offer the most advanced technology. Lift a boat in seconds instead of minutes. Helm control is also possible with the addition of a remote control unit.

Hoists often function as a electric, manual or a solar rechargeable unit. Each of these models have there own plus and minus points. The A/C or D/C power units offer ease in lifting and lowering the boat. The manual is a simple, reliable and low cost option, although not ideal if you come back tired from a days boating. And the solar model can be effective, but has been known to cut out halfway up as the battery starts to drain.

On a public dock it can help to have the electrics for the hoist mounted in a control box that's waterproof and lockable. This can prevent that mischievous someone from lowering the boat when least expecting it.

If at all possible, opt for the largest capacity boat hoist that can be installed and structurally supported. This can elevate the need to update the lift at a later date should a new boat be purchased. Just because you have a 4000lb boat at the moment doesn't mean you'll always keep that craft.

If you're interested in getting a more detailed look at the Boat Lifts, including a variety of boating tips and ideas, take a look at http://www.RecreationalWatercraft.com

Purchasing Your First New Boat

If you are buying a new boat you should be aware that there are some basic things that you need to have for your new boat. The first thing you should do is to purchase the "Coast Guard Safety Package" that your dealer may offer you when you buy the boat. This package will usually include life jackets (PFDs), whistles and chemical lights for your (PFDs), flares, fire extinguisher, and a first aid kit with a manual.

You will also need an anchor and chain that has plenty of line. The size and length of the line depends on the size of the boat and how you will use your boat. Three or four twenty five foot lines will be enough to start. You should also have a tool box with basic tools and a good quality bilge pump and a back up bilge pump.

When it comes to certain things such as electrical equipment, it is recommended that you purchase these things from your dealer and let your dealer install them. Many people purchase these items from a catalog and they try to install on their own. Sometimes the installation that you do at home in the driveway can cause more problems for your boat if not done correctly.

No matter what kind of boating you are planning to do, every boat owner must carry some other basic safety equipment. A VHF radio is one of the most important pieces of equipment that any boater should carry. If you have more than one it will be helpful in times of emergency.

One of the best things that you could do for yourself and everyone else that will be on your boat, is to take a boating safety course with the US Coast Guard Auxiliary or the US Power Squadron. This course is a good idea for all family members who will be out on the water. Many boating accidents and fatalities could be avoided if you have some basic knowledge about boating. It is definitely worth the time to take one of these courses.

Another good idea to protect yourself and others on your boat is to have a membership with a towing association, such as Boat US, Vessel Assist Association of America, or Sea-Tow. If you run your boat aground in a major metropolitan area, the average cost to rescue you is about $200.00-$300.00. There are also many fringe benefits to membership such as radio checks, float plans, and several other things that will help you to stay safe and feel secure on the water.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant about model boats, boat parts, and model submarines. You will find the best shopping at these sites for model boats, used boat parts to fix your boat.