Y2K’d out?

Terry Phillips

A great deal has been written about Y2K and the potential problems

associated with computers and electronics. Everybody has been

Y2K-proofing his or her computers at work and at home, but what about

your boat? How many computer-operated devices are on your boat and could

they be affected by this phenomenon called Y2K?

I asked George West in the electronics department at West Marine if we

should be worried about the electronic marine devices aboard boats.

“Of course you should be worried, especially if your GPS is four or

five years old,” West said. “We’ve been giving out the 800 numbers for

both Garmin Electronics in Kansas and Magellan in San Dimas. I’ve heard

that Magellan actually gave one customer a credit/trade-in amount toward

purchasing a new unit.”

Actually no one is really sure just how Y2K will impact navigation

throughout the world, however, prior to going on a trip after the new

year, everyone should double and triple check to see if your GPS is

working or accurate.

The one good thing about electronic devices is that once they get

introduced and are popular, they seem to become less expensive.

West Marine is offering a hand-held Garmin 12 GPS unit for $139.99,

with a factory Garmin rebate of $20 and a store discount of $20 on every

purchase of over $100. This would bring down the cost to an amazing

$99.99.

West Marine is also waiting on a shipment of Hummingbird hand-held VHF

radios that they will offer for only $89.99. In today’s times, no boater

should be without a GPS and at least two VHF radios on board.

These make great ideas for stocking stuffers and they could save your

life, too.

I will offer several, bargain suggestions for holiday gift ideas

during the next few weeks. Items for boats can be both fun, creative and

practical. Be safe, not soggy.

A word of caution to prospective boat owners. When you buy a new boat,

make sure you have a pre-arranged dock to place it in.

The Bellport Group manages many of the marinas and dock spaces owned

by the Irvine Company. I have heard that several of the larger sized

docks, 45-feet and over are going for as much as $23 per foot!

That totals $1,150 for a 50-foot boat. I remember when you used to

judge a boat’s value at around $1,000 a foot and now that’s what we’re

paying just to park the damn thing, so be careful.

T-bones were served at the first race of the Sunkist Series sponsored

by the Balboa Yacht Club.

In the Nov. 6 race, the blue and white-hulled Schock 55 known as

“Harlequin” decided to T-bone its bow into the side of the hull of a red

J-boat, apparently ended up close to mid-ship. The good news is that no

one was injured and both can be repaired.

The second on the Sunkist Series will be held on Dec. 4-5. For race

information and entry forms, contact Troy at the Balboa Yacht Club at

(949) 673-3515, ext. 131.

The Voyager Yacht Club will host the third of the Hot Rum Series on

Jan. 16.

The second race was held last Sunday in 20-25 knot winds and this was

inside the harbor!

Several boats elected to DNF because of short-handed crews for such a

blow.

The trophy ceremonies went without incident this time, unlike the

first race.

The 800 number for Garmin Electronics is 1-800-800-1020 and or

Magellan Electronics, the number is 1-800-669-4477.

Terrance Phillips’ boating column appears every Friday.