Many moons ago, I wrote a column in a boating publication called Ask Nigel. People sent in questions on a boating topic of their choice and I’d answer the best I could to help them out. With this new column, the idea is similar. I will pull from my resources and maybe provide a fresh perspective or set of ideas you haven’t considered. I’ve been in the Pacific Northwest marine industry for over 20 years, and I’ve been blessed with meeting some really smart people along the way. I’ve often told people that my most valuable assets are the people I’ve met and the numbers on my phone.
Since I wrote that last column, I haven’t stopped learning, meeting new people in the industry or boating. In fact, the biggest change for me has been in employment— from CSR Marine in Ballard to Platypus Marine, Port Angeles. As a result of that change, from an entirely recreational boating to a mixed sector yard, the size and variety of boats I’m around has increased a bit. But, regardless of the size of the boat, they still need bottom paint. They still need electronics. Things still break when you least want or expect it. Boats still require ongoing maintenance and they still run aground sometimes. We like to do crazy stuff like upgrade our boats or personalize them. The scale may change, but the basic premise is the same.
My employment change has also introduced me to groups within the industry that I really didn’t know too much about before. One example is the International Propeller Club. As is typical, I often find something I like and go all in. Now I’ve been elected to the board of the local Seattle chapter. This organization does a lot to promote and advocate for the overall health of the maritime industry in Puget Sound. It’s been fantastic working alongside literal legends in the Puget Sound maritime community to help youth find career paths into maritime and to foster the growth of the maritime industry in our region.
Another amazing example is the Sea Scouts. If you have kids aged 14 to 20, as I do, you should really take a look. They have chapters all over Puget Sound and like everything we’re all trying to do, put people on the water, teach leadership and problem-solving skills, and foster personal growth.
One thing that is still a constant in everything maritime is finding the next group of people to come in and fill the jobs that are available. I know my current and prior employers are hiring and I think it’s safe to say most companies in the maritime sector are also hiring. We’ve made great strides in setting up programs to help young people find a career in maritime that fits them. Core Plus Maritime, focused on the K-12 segment, helps students prepare for career paths locally or internationally and works to connect industry to the classroom. I was recently at a Core Plus event in Kitsap called Try-A-Trade. The idea was to show high school students the various opportunities for either shore- based or on-water employment. Everyone from the U.S. Navy to the U.S. Coast Guard, from Safe Boats to Trident Seafoods, was there showing youth the manyviable career pathwaysfor them in marine industries. From the Maritime Institute to MITAGS, no matter what your career choice is, there are classes available locally.
So here we are with a new year and a new magazine. You’ll be getting this inaugural issue during the Seattle Boat Show, which means its winter. I hate to regurgitate an old topic, and it’s not even based on a question, but please winterize your boat. There are so many simple things you can do to help your boat out. I always run a dehumidifier. I really like the kind I can set up on a counter with a drain going into a sink so it can run continuously. Having an additional fan running can only help. Remove as many soft goods, like cushions, as you can. If you don’t have room at home, maybe investigate getting some of those vacuum bags to put stuff in. If you have sails, take them down. If you have external canvas, remove it. We’ve all walked down the dock and can easily tell who doesn’t winterize. If you’re not sure what to do, ask the people around you. If nothing else, it’s an opportunity to meet people on your dock. There’s so much information out there on the internet, and some of it might be found in a group for people with the same brand or type of boat. The problem with the information is vetting it, which is where I hope I can help.
You’re trying to decide between wrapping your boat or painting it? You’re not sure what brand of electronics you want? You’re looking to buy some sails and want an idea of what to get first? You’ve run aground and need help with the insurance process? You want bottom paint but don’t know what type of paint or what questions to ask? Should I get a generator or new batteries? Let me know and I’ll find the right people to get you an answer. Send your questions to norris@nauticalnw.com.
