Free Shipping on Model Ships
November 13, 2009
Go2marine is offering free shipping on all our model ships!
Did you know? About the Swedish Warship Wasa…
A great Swedish king who ruled Scandinavia in the early 17th century had to have a fleet of warships to patrol the Baltic and ordered 4 new galleons. One was to be the royal mighty battle galleon called Vasa (also called Wasa), greater than any ship ever built at that time. The king himself dictated the Vasa’s measurements and no one dared argue against him. It was of the type we call skeleton-build, same build as the Sovereign of the Seas.
The Vasa sank within one nautical mile of the start of her maiden voyage in 1628 before she even left the Stockholm archipelago. Anders Franzén had already found some 17th century wooden ships, as his hobby and obsession was looking for old wrecks. He was bent on finding Vasa and did. Franzén found her in 1956. Although she is now housed on public exhibition, more than 30 years after she was initially brought up, and 95% of her is original parts, some reconstruction work remains to be done.
This ship was not excavated first and then lifted out of the water, but the reverse. She was lifted up from her claybed and moved in several steps to shallower locations until she could be excavated in “dry-dock.” This was possible only because the hull was in good condition. The Baltic Sea is brackish water. It does not have a wood destroying organism called Teredo navalis which is found in the oceans. Therefore timbers long sunken in the Baltic are well preserved.
Recovery and restoration techniques done for the Wasa were both innovative and at a scale never before attempted. At the time, it took decades of chemical treatment and slow environmental exposure to have the resultant restored ship. 90% of all materials in the entire ship and associated displays are original.
More Model Tall Ships / Traditional Sailing Ships
Did you Know? About the Bluenose II, Canada’s National Ship…
Bluenose II is known as Nova Scotia’s sailing ambassador. She is a replica of the famous schooner Bluenose (c. 1921-46). She is 43.5 metres long and was launched from the Lunenburg shipyard of Smith and Rhuland in July, 1963. The speed of Bluenose II need not be compared to the original schooner, as she was not built to challenge the triumphs of her namesake, but to honour them.
Like a ghost ship, in 1963 Bluenose returned. A replica schooner endorsed by Angus Walters and William Roué, Bluenose II was built in Lunenburg by Smith & Rhuland in yet another marketing venture. This time it was financed by Oland Brewery, built specifically to advertise their productswhile at the same time promoting Nova Scotia’s maritime heritage, tourist appeal and business potential. In 1971 the schooner was gifted to the Government of Nova Scotia. In the years since then its role as floating ambassador for the province has been consistent. Looking back, not much has really changed in the eighty-plus years since Bluenose was launched in 1921. Both vessels have always represented a fixed time, place and way of lifespecifically, the great Age of Sail in Nova Scotia and the traditional seafaring existence of a maritime people. Both vessels have also been marketed and promoted by corporate interests. The Halifax Herald, Oland Brewery, the Government of Nova Scotia for purposes far beyond the primary role of the first Bluenose as a gritty little salt-bank schooner.
It is the sailboat depicted on Canada’s .10 coin
More Model Yachts & Historic Sailing Ships
Did you know? About the Chris-Craft Cobra and the Legend of the All American Speedboat…
The legend of Chris-Craft began in 1884, when Christopher Columbus Smith began the Smith Boat House on the St Clair River in Algonac, Michigan, to manufacture small duck boats and power launches. Later, the company was extended to Chris Smith and Sons Boat Co. Many of his larger runabouts were used as taxis; transporting guess on the river front to resorts, or to various sightseeing attractions. In the twenty’s, mostly runabouts were produced, but with the introduction of his speed boats, Chris Smith’s fame took off.
Chris-Craft was the largest producer of mahogany boats in the country. In one year alone, one million feet of mahogany was delivered. Truck load after truck of Philippine Mahogany would arrive at the factory daily. No wood was ever wasted either. First, the lumber was air dried; then various hull parts were laid out using templates and patterns, were cut into plugs to be cemented into the counter sunk holes of the screws. All scraps were burned in the furnace for fuel.
The decade of the thirties showed a tremendous growth in the company despites the market crash of 1929. However, in 1939, Chris Smith succumbed to an illness which had begun to affect him years before. The death of Chris Smith did not deter the growth of the company. During the Forties, especially the war years of ‘42 to ‘45, Chris Craft produced over 12,000 LCPR (Landing Craft Personnel Raft) for the Army. 98 other pleasure craft were also produced. During this time, the “Barrel-Back” style was introduced. With its pointed bow, and curved transom, created a sleek look took the market by storm. The post-war economic boom at Chris-Craft was felt in increasing sales and the new product lines.
Even with a management change that took place in the early eighties, Chris-Craft bounced back with sleeker designs and a greater market share. Chris Smith would have been proud. And also the legend continues…
More Model Powerboats & Other Sailing Craft
Did you Know? About the Titanic, odd facts and the people who forsaw the future…
Titanic, the ship, was the largest movable objects ever built at the time, measuring in at 883 feet long (1/6 of a mile), 92 feet wide, 46,328 tons, and 104 feet high, from keel to bridge.
Many attempts have been made to find the wreck of the Titanic, yet it wasn’t until 1985, when an expedition combining teams from IFREMER and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute discovered the famous ship. The team, led by Robert Ballard and Jean-Luis Martin, took the first photographs of the Titanic in 73 years.
Some interesting Titanic facts:
- Titanic carried 900 tons of baggage and freight
- Used 14,000 gallons of drinking water every 24 hours
- 825 tons of Coal consumed per day
- Two dogs were among the Titanic survivors!
- Lillian Gertrud Asplund, the last American survivor of the Titanic tragedy, died in Massachusetts on May 6, 2006, at age 99.
In 1898 (14 years prior to the Titanic tragedy), Morgan Robertson wrote a novel called Futility. This fictitious novel was about the largest ship ever built hitting an iceberg in the Atlantic ocean on a cold April night. The fictional ship (named Titan) and the real ship Titanic were similar in design and their circumstances were remarkably alike. Both ships were labeled “unsinkable”.
British spiritualist, William T. Stead, wrote a tale similar to Futility. “How the Mail Steamer went down in the Mid Atlantic, by a survivor” appeared in the March, 1886 issue of Pall Mall Gazette. In this story, Stead tells of a large steamship that sinks after colliding with another ship. Many lives are lost due to lack of lifeboats. Stead wrote that, “This is exactly what might take place and what will take place, if the liners are sent to sea short of boats”. Stead was travelling to the United States at the request of President Taft to address a peace conference at Carnegie Hall on April 20, 1912. Stead sat calmly in the library reading a book as the North Atlantic sea water came rushing in as the ship he was traveling on sank. That ship was the Titanic. Stead did not survive.
William T. Stead also authored the novel From the Old World to the New. In this book, he describes the sinking of a ship in the North Atlantic after striking an iceberg. To add to the irony, the captain of the ship which picked up the survivors, was Edward J. Smith — the eventual captain of Titanic. Titanic, the ship, was the largest movable objects ever built at the time, measuring in at 883 feet long (1/6 of a mile), 92 feet wide, 46,328 tons, and 104 feet high, from keel to bridge.
Go2marine Fans follow us on Facebook – and win!
November 12, 2009
Fan us on Facebook… You could Win a $25 Go2marine Gift Certificate!
Test your knowledge of boating, nautical know-how and history… Starting on November 16th, Go2marine will post on our Facebook a marine related trivia question. The first Facebook fan who responds with the correct response, will win! There will be more, unannounced questions in the future – and more winners…
Go2marine is also on Twitter – with more videos, news, sales and education, unique from facebook…
So, come join us on Facebook!
Air Conditioning and Heat Pump for your boat
October 20, 2009
Even though the season is cooling off, it is a great time to install a built in, ‘central air’ style Pompanette Air System for your boat. These systems will help cool your boat in the summer AND heat your boat in the winter in water temperatures of 45 F or better. Go2marine is proud to offer these custom air systems that are specifically designed and fitted to each boat.
Because each system needs some custom installation, the winter season is the right time to have the work done. Go2marine is here to make chosing the correct system easy for you with our enquiry form.
Pompanette Air Conditioners feature:
- Vibration absorbing chassis design, using state of the art composites
- Energy absorbing insulators, to reduce the “White Noise” of Air Conditioning
- Quiet Rotary compressors
- Ultra-High Efficiency enhanced surface air coils
- Exclusive and patent pending condensate management system
- Cupro-Nickel sea water Condensing Coil / Heat Exchanger
- Pre-Wired meeting or exceeding the latest industry criteria
Before they leave the factory, each unit is individually tested to exacting standards.
Boat Covers for the Fall & Winter – and years to come!
September 10, 2009
In most areas of the country, the summer season of boating is drawing to a close. Protect your boat with a new boat cover from Go2marine; all major boat cover manufacturers are covered here! At Go2marine, we would like to share some ideas and information to help you choose and use your boat cover… lest your cover end up like this sad picture.
There are a number of things that can be done to extend the life of your boat cover and the ability to protect the investment in your boat. You will need to make choices for a cover based on your local, environmental and storage conditions – then on the boat cover fabric.
The Fabric
Not all fabrics are equal. There are four main factors that affect how durable, waterproof, breathable and stable the boat cover fabric is. The following factors affect your choice of selection.
Fabric Material
- Poly/cotton (65/35) blends are the least expensive fabric, typically, they are warranted for only a year.
- Polyester is often a mid to top range fabric, typically followed up with a three or five year warranty depending on the fabric weight.
- Acrylic is the top end material, usually only in heavier weight fabrics (9 0z. plus).
The industry standard for a marine fabric is the venerable Sunbrella marine fabric, with the Pacific Blue being the single most popular color in marinas everywhere. All boat cover manufacturers offer either Sunbrella or Sunbrella equivalent fabrics.
Fabric Weight
- Fabric weight is measured in ounces per square yard.
- The weight of the fabric is often (but not always) telling of both the warranty and lifespan.
- Heavier fabrics are in the 9 oz. range, lightweight fabrics are in the 6.5 oz. range.
Fabric Weave
- How tightly woven the fabric is will indicate durability – a tighter fabric will last longer.
- How big the weaving threads (thread count) are will also indicate durability – the smaller the threads for a given weight will produce a more durable fabric.
- A 9 oz. tight weave fabric will last longer than a 13 oz. course weave fabric.
Color
- Of interest here; Marine or Pacific Blue (a middle blue) seems the most stable color.
- Reds and Yellows fade faster and wear out sooner than other colors.
Boat cover manufacturers and their fabrics: Manufacturer – Fabric Name, Material, Weight and Warranty.
Top of the line fabrics are represented by:
- Taylor Made – Ultima, Polyester, 7 oz., 5 year.
- Westland – Sunbrella, Acrylic, 9.25 oz., 5 year.
- ShoreMaster – Prism, Polyester, 9 oz., 5 year.
- Carver – Poly-Guard, Polyester, 8 oz., 5 year.
Middle range fabrics are represented by:
- Taylor Made – Hot Shot, Polyester, 6.25 oz., 5 year.
- Westland- Sharkskin, Polyester, 6.5 oz., 5 year.
- ShoreMaster – Sunburst, Polyester, 6.5 oz., 3 year.
Storage Support
Where you store your boat and the environmental conditions it is subjected to will affect the life of the cover. How you set up the cover for storage with one of the many options, will also effect the usefulness and longevity of the boat cover.
Taking the dockside example above, there are a number of things that could be done to help the boat cover do a better job…
Get a pole. The single cheapest way to prop up the cover and prevent water pooling while also offering ventilation is with a vented pole assembly. They are incredibly easy to install in any cover, in virtually any location.
Get a strap system. This is useful for the large cockpit expanse on most boats and will prevent the huge, tearing puddle that can happen. Mounts at four corners connecting at the center with a pad on pole arrangement.
Get some Bows. It is hard to beat a system of Boat Cover Bows with their matching Sockets for keeping the cover arched. This is the most foolproof way to keep the boat dry and it gives you a fighting chance against snow.
Remember: Choose the fabric for the cover that will last the best for your application. If the boat is stored outside, year round, tailored or subjected to harsh conditions then a Top of the line fabric is what you want. If your boat is stored under a carport, on a lift and you are usually good with handling the cover, get the middle range line of fabrics. Lastly, if you are just looking for a “dust cover” to protect your boat while stored, then the base poly/cotton cover will work fine.
For all your boat cover needs, contact Go2marine.
PRI Fuel Treatment, Additive & Stabilizer is available for both gasoline engines as PRI-G and diesel applications as PRI-D. The unique formula can be used in marine engines, RV’s and other fuel situations. With more than 40 years of research and usage, PRI, Power Research Inc is a product that accomplishes just three things for diesel and gasoline fuels (and by extension, in those engines):
1. PRI is a Fuel Stabilizer and Restorer.
2. PRI removes trapped moisture that modern fuels promote.
3. PRI reduces carbon particulate size.
PRI is the industry leader at restoring old stale fuels. PRI can produce usable gasoline and diesel fuels from the worst storage conditions. Independent laboratory tests have tested 10-13 year old fuels that were restored with PRI and found them returned to usable condition. Treat just once a year for year after year use.
PRI will emulsify and absorb small amounts of water from fuel. While not able to clean water contaminated fuel that has large amounts of water, it does prevent alcohol phase separation. PRI prevents corrosion in the tank as well as everywhere fuel flows and contains asolutely no alcohol.
PRI reduces carbon buildup in small engines, reduces carbon in the exhaust and maintains the carbon size to less than .010 microns. Cleaner burning with less particulates means that engines stay clean on the inside as well as the outside.
PRI marginally increases the octane in gasoline and increases the cetane (diesel) rating by 1-2 points. PRI-D is suitable for diesel #1, diesel #2, kerosene, home heating oil, ULS diesel, marine diesel and marine gas oil. PRI-G is suitable for all octane ratings of gasoline. Although they are formulated for specific fuels, using PRI-D in a gasoline engine (or vice veras) will cause no harm.
Testimonials often have some value, but these unique testimonials will have you thinking that this ‘witches brew’ is one that deserves to be added to your current tank of fuel.
Diesel Smoke Control – Bob White with his 38′ Bertram “Island Time” had a problem. The real challenge was how to get two stroke 6-71 Detroit Diesels, which are known for their smoking, to stop being so dirty. PRI-D solves this problem because it works as a carbon breaker; it never allows clumps of carbon to form in the engine or exhaust larger than .010 microns. That means that smoke is far less visible and that the transom stays cleaner (and is easier to clean!). – Motorboating Magazine, May 2001.
Fresh Fuel – How old is your fuel? If your fuel is stored for longer than a season, it starts to degrade. Howard Freilich the owner of Qescorp Inc. had a unique problem. They run a recycling business, from saw blades to fuel – that’s right, fuel. Qescorp has tested PRI-G added to 15 year old fuel from salvage yards. One quart of PRI-G mixed well with 300 gallons of fuel, then left to stand for 48 hours resulted in a usable fuel that complies with the fuel specifications of all engine manufacturers. – New York Times Upfront, Summer 2007.
E-10 Fuel – Call it Gasohol or Ethanol mix / blend or just E10, it is here to stay. Ethanol is added to gas and it reduces dangerous emissions (good) and is hydroscopic (bad). Ethanol is so good at attracting moisture, like condensation, that when it gets saturated, it simple drops the water (which is called phase separation) which then sinks to the bottom of the tank while alcohol continues to attract more water! PRI-G is a non-alcohol fuel stabilizer (alcohol attracts water!) that functions as a carbon dispersant as well. It keeps outboards running clean. – Boat Digest
‘Servicing’ Older Outboards – PRI-G is essential to maintaining your older outboard in “just serviced” condition. After electrical issues, fuel is a close second. When added to your tank and run through the outboard, PRI-G can make a noticable difference in smooth running and will preserve the parts that the fuel runs through; the carb and fuel pump. When you service your engine, service your fuel! – Motorboating Magazine, January 2002.
Keeping Out The Water – Because “future fuels” like E-10 are here now, the choices of fuel additives has grown on the market. One of the most common (and affordable) component of fuel additives is alcohol. When added to fuel, alcohol makes the fuel burn cleaner, with a 1.5% loss in mpg. Alcohol has undesirable characteristics of being hydroscopic (attracting water) as well as being a potent solvent, additionally, most gas additives were designed for the automotive industry and are not for marine use. – Saltwater Fly Fishing, Dec 2006/Jan 2007.
Diesel Fuel Oil – The Tennesse Valley Authority had a problem, a big problem; they had 1.8 million gallons of bad fuel. The PAD (Petroleum Administration for Defense) rating was a high of 17, making the fuel unusable. The fuel was fully treated with PRI-D and then retested. The fuel was now at a PAD of 3, fully meeting TVA specifications. – Recyclers Power Source.
Outboard Gas – An outboard is only as good as it’s gas. Some fuels gum up quicker, some age faster and some build up more carbon. Adding PRI-G to your tank prevents gumming of the fuel, contamination of the carburetor and build-up of carbon that causes these small work horses to falter. Carbon build-up is a hidden killer of these engines. When too much carbon accumulates, the rings are pushed higher and higher (called “ring jacking”). The increased friction between the rings and cylinders causes elevated temperatures, accelerated wear and ultimately, power head failure. PRI-G dramatically reduces carbon build-up by reducing the size of the carbon cluster. – Field and Stream, September 2000.
Go2marine carries PRI-D, PRI-G and PRI-OCIDE.
Go2marine carries ClearView Ragasco fiberglass lpg propane cylinders…
ClearView Ragasco fiberglass propane tanks are perfect for many outdoor activities. A customer called us recently to request a set of these propane tanks. The use was unique, but not rare; the customer was looking for a better, less expensive LPG cylinder than an aluminum propane tank. His designated purpose for the clear view propane tank was for horse packing, to be used when leading overnight trips. The corroded steel tanks that had been banging around in pack boxes were to be replaced with rugged fiberglass tanks that were lighter and corrosion resistant.
Attractive, Easy to see the level of fuel and Ruggedly built make this propane tank perfect for many outdoor activities.
Primary benefits of the Clear View Fiberglass Propane Tank by Ragasco are:
- Lightweight – 50% lighter than steel
- Translucent tank always shows the volume of fuel
- Rugged – on par with metal tanks in safety tests
- Corrosion proof
- Quiet, no banging metal
The Clear View fiberglass propane tanks are made in 2 useful sizes, 3 and 5 gallons. The uses for this tank can be found with many Overland or Eco-tour companies, including:
- Commercial river rafting
- Horse packing and guiding
- Jetboat and airboat tours
- Large sea kayak trips
- Desert excursions
- Sailing and power boating
- Overland vehicle tours
- Teardrop and vintage trailers
- Field camp support
- Fly-in fishing and hunting camps
- as well as powering propane campfires on Eco-tours in sensitive areas
So, whether you have a Yurt with a stove or a boat with a BBQ, these tanks will make things just a little bit easier!
The Latest Progress in Maintaining your Diesel Fuel.
No more dockside fuel polishing costing hundreds of dollars. Polish your fuel, all the time, every tank full, every day.
Go2marine works hard to keep your hard working engines running smoothly. The FPM-50 is the latest addition in list of products that help control, filter, kill or trap the bacteria that lives in the water moisture found in diesel fuel…
The FPM-50 Fuel Polishing Module is a small, 12v diesel fuel polisher that runs on minimal electricity requirements, 24 hours a day; Consuming less than 2 watts while polishing 50 gallons of fuel, every day.
The Issue
The daily buildup of condensation in a diesel fuel system can lead to fuel contamination through bacteria growth. Parker’s new patent pending Fuel Polishing Module (FPM-050) combats the daily accumulation of water in diesel fuel systems, preventing corrosion and other system problems. Parker’s FPM-050 is optimized to remove emulsified water from the fuel system, preventing common fuel issues and maximizing the effectiveness of current filters.
How it Works
As diesel fuel warms through engine use or the daily heat of the sun, its natural capacity to absorb water increases, dissolving and dispersing a percentage of any water in the tank. When the fuel cools, this dissolved water desorbs into a bacteria-harboring emulsified suspension. By flowing the fuel gently over many hours, the FPM-050 maximizes your filter’s ability to separate this difficult-to-remove emulsion and filter out particulate.
Installation
The compact and lightweight design of the FPM-050 makes installation into the fuel system easy. The included mounting bracket secures the unit in place using standard screws. Fuel connections to the module are made using standard sized NPTF-type threaded ports, which are easily connected to fuel lines by standard crimp-on or barbed fittings.
The design also incorporates an automatic full-flow bypass valve. The auto bypass valve means there’s no need to use a manual valve to switch between polishing your fuel and using your engine.
Parker designed the system to meet the requirements of the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) standards pertaining to diesel fuel systems (H-33) and onboard electronics (E-11).
Features and Benefits
- Provides maximum fuel system reliability by removing entrained moisture and accumulated contaminants.
- Keeps fuel dry, promoting a bacteria-free environment and preventing contaminant build-up.
- Reduces the need for expensive fuel treatments and additives.
- Uses patent-pending, solid state pump technology, consuming only 150 mA, minimizing battery drain and enabling continuous fuel maintenance.
- Can be run from a small solar panel.
- Allows for fuel maintenance during engine down time and off-season storage.
- Easy to install and operate; incorporates automatic, full-flow bypass valve, eliminating the need for manual switching.
Go2marine is proud to carry Clear View Fiberglass Propane Tanks by Ragasco. Clear View tanks are unparalleled in the safe handling of propane, are extremely weather and corrosion resistant, lightweight and offer the ability to view the level of fuel through the tank.
Safety and Propane
Propane is a gas, as well as the third most commonly used fuel in the United States after gasoline and diesel. In its natural state, propane is colorless, odorless, and 1.5 times heavier than air. Because propane is heavier than air, it tends to sink into basements, bilges and all other low areas. To make it more detectable, manufacturers add an odorant to give it a “rotten egg” or sour smell. In its stored and transported state, propane is a liquid–a very cold liquid under pressure, often referred to as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
The U.S. Fire Administration reports that about 150 injuries and 5 deaths occur each year from mostly residential grill fires, caused by propane. Also, each year fire service responds to 6500 grill fires accounting for approximately $28 million in property loss. Four out of five Americans have the equivalent of a large, flammable explosive device right outside their homes, or inside a garage or shed. Additionally, most motor homes, RVs and boats have propane as a fuel source.
Portable propane tanks are commonly made from metal (steel or aluminum) or composite (fiberglass). All modern propane tanks come with a pressure release valve that will release some of the propane in the event of a fire. The traditional steel or aluminum propane tank has one big drawback when they are on fire. Metal tanks heat up, releasing the gas through the pressure valve until the liquid is boiling and overwhelming the valve. At this time the metal propane tank explodes.
Surveillance video from a Wal-Mart in Kentucky captures a metal propane tank exploding in the back of a pickup truck. The driver survived with burns. Note the pressure relief valve working before the propane tank explodes.
Safer Propane Tanks
Fiberglass (Composite) propane tanks are the safer tank for many reasons. Composite propane tanks are also fitted with pressure relief valves that will allow the propane to ‘blow off’. Unlike a rigid metal tank, when a fiberglass composite tank is in a fire it will soften, then burn through with a controlled burnout, instead of an explosion.
Ragasco is the world’s leading developer and manufacturer of LPG composite cylinders. The high-volume production facility in Raufoss Norway is the most advanced of its kind world-wide. They are committed on quality, safety and innovative solutions that add value to customers and preserves the environment.
In the USA, the cylinders are approved in accordance with DOT-SP-12706, which is based on ISO11119-3.2, CFR49, FRP-1 and DOT specific requirements. Authorized Testing Institute is the third party approval organization for the manufacturing line and product.
In Canada, the cylinders are approved in accordance with TC-SU-5931, which is based on ISO11119-3.2 and BS 3.3.9, TC-3FCM, CAN/CSA B339 and further Transport Canada requirements. Authorized Testing Institute is the third party approval organization for the manufacturing line and product.
Ragasco regards this commitment to safety to be the basis for manufacturing and approvals in all EC-countries from the issuing date 2001-10-25, resulting in more than 2.5 million approved cylinders. In addition, approximately 500,000 cylinders are approved by local authorities in various markets on all continents.
Clear View Fiberglass Propane Tanks at Go2marine.
Corrosion / Weather Resistant
Due to the composite fiberglass construction, Clear View propane tanks can be used in many environments. By design and materials, the fiberglass tank may be used on a vessel, a forklift or an outdoor BBQ alike with little worry of the effects of sun, salt or weather. For aesthetic purposes, cylinders can be easily be cleaned by power-washing with a soap and water solution. Sand-blasting or painting of the cylinders is not necessary. UV additives and stabalizers have been applied to the casing material. Finally, as part of the approval, Clear View fiberglass tanks are tested and approved down to -40F / -40C.
Lightweight, with a Clear View
Fiberglass propane tanks weigh 50% less than steel counterparts and 20% less than aluminum. This lighter weight makes the tanks easier to handle. The ability to view the propane through the fiberglass tank removes all guessing as to the level. Additionally, the translucent quality of the tank allows you to view fuel level as the tank is being filled.
The choice is Clear – Clear View Fiberglass Propane Tanks!
New EPIRBs and PLBs from GME!
March 2, 2009
Go2marine carries GME EPIRBs (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons) and PLBs (Personal Locator Beacons), which are designed to transmit an internationally recognized digital 406 MHZ distress signalwhen activated. They are designed to communicate to rescue services such as the Coast Guard, when nothing else will work. Rescue Beacons have a self sufficient power source that is able to function in the most rugged conditions for a minumum of 48 hours (Epirb) or 24 hours (PLB). Uniquely, EPIRBs and PLBs may be used anywhere on earth, but, they are typically designated in their use in certain environments.
The functional differences between each of the the rescue beacons, EPIRB and PLB:
- EPIRBs tend to be larger (due to larger battery) and are used in the marine environment only. They come with a leash to tie them to a raft of vessel. They are waterproof and float. EPIRBs are typically assigned to a vessel.
- PLBs are smaller, used on land (or water), battery life is not as long as an EPIRB. GME PLBs are waterproof and float. PLBs are intended for personal use, away from normal emergency services.
Additionally, all GME EPIRBs or PLBs are offered in versions that come with or without GPS to augment the satellite fix. The addition of GPS to any of these emergency beacons will increase location accuracy while reducing wait time for rescue.
GME AccuSat EPIRBs
AccuSat is made in 4 variations of a well designed EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons). All EPIRBS include a self testing facility allows the beacons functionality to be tested without fear of accidentally transmitting a distress signal. Additionally, the test actually measures the transmitters power output, not just the battery condition. The AccuSat Class 2 EPIRB is available in two deployment styles; manual release or automatic hydrostatic release.
All GME EPIRBs have the following features:
- Completely waterproof.
- Fitted with long life batteries capable of retaining up to 90% of their original Amp Hour capacity after 10 years.
- Safety seal which serves to indicate that the beacon has never been turned on and the batteries have not been used.
- Extended GME warranty, 6 years on the battery and unit.
- GME Electrophone has full service and maintenance facilities to maintain your beacon and provide recertification where required.
GME AccuSat 406 PLBs
The MT410 GME AccuSat PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) is the smallest & lightest PLB rescue beacon currently made. Additionally, the MT410 offers the industries longest warranties; a 7 year battery replacement life and a 7 year operational warranty. Design features such as a ‘Non Hazmat’ battery pack for simple and cost effective transportation as well as a high intensity flashing LED all contribute to this quality safety equipment.
All GME PLBs have the following features
- Digital 406 MHz, 5 Watt transmission plus 121.5 MHz homing signal
- COSPAS-SARSAT worldwide operation
- High visibility flashing light Retention strap and fully buoyant design
- Complete with protective carry pouch
GME has been designing and manufacturing rescue beacons for over 30 years in Australia for boaters, bush walkers, 4 x 4 enthusiasts and aviators should they ever require emergency assistance.
ALL GME rescue beacon EPIRBs and PLBs can be user tested once a year without impacting battery life.

















