• Tips For Having Your Yacht Bathroom Remodeled

    bathroom remodel houston

    If you have a yacht you will likely want to have a bathroom that matches the overall theme and style of your yacht. If your yacht is updated and modern you want a bathroom to match this style. Remodeling your bathroom on a boat can be a bit of a challenge because you are restricted to a smaller area and fewer design choices than if you were remodeling a home bathroom. Here are some of the top tips to help you through the process of having a yacht bathroom remodel.

    #1) Plan Ahead

    One of the main things you should ff you have a yacht and are looking to get a bathroom remodel Houston is to plan ahead. It may take some time to get the materials that you need for a yacht bathroom to remodel. The standard toilets and bath materials that you would use for a typical bathroom remodel Houston is much different than the materials you can use on a boat. The plumbing features and size of materials are much different so you must take this into consideration.

    If you are able to plan ahead and determine what you want and where you want it to be you will have an easier time searching for supplies. Once you find the exact supplies you want they could be on backorder since they are not bought frequently. Planning ahead and ordering everything you need can help you stick to a reasonable timeline and get your project finished.

    #2) Make It Comfortable

    Often times the bathrooms that you find on boats are very small and have limited head room. The small bathrooms can often make your bathroom feel small and cramped. It can be uncomfortable to use the toilet or get a bath if you are of larger stature. One thing you should do is test out the bathroom and make sure that the current size is comfortable for you. If it is not comfortable you should consider hiring engineers or contractors to help you determine which walls can be removed to add more space.

    #3) Splurge On The Upgrades

    Since you have a smaller place to work with the average cost for a boat remodel may be less than the average cost of a home bathroom remodel. Since you will likely need fewer materials and time for installation you can likely afford to splurge on the upgrades. If you are planning to set sail on your yacht and stay out on the water for a few weeks at a time you will surely want some of these upgrades.

    Some upgrades that you may want to consider are tubs with jets, high-end finishes, extra lighting, and more. The design and style choices are completely up to you and your family. You will typically only get a bathroom to remodel once while you own the vessel so make sure it is exactly what you want before you start. Splurging on the upgrades may make the bathroom much more comfortable and relaxing, even if it is smaller than what you are used to in your home.

    #4) Add Mirrors

    One of the best ways to make your bathroom look and feel bigger is to add mirrors to your bathroom. You can add small mirrors above the sink for personal use but you can also use a wall of mirrors to reflect light and color. Using a large mirror wall can help the room appear larger and help you feel more at home. It can make the room feel much more serene and allow you to feel added light.

    #5) Heated Floors

    While sailing it may be colder than you are used to. One of the best upgrades that you should consider getting if you are doing a yacht bathroom remodel is to add in heated floors. This upgrade will surely impress you, your family, and all of your guests. Waking up and walking to the bathroom or getting out of the shower and stepping on a warm floor with your bare feet will be a feeling that you cannot get enough of.

    If you are looking to get a bathroom yacht remodel you should highly consider these tips. Following these tips may help make your bathroom remodel experience much easier and less stressful. Planning a bathroom remodel on a yacht is not something that is done every day so many people will not be able to help you. There are few people who actually understand how difficult it can be to plan a remodel on a boat. These tips can help save you from many of the frustrations that you will likely have. Using a boat contractor and a reputable contracting company can also help save you time, money and frustrations. Be sure to take your time to get accurate quotes from experienced professionals

  • Are You Responsible If Someone Dies on Your Boat?

    Death is always a terrible tragedy. It always brings grief no matter who it affects. Eventually, everyone is affected in some way by death whether it’s family, friends, or loved ones. Someone dying in your presence or because of you is even worse. The feelings of pain are accompanied by feelings of guilt. This is a feeling you never want, even your worst enemies to feel. When it comes to driving your boat, many accidents can happen. Therefore, minimizing the risk while traveling should be of utmost importance. When you are boating, many accidents can happen which could lead you in serious trouble. In fact, you could even have someone die on your boat which would be a terrible tragedy for all involved. When it comes to the question of whether you are responsible in case someone dies, there is an answer, but it’s complicated.

    The Short Answer

    The question of if you are responsible if someone dies in your boat is difficult to answer because there are so many variables. You might have some responsibility if you were a part of the problem. However, if it is something that you could not have avoided, then you will leave the situation without any blame. You should always consult with an experienced attorney like Douglas Healy.

    The Long Answer

    While the short answer might be sufficient for some, your situation is probably different enough to warrant a longer more detailed explanation. Here we will discuss the factors that go into liability so you can understand where you stand with the law. There can be some overlap, however, most places will have varying laws when it comes to accidents and boating.

    How Did That Person Die?

    Every situation is different. There are a plethora of reasons that someone could die on your boat. This is the main thing that determines whether you are responsible or not. The nature of the death could be anything from a heart attack to you making a bad turn and having someone fall overboard. Every single way someone can die is covered within the laws. For example, the heart attack as mentioned above could be your fault if you took some action that caused the person to have a heart attack. It could also be that they had a heart attack because they lived an unhealthy lifestyle and it was going to happen no matter where they were. All of these things need an in-depth investigation which would be carried out by the relevant authorities. However, every death could end up being on you or others. Let’s see.

    Who Might Be Held Responsible

    In every event on the boat, it is possible for a number of people to be held responsible for something happening. The manufacturer of the boat could be held liable depending on what happened. It could also be that another passenger was on the boat and they are held liable as well. Then, you could be held liable or a company that owns the boat and is renting it out. All of these things depend on the situation in your specific case. The most important thing to consider is if your action directly causes someone to die, then you will be held responsible to the fullest extent of the law. This of course, only happens after a thorough investigation to make sure that people have an accurate understanding of the situation. A good attorney like Douglas Healy would be able to tell you all of these things so you have the relevant knowledge needed.

    Your Part in this Situation

    The most important detail is your role in anything happens on your boat. If someone accidentally falls in, it could be your problem if investigators determined that there was some action you could’ve taken to prevent this. For example, not providing enough lifejackets for everyone to be able to survive in the water. It could also be that there was a malfunction in the equipment because you failed to service it correctly. There are so many variables that an investigation is the only thing that will let you know conclusively what your role and punishment will be. Taking precautions such as following all relevant statues will take you a long way in keeping yourself safe from being responsible for anything happening in the water. They should all be part of your insurance plan. Getting sued or been responsible for something of this magnitude can be devastating and life-changing. Doing everything you can to prevent it should be your number one priority

  • Ten of the Best Places to Travel By Boat

    Douglas Knight New Canaan
    Douglas Knight New Canaan
    One of the best ways to see the world is by boat. The scenery is sensational, the trip is relaxing and the destinations are fabulous. Some of the best boat trips in the globe are described below.

    Fjords, Norway

    The Hurtigruten ferry route in Norway has been a legend for over a century. This route links many of the towns and coastal villages. There are eleven modern ferries for a sensational trip. There is also a round trip lasting eleven days encompassing 34 ports and numerous side trips. The possibilities include islands, fjords, medieval monasteries, the midnight sun and Art Nouveau towns.

    Halong Bay, Vietnam

    Halong Bay has emerald waters and over 3000 limestone islands. The tiny islands feature grottos and beaches created by the waves and the wind. The forested slopes are sparse but filled with the songs of birds. Bai Chay Tourist Wharf provides over 300 boats ready for a tour of the World Heritage waters. The day tours are four to eight hours and the overnight tours are amazing. For information from an expert on the subject please visit Douglas Knight New Canaan.

    Amazon River, South America

    The Amazon River covers the Peruvian highlands to Belém in Brazil. This river is over 6,200km with a flow exceeding the Mississippi by twelve. A fifth of the fresh water in the world comes from the Amazon. Enjoying a hammock on a slow boat in Brazil between Manaus and Belém or in Bolivia between Trinidad and Guayaramerín is an unforgettable experience. The edges of the Amazon are filled with a mixture of settlements and jungles. The boat rides last between four and six days.

    Franklin River, Australia

    Rubber rafting in the wilds of the Franklin River is not for the faint of heart. This boat trip is challenging and can be treacherous. The wilderness of Tasmania protects endemic creatures and ancient plants. Boat rides are only available between December and March. This exciting trip requires eight to fourteen days and is only for experienced rafters. The adventure begins at Collingwood River and ends at Gordon River.

    Quetico Provincial Park, Canada

    Northern Ontario’s lake has a pristine and glassy surface in the middle of the signature wilderness of Canada. The area offers sports fishing, camping, and canoeing. The park encompasses 4,800 square kilometers and the remote canoe routes are awe-inspiring. Guided forays are offered throughout the park.

    Kerala’s backwaters, India

    The coast of Kerala offers a network of canals, rivers, lakes, and lagoons fringing the coast. The explorations in the little wooden boats are fascinating. The boats cross lakes fringed with palms, shady canals and the uniqueness of the cantilevered fishing nets. The most popular cruise is between Alappuzha and Kollam and lasts for eight hours. This includes a stop at the Matha Amrithanandamayi Mission. This is where one of the few female gurus in India resides. For expert advice on boat adventures please visit Douglas Knight New Canaan.

    Milford Sound, New Zealand

    It does not take long to understand why the most popular fiord on the South Island of New Zealand is Milford Sound. The rain doused serenity is dominated by sheer, weathered walls. The cruises leave from an enormous wharf and last for an hour or two. Tourists have the choice of a motor or a sail as they delight in glimpses of the wildlife including the yellow-eyed penguin and the hoiho. The valleys are spectacular and overnight cruises are available. The length of the sound is 22km and kayaking trip to shore are available.

    Island-hopping, Greece

    Greece has over 1,400 islands and the most coastline anywhere in Europe. The scenery varies dramatically from the Cyclades bare, sun-baked rocks to the tropical lushness of the Northeastern Aegean and Ionian islands. There is a ferry service on every island from aging open ferries to giant super ferries. You can see the backwaters and the major routes.

    Disko Bay, Greenland

    Ilulissat is a town perching on the very edge of an ice fjord. Every day 20 million tons of ice is produced. The cruise through the bergs is beyond description even though most of the bulk of the bergs is hidden beneath the water. A tour operator in a well-equipped vessel takes passengers around the Bay and the ice fjords.

    Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

    The Galápagos Islands have a haunting beauty. You can stand with a blue-footed booby, float right next to a penguin or swim with the sea lions. There is a wide variety of boats to choose from including large cruise ships, small yachts motor sailors. The most common are the motor sailors. This boat carries as many as twenty passengers for a cruise lasting anywhere from three days to three full and exciting weeks.

  • Safe Boating Tips For Beginners

    If you are thinking about embracing boating as a hobby, you need to first learn a few things about boating and safety to prevent unnecessary accidents that in extreme situations might lead to fatalities. Many people who don’t understand the importance of learning about boating before getting into the real action have had to look for a personal injury attorney Tampa to address cases that came up after causing injuries to others. To ensure you don’t fall into the same quagmire, here are tips you must consider as a beginner to help you learn how to embrace boating.

    Prepare for cold water

    More than many people believe, cold water is deadly and might cause injuries. For this reason, you need to prepare safety items before you get into the boat. Some of the items that might come in handy include a life jacket and the right costume for boating so you don’t risk drowning should things not go in the way expected. It is advisable to approach an expert who has been doing boating for some ideas on safety and how you can keep yourself away from trouble while also learning.

    Alcohol and boats don’t mix

    One of the worst mistakes you might make is taking alcohol and going boating while intoxicated. This will definitely not end well, so even if you are in the mood to have fun keep away from alcohol as this is as dangerous like drinking and driving. You should leave alcohol onshore to ensure your focus is confined to steering the boat, otherwise you might get too disillusioned at the middle of nowhere and there will be no one to come to your rescue when things go wrong. Basically, don’t do drugs when you are going boating to avoid extreme scenarios that might lead to fatal outcomes.

    Check forecast

    It is the small things that you overlook that degenerate to dangerous situations, so before you even decide to get into the water make sure to confirm that the weather on that day is suitable for the event. Check the forecast to know what to expect across the day as this will help you understand whether it is a dangerous decision to go boating. If through your sight the weather doesn’t seem perfectly in order, you should consider postponing the event until when you will be assured the weather is good for boating.

    Drive responsibly

    Power boats are a thrill when you are driving one for the first time, and just like rally cars, driving them carelessly might lead you into a fatal crash. For a beginner, you are advised to maintain speeds that are manageable and ensure there are experts around you who can assist you to learn how to go about the exercise. When water is choppy, don’t speed a lot as there is no stable ground to guarantee you a smooth boating experience. Also observe early warnings of the boat failing to move seamlessly against the waves of the water and adopt the right speeds for safety.

    Get trained

    Instead of going into something you don’t understand about, get someone to train you about everything about boating you should understand. This is the best way to ensure you don’t fall into the trap of your assumptions and whims, thereby risking getting into accidents. You must learn the best way to survive in the event of an unexpected fall in the water, so getting someone skilled to guide you is a noble step towards gaining vital knowledge about boating. Finally, make sure to tell someone where you are going and the time you should return so when something unexpected happens they can come to your rescue.

  • Using PR Strategies to Build a Brand

    It’s important for every business to maintain good public relations. Nowadays, most marketers use personal branding to build businesses. Customers relate to brands that have a great reputation. Knowing the person behind a certain brand helps to build trust between a company and its consumers. So, if you build a strong brand, more people will trust you more. Read further to understand a few essential things about PR.

    A crucial point to take into account is positioning. Identify your strengths and areas of expertise. Once you’ve figured out your area of specialization, it will be easier to target media outlets that can help you develop your brand image. Your strengths need to match the services or products you’re offering.

    The aim of this strategy is to attract the attention of journalist when you comment on certain subjects. Find a niche that you can fill comfortably. The best way to find a niche is to research on your competitors and find out what they like to discuss. If your competitors talk negatively about something, you can share positive things about the same subject. This way, you’ll stand out in the market.

    Be sure to walk the talk. You’ll have to believe in whatever you’re telling your target market. Your brand will get more attention if your actions match your words. Additionally, people will respect you for setting a good example for others to follow.

    Often you only have a single opportunity in the media. Therefore, it’s imperative to give a perfect first impression. You need to get media trained if you’ve never spoken or pitched an idea on TV. Most TV producers prefer people who know what to do while on air. As you get some media training, you need to focus on the message and the best way to convey it. Learn how to sit, how to speak and what to wear. These are some of the things that will help you build a strong brand through PR.

    The majority of businesses fail at PR because they’re not realistic. Set achievable goals for your business. For instance, before you use TV to grow your personal brand, you may have to consider print media and social media. Inc.com describes social media as an excellent PR channel. You shouldn’t focus on media houses only. Sign up on various social media platforms and share your company details.

    Always provide honest information about your business. You should never try to hide anything from the public if you want long-term results. False stories about your company can ruin your brand within no time.

    Like everything else in business, PR requires consistency. Don’t expect overnight success with any public relation strategy. You need a long-term plan to ensure you remain relevant and continue building your business image. Consistency will enable you to attain the desired recognition.

    These are some of the help PR strategies that can help you develop your brand. If you need to improve your results, you can hire a public relations specialist. Also, read more PR-related articles by Nancy Behrman and other business experts to learn more strategies.

  • Nancy Behrman Lauds Residents for Using Effective PR Skills to Draw Attention to Boating Issue

    Nancy behrman boat issueNancy Behrman has enjoyed a wildly successful career while working in the field of public relations and brand building, and she is known throughout the industry for her innovative PR strategies and her groundbreaking philosophies in matters associated with brand building. So when someone of her caliber offers praise for the strategies used to draw attention to a local boating issue, it is quite a compliment indeed.

    The boating issue has been an ongoing problem for residents of Broward County who happen to own property along the Intracoastal Waterway. Many of these property owners were drawn to the scenic view of the ICW when they made a decision to buy a home near North Beach Park, but they did not realize that their view of the water was also a view of quite a geographical oddity. According to residents, the water falls into the jurisdiction of several different agencies, all of which disagree over which agency is ultimately responsible for oversight of the area. This has led to what residents believe is abuse of this area of the ICW by boaters, particularly those living aboard their boats.Since the area of North Beach Park allows boaters to drop anchor without requiring a fee, this stretch of the ICW has become a haven for those looking for a rent-free zone. For years, the problem has continued unabated, but residents have recently taken action and have launched a campaign to draw the attention of other community members with the goal of generating action from one of the many oversight agencies responsible for patrolling the area.

  • Is There a Strong Correlation Between Boating and Leadership Skills?

    Luigi WewegeWhen you spend a great deal of time with boat enthusiasts, you begin to notice all of the traits that seem to be common to all boaters. It may even reach the point in which you are able to identify a boater outside of any marine context, sort of in the same way that a billiards expert might recognize a fellow pool hall aficionado by the horizontal crease in the pant legs that only comes from leaning against a pool table while playing game after game.

    After all of these years, I have come to believe that there is a clear relationship between leadership skills and boating. What I am unsure of, however, is whether boating might contribute to the development of leadership skills, or if boating is simply an attractive pursuit for those who possess natural leadership skills. It is a question I would like to pose to a leadership expert like Luigi Wewege, but I suspect that the answer is likely some combination of the two.

    It would, after all, make sense that the pursuit of one would strengthen the other, particularly since marine activities do require a clear attention to detail, strong communication skills and the ability to delegate responsibilities in a manner that ensures coordination among team members. A natural leader would be able to sharpen their skills through boating, while others would be forced to develop leadership skills in order to ensure a safe and enjoyable boating experience.

    Luigi Wewege would probably point out that the outcome is positive regardless of the relationship between cause and effect, so perhaps it is a relatively silly endeavor to try to determine whether boating skills enhance leadership capabilities or if leadership capabilities enhance boating skills.

  • Dr. Raouf Farag Shares Australian Boating Expertise During Recent Visit to Galveston

    Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of owning a boat shop is getting to meet a wide range of people from all over the world, especially since their presence in the shop just about guarantees that there will be a shared passion for boating that creates an immediately strong bond. While I have met all kinds of different people from all sorts of places over the years, I simply cannot recall a more enlightening and enjoyable conversation than the one I recently had with Dr. Raouf Farag.

    Dr. Farag was here in Galveston all the way from his home in New South Wales, Australia, where he is an obstetrician and gynecologist specializing in IVF. He walked into the shop hoping to find out about the safety regulations for operating a boat in Galveston, correctly assuming that there are some slight differences in the requirements when compared to those of Australia. After going over the rules and regulations with Dr. Farag, the doctor and I had a lengthy discussion in which we exchanged boating stories from the waters near our respective homes.

    The IVF doctor from Australia was quite an experienced mariner and told me all kinds of stories involving his frequent encounters with sharks in the waters of the Australia’s Central Coast, and I was surprised to hear that many scuba divers and surfers had taken to wearing wetsuits featuring tiger stripes with the goal of warding off the sometimes unpredictable predators. After an hour or two of exchanging our sea stories, Dr. Farag set out for an afternoon on the water, promising to send me some pictures from the Sydney Harbour Regatta along with pictures of the boat he keeps docked near his home in New South Wales.

  • Kimra Bettasso Was The Best Client I’ve Had In My Shop

    Business for me is more than doing what I love. I’ve been in a boat repair business for so many years, I lost count right after I lost track how many years my wife and I have been married. One of the main reasons I love doing business is because of the people. The people are what keep this business alive and many of them are great people to have around.

    I make sure to build close relationships with the people I serve in my business because business is all about relationships—any business owner will tell you that unless they are an unsuccessful business owner! Relationships are to business just like how gas is to cars and food is to the body. I remember every person I serve in my business. Last year, I helped a lady by the name of Kimra Bettasso who was dropping off her husbands boat for me to take a look at what may be causing the problem. The saying I have is do good, receive good. That saying lived up to the meaning of its words that day.

    While working on the boat, Kimra left and returned about 15 minutes later with food. She had brought me lunch! This was a sheer act of kindness and appreciation. It wasn’t extra payment for working on the boat or because she felt like she had to do it. She just wanted to say thank you, and what better way than with food?

    Long story short to bring this to a close, I got the boat fixed; engine trouble. We exchanged payment and business cards along with “thank you’s” and she told me to give her a call if I need a good retirement plan. It’s almost as if she was reading my mind!

  • I took my boat to Karl Jobst DDS

    Of all the things I have, I love my boat probably the most with the exception of my wife. That was a close one! Boats can be incredibly useful and convenient to get out and explore more of the world you’ve never seen before. Just last summer I had attached my boat to the back of my truck and drove to the beach where I let my boat off. I got into the boat and navigated to a nearby island about 30 miles off the coast.

    If it wasn’t for the boat, I wouldn’t have made it to the Island which proves my point of how my boat made this trip possible. Unfortunately, I had to leave the Island due to an appointment with Karl Jobst DDS in the next few hours. I got back into my trusty boat and sailed away.