Flagging Cayman

Yacht owners have a broad selection of flags to choose from these days when it comes to a yacht's flagship and registration. Many things must be taken into consideration before choosing a flag that represents the very best interest of the vessel, owner and crew. While many flag states offer similar security and representation a few do rise above the rest when it comes to protection and service. One is Cayman, a stable, bed rock British colony located in the western Caribbean ran by British common law. Owners must 1st qualify and a liable company structure must be set up on the island by a residential entity. This process can be done fairly easy with the proper direction and many times from a remote location.

Cayman offers five vessel registration options: Full; Interim; Provisional; Under Construction and Demise (bare boat) charter. When considering flagging your yacht Cayman a guide line follows to find the very best registration for you.

• Vessel name availability

• Vessel Qualification (Merchant Ships, commercial Yachts, Private Yachts)

• Evidence of Qualifying Owner and proof of legal title

• Vessel dimension and other details

• Complete relevant forms

Depending on vessel size and class certain statutory requirements may apply to bring a vessel into compliance. Think of compliance as a check list to ensure the safest and most professional cruising plan. These requirements are set out by but not limited to SOLAS, MARPOL and 73/78 covering things from oil pollution prevention to safe manning documents that ensure your crew is trained and properly licensed. Cayman's matrix of international conventions and mandatory compliance measures is what essentially qualifies it's fleet and crests it's high standard, one of the most formidable in the industry. 

Should you be searching for flag state options and representation, we're standing by to help you. Tell us more about your vessel.

 

 

Ultimate Yacht Protection

Today many yacht captains and owners are being faced with a big decision as a large majority of paint and gel-coated vessels approach the 5-8 year mark and either need repainting, constant polishing or a new technology that will restore their vessel's painted surfaces back to new, maintain the condition and extend the paint life out to maximum length. For vessel's between 75-150 feet the cost of a repaint can range anywhere between $80,000-$750,000. What options exist? How can a vessel's paint life and performance be maximized to create a huge savings?

 

Introducing FYM's new I-shine paint preservation system a frictionless water based U/v coating system which effectively arrest the clean shine and show condition of your vessel for 9-14 months while eliminating maintenance time by %50.

 

With the steady advancements in nano technology over the last 10 years we've finally found a break through paint preservation system strong enough to hold up to the harsh sun and element of South Florida. The answer lies in the molecular make up of an exclusive product called I-shine, a polishing system and program designed and carried out by Freedom Yacht Management's well trained crew of detail specialists.

I-shine is a 5 stage product line which allows for even the most fouled awlgrip paint or gel-coat to be brought back to optimal condition with out hiding or filling imperfections. The result is a gleaming hydrophobic finish which lasts for 9-14 months garanteed after which a follow up 2-step treatment is recommended to maintain for another year often discounted between %20-%35 from the intial treamtent. The cost savings when compared to a repaint is enormous A few finishing qualities which set I-shine ahead of the rest are..

• I-Shine is Water based-Not Petroleum based like the leading product lines which hide and fill swirls and imperfections before breaking down into the paint and gel-coat.

• I-Shine protects with nano sized Emulsin Chrystales woven into a thick strong mat, completely organic in nature commonly known as glass- No silcon, no waxes that break down and attract dirt.

• I-Shine is Engineered on a Nano Level  (one billionth of a meter) for maximum protection!

Yacht Detailing goes Green

Does your head spins every time you go to West Marine or National Marine in search of cleaning products? Let's face it there are some good marine products out there. As competition grows it's important to take a deeper look into these products to evaluate their true molecular make up. Expert yacht detailing and paint restoration crews are moving away from petroleum based products because of the acidic fall out that occurs as they break down.

It's interesting to see yacht detailers and crew take a closer look at what is actually in the solution they are applying to their yacht. The traditional use of petroleum in compounds provides for great action and shine but is that the true condition of the paint or surface? An important question to ask is what percentage of the product breaks down. When it comes to paint and gel-coat polishing, compounds and waxes with natural fatty suspension carriers are water based and break down in nature as oppose to petroleum based which have an acidic break down which fouls the surface over time and literally cuts short your cosmetic's shelf life.

Green cleaning products are not only better for the environment and manatee but the cosmetic surfaces themselves. We've asked 3 of Ft lauderdale's top notch yacht detailing groups to list their top 10 green products that are effectivly making a difference in their yacht maintenance program and the environment. With no further adu here they are.

1. Teak Brightening- Lemon Juice mixed 50/50 with water
2. Polishes--I shine nano emulsion chyrstals for paint and gel-coat
3. Stainless steel-Baking soda and water
4. Teak deep clean-Simple green cleaner
5. Window maintenance- -Clear Glazing mineral polish and sealer 
6. Wash down soap-Captain John's boat brite gel-soap
7. Removing overspray from paint-Meguiares clay bar
8. Maintaining Spray-Phenomenon
9. Hard Salt water spots-White Vinegar and water mixed 50/50
10. Rust remove-50/50 mix of baking soda and white vinegar 

I-Shine Paint and Gel-Coat Preservation System Saves!

Today many yacht captains and owners are being faced with a big descision as a large majority of painted and gel-coated yachts approach the 5-8 year mark and either need repainting or a solution that will restore their vessel's painted surfaces back to new, maintain the condition and extend the paint life out to maximum length. The cost savings of pushing out a $500,000 repaint 5 more years is enormous. However there has yet to be a proven product, system and team capable of delivering such a claim.. Until now.

Introducing Freedom Yacht Management's I-shine Yacht Preservation System a brilliant way to restore your vessel's painted and gel-coat finish to maximum shine while doubleing the paint life. 

With the steady advancements in nano technology over the last 10 years we've finally found a break through paint preservation system strong enough to hold up to the harsh sun and element of South Florida. The answer lies in a product called I-shine and a polishing system and program designed and carried out by Freedom Yacht Management's well trained crew of detail specialists.

Like many of the world's most well engineered products I-shine is made in Germany. It's 5 stage product line is water based which allows for even the most fouled awlgrip paint to be brought back to optimal condition. This gleaming finish lasts for 9-12 months garanteed after which a follow up 2-step treatment is recommended to maintain for another year often discounted between %20-%35 from the intial treamtent. 

What attributes make I-shine superior to traditional compounds and waxes?

• I-Shine is Water based-Not Petroleum based like the leading product lines which hide and fill swirls and imperfections before breaking down into the paint and gel-coat.

• I-Shine protects with nano sized Emulsin Chrystales, completely organic in nature commonly known as glass- No silcon, no waxes that break down and attract dirt.

• I-Shine is Engineered on a Nano Level  (one billionth of a meter!) That's maximum coverage! Existing products don't come close. Also, this allows for a better cut when using #1 #2 #3 for removing fouled paint as heat is reduced. 

Yacht Polishing and Waxing-101 Part # 3-The Ultimate Show Finish

What good mother would send her child out into the blistering sun without sunscreen on? Alright babies and boats aren't apples to apples but summer is here and there's no better time than now to protect your vessel's gel-coat and painted surfaces from the harsh weather elements that exist.

When a yachts gel-coat or painted surfaces are left unprotected deterioration quickly starts to take place at a micro-level causing the surface to becomes porous and rot. Shine is immediately taken away and the vessel's gel-coat or paint begins to haze, taking on a flat color. The porosity of the surface catches more dirt preventing it from sliding off your boat thus requiring much more cleaning and work. The good news is almost all gel-coated surfaces and painted surfaces can be restored, given there is still dept and it hasn't been worn through.

It's imperative that the restoration and maintenance of your vessel's cosmetics surfaces follow certain steps pertaining to products and application techniques. Having the wrong product or application method can cause swirl marks, waste time, heaps of money and or destroy your vessel's paint job. Below are a few tips we've learned over the years having mastered this process.

Step #1-THOROUGH VESSEL WASH DOWN

Using an aggressive soap/cleaner give the yacht a thorough wash down and good chamois. This will guarantee a clean surface and keep dirt from clogging up your wool buffing bonnets.

Remember you want to remove dirt when polishing your boat not move dirt so make sure your brushes, pads and micro-fiber are always clean and fresh!!

Many time people think because they are compounding first or cutting off the top millimeter that it doesn't make a difference to wash it.. it does and wool pads are expensive so give it a good wash first.

Step #2-COMPOUNDING, MICRO-FINISHING AND WAXING

 

If you've ever seen an old piece of wood being sanded down to a beautiful finish you know that the process requires several steps and usually starts with a rough sandpaper to remove the dead (grey) wood and then a medium grit sand paper to minimize the heavy scratches creating smoothness and then a light sandpaper to fully remove light scratches thus creating a friction less substrate before a polyurethane sealer is applied as a last step to protect the wood from the wind and rain.

The same principles apply when finishing gel coat and paint except our sand paper comes in the form of liquid compound laden with chunkier minerals for heavy (coarse) cut and lighter minerals for (lighter) cut. Our wax is usually a silicon polymer for pure protection.

To properly finish gel coat or painted surface you must start with the most aggressive grit compound needed to fully remove the dead surface and restore color and clarity after which (like finishing wood) you stage down moving to lighter compounds that will remove scratches and bring shine and clarity before applying a topcoat or wax to seal and protect the surface.

Most times this is a multi step process unless the boat's gel coat or paint is brand new and or has been perfectly maintained and needs just a coat of protective wax.

The 1st cleaning compound used will depend on the amount of oxidization or fade your vessel's surface has. A heavy haze (chalky look) will require a heavy cut compound, a medium haze (cloudy look) will require a medium cut compound and a light haze (misty looking) will require a light cut compound to restore to fresh paint and gel-coat look, shine and appearance. After which an application of topcoat or wax is applied to seal the surface and keep out the elements.

 

PRO ADVICE: For each step or type of compound used a different texture of buffing pad is needed-Heavy duty compound requires a white (course) wool buffing pad-Medium and light compound requires a yellow- (medium) texture wool buffing pad. Foam pads are HIGHLY recommended when finishing dark color yacht paint and are of different texture depending on color. Apply wax with hand orbital, remove by hand and polish at slow speed with a perfectly clean soft buffing pad.

NOTE: Use a spur (cleaning tool or rake stick) to clean your pads frequently when polishing as residue will build up and cause swirls and burn marks, when your pad has tight short dread locks it's done**Product knowledge and application technique is what separates the pros from the bums**ohh yeah don't exceed 3000 rpm on your machine and apply even steady pressure in 3 foot horizontal and vertical motions when buffing.

PRODUCTS: The 3m finishing system has been the leading paint and gel coat finishing system over the years. It flat out works! Presta products out of Miami deliver an excellent, comparable line of product that are water based (no fillers) and a bit cheaper.

Please commment to let us know what steps and products work best for you!

Yacht Maintenance and Care-101 Part #2-Bottom Painting

Antifouling and Bottom Painting

 Optimal cruising performance is often a reflection of your vessels underside. Your boats bottom coat is the first line of defense against some harsh elements trying to consume it. Staying on top of this preventative maintenance chore is one of the most important ones you face. The smallest amount of growth underneath your boat will affect speed and performance and if not sealed properly will penetrate your hull's gel-coat creating core rot (blisters).

Let's find the right paint for you!

Favorable bottom coatings for your vessel should depend on what type of boating you do, where you boat and the type of bottom paint applied to your boat in the past. Fresh water boating doesn't necessarily require the same strength and durability of bottom paint as say a fishing boat in the Florida Keys.

"Bottom paints act as a barrier to reduce marine growth and barnacles by releasing toxic biocides at a carefully controlled rate" Back in the day of old the bellies of boats were nailed tight with copper platting, now copper compounds (cuprous oxide) are laden in the bottom paint itself to combat growth some contain "slimacides" which greatly reduce the sun's deterioration of paint along the water line by filtering out UV and blocking photosynthesis.

2 Types of Anti-fouling Bottom Paint

It's important to remember the pros and cons of each type of bottom paint. Compatibility of one paint on top of another is critical. Generally speaking softer paints can be applied over harder paints but not visa versa

Modified Epoxies

Modified Epoxies deliver a hard durable finish but require yearly repainting. The higher the cooper content the more resistant it is to algae and growth. Keep in mind "the cheaper paint, the less copper and protection" I don't recommend short changing price for durability and protection. The warmer the water and longer the boating season the higher the bottom growth and better protection you'll need. Modified epoxies are popular because they are typically cheaper and can be painted over each other if the bottom has been sanded properly for a nice firm lock.

Ablatives

Ablative paints are softer semi-hard paints that flake off over time much like a bar of soap. Multiple coats the 1st time applied is recommended and is well worth it. Ablatives with boosted copolymers are very popular because they allow a vessel's bottom to go 2 or 3 years sometimes with out needing to be repainted.

TIP: When applying multi coats of Ablative paint make the base coat a different color of paint than the successive layers. Perhaps RED and other layers Blue or Black. This will allow you to see when you are down to your base level.

WARNING: Do not paint a modified epoxy paint over an ablative paint with out removing it completely first by sanding! It will simply flake off and your money and protection will be lost.

Preperation is Critical! Let's do it!

1. Pressure Washing-Should the hull have growth remove thoroughly with a pressure washer using a mold release agent
2. Sanding and Prep-Should older paint exist remove using a DA and 100 grit sandpaper taking the underside of your vessel down to fresh gel-coat. If any blisters exist (bubbles caused from water penetration) remove them using the interlux repair guide to achieve a perfect underside substrate for an impermeable layer called the Barrier Coat.
3. Applying a Barrier Coat-A barrier coat is an impermeable layer of epoxy that you will apply between paint and hull so that water cannot be absorbed and blisters cannot form-much like a primer. After applying and dry time has exceeded lightly sand with 120 sandpaper to give a perfect texture for bottom paint to adhere.

Applying Bottom Paint

 

• Safety first-Make sure you have the proper safety gear to protect yourself completely i.e gloves, respirator and body suit.
• Make sure you have the right amount of product. (see chart below)
• Make sure that you have a good weather window (2-3 days) to apply.
• Remember to work in conditions above 50 Fahrenheit and take in consideration if your recoating,  most paints have a window of time to over coat. If you wait to long you'll have to sand and re-apply.

    IMPORTANT! The care and effort you put into preparing the surface for each coat will greatly impact how well and how long the paint keeps your hull free of marine growth and fouling. So use the right material-plenty of solvent wash products, clean cotton rags and 80-grit sandpaper will help guarantee success.

• Tape off the vessels bottom as close to the boot stripe as possible. Many times the scum line on a boat with full water and fuel tanks is a good  place to start the tape line. Also tape around the transducers, prop shaft struts, thru-hulls and other metals.

•  If painting over existing bottom paint where heavy fouling exist; pressure wash and use a strong acid; be sure to use a respirator and full suit to protect you from caustic chemicals. Make sure any loose paint is removed with a scrapper, using a 80 grit sandpaper on high or uneven areas. You want the boat's bottom to be as smooth as possible to minimize drag. Wipe down with a tack rag and denatured alcohol after sanding.

• If painting a new hull-sand with 120 sand paper and clean well with a mold release solvent before applying barrier coat, let dry then sand with 120 grit before applying bottom paint.
• Rolling the paint is the most common method of application using a 3/8 nap solvent-resistant roller cover
• Stir the paint thoroughly , pour into a paint tray and begin rolling the paint below the tape line from one end of the boat to the other.
• Re coating Make sure the dry time on the 1st coat has expired before recoating.

• When finished remove paint and properly dispose of canisters and used brushes in a trash bin designated for hazardous materials.
• Read manufacturers recommendations for application procedure and drying times before you launch the boat.

Tip! A good way to determine paint quantity is to estimate the surface area needing paint below the water line: Most paints have a theoretical coverage area and require 2 coats, so expect actual coverage to be no greater than half of the theoretical value.

Length x Beam x .75=Approximate Underwater Surface Area in sq.ft

 

Vessel Size                    Amount of Paint Needed-gal (2 coats)

32'                                 2 gallons

 

36'                                 2 gallons

 

40'                                 2.5 gallons

 

45'                                 3.5 gallons

 

50'                                 4 gallons

 

60'                                 5 gallons

 

70'                                 6 gallons

 

80'                                 6.5 gallons

 

90'                                 8 gallons

 

100'                               9.5 gallons

 

Should you have any suggestions or questions please don't hesitate to ask or make a comment. With products and application techniques quickly advancing we are always searching for the very best methods of approach to all vessel needs.-Josh Cunningham

Yacht Maintenance and Care 101- Part #1

For the do it yourself boaters these blogs are for you! Summer is quickly advancing and the waters around South Florida are turning optimal for cruising, diving, fishing, snorkeling and all the other outstanding amenities these waters offer. So let's get your vessel in top gear and condition for the fun. The next 4 blogs are aimed at informing and guiding you through 4 critical commissioning projects that will ensure your cruising is the smoothest.

Think Mechanical Maintenance 1st!

Consider a boats make up similiar to a human body. With out electricity we dont funtion and with out proper circulation we fail. So let's look at these primary systems and perform a good inspection.

• Looking at the big picture by hauling the vessel out of the water is critical. Making sure to turn off all generators and a/c systems before hand to avoid the risk of burning them up as they gasp for water. Check the bottom making sure all the barnacles and growth is cleaned off.
• Bottom zincs on your hull, drives, shafts and trim tabs need to be at least %50. Remember these zincs are your boats shields against electrolysis. When they expired the electricity from the salt water will start to eat away at your boats inner metal components. Beware!
• How do your propellers look? Even the smallest nick or bend will cause vibration issues and severely disturb performance speed, even barnacles and growth. I recommend removing the propellers and having them finished and balanced properly to achieve maximum rpm. Oh yeah grease the spline before installing to avoid unnecessary friction.
• How are your batteries? Disconnect all batteries, clean them with soda water and a wire brush before reconnecting and checking them for optimal charge-batteries do need replacing periodically and if one is dead connecting to a series of batteries they all will be dead soon so pull and replace.
• How does your steering system look? Check for drips or leaks and top off the lubricant. Check packing boxes to make sure there is no damage.
• A/C systems servicing. In a constantly warm enviroment a/c many times never stop and often need re-pressurizing and raw water lines flushed with barnacle buster (green technology) to clear out growth.
• Check all hose fittings, replacing the corroded ones with new ones. Lubricate all sea cock levers (raw water intake valves) exercise them back and forth. Make sure strainer baskets are clean and their housings are free of barnacles and growth. 
• Make sure all main engine sea strainers are clear of growth and obstructions.
• Remember! Cooling water to your 2 vital mechanical systems (engine and air conditioning) is like blood circulation to your heart. By assuring unrestricted water flow you'll be way cooler and cost effectiveness.
• Light Bulbs! Turn all lights on including Navigation Lights, checking for any burnt out bulbs and replace.
• Bilges are Key! Before I buy a boat I check here 1st and foremost because you can quickly learn a vessels mechanical health by residue found. Trace any leaks back to their culprit and replace seals where necessary. Remove any water, sludge or oil from the bilge (dispose of properly in a hazardous waste area) clean with degrease the bilge and make sure all bilge pumps are running properly and not gummed up. Don't hesitate to replace a bilge pump as they do expire and are well worth the piece of mind when all else fails.
• Sump boxes clean up well with water and bleach, let it sit for a few hours.
• Dump your fresh water tank and refill, I never recommend drinking water from your fresh water tank as it is never fresh, many times treating the tank with a bromine tablet is good to keep growth and that egg smell away.
• Dump your black water tank and treat with a eco friendly solution that will keep the smell fresh and bacteria down.
• Changing your engine oil is key and the best way to preserve the life of your engine, run the engine a few minutes before dumping the pan to lower the oil viscosity. Also rub oil on the filter gasket, this will allow it to seat better, check for leaks while it's running.
• Service your generator if needed, replacing oil and all filters to assure your getting electricity when out island. I've found not having electricity and hot water at sea severely compromises the relationship with my girlfriend.

 More to come...stand bye

Shipboard Safety Officers-The Real Scoop

                         

What is a Shipboard Safety Officer? Who needs one?

Typically commercial yachts and ships over 500 gross tons are required to have s ship board saftey officer. This is a mandated training requirement set by (ISM) International Safety Management. The on board member will usually attend a 3-4 day class where he or she will be trained on the following procedures and protocols.

• General duties of the safety officer
• Introduction to the ISM code
• Onboard safety management systems
• Legislative background
• Careful review of methods of reporting and recording ISM info
• Accident investigation
• Third-party audits; internal audits
• Risk assessment
• Creating a safety culture on board
• Carrying safety audits
• International health and safety legislation
• Hazard identification
• Employer duties

The course aims to teach proper code for Safe and Working practices and should meet the IMO Model Course 3.11. and STCW A-II/2 and A-III/3.

Typically this officer shouldn't be the captain or the medical person on board and is usually the Officer of the Watch. It's mandated that safety officers on commercial vessels attain 2 years of consecutive sea service, if aboard a tank ship only 6 months is needed.

This course is given in the UK, US and various other MCA training facilities. This ticket gives a candidate nice leverage when job hunting allowing them to be much more versatile.

PAINT FUSION NEW TECHNOLOGY

 

281 foot Direktors  "Cake Walk" made a splash last year as the US's largest pleasure yacht built. From the initial blue print, a mission to create a vessel of strength and eloquence ensued putting a great deal of Americans and small businesses to work.The Finish: An uncompromising modern classic ship that lays down the standard for US luxury ship building. Excellent fairing work is evident in how the ships flag blue hull rolls creating a near perfect lateral reflection 281 feet long. Wow.

It's on this hull that a new technology is debuting, Awls Grip's new Controlled Fusion Paint System. The new paint system, taking effect at the molecular level, bonds the primer coat to the substrate/top coat fusing the two layers to create one dense layer extending paint life significantly while removing the need to re-sand upon re coat. The set up time is 7 days. I would have known nothing about this if it weren't for my good friend Franky Schubach, Cake Walk's finest Dive Master. Thanks Frank for the tour and shot to the boys for keeping the metals so bliggidy bright.  (pic below)

 

 

 

 

 

New Technology Eleminates Window Maintenance

CLEAR GLASSING WINDOW TREATMENT TECHNOLOGY IS HERE!

New strides in nano technology has developed a system which eliminate water spots and etching from glass to provide a crystal clear substrate intolerant to water beading and spotting completely. The durability last between 14-24 months guranteed when performed by an application specialist. This is a very big advancement when considering how many hours a typical crew member spend detailing windows each day? If this time was eliminated would the service or other needed areas concerning your boat improve?

Our licensed and trained specialist are here to remove the maintenance and upkeep of your yachts glass windows by delivering a 2-step finishing and sealing system that will provide a friction less ultra clear substrate aboard your vessel.

Windows aboard a yacht are the lens for discovery that when properly maintained provide captains, owners and charter guest with a 20/20 view of some of the most enchanting places on earth. Many hard to reach windows make it nearly impossible and dangerous for crew to detail properly everyday especially when things get busy. Our maintenance free technology eliminates this to covers your crew efficiently and effectively. Call for a Free Quote!

 

Clear Glassing Technology

•    Complete Glass Restoration and Scratch Removal

•    Maximum Window Clarity for 12-18 months Guaranteed

•    Friction-less Glass Substrate Eliminates Maintenance 

•    Removes Water Stains and Over Spray

•    Nano Sealer Bonds with Glass to Prevent Stains

•    Prevents U/V Ray Damage Prolonging Glass Life

•    Shower Glass Applicable

  

 Call Today for a FREE Quote!                   

 Phone: 954-732-8916