Dear boatguy; I have a small inflatable that I keep in the water when I'm in port. It is badly fouled and needs some kind of bottom paint. Any suggestion? Signed Cruiser Bill.

Bill; Twenty years ago there was a company in Cape Coral that bought pints of Super Shipbottom (www.supershipbottom.com) to include in a kit for protecting inflatables. They had a primer that would flex whenever the boat was deflated and our hard ablative paint was compatible. They went out of business and eventually we sold a lot of Super Shipbottom to inflatable owners who skipped the primer and it worked well.

Most 'hard ablative' paints are much more supple so they don't crack and fall off. You can call our local number, 239-466-5670 or toll free at 800-466-7144 to speak to a paint specialist about painting inflatables.

Dear boat-dummy; I tried that cast netting thing you advocate and have come to the conclusion that it is impossible. You must have sold your soul to the devil to be able to throw that mess. I stick to buying my shrimp. Signed Definitely Not a Fan!

Dear Fan; I know who you are and remember you watching me throw the net at a recent boat show. We were giving lessons and I assumed you had achieved the basic method for casting the net. Obviously not. I stand by my opinion that a cast net catches live bait which catches more fish.

If you have given up, you are worse for it but if you still want to learn, hire a guide to teach you. It's expensive but not much more than a dozen golf lessons. Learning anything is time consuming. I'm positive you can learn to master this on your own. Remember, practice, practice and watch the video on YouTube. It'll come to you like a bolt out of the blue unless your a total dolt!

Boat guy; I am considering joining a boat club. Are you familiar with them? What's your opinion. I sold my boat a year ago and thought I was done with boating but I miss it. Signed Ready to go boating again.

Dear Ready; I have never been a member of any club willing to have me. Except the “Dead End Canal Yacht Club” and if I hadn't been a charter member I wouldn't be qualified, morally. LOL. All kidding aside, I don't know much about the boat club concept beside it is a 'short' time share concept. Each member buys into the club by pony-ing up the required down stroke and then pays a yearly fee.

There are many restrictions including advanced booking, early return times and where you can go on the boat. No pontoons on the Gulf of Mexico, etc. You have to bring the boat back full of gas but they clean it for you.

Several “DECYC” members are also boat club members most notably Cleveland Jack. He is a year round resident and takes full advantage of his membership in both clubs. He recommends the boat club!

Please re-read this column constantly for at least a week and keep the television turned off. It's thee Ostrich way to avoid the tragedy in Newtown and incessant coverage.

Send questions and comments to boatguyed@gmail.com.

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