As we previously discussed in a past article, there are a litany of strange superstitions that many fishermen still hold true today. To some, anything from idle whistling to someone eating a banana onboard could spell doom for their fishing haul or worse. However, these superstitions don’t just border on the insane and bizarre by today’s social standards – some are downright offensive. Much like today, people of the past feared most what they didn’t understand. If something bad happened, then certainly it must be caused by the only thing physically out of the ordinary. For this reason, many people who were considered “different” became…

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The widespread popularity of smartphone apps has made getting from point A to point B easier than ever. Companies like San Francisco-based Uber, have revolutionized the world of transportation with their popular travel apps that make booking and paying for rides possible with just a few taps of the screen. Uber has expanded their services from cars, to boat rides in Instanbul, and even helicopter rides in California. And now, they’ve gone one step further, entering the world of larger marine diesel vessels. Launched just a week ago, the UberYACHT service allows residents of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to book a full yacht party experience…

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It is natural for humans to take a moment of pause before entering the water. There is something in our DNA tells us to use a degree of caution and to stay alert for predators when entering into the wild and therefore into the food chain. While a useful trait, our natural fear of the ocean is often unfounded. While most should fear the prospect of drowning, most people immediately associate shark attacks with their deepest, darkest nightmares of the ocean. This fear of sharks has been perpetuated throughout recent decades by media-generated stereotypes that depict sharks as mindless killers. In fact, this misinformed idea…

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Commercial fishing is one of the deadliest jobs in America according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Combine the occupational danger of commercial fishing with the rich history of superstitious lore associated with life on the seas and you have a recipe for some pretty strange beliefs and phobias. Even experienced sport fishermen have to be constantly vigilant and aware of certain unpredictable risks inherent to the ocean, such as engine failure, capsizing, running aground or becoming lost, illness, and foul weather to name just a few. While most of us generally believe that we have control over the direction of our lives, the danger…

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By using a diesel marine engine in your vessel, you’re already doing helping the environment by choosing the option that produces fewer harmful emissions into the air. However, a boater must also be mindful of his surroundings and the wildlife therein. In Florida, protecting the now-endangered manatee has become a challenge as more and more people begin to enjoy recreational boating. If we do not stay vigilant while on the coastal waters of Florida, the manatee may become extinct from the effects of human encroachment. At Diesel Services of America, we feel that it is important to keep yourself and the environment safe when enjoying…

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For those who enjoy a life on the sea, fire should be no stranger. Marine diesel engines and vessels are powerful and complicated machines that deal with hazardous and combustible materials, carrying fuels and oils that could become ticking time bombs if the proper precautions are not taken. Even so, fuel and oil tanks are not the only common sources of fires and explosions aboard vessels, but also the machinery itself – such as engines and generators. Much like the scavenge fires that we discussed in a previous article, an expert sailor aboard any type of vessel worth his sea salt must be prepared to…

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It is almost time for boating season! While we all want to get out on the water and start enjoying the warm waters of Spring and Summer as soon as possible, there is a great deal of preparation to be done beforehand. Vessel maintenance and safety checks are important, but so is making sure that you’re fully aware and mentally prepared for anything – knowledge as they say, is power. No matter how experienced you are, the sea is unpredictable and anything could happen at any time. Whenever out and enjoying your diesel vessel, being mindful of safety procedures is paramount and no contingency plan…

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It has been said that the only thing that remains constant is change, and this is certainly true in the world of modern technology. What we consider commonplace today could be easily rendered obsolete tomorrow. And let’s face it, no one likes buying a new smartphone every six months, let alone larger and more expensive technological investments. Why spend your hard-earned money on something just because it is new? Newer does not inherently mean better, especially with technology. New products and updates can often be prone to initial defects and malfunction, so taking the time to conduct thorough research always pays off. But even then…

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Winter is finally over and Spring has, well … sprung! The air is getting warmer, the days are getting longer, and the ocean begins to beckon for recreational boating season. While you may be chomping at the bit to get your diesel vessel uncovered from its Winter slumber and into the warm Spring waters, there are several steps you must take to ensure the season’s maiden voyage doesn’t turn into a maiden disaster. As excited as you are to start enjoying your craft, the Coast Guard and marine towing companies are just as excited to haul you in because you didn’t properly de-winterize your diesel…

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