FFA Today – January 28, 2009

An FFA member with horsepower and a sweet smelling story from our friends at America's Heartland.

Finding Your Perfect Sailboat

When you first start looking at sailboats, you'll realize that there are a lot of options. There are so many different types of boats that it can be pretty confusing when you are first getting started. This article will help you narrow down your choices so you can find your perfect sailboat.

Length

How long a sailboat is will have a huge bearing on the price. However, this isn't the only thing you need to consider when looking at length. The actual length of a boat also determines things like how much mooring will be.

You see, you'll be paying per foot of the dock that you occupy, so the longer the boat, the more you'll pay on a monthly basis to keep your boat tied up at a dock. Some people, because of this, prefer to anchor out in the bay and keep only a small rowboat so they can get out to their boat and not have to pay huge moorage fees. However, if you plan to travel around with your boat, this is something to consider.

Price isn't the only thing in play here. How much room do you actually need? A very small sailboat can be nice for short outings or playing around. They are also quite popular for regattas, if you are interested in that sort of thing. However, the smaller boats also tend to capsize easily and are not stable enough for anything apart from slightly choppy water, which renders them quite limited.

A longer sailboat, 25-35 feet can actually include space for a home inside. If you plan to spend a lot of time on your boat, this is something to consider. It can be nice to have a spot to get out of the wind and make a cup of tea or lay down and relax while anchored. Having a living space means you can also take longer trips up and down the coast or out to islands . . . some people even travel continuously this way, living on their boat. Obviously, the more people that will be on the boat and the longer the time spent living there will affect how long you want it.

Keep in mind that the bigger the sailboat, the more difficult it will be to sail with just one person. Larger sailboats are either automatic or require two or three people to run it, something to remember when you are purchasing. How many people will you have to sail the boat with? Don't exceed the number unless you plan to hire extra hands.

Material

There are many different materials to build a sailboat from. You will likely have a preference based on looks already, but it's good to know a bit more about each sailboat material before you choose a used sailboat.

Concrete: This is not a very common boat material, but it does exist and should be avoided. Used concrete sailboats are usually a recipe for disaster and are too heavy and difficult to work with for a beginner.

Wood: Older sailboats are probably going to be made out of wood. This can be very beautiful, particularly when properly maintained. With the right woods, a sailboat can be lovely to look at. However, there are plenty of problems associated with wood.

Even treated wood will tend to rot away over time and it is something that also attracts insects and pests, both air and waterborne, which will destroy the wood. If you do opt to look at buying a wooden used sailboat, make sure you have a complete inspection done of the entire boat, above and below. Keep in mind that wood will require a LOT of maintenance and must be frequently painted or treated to keep it intact. This is not a great material for beginners or anyone who wants a boat they can use when they need it and leave it between times. Investing in a wooden sailboat is a bigger investment than the initial cost.

Fiberglass: This is by far the most common material for boats in general, including sailboats. Nearly all newer used sailboats will be built from fiberglass. It's resistant to corrosion and tends to be very durable. Make sure that there is no major damage to the finish, which could require some hefty repairs later. This includes gashes or gouges below the waterline, cracked finish or a very dull gelcoat that will require repainting, a costly endeavor.

Steel: While very hardy in construction, steel tends to be prone to rust which can render a great boat useless. Be sure to have a professional inspection if you are looking at a steel used sailboat.

Price

Buying a used sailboat is going to be your best bet for sticking to a budget. Brand new boats tend to be very expensive and while they do come in pristine condition, they don't come with sails, rigging, and all the gear that you'll need in order to actually sail your boat.

Usually, used sailboats will come with extras that you would otherwise have to buy separately. The sails and rigging will be used, as well, but if you take the time to look them over and make sure that they are in decent condition, this could be a very good deal. It saves a lot of money since you don't need to go out and find a set of sails and other extras, which can really add up.

Having your own sailboat, whether you just want a small one to have fun with close to shore or a larger boat that you can entertain on, is a great experience. You'll need to make sure that the maintenance is something that is kept up, or your beautiful boat can quickly turn into a money gobbling monster. Likewise, it's a good idea to have a used sailboat thoroughly inspected, no matter what material it's built from. You'll want to know just what you're getting and make sure that it is what you've paid for.

About the Author

This article was written for Jay Gaulard on behalf of BoatLeeg, a popular online boat classifieds website.

Article Source: Content for Reprint

FFA Today – January 21, 2009

A trip to San Antonio and Top Ten ways to beat the winter blahs.

Preparation for A Flood

Is it a state of emergency?

If your area is prone to floods, you’ll want to prepare ahead so you and your family are as safe as possible should it happen to you.

With the extreme weather conditions that we are seeing today, everybody in our nations (USA as well as Canada) should be prepared for a state of emergency at all times. Strong tropical storms and hurricanes crossing our land often cause flooding, and that is what I’d like to talk about today. Flooding can happen even in areas that are not prone to it.

Top ten things to do to safeguard your home for flash floods:

1. Prevent water from entering your home – If you are expecting heavy rains or storms to hit your locality, particularly if you live in a flood-prone area, you should cover your doors and windows with metal sheets, sandbags, or plywood. You can also use silicone sealant to ensure that water will not enter your home.
2. Shut off your utilities – Turn off all your utilities; gas, electricity and water, at the mains. Also remember to unplug all your electrical appliances and store them high up, on the second floor even.
3. Be mindful of your appliances and furniture – Ensure that your furniture and appliances are kept in high areas or move what you can upstairs. If you do not have an upper floor, just raise such items off the floor on blocks or bricks. Remove carpets, curtains and even internal doors if possible. Store them all in high places to protect them.
4. Don’t forget your important papers, pictures and other personal items. If you can’t get them to an upper floor of your home, put them in sealed bags protected from water.
5. Stabilize all objects outside your house. Rakes, shovels and more should be put away since they can float away and pose danger to others.

More information for you about floods and your safety:

• Information is crucial during situations like these. Keep listening to the radio for announcements and updates.
• Cooperate fully with local authorities and emergency services. If they require you to evacuate, follow them without delay.
• Since electricity will almost certainly be unavailable, ensure you are fully prepared before night fall. It is much more difficult and unsafe to perform tasks or chores in the dark.
• Share any updated information you have with your neighbors, particularly the elderly. If you have room, offer to take them in or help them secure their own homes.
• Stay inside your house. Floodwater can kill, especially if it is raging. Do not attempt to go out. Rapid flowing water that is six inches high could knock you over. Two feet of water could make your car float away.
• Ensure your pets and cars are in a safe and secured location. Once you hear of a flood warning, get to and stay on the second floor of your home.
• There may be objects floating in the water, so do not attempt to swim through raging flood to rescue or retrieve them. You could be swept away, hurt, or knocked over by objects that are in the water.
• Floodwater may also be dirty and contaminated with sewage. I don’t need to tell you what swimming in sewage could do to you, do I?
• River bridges and riverbanks are dangerous places to be near or on during floods. Be sure to steer away from them if possible. There have been many cases where floodwater has destroyed or collapsed a bridge.

FFA Today – January 14, 2009

A look at how companies value the FFA experience and a member who started his own Christmas tree farm!

Preparing Your Family For A Fire Emergency

This article is very close to home for me since we lost our house and all our sentimental possessions, all our earthly possessions just last year. I hope everyone reads and considers these words and creates their own strategy for fire emergencies.

Hundreds of people die every year because of fire-related incidents, especially during the winter and/or Christmas season. It is very important for us to be prepared for such emergencies. Each member of our family should know what to do in case of fire. More importantly, all of us need to know what to do to prevent the fire in the first place.

Planning Ahead for A Fire

One of the most important things that parents forget to teach their children is to prepare for an emergency such as fire. Even at a young age, children should already be taught how to prevent fire and what to do in case there is fire.

Fire drills have often been conducted in buildings and schools to help prepare building occupants and students in case of fire, so why can’t you have a fire drill in your home or at the least discuss strategies for escape, prevention, and warning other family members?

The first point of discussion is to check your house for possible fire exits. See if the windows and doors in your house are big and tall enough to be used as possible fire exits. Make a floor plan for each room, ensuring that there are at least two ways to get out of any room to escape fire. In making the floor plan, you need to include crucial details, such as stairs, windows and hallways.

After devising a floor plan, you should meet your children and discuss your fire escape plan. You should also make sure that your family has devised a way of warning other members of fire, such as bells, door tapping, etc. It would be best if each bedroom of your house has a flash light and a bell. Lastly, select a safe place outside the house where everyone will go after escaping the fire.

Preparing your Family for A House Fire

It is wise to act out your evacuation plan with the whole family. Teach your children how to stay close to the ground while escaping and is possible, let them memorize the way. Sometimes, the smoke caused by fire would make it very difficult to see the way, so it would really be wise if you and children know the way by heart.

You and your children should also know that during fire, you should feel the door first before opening it. You should not open the door if it is hot. Instead, find another way you could escape your room or house.

If the clothes of your children or any family member catch fire, tell them to fall to the ground and roll. This will help extinguish the fire.

Making Your House Safe from Fire

Make sure that emergency numbers are placed near telephones. Such numbers should always be accessible and visible so that you can call authorities immediately when a fire breaks out.

You should also ensure that smoke detectors are installed in key places in your house. Once smoke detectors are installed, you should check their batteries once in a while. Usually, the batteries of smoke detectors should be changed yearly.

Place fire extinguishers in key locations. If your house has several floors, ensure that there is at least one fire extinguisher per floor.

It would really be best if smoking is prohibited inside the house because many incidences of fire are caused by improperly discarded cigarettes. However, if smoking cannot be helped, make sure that nobody smokes in the bed. Furthermore, let everyone know how to properly discard cigarette butts.

No matter how many times you have taught your children that matches and lighters are dangerous, some will still play with them. Thus, it is advisable to keep all lighters and matches in places that your children cannot access. If possible, put them in locked drawers or cabinets.

FFA Today – January 8, 2009

Check out careers in ag policy and find out more about this year’s Stars Over America finalists!

Retiring Address: Zach Kinne – 2008 National FFA Convention

Watch Zach Kinne's retiring address from the final session of the 2008 National FFA Convention.

What’s Popping in Iowa

Corn isn’t just corn, most especially if you are in Iowa. This state is known to produce corn and supply it to other states and countries as well. You can be sure that here in Iowa, growing corn is taken seriously. You will be surprised at the number of things that can be done with corn in Iowa. They don’t simply eat these things here; Read more

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