Where Has The Summer Gone?

Fall will officially arrive in just a few short days. Most of the kids are back in school and the waterways are less congested. For those of us lucky enough to live on the water, this is a welcome sign. No more drunk parents pulling their kids on tubes in the main channel. I have already covered that in an earlier blog so we'll move on to something that I feel is very important. Boating can be fun and relaxing. However, without proper education, it can be the most dangerous activity you ever try. Getting proper boating education is very important and is a great way to be involved in boating in the cooler weather months. Most states offer boater education classes throughout the year. Even the most seasoned boater can pick up new information to help become a safer boater. The cost is minimal but the value is priceless. Knowing the law and knowing what to do in an emergency can save a life! So, as the days get shorter and the nights cooler, get on the Internet and find some boating classes. Your family will thank you! And all of your fellow boaters will love ya!

"Congratulations, Captain Bill"

We have a new lady on our local waters. Her name is "Blue Skies II". She is a Parker powered by a 150 Yamaha and proudly owned and operated by my good friend Captain Bill. Be sure to say hello to Bill and his new lady the next time you see them out on the water. She will be the pretty one. Captain Bill will be the one with a smile. Congratulations Captain! She's beautiful!

Be Prepared!

It is easy to write about being prepared and having back-ups in place. But until you find yourself in a position of needing a back-up, you really can't appreciate the words. This weekend we left our dock for a twilight trip to a local restaurant. After dinner and catching up with friends, we departed for home. As I have written before, electronics are man made and can fail. Almost immediately, my GPS stopped working. I thought, "Not a problem, I have my spotlight and I am very familiar with the channel." Then my spotlight failed. Usually when that fails, you still have the moonlight or lights on shore to follow. No such luck! No moon and only the treeline to follow. So I did the only thing left to do. I slowed down and slowly cruised home. I know what you are thinking. I should have been more prepared. You're right! However, in my defense, I was in a boat that I use mostly in the day time. Even though it is equipped with required safety equipment, I did not have back-up on board. ALWAYS have back-up systems in place, however, if you find yourself unprepared, DON'T PANIC!! Slow down and have your crew help guide you to safety. If you aren't sure you can safely navigate to your destination, stop and call for help.

Fire Extinguishers

All vessels are required to have a Type B fire extinguisher(s) on board if they have any closed compartments or permanently installed fuel tanks. This covers most boats but I suggest all boats carry at least one "Marine Type USCG Approved" type B on board. Always place the extinguisher in an accessible area so it can be reached immediately in an emergency. There are different requirements for different sizes of boats, so refer to your state boating laws for what you may need for your boat. Hopefully, most of you will never have to use the fire extinguisher. Therefore, it is vital that you include checking your fire extinguisher to make sure it is fully charged as part of your pre-departure check list. It might also be a good idea to buy a new one every two or three years and use the older one as a back-up.

"What are they thinking?"

Every time I venture out on a hot Saturday or Sunday, I am amazed at the lack of concern folks have for their children. I am always forced to slow or completely stop just to blend in to the channel. What is so frustrating about this is that people are pulling their children on tubes or skis in the main channel of the lake. Boats are flying in all directions creating monster wakes with the sole purpose of throwing the tube rider off of the tube. What are they thinking??? Buoys are placed to mark the navigation channels. These channels are to be used to navigate up and down a body of water. Some people must think the buoys are playground markers. There are plenty of coves and less traveled areas to have your tubing fun. Please leave the navigation channels for navigation.

Know Your Surroundings

Each time you go out on the water, you should pay close attention to landmarks and structures on the shore line. You never know when circumstances will cause you to be on the water after dark. All cell phone towers and water tanks have lights at the highest point. These lights are there to keep airplanes from hitting them. These lights also can be a beacon leading you back to your home port. Those of you that are familiar with nautical charts know that these landmarks are marked on the chart. However,if you boat on a smaller body of water and do not use charts, don't always depend on your GPS. They are man made and can fail. Knowing which light to follow will help you find your way. Finally, if you're not familiar with a body of water, get off the water before dark. It's a lot safer.

Don't Neglect the Trailer

I have written a lot about preparing your boat before you go for your next outing. It is equally important to make sure your boat trailer is in good shape. Even if you live on the water and store your trailer most of the season, it is still vital to service your trailer. For instance, when was the last time you greased your wheel bearings? Another problem that will sneak up on you is dry rotting tires. Most trailers sit out in the weather when they are not being used. You can prolong the life of the tires by putting a conditioner on and covering them to keep the sun from drying them out. If you take care of these two items on your trailer, you are less likely to be stuck on the side of the road with a blow out or worn out wheel bearing.

"Wait Out the Storm, You'll Be Glad You Did"

In my most recent post, I wrote about the importance of not venturing out in bad weather. However, sometimes we get to the ramp or dock just as the storm starts. It is still very important not to go out when there is a risk of a storm. But if you are patient and wait for the storm to clear, you may have an opportunity to experience your most wonderful day on the water. The air after a storm is so crisp and the sky is so blue. Most of the boats and rough water are gone. So we go slowly across the water listening to the boat cut through the water like a knife. Oh, what a wonderful experience. So don't give up on your day because of a passing storm. Trust me, it is well worth the wait!

"When in doubt, don't go out!"

If you are like me, when you make up your mind to go out on the boat, you let very little get in the way of your day on the water. And I am sure you have all been caught in a storm or two that has cut your day short. I know what you are thinking,a little rain never hurt anyone. This may be true, but you need to always check the weather before you leave the ramp or dock. There is a big difference in a brief shower and an electrical storm. Lightning kills so you should make sure you stay off the water when there is a chance of thunderstorms. The storm may go around you or never come. However, it isn't worth taking a chance. There will be plenty more days to enjoy the water.

Rules of the Road

Since the early part of the 19th century, governments have been developing different rules and regulations to improve the safety of passengers at sea. In 1972,a set of rules called the 1972 Collision Regulations, or The 72 COLREGS was adopted for all seagoing vessels. In 1980, the U.S. Coast Guard created a set of rules called the Inland Navigation Rules Act of 1980. This set of rules is called "The Inland Rules". Usually when you go in your local marine or book store to purchase a copy of the "Rules of the Road", you will find them in one book listing the 72 COLREGS with the Inland differences. All boats over 12 meters(40 feet) must carry a copy of the "Rules of the Road" on board. If your boat is smaller, I suggest you at least read a copy of the rules. Even though all states have their own boating laws, the basis of these laws are the 72 COLGREGS and "The Inland Rules". Knowing where the laws come from hopefully will give you a better understanding. Remember that the laws are for our protection.

"Rainy Day Cruising"

It has been a morning filled with clouds and rain. A less than perfect day for a cruise. I'm sure you all have had your plans for a day on the water ruined by bad weather. I know it is a real bummer, but if you really need a cruising "fix", I have a suggestion that might just get you through until your next day on the water. After you finish reading today's post, go to http:/boatus.com/cruising. There you will find great stories from members who are living their dreams cruising around the world. I know it isn't the same as being there, but it is very entertaining and informative. The writers have a way of putting you "on their boat" taking you places you may never get to visit. Take time to check it out and let me know what you think. Well, it has started raining again. Happy cruisin'...Internet style.

"Did you put the plug in?"

All responsible boaters have a pre-departure check list. The last thing you want is to get all of your family and stuff into your boat only to have something go wrong. Even worse is having a problem out on the water. However, taking a few simple steps before you depart for your boating adventure, will go a long way toward an enjoyable day on the water. First of all, check the weather. Mama doesn't like getting rained on. Secondly, check the steering and throttle controls for proper operation. Also, you never know when your day may turn into night so make sure all running lights are operational. You should also check all battery connections and make the battery is fully charged. Check all fuel and water hoses for leaks and repair or replace damaged ones. Count all PFD's and replace bad ones. Next, let someone know where you are going and an approximate time you will return. And finally, MAKE SURE YOU PUT THE PLUG IN THE BOAT! If you take these few simple steps, you are less likely to have your outing spoiled by an unexpected occurrence.

No Wake Zone

What does "No Wake Zone" mean? The question seems to be an easy one to answer. However, you would be shocked at the number of boaters that do not know the answer. I'm sure if you have been boating for a while this has happened to you. You pull up to the gas dock in your local marina and just as you start to secure your lines, a tidal wave slams your boat into the side of the dock. You then turn to confront the person and they look at you like you did something wrong. It is sad but there are a lot of people operating boats that do not know what idle speed is. Just in case some of these guys read this, let me explain. "Idle Speed" or "No Wake, Idle Speed" means a speed NO GREATER than that speed necessary to maintain steering. Another way to explain is to make sure your wake is not large enough to "white cap". Remember also that YOU may be the one at the dock the next time. Slow down people and be more considerate.

"Watch out for the gnats!"

No, I'm not talking about the insects. I'm talking about those swarming jet skis jumping my boat's wake. Now I know it is a lot of fun to speed around on a PWC (personal watercraft) and jumping a wake is part of that fun. However, careless operation could lead to injury or possible death. Please be aware that neither boats or PWC's have brakes. If you are following too closely, you may end up crashing or getting run over. In my state, it is against the law to operate a boat or PWC in excess of idle speed within 50 feet of an anchored boat, a dock, or a person in the water. Also, it is illegal to cross the wake of another boat or PWC within 200 feet of the other boat. Now if you are abiding by the law, then my calling of names does not apply to you and therefore you should take no offense. However, "if the shoe fits", and you know who you are, please be more careful and aware of the boating laws. The law is there to protect you too. Enjoy your ride!

"The Perfect Sunset"

Well, I took my friend and his wife out for his birthday cruise yesterday. We left the dock as the summer sun was speeding toward it's daily exit. I have been very fortunate to experience the sun setting in some beautiful places. The Land's End Arch in Cabo, Cliff House Restaurant in San Francisco, the cliffs on the northwest shore of St. Lucia, and many more well known sunset spots. As a matter of fact, ask anyone who knows me and they will tell you that sunset is my favorite time of the day. We had another friend on the boat with us last night. He is a well traveled captain with many great stories. As we listened to one of his great stories and waited for yet another beautiful sunset, he turned to me and said. "You know, I've seen the sun set in more places than you can imagine in my travels and they all pretty much look the same". I sat there for a moment thinking about what I had just heard and then it hit me. It's not the location or the visual effect that makes a sunset so beautiful. You see, in each of the places I mentioned above, I had loved ones and great friends around me. Therefore, the secret to a "Perfect" sunset, is to experience it with love ones and great friends. Yes, last night was another "Perfect" sunset.

"Take a friend for a boat ride."

Last night I was told by my first mate that I was getting too technical on the nautical terms, so I'm going to change it up a bit today. Some of my most memorable times spent on the water have been with friends. There is not a better way or a better place to get caught up than on the water. Whether it is a short ride to dinner or to see another beautiful sunset, great memories are always created. You don't have to spend all day with them, but I'm sure a short ride would be just fine. So call up that old friend that you haven't seen in a while and invite them out for a ride on the water. You will surely make their day and you will have one more reason to take a boat ride. Today is my friend's birthday. I think I'll take him for a boat ride.

"Red, Right, Return"

A buoy is a floating device with a number of uses. Today I want to write a little about the most common use which is an Lateral Aid to Navigation. The U.S. Aids to Navigation System is primarily a lateral system which employs a simple arrangement of colors, shapes, numbers and light characteristics to mark the limits of navigable routes. Lateral Aids to Navigation indicate which side of an aid to navigation a vessel should pass when entering from seaward. The most important characteristic is the color. When entering from seaward, the red aids(buoys) should be kept to starboard(right) side and the green aids(buoys) to port(left) side. Thus the phrase "RED, RIGHT, RETURN". This is know as the "3R" rule. So, the next time you are on the water and you pass a red buoy on your right, you'll know that you are heading away from the ocean, even if it is several hundred miles away. Here are a couple more facts about lateral buoys. All red buoys are cone shaped and are marked with even numbers. They are also called "nun buoys". Green buoys are marked with odd numbers.They are the shape of a cylinder and called "can buoys".

Rope or line?

Earlier today as I was reading one of my favorite blogs, I noticed an ad for "boat rope". Seeing this in print made me decide it was time to have the rope vs. line discussion. By definition, rope is cordage as purchased in a store. However, as most boaters know, rope becomes line when it comes aboard a vessel and is put to use. Therefore, you use docking lines, not boat rope, to tie a boat to a dock. So, the next time you pull up to a dock, turn to your first mate and politely ask "Toss me a line" instead of "Give me a rope". You'll be surprised how quickly those funny looks from other docking boaters will go away. Boating is so much fun!

"Star light, star bright, starboard is to the right"

Today's nautical term is:STARBOARD. This is defined as the right side of the boat when looking forward.Therefore it is opposite PORT which is the left side. The starboard side of a vessel is indicated with a green navigation light at night. The word starboard comes from Old English steorboard, literally meaning the side on which the ship is steered. Before ships had rudders on their centerlines, they were steered by use of a specialized steering oar. Because there were more right handed sailors than left-handed sailors, the steering oar was attached to the right side of the ship. So the right side of a vessel became known as the starboard side.

Port wine is red.

Today's nautical term is:PORT. One definition is another name for a harbor. However,the most common definition is the left side of a boat looking forward. Now let me explain the title of this blog. Every power driven boat is required to have red and green navigation lights on the front of the boat. The red light is on the port or left side of the boat. Therefore if you can remember that "port wine is red", then you can remember that the red light is on the port side of the boat. Now you will always know which side is port.

What did you say?

"Coil the line above deck abaft the bridge." Did you get that? If not, don't feel bad. Most people do not understand or use nautical terms. However, if you spend much time around seasoned boaters you may find it helpful to learn some terms so you will be able to understand what is being said. As an added feature to the "Captain's Blog", I will be giving you a daily nautical word and definition. Don't worry because there will be no test and learning the language is not a requirement to enjoy boating. Today's nautical term is: ABAFT. This means toward the rear(stern) of the boat.

Where did all of this mud come from?

Have you ever been caught in a rain storm and rushed to open the bimini top of your boat only to be covered in red mud? It has happened to me and it is not a fun thing. We all know the cause. Our friend the "Dirt Dobber". Yes, one of their favorite hiding places is a folded bimini. They also love horns and vent areas. The dirt dobber feeds on spiders so spraying an insecticide periodically will help cut down on the nests. I really do not think you can keep them away for long, but this helps. Also, covering your horn and vent openings with an old stocking will prevent them from making their nest in those areas. Make it a point to open your bimini top a couple times a month to check for and remove new nest. If it is possible, leave the top open. They are less likely to build a nest on an open top. By doing this, hopefully you can avoid the mud bath the next time you get caught in a storm.

It's Friday!

Friday has finally arrived and it is time to pack up the car, boat and kids and head to the water. Oh, the weekend boater. You know that guy. He's the one who backs down the ramp and then starts transferring all his gear into the boat. It matters not to him that there are 20 others waiting to get their boat launched. It's the same guy who ignores the no wake buoy as he speeds away from the launch area. And the guy pulling a couple of kids through a congested area on a tube, that's the same guy. What is this guy thinking? People please be more careful and considerate of others. Boating can be very enjoyable. However, a great day on the water can turn into the worst day of your life just by not paying attention to your surroundings. Enjoy your weekend on the water! Hey, weekend guy, please be more considerate of your fellow boaters!

PFD (life jacket) Care

How many times has this happened to you? You are cruising along enjoying your day on the water when out of the blue comes a DNR boat. Everyone starts digging for the life jackets because you know that will be the first thing they want to see. How many times have you pulled out a PFD that is worn, torn, or mildewed? It is true that PFD's save lives. However, an unserviceable(torn, damaged, rotten, or punctured) PFD is bad news. Not only will it not work properly, it will no longer meet legal requirements. Remember to never put away your PFD's while they are wet. This one simple practice will increase the life of the PFD. Also,when was the last time you inspected and cleaned your life jackets? Take some time before your next trip on the water to inspect and clean your PFD's. If any are damaged, replace them. It may save you a fine. Better yet, it may SAVE A LIFE!

Morning on the water

Good Morning
Pretty soon I'll be on the water. I love boating in the morning! The water is so calm and everything is so fresh and new with the new day. If you have never been on a boat in the morning, you should try it soon. A great way to start your day!

Welcome Aboard!

Welcome to the Captain's Blog...A place for all things Nautical. My name is Gary Smith and I am a USCG Licensed Captain. I have spent most of my years on and around the water. My goal for this blog is to share some stories hopefully with a few tips that will help all my visitors start to enjoy boating as much as I do. Thanks for stopping in.