"Take a Friend Boating"

I am truly blessed! I have a beautiful wife, four wonderful children and two exciting grandchildren. I also have some of the most wonderful friends any man could hope for. Yesterday was another wonderful time on the water. The best times on the water are spent with family and friends. We did a little "Dock Hoppin", floated around a bit and topped it of with a most wonderful sunset. It always amazes me that the best days on the water just happen. Sometimes making plans just gets in the way of having fun. So, the next time you get out on the water, make sure to take a friend along. They will thank you many times over for the experience.

"Bridge Clearance"

I was speaking with a buddy of mine today and the subject of bridge clearance came up. So I thought it would be a good idea to mention the importance of knowing the bridge clearances in your boating area. First of all you should know how much clearance is needed for your vessel to pass safely under a bridge. You can determine the amount of clearance needed by measuring from the waterline to the highest point on your vessel. Most lakes have websites that give bridge clearance information. If you are having a problem getting the bridge clearance information, contact your state DNR or the Coast Guard and they will tell you where to find the information. On inland lakes and rivers, the distance is stated at "Full Pool". You then must make any adjustment for increases or decreases in levels. Coastal boaters need to check the Coast Pilot and local Notice to Mariners for changes to the Coast Pilot. All clearance information can be found in these publications. Don't get caught short on your next voyage. Make sure you can get under that next bridge.

"Right of Way"

The term right-of-way does not appear in the Navigation Rules. However, that does not mean that we can go in all directions disregarding other vessels. Certain situations require right-of-way practices. The official terms used the Rules of the Road pertaining to meeting and passing other vessels are "stand-on vessel" and "give-way vessel". The U.S. Inland Rules also call for whistle signals to given in certain situations. Smaller vessels us their horn for these signals. When meeting another power-driven vessel head-on, you should keep to the right and pass the other vessel port-to-port(left side to left side). The proper signal is one short blast of the horn by one vessel answered by the other vessel with the same signal. If a vessel is far enough to your right so as to pass safely, you should signal two short blast to be answered by the other vessel with the same signal. Then you can safely pass starboard-to starboard. In a crossing situation, a vessel in your danger zone has the right-of-way if coming toward you and is considered the stand-on vessel. The danger zone is the arc from dead ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft(behind)the starboard beam. This arc is also the arc of the starboard sidelight used in night navigation. The opposite would apply for vessels approaching your port danger zone. In an overtaking situation, the boat being overtaken has the right-of-way. If the overtaking boat plans to pass to the left, the skipper should sound two short blasts of the horn. If passing to the right, one short blast. There is one more signal that you need to know when encountering another vessel and that is the danger signal. If you feel the action indicated by the signal is not safe or could case a possible collision, a signal of 5 short blasts of the horn can be used. When all else fails, pick up your marine radio and call the other vessel or safely slow to a stop and wait for the other vessel to clear.

"Happy Birthday, America!"

Today starts the celebration of America's birthday, July 4th. As usual, our lakes and waterways will see an increased amount of boat traffic. With fireworks events, picnics, regattas and parades, the lakes and waterways will be crowded. Unfortunately, a lot of these holiday boaters will be focusing only on having fun. Don't get me wrong. I love to have fun on the water just like the next guy. However, ALL boaters have a responsibility to be safe boaters. And remember, alcohol and boating do not mix. According to 2008 U.S.Coast Guard Recreational Boating Statistics, 17 percent of fatal boating accidents are a result of the operator using alcohol or drugs. Today starts Operation Dry Water. This is a national weekend of Boating Under the Influence (BUI) detection and enforcement. The purpose is to hopefully reduce the number of alcohol and drug related accidents and fatalities and foster a stronger and more visible deterrent to alcohol and drug use on the water. Be a smart boater. It is tough enough to stay safe with the addition of inexperienced boaters on the water. Don't make it worse by using alcohol and drugs. Have a safe and happy Fourth of July holiday!

"Water, water everywhere! Bring some along to drink!"

Boy was it HOT on the water this weekend! Mid to high nineties and it is still springtime. Thank goodness we had plenty of water on board. It is so important to stay well hydrated when you are outdoors. The hotter it gets, the more fluids you need to get into your body. There is nothing better than water to supply this need. Always put water at the top of your check list and never leave the dock or landing without it! Another tip for hot days is to keep a small towel on board to dip occasionally into your cooler. This can be placed around your neck and provide an instant cool down. Then, if you are still feeling the heat, find a shady cove, toss out the anchor and jump in. And don't forget to put on a life jacket!!!!

"Dock Hopping"

One of the advantages of living on the water is the opportunity to visit your neighbors and friends by boat. Around here we call it "Dock Hopping". You never know who you may find out on their dock. Last weekend we left our dock to do a little work for our real estate business. By the end of the day, we had traveled 60+ miles and visited several friends we hadn't seen in a while. It was one of the most enjoyable days I have spent on the water in a while. If you boat in the same area for a while, even if you trailer your boat, you will acquire friends all along the shore. So the next time you're out on the water and you are tired of doing the same thing, do a little "Dock Hopping".

"LIFE JACKETS SAVE LIVES!!!

I was just reading an article in the local newspaper about 2010 being an "Unusually deadly year for South Carolina's waters".It is only May and we have already lost a dozen people in our state in boating accidents. That number does not include the drownings not related to boating. DNR's budget has been cut by one third which means fewer officers on the water. Now, more than ever, we need to be more careful in all of our water related activities.. Everyone who gets into the water at a lake or pond should ALWAYS wear a life jacket. Unlike a swimming pool, the bottom has many holes and ledges that can change daily. It matters not that you are a good swimmer. I would tell Michael Phelps to wear a life jacket. Why take a chance? Also, you should never enter the water alone. A couple of Sundays ago, I was out on the boat with my 24 year old son and his roommate. I have always insisted on my children wearing life jackets in the water. As the roommate started to dive into the water, my son grabbed his arm and told him that he must first put on a life jacket. That was a great moment for me. All those years of insisting on the jacket had paid off. So parents, start them young so it becomes second nature to your children. But more importantly, set an example by wearing one when you get into the water.

Clean, clean clean!

OK, now that you have all of the loose stuff out of the boat, its time really clean the boat. Even though you cleaned it before you put it up for the winter, chances are you didn't have all of the stuff out when you cleaned it. Also, all kinds of creatures find a boat the perfect hiding place for the winter. This would be a great time to get all of the dirt dobber and wasp nest out before the pests return. Also, mold and mildew loves to hide behind all off the stuff you have removed and cleaned. So get out the scrub brush and give the boat a good cleaning. Also as you are cleaning, you will find things that need some repair before the season starts. Next time, we will give you some ideas on what might need to be repaired.

"Pull Back the Covers"

I am sure that each person visiting a boat show over the next few weeks will come home ready for the season to start. Even those who stay at home from the shows will soon be getting the "itch" to get out on the water again. One way to pass the time during the off months is to start getting your boating gear clean and ready for the season. The next time the weather man predicts a sunny day, pull the cover off the boat and remove all the life jackets and loose cushions from the boat. Inspect them for damage and replace or repair the bad ones. Make sure you clean them and store them in a clean dry place. They will be clean and ready to put back on the boat when you are ready for your first voyage of the new season. Also, by having all of the loose stuff out of the boat, you will have an easier time inspecting the boat and making any necessary repairs. Spending a few hours over the next few weekends will have your boat ready to start the season. I hear it is going to be nice this weekend.It's time to pull back the covers!

Happy New Year!

Yes, we are still here. The last few months have been crazy to say the least, however, it is time to get back in the blogging groove. First of all, I would like to wish everyone a happy and prosperous new year. As we begin this new decade, we should strive to become a more informed boater. If you haven't taken a boating safety course, there is still time to get enrolled before the boating season begins. Also, it is Boat Show time! A great way to get spend a cold weekend day, even if you aren't looking for a new boat. The Atlanta show started today and runs through Sunday. Go check it out. It is always a great show. In the mean time, hang in there! The warm weather will be here before you know it!