Spring Cleaning

Wow, what a mild winter! I'm sure that some of you have already completed your spring boat cleaning. It seems like every other week during this winter has felt like spring. For those of us who have not finished our prep for the season, here are a few tips to make sure you vessels are ready for the season. First of all, complete all off your seasonal maintenance. If you use a boat dealer for your service, time is running out for beating the rush of the procrastinators. I took mine in last week and they completed the job the same day! Once you have completed the maintenance, it is time to clean the ENTIRE BOAT! Start by getting EVERYTHING out of the boat. Not only will it make the cleaning easy, you will be able to inspect and replace any worn or unsafe equipment. More tips to come.....

"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!

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.