News — safe boating habits

Boat safely: Follow these tips for inclement weather

By: Accuweather.com

Monitoring the forecast, as well as the marine weather forecast, is crucial to boating safely because the weather can often change quickly, leaving boaters in a precarious position if unprepared.

On April 25, severe thunderstorms swept through Dauphin Island, Alabama, while the annual Dauphin Island Regatta was taking place. Five people were confirmed dead and more than 40 individuals were rescued, according to AL.com.

In a recently released report by the U.S. Coast Guard, boating fatalities in 2014 totaled 610. While the number of fatalities rose from 560 in 2013, 2014 was still the second-lowest number of yearly boating fatalities on record. Of the 10 known contributing factors of accidents, weather was ranked ninth, causing 45 deaths and 78 injuries. And in recent years that number is getting better. 

The National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) is one of the leading organizations for promoting a safer recreational boating experience. Rachel Johnson, NSBC Executive Director, said working together with other boating safety agencies, including the Coast Guard, to promote safe boating campaigns has been a significant factor in raising awareness.

“I think it’s really getting out to boaters and making them more aware of how to boat more safely each and every year,” Johnson said.

Although National Safe Boating Week recently concluded, instituting safe boating practices must be done year round.

Be Prepared Before Leaving the Dock, Take a Boat Safety Course

When learning how to properly operate a boat, a key aspect is getting a firm grip on understanding how to read the weather. The number-three cause of boating incidents according to the Coast Guard, is operator inexperience.

The NSBC trains professionals who then, using the curriculum installed by the organization, instruct recreational boaters throughout the country.

While weather preparation isn’t a primary focus, it still plays a key role in the NSBC’s training efforts, according to Johnson.

Johnson gave the example of learning how to dock a boat and perform a close-quarters maneuver near the shore, which can be very tricky if the wind is blowing.

“Weather is a very important part of boating and it’s a very important part of safe boating,” Johnson said. “We always encourage boaters to make sure they are always keeping an eye on the weather because it can change quickly, it can change drastically and it can really affect your day.”

Ensure That You Have the Proper Equipment

The U.S. Coast Guard requires that all recreational vehicles must carry one Coast Guard-approved life jacket per person on board. The most important safety measure the NSBC recommends to boaters, regardless of weather, is to wear a life jacket. According to AL.com, an Alabama state trooper said he "did not believe” that any of the Dauphin Island Regatta victims had worn life jackets.

Having the proper communication equipment is important too. A VH-FM radio is key, especially since cell phones can become unreliable if you head further off shore. If heading out more than 25 nautical miles from shore, satellite phones are recommended.

Earlier this month, the Coast Guard released its new mobile app for boating safety. The app comes with a detailed checklist of the latest safety regulations, the ability to find the nearest NOAA buoy, as well as a way to request emergency assistance.

It also lets you send a float plan to friends and family faster than ever before. From kayakers to deep-sea fishermen, filing a float plan with the Coast Guard is recommended for anyone heading out on the water. A float plan consists of detailed information about where you departed from, the time and place you’re expected to return and any other pertinent details about your trip.

Coast Guard-approved, marine-style fire extinguishers and visual distress signals (flares) must also be kept on board.

How to Manage and Prepare for Adverse Weather While on the Water

From rapidly changing winds and waterspouts to severe thunderstorms and fog, there are plenty of weather threats to boaters.

Thunderstorms are one of the more common dangers to mariners because they can develop quickly.

According to both the Coast Guard and National Weather Service, boaters should never venture out if thunderstorms are a possibility. If out in the water and you notice approaching storms, return to land or shelter as soon as possible.

If unable to return to land, it’s best to “stay inside the cabin and avoid touching metal or electrical devices.” If your boat doesn’t have a cabin, stay as low as possible in the boat, the NWS states.

Fog is another danger that can disorient a boater and disrupt their navigation and like thunderstorms it can form quickly. According to the NWS, fog is typically considered dense when it reduces visibility to below a mile.

When on a vessel, the Coast Guard suggests to keep a close eye out for these signs that may indicate a change in weather:

Key Indicators of Changing Weather

What to do When Caught in a Storm

Fog Safety Tips From the NWS

Bargain Pontoon Boat Wraps Not Always A Bargain

Does taking shortcuts for winter storage pay off?

By: Dan Armitage

As many of my fellow pontoon boat club members readied their craft for the off-season, I grew intrigued by the DIY, alternative and after-market solutions some came up with for protecting their boats and related gear. Some of these non-traditional apps are put into use by my resourceful fellow boaters during the boating season as well, and are of value for those lucky pontoon boaters south of the Mason-Dixon Line who don’t know the meaning of “off” season and may enjoy their craft year-round.

For example, you will find covers intended for back yard use on chaise lounges and Adirondack chairs protecting the furniture of some members’ boats. The patio furniture covers are less expensive than semi-custom covers designed for the job, wear well under typical conditions, and the fact that the generic one-size-fits-all covers don’t fit all that tight allows air to circulate and the upholstery to breathe a bit, which can help prevent mildew in the damp environs the boats are subject to. And when conditions aren’t typical, and a loose-fitting captain’s (aka: Adirondack) chair cover goes gone with the wind, it’s less expensive to replace.

If you’ve run across any non-traditional uses for items aboard a pontoon —or any other watercraft – we’d like to see ‘em. Meanwhile, here are a few I stumbled across during a recent late-season walk around the local pontoon boat club – and one photo I snapped last winter that reminded me that going with cost cutting alternatives may not be the bargain you, well, bargained on…

BASIC BOAT MAINTENANCE | PONTOON-DEPOT

By: Pontoon Living

When it comes to your pontoon boat or fishing boat, nothing is more important than safety and maintenance. The good condition of your boat is heavily hinged upon the achievements maintained and the grade of its upkeep. All through the year, taking good care of your boat is vital. Discussed below are several techniques to do this.

Leave the Drain Unplugged

When leaving your boat out with the landing you will need to just be sure you pull the drain plug leave it removed. This will be significant since in the event it rains, water is not going to collect and accumulate inside the bilge. This can be dangerous as it could ruin the boats mechanical parts like the starter the risk is compounded through the indisputable fact that the bilge pump only works for a short while and it may not be as helpful in clearing accumulated water.

Outboard Motor Care

An outboard motor, perhaps the most common feature in fishing boats, limits one from leaving it unattended for very long spans of time. For the reason that in the event the fuel-oil mixture stays to take a seat within the carburetor, the fuel evaporates leaving the oil to clog the carburetor causing unwanted and expensive damage. In order to avoid this, it really is advised that one should add stabilizer for the fuel and run the engine for approximately ten mins, this prevents the carburetor in form and prevents an overhaul.

Inspect the Boat for Leaks Over the Water Line

A leak higher than the conduit just isn’t as lethal together below but this does not mean it’s not at all problematic. To identify these you need to inspect the deck hardware, the windows and portals for almost any leaks or possible cracks. Tighten the bolts and screws or simply tighten them anew just to be sure.

Use Recommended Parts for Replacements

Unfortunately, it is inevitable for boats to age. In addition to possibly losing its exterior luster, some of your boat parts will degrade and need replacement. If you are planning to list your boats for sale, make sure you replace broken down parts. Use parts approved by the manufacturer and steer clear of using cheaper substitutes.

Regular maintenance You ought to make positive changes to oil every now and then, wash the boat after and get rid of the engine after every use. With a nice windy day, open the windows and air the boat to prevent accumulated moisture and corrosion.

For all your accessories and/or vinyl flooring visit Pontoon Depot's shop site.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PONTOON BOATS

By: yhwatersports.com

Picture a sleepy summer day, a warm sunshiny breeze and the smooth sheen of a clear blue lake. The only thing missing is you in this scene on a protective Pontoon boat. Pontoon boats have been a favorite way to enjoy the mixture of sun and water since the fifties. According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, pontoon boat sales were up by 48% in 2016. Here are some more facts on this fun-in-the-sun sporting vessel that you should know.

A Little Bit of History

In 1951 the first commercially manufactured pontoon boat is credited to a farmer named Ambrose Weeres from Minnesota. He visioned a craft that was stable in the water and large enough for the whole family. By the late 1960s, pontoons, as we know them today, were a part of every lake across the country.

 Types of Pontoons

• Fiberglass – Used as a construction material for the hulls, it is a lightweight and fairly durable material. Fiberglass pontoons perform well on the water, not subject to rust, and many people prefer its visual appeal. However if damaged repairs can be quite expensive.
• Foam filled – Foam filled pontoons boats are not hollow so they can’t leak and typically cheaper to manufacture. They usually have a plastic exterior and don’t require a thick shell to protect a hollow interior. They typically need to be narrow because the wider they get the lower they sit in the water. This leads to more drag, slower speeds, and poor fuel economy.
• Steel – The main disadvantage of a steel pontoon boat is that steel is a corrosive material, and will rust over time when exposed to moisture and air. Without regular maintenance a steel pontoon can develop leaks and cracks, which may require extensive repairs.
• Aluminum – The most common type of pontoon boat on the market. Unlike steel, aluminum is non-corrosive and wont rust over time just from being exposed to moisture. It’s very durable and repairs are usually easy and relatively inexpensive. Aluminum pontoon boats may be more expensive than other pontoon boats but low maintenance, and knowing that it will last for many years, makes aluminum pontoon boats a top choice for buyers.

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