Tips for Properly Transporting and Trailering Your Boat

With summer officially ending yesterday, you may be wanting to enjoy some early fall boating before it starts to get too cold out. The majority of boaters transport their boat to and from the water by trailer. So it’s important for you to ensure the safety of your boat while properly transporting and trailering it by following these helpful tips.

Safe Towing Preparation

First of all, make sure that the trailer is the correct size and type for the boat that you want to transport. The trailer needs to be able to support the weight of the boat as well as the motor, fuel and any gear that you will be using. Secondly, you want to make sure that the vehicle that you are using to pull the trailer has been rated to haul the size and combined weight of the trailer and boat. Before you leave with your boat on the trailer, double-check that the supports and tie down straps are secure and that nothing is loose or could come loose in the boat while it is being transported. Also, inspect the trailer tires and make sure the tire pressure is correct and double check that you have a spare tire. Finally, make sure that the safety chains between the vehicle and the trailer are crossed under the trailer tongue with enough slack to allow for tight turns, if needed and that any tail lights are plugged in and working properly.

Driving with a Trailer

When driving a vehicle that is pulling a trailer, you want to make sure that your side mirrors are large enough to provide you with a view of the area behind your trailer. You’ll notice that your vehicle’s acceleration is a lot slower than you are used to and you’ll also need to give yourself plenty of room for stopping, changing lanes and turning. It might be a good idea to practice your driving skills in an empty parking lot, especially the task of backing a trailer into a boat ramp. To do this, you will want to line up the trailer as much as possible with the ramp and know that the trailer will move in the opposite direction of the steering wheel. Some drivers keep their hand at the very bottom of the steering wheel and turn the wheel in the direction they want the trailer to go.

Launching and Retrieving Your Boat

Before getting to the boat ramp, get your boat prepared. Remove the straps, put in the drain plug, disconnect the trailer lights and attach the bow and stern lines. This way, you won’t hold up others waiting to launch their boats from the boat ramp. Once your trailer is positioned on the boat ramp, back up the tow vehicle so that rear rollers of the trailer are immersed in the water. Set the vehicle’s parking brake and use the winch to lower the boat into the water while holding on to the bow line. To retrieve your boat from the water, follow these steps in the opposite order.

What other tips could you recommend?

Free Vessel Safety Check

In case you didn't know, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary offers free vessel safety checks to help you stay safe on the water. Their number one priority is safety. They'll inspect your boat and if it passes, you'll be given a decal that notifies law enforcement that your boat has been inspected and complies with state and federal laws. If for some reason your boat doesn't pass, they'll provide you with a list of what needs to be fixed along with tips to help you fix them. Wondering what a vessel safety check is all about?

Here is a list of items that are checked:

• Proper display of registration numbers. US Coast Guard documented boats do not have to display state registration numbers.
• Registration and Documentation papers. Registration or Documentation papers must be on board and available. Documentation numbers must be permanently marked on a visible part of the interior structure. The documented boat's name and hailing port must be displayed on the exterior hull in letters not less than 4 inches in height. To be documented a boat must be 5 net tons or greater.
• Appropriate PFDs. PFDs must be accessible there must be one suitable PFD available for each person aboard. Vessels over 16 feet must have one throwable on board.
• Visual Distress Signals. Recreational boats 16 feet and over must carry a minimum of either 1) three day and three night pyrotechnic devices, 2) one day non-pyrotechnic device (flag) and one night non-pyrotechnic device (auto SOS light) or 3) a combination of 1) and 2).
• Fire extinguishers. The specific requirements vary depending on boat size and whether or not a fixed system is installed. See the USCG Auxiliary website for details.
• Ventilation. Boats with gasoline engines in closed compartments, built after 1 August 1980 must have a powered ventilation system. Those built prior to that date must have natural or powered ventilation. Boats with closed fuel tank compartments built after 1 August 1978 must meet requirements by displaying a "certificate of compliance." Boats built before that date must have either natural or powered ventilation in the fuel tank compartment.
• Backfire Flame Control. Inboard and inboard/outboard boats powered by gas engines must have a backfire flame control device installed.
• Sound producing device. All vessels must carry a sound producing device capable of a 4 second blast audible for ½ mile.
• Navigation lights. All boats (including dinghies) must be able to display navigation lights between sunset and sunrise and in conditions of reduced visibility. Boats 16 feet or more in length must have properly installed, working navigation lights and an all-around anchor light capable of being lit independently from the red/green/white "running" lights.
• Pollution placard. Boats 26 feet and over with a machinery compartment must display an oily waste "pollution" placard.
• MARPOL Trash Placard. Boats 26 feet and over in length must display a "MARPOL" trash placard. Boats 40 feet and over must also display a written trash disposal plan.
• Marine sanitation devices. Any installed toilet must be a Coast Guard approved device. Overboard discharge outlets must be capable of being sealed.
• Navigation rules. Boats 39.4 feet and over must have on board a current copy of the Navigation Rules.
• State and Local Requirements.
• Boater education card
• CO warning sticker
• Overall vessel condition
• Clean bilge
• Deck free of hazards
• Safe galley and heating systems

Tips for Docking Your Pontoon

You’ve spent a great day pontooning on Lake Sinclair and it’s time to head back to the docks. Getting back should be a breeze, but docking your pontoon, maybe not so much. Pontoons catch wind more easily and can be more difficult to dock than other boats because of their shape and size. Here are a few tips to help you successfully dock your Sun Tracker Pontoon with ease.

Minimize damage with fenders. Especially if you're still getting the feel for docking your pontoon, there's no harm in tying on 2 or 3 fenders. Better to have fenders hanging out than scratches from the dock.

Come in at an angle. Even just knowing this is preferred will make your docking life easier. More often than not, it will be impossible to line up straight to the dock. So don't put that pressure on yourself! Once you get closer, straighten up and aim for a particular spot on the dock.

Slow and steady wins the race. Don't race into the dock. Go as slow as possible, preferably spending most of your time in neutral and bumping it into gear for seconds every so often. The best way to turn is with power, but the best way to execute a sharp turn is with the lowest amount of power possible to minimize skidding.

Use reverse. Don't be afraid to knock the engine into reverse! That's actually the best way to slide up next to the dock. Once your front end is close, turn the wheel all of the way and slide into reverse for a moment (give it a little oomph) so that the rear will slide into place.

Practice makes perfect. Every boat handles differently, so it will take awhile to learn exactly how to handle your boat in order to dock it gracefully. Just remember: don't use excessive speed. That can cause a little mistake to turn into a big problem.

How comfortable are you with docking your pontoon? What other tips could you add to our list?

5 Labor Day Boating Tips

The unofficial last weekend of summer is just around the corner. Yeah we know. It's hard to believe that summer is has come and gone so quickly. Like many boaters, you will want to take advantage of the long weekend to spend quality time with family and friends (and maybe some alone time too) aboard your boat. So we have 5 tips to help you and your loved ones stay safe while boating this Labor Day weekend.

Wear a life jacket – Life jackets save lives, but only if you wear them. Don’t forget that children under the age of 13 are required to wear life jackets by law.

Designate a sober skipper – Drinking alcohol or taking drugs (even some over-the-counter or prescription medicines) decreases reaction time and the ability to think clearly at the helm.

Carry a VHF radio – Cell phones can be unreliable on the water where coverage is often spotty or nonexistent. A VHF radio lets you broadcast a call for help to anyone in your area monitoring Channel 16. Before heading out, make sure your VHF is operational by performing a radio check.

Don’t overload the boat – The number of seats available on board is not always the best indicator of capacity. Look for the weight capacity plate on the transom or by the helm, or look up the passenger capacity in the builder’s manual.

Stay in tune with the weather – Storms can sneak up on you, especially when you’re having fun on the water and not paying attention. Appoint weather watchers for your boat and ask them to listen to the VHF for the latest reports.

What You Need to Know About Grilling On Your Boat

Do you enjoy grilling on your boat? It’s part of enjoying time on the water aboard your boat right?! And plus, grilled food is healthier for you too! There are special grills made especially for boaters. So make sure you pick one out that is best suited for your boat and space limits. Grilling on a boat can be a hazard – not necessarily always because of the grill, but because of the limited space on a boat and the constant movement of being on the water.

Here is what you need to know about grilling on your boat.

Plan Ahead

First of all, plan ahead. Before you step foot on your boat, make sure you have planned out everything that you’ll need – be it food items, pots and pans, drinks, etc. Remember, you have a small space to work with, so try to only bring one of everything that you need (unless, of course, it’s eating utensils, etc). This won’t only make it easier for you to grill, it will also be easier for clean up.  You should take some time to pre-plan your meals and stick with those meals that you already have the cooking items for onboard. Never count on catching fish, if that is indeed what you want to fix. Fish should always be considered a ‘bonus’ meal or something to eat in place of a non-perishable meal. Also, check your propane tank for leaks or damage before setting off. Nothing could be more frustrating than trying to start your meal without gas for your grill — or worse, having a leak and lighting a match nearby.

Grill at the Dock or at Anchor

It’s safer to cook when the boat is docked. You won’t lose your food or have to worry about someone falling on the grill should a random wave come along. Speaking of which, make sure all of your cooking utensils and pans are in a zippered bag/backpack or secure cabinet, whether you’re docked or not.  Your boat’s movements are unpredictable and loose items can be a potential hazard! If you must find that adventure out in the open water, make sure you’re anchor is set to help keep you from moving about.

No Glass Allowed

Don’t bring glass on board! Many bowls, cups, and drink or cooking bottles (such as olive oil) are glass and should not be brought onboard. Should you find that you need a bowl or container, always use something that is plastic – put condiments such as ketchup or cooking oils in portable plastic containers. This would go along with the ‘planning ahead’ point above. When making sure you have all of the proper cooking equipment or extras, if you find that you have something glass, run to your nearest store to find a plastic alternative. It’s not worth the risk of having that glass break or having someone step on a loose glass bottle – especially if you’re hours away from land.

You’ll Have a Limited Supply of Water

Conserve water as much as possible while cooking and cleaning. Remember, there are a lot of different uses for water on your boat. Bring hand sanitizer to wash your hands with periodically, and sanitizing wipes to wipe down surfaces. Don’t run the faucet while cleaning up after your meal. Reuse water where possible, and bring bottled water to drink and use when needed.

Have a Great Meal

Be safe on your boat and take all precautionary measures, including an up to date fire extinguisher. Anything can go wrong in under a second on a boat, whether you’re playing with heat or not! Check at you have a small first aid kit with burn cream. This will come in handy for sunburn or an accidental burn from the grill. Always be prepared and always plan ahead – and don’t forget the food!

What is your favorite food to grill on the boat?

Taking Kids Fishing

Do you love fishing? Well, why don't you share that passion with kids? Fishing can give you the opportunity to bond, teach them a new sport, and best of all, create lasting memories that they will remember forever.

It all starts by getting the kids involved. Kids love to feel included and teaching them a sense of responsibility can go a long way. Give them simple tasks they can be responsible for. Make a list of supplies you will need for your fishing trip; sunblock, insect repellent, hats, sunglasses, extra clothes, water shoes, personal flotation devices, first aid kit, simple tackle and bait. Also, bring along a cooler filled with snacks and plenty of liquids. Go down the checklist and have the kids make sure you have everything. Bring along your fishing license too.

Choose a location that you know will result in fishing success. Nothing is more disappointing than not catching or seeing any fish. Also teach kids that fishing is not only about catching fish but trying to catch fish. Be patient with them and give them lots of encouragement. Give them frequent breaks so that they do not get bored or discouraged.

Teaching kids how to fish is also important. Keep it simple by teaching them the three basic techniques:

Tying a Fisherman’s Knot

Insert the fishing line through the “eye” of the hook.  Pull out about 10 inches of line. Use those extra inches of line and wrap it around the primary fishing line about five times.  Gather the end of the 10 inch line and loop through the eye of the hook once again.

Baiting Your Hook

Instead of threading the worm through the center, it is best to thread the worm lengthwise on to your hook. This will help your worm stay on your hook and prevent a fish from coming and stealing worms off your hook.

Casting

It’s easier for kids to cast over their shoulders. Have them hold down the reel button with their thumb. Get ready to cast the line. As they cast the line have them let go of the button. Reel in the slack line. You want the line tight so you can feel when a fish is tugging on it.

Take time to practice these techniques before heading out for a day of fishing. Also, make sure to talk to kids about the importance of safety skills while fishing. Emphasize not playing with the hook and being safe in and around water. Keep the kids involved and make this experience as fun as possible.

Fitting Your Child for a Life Jacket

Photo Credit: BoatUS.com

Do you know how to properly fit your child for a life jacket? Unfortunately, life jackets are not one size fits all. When it comes to purchasing one for children it must fit properly. If a life jacket does not fit them properly, it can put them in harm’s way. If it’s too small, it will not be able to keep them afloat; if it’s too big, it can easily slip off. There are however steps and procedures for ensuring the right fit when choosing a life jacket for children.

First off, life jackets come in four sizes which are categorized by weight range. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s label inside the life jacket to determine the size.

• Infant – under 30 pounds
• Child – 30-50 pounds
• Youth – 50-90 pounds
• Adult – 90 pounds and over

Body proportions vary by individual so make sure you follow the next steps to help determine a proper fit.

• Make sure all zippers and buckles can be closed and fastened properly. The life jacket should be snug, but comfortable.
• Have the child hold their arms straight up overhead. Pull the life jacket upwards by the arm openings. If you can slip the fastened jacket over the body, the jacket is too big. Also, make sure there is no excess room above the openings and the life jacket does not ride up over the chin, ears or face.

Please do not be tempted to buy children a life jacket that they can grow into. Children should have the best fitting life jacket for their age. If your child happens to be in between sizes; go with the smaller size to avoid the risk of it slipping off.