Tips for Fishermen & Boaters

(courtesy of Reef Relief)


Practice good seamanship, and safe boating. Maintain a safe distance from other fishermen, and divers. Do not troll over or near divers. Stay at least 100 feet from a red and white diver down flag and watch for bubbles.

Know and observe size and catch limits; release any fish you can't eat. Florida law requires a fishing license. Applicable size, bag limits, and seasons must be observed when harvesting seafood. NOTE: Avoid throwing fish carcasses and wrung lobsters overboard or into canals, as they decompose and degrade water quality.

Use reef mooring buoys if available. Otherwise, anchor in sandy areas away from coral and seagrasses so that anchor and chain do not drag or grate on nearby corals or tear-up seagrass beds.

Accidental boat groundings damage the reef. Consult tide and navigational charts and steer clear of shallow areas (shallow, seagrass beds appear brown in color). Accidental boat groundings damage coral and seagrasses, and fines are imposed for such damage. Remember, "Brown, brown, run aground. Blue, blue, sail on through."

Avoid disturbing wildlife, harassing fish and invertebrates; it only makes them wary of people.

Keep boating speeds and noise to a minimum, and avoid boat wakes near isolated mangroves. When in a diving area, slow down to an idle speed.

It is illegal to dump trash at sea; plastic bags and other debris can injure or kill marine animals. Try to retrieve fishing gear and equipment, especially monofilament line. Bring your trash back to shore and recycle it.

Camping, campfires, and collecting of any kind is prohibited on all National Wildlife Refuges. Personal watercraft and airboats are prohibited in all National Parks and Wildlife Refuges in the Florida Keys.

Posted by Bill Schrama

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P2P Boat Rentals Cruzin to Chicago!

New type of boat rental service.

Creating opportunities for new lakeshore lifestyle experiences, Cruzin announced its formal launch in the Chicago market. This secure, online boater-to-boater rental marketplace makes it easy for people to get out on the water, when and how they want. Whether a person desires to fish, cruise or sail, Cruzin.com offers a trusted community for renting directly from boat owners. Those who want to relax instead of navigate, or aren't yet comfortable with taking full command of the boat, can use Cruzin's captain service. Flexible rental listings enable boating adventures from a half-day to a week or longer. Each rental is fully insured and includes BoatU.S. towing services. Boat owners generate income from listing their vessels on Cruzin when they aren't personally being used. An otherwise idle boat can now help offset maintenance costs and slip fees. The owner has complete control over who rents his boat, for how long and for what price. "Chicago has a vibrant lakefront and river. Cruzin facilitates ways in which more people can enjoy the city from the water. Safety and fun are our priorities for both boat owners and renters," said Cruzin CEO Jaclyn Baumgarten. Cruzin screens both owners and renters to promote security for all involved. The Chicago market presents unique challenges with boat charter permitting requirements. But, Baumgarten explained, "We've worked to ensure all permitting requirements will be complied with directly through Cruzin, simplifying the boat listing process for owners.

By Bill Schrama

If you decide you want to buy a boat we can help make that dream come true.
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Top 10 Boat Names 2014

For the past two dozen years around this time, the Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) has released their annual list of top ten boat names, and we usually pay attention to see if any boat names jump out at us.

The 2014 BoatUS list of top ten boat names are...

1. Serenity
2. Second Wind
3. Island Girl 
4. Freedom 
5. Pura-Vida 
6. Andiamo 
7. Island Time 
8. Irish Wake 
9. Happy Hours 
10. Seas the Day

Maybe you've seen these boat names before. Heck, if they are popular enough to make the top 10 list, you've probably got one or more of these boat names in your marina. Maybe your boat name is even on the list.

Some folks use lists like these to come up with boat name ideas, while others peruse them to decide what NOT to name their boat, as they would prefer to choose something more unique. 

Let us know if your boat name is on this list, or if you've seen any of them around on the water.

List is courtesy of www.boatus.com

Additional boat name ideas can be found at the Boat Name Blog - www.boatnameblog.com
Please visit www.boatfinance.com for the money you need to go boating.

Daily Boater Boating News: Boating Safety Tips from College

Daily Boater Boating News: Boating Safety Tips from College: Broward College Offers Safe Boating Tips for the Summer...  Photo Courtesy of The U.S. Coast Guard. Since Florida is one of the most...
Boating week, which is coming up from May 17 to 23, 2014. Broward College’s marine engineering management program is the first institution to send us such an announcement with boating safety tips, and we're happy to pass them along.

“Safety on the water is everyone’s responsibility, but many recreational boaters make the mistake of assuming they can beat the odds, and without proper preparation, this may not be the case,” said Anthony Petriello, associate dean of the marine programs. “Don’t take anything for granted, as all on board are your responsibility.”

There are several precautions boaters should take before casting off...

Boating Safety Tips from Broward College’s marine engineering management program

• Always file a float plan in the form of a note, email or voicemail with someone you trust, such as a family member or friend, so they will know what to do if you don’t come back on time.  

• Check all recommended safety supplies and equipment on board periodically, such as first aid kits, sunscreen, spare batteries and flashlights. The American Boating & Yacht Council has released a free app called “Boating Essentials,” which is designed for both new and experienced boaters. Not only will boaters be able to identify a safety checklist of all the items they are required to have onboard, but also receive maintenance guide alerts and monitor their supply lists.

• Consistently wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Every person on board should be wearing a life jacket that is the right size and fit because it is the best defense against drowning.  

• Complete routine boat safety inspections. Check the navigation and safety lights, steering, engine fluids, electrical and heating systems, bilge pump and anchor.  The ventilation system is often overlooked, as well, so periodically make sure that all openings are free of obstructions, the ducts and ducting are not blocked, and make sure worn components are replaced.  

• Refill and replace fire extinguishers so that they are in functioning order. There should also be a supply of flares available in the event someone needs to send out a distress signal.  

• Beware of carbon monoxide hazards while on the water. Dangerous concentrations of carbon monoxide can accumulate when a boat is by a pier, near a seawall or alongside another boat.

• Do not run engines for extended periods of time under these conditions without continuous monitoring.  

• Check the weather forecast, as sudden summer storms can place boaters in rough conditions. In these cases, reduce your speed, keep bilges free of water, head to the nearest shore or even anchor the boat, if necessary.

For more information on the marine programs at Broward College, contact Anthony Digirolamo at 954-201-8616 or adigiro1@broward.edu.

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National Safe Boating Week is the official launch of the 2014 Safe Boating Campaign.

 

(OMAHA, Neb.) - The National Safe Boating Council and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have teamed up with boating safety advocates across the U.S. to promote safe and responsible boating during National Safe Boating Week, May 17-23, 2014.

National Safe Boating Week is the official launch of the 2014 Safe Boating Campaign. This yearlong campaign promotes safe and responsible boating and the value of life jacket wear by recreational boaters.

Before casting off for a day on the water, boaters should take appropriate precautions. File a float plan with a friend or family, get a vessel safety check and take a boating safety course. Boaters should also check the weather forecast and make sure everyone on board is wearing the correct type and fit of life jacket. Boaters can develop “boater’s hypnosis” a condition in response to sun, wind, noise, vibration and motion, which causes fatigue and slows your reaction time. Combining this condition with alcohol or drugs greatly reduces your coordination, judgment and reaction time, which could lead to deadly consequences so please boat sober.

“Throughout the year hundreds of people drown or die in boating accidents and the majority of the deaths could have been prevented,” said Pam Doty, National Water Safety Program Manager for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.   “We want you to come out and enjoy your national lakes and rivers and return home safely, so please wear a life jacket and boat friendly.”

 

 

–U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

 

By: Bill Schrama

 

                   Get out on the water and start practicing safe boating. Need a loan?

                                                www.BoatFinance.com

Delaware kicks off boat safety week:

Delaware officials, including U.S. Sen. Tom Carper, D-Del., convened in Lewes on Monday to celebrate National Safe Boating Week, which is May 17-23, to kick off the state's busiest boating season by encouraging safe boating practices.
Last year, there were no fatalities and eight reportable boating accidents in Delaware waters, a decrease from two fatalities and 13 accidents in 2012, according to a U.S. Coast Guard report. A total of 59,186 boats were registered in the state for 2013.
The report shows Delaware, Nebraska and Wyoming being the only states with zero boat-related fatalities in 2013. There were 14 fatalities — an increase from 11 in 2012 — in Maryland and 11 —a decrease from 15 in 2012 — in Virginia. The number of boating accidents declined in both Maryland and Virginia from 2012 to 2013.
Since 1991, when a Delaware law was passed that required children under the age of 12 to wear personal floatation devices, not a single child has died in Delaware waters, said Collin O'Mara, Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Secretary.
The state has also required persons born after Jan. 1, 1978 to take a boating safety course before they can operate boats on state waters, thanks to a law passed in 1994. Several courses are offered, many taught by U.S. Coast Guard auxiliary members, O'Mara said. The state offers an eight hour basic boating safety course in multiple locations statewide and online.
"These are laws that work," he said. "A lot of times when folks ... are passing laws, folks say 'what is this actually going to mean on the ground?' In this case it means lives are saved. It doesn't get much simpler than that."
Carper has been told by Delaware and out-of-state boaters the state is a great place to fish with wonderful facilities.
"We just had Mother's Day, a lot of people showed up to be with their mom, their grandmom, everybody was there ... in part because their lives were not lost in a boating accident," he said. "Father's Day is coming up ... and you can look around the room ... and everybody will be there. And at least if they're not, it won't be because of a boating accident, because we're looking out for them."
On a national level, boating accidents decreased from 4,515 in 2012 to 4,062 in 2013, with fatalities decreasing from 651 to 560, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
Despite the week being devoted to boat safety, Chief Robert Legates of DNREC's Division of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement section said it's important to remain vigilant about boat safety all year long, adding wearing a lifejacket can reduce the change of drowning by as much as 80 percent.
"Not knowing or obeying the navigation rules of the roads, drinking alcohol or taking drugs while operating a boat or choosing not to wear your lifejacket puts boat operators and passengers and other boaters at risk," he said. "As a boater, sharpening your skills and knowledge and being aware of the risks can dramatically increase your safety on the water."

jbleiweis@dmg.gannett.com

By: Bill Schrama

                          Need a boat loan to get out on the water and start practicing safe boating.
                                               www.boatfinance.com

Safe Boating Week 2014 is May 17-23

BURLEY -  Idaho is a boater’s paradise. Hundreds of thousands of motorized and non-motorized vessels take to Idaho waterways annually. The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) would like to remind boater’s to “Wear It” – Always wear your life jacket.


May 17 – 23, 2014 is National Safe Boating Week and Idaho intends to participate with several events. A complete listing of events is available on the IDPR events calendar.
 

Boating safety partners across the U.S. and Canada are teaming up to promote safe and responsible boating, including wearing a life jacket each and every time you are on the water.

“Life jackets are more comfortable and lightweight than ever, with many new styles including ‘suspender’ and ‘fanny-pack’ styles. Always make sure your life jackets are U.S.C.G. approved,” said Juelie Traska, Boating Education Coordinator for the IDPR. “Drowning remains the primary cause of death in recreational boating accidents. Statistics released by the U.S. Coast Guard indicate that eighty five percent of boaters who drowned in 2012 were not wearing their life jackets,” said Traska.
As part of Safe Boating Week, IDPR is advising boaters to take the time to check safety gear, replacing old life jackets as well as servicing boats and review boating laws before heading out for that first day on the water.
“Remember to practice safe and responsible boating, by wearing your life jacket and staying alert and aware while on the water,” said Traska. “By practicing these simple steps you can save your life as well as the lives of the people boating with you,” she said.
IDPR recommends four important things a boater can do to reduce accidents and fatalities. First, take a safe boating course; second, get a vessel safety check; third, never boat while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or prescription medications, and fourth, WEAR your life jacket.
For additional information on Vessel Safety Checks and Safe Boating Courses in Idaho, visit www.boat.idaho.gov.
Idaho’s Department of Parks and Recreation manages 30 state parks and recreation areas throughout Idaho.  The mission of the agency is to improve the quality of life in Idaho through outdoor recreation and resource stewardship. Learn more about Idaho’s State Parks and Recreation Programs by visiting: www.parksandrecreation.idaho.gov

By: Bill Schrama

                    Need a boat loan to get out on the water and start practicing safe boating.
                                                 www.boatfinance.com

What is a Catamaran?

A traditional sailboat is a monohull–in other words, it has only one hull centered around a heavy keel. A catamaran is balanced on two hulls, with the sails in the middle. It’s as simple as that. Depending on the size of the boat, the space separating the two hulls might be filled by a cockpit, a main cabin, and usually some netting (which can be a great place for relaxing in the sun).

Why are Catamarans Popular?

Size and stability are the main factors. With two hulls and the space in between, there tends to be more room on a catamaran, both above and below decks. Vacationers chartering a boat love cats for this reason. There’s space for a lot of people and a lot of stuff. Additionally, the stability offered by having two hulls means that the boat doesn’t heel over like a monohull–it stays pretty much level. This means the sailing experience is less tiring, as you aren’t battling gravity. Catamarans don’t need as much water underneath them, so you can sail in shallower places than a monohull, and in your anchorage at night you won’t roll around. There’s also a bit more privacy for those onboard, as the two hulls are completely separate from one another. Lastly, they tend to be faster!

How is Catamaran Sailing Different from Monohull Sailing?
As noted above, catamarans don’t really heel over. This makes the entire sailing experience different; the motion of the boat is different, you have to trim the sails differently, and pay attention to other factors that you might not be used to. In light wind and upwind sailing conditions, it can be harder to make headway. When the wind is strong, because the boat doesn’t seem to “react” to the wind, it can be more challenging to tell when you are overpowered and need to reef. In heavy weather (which most casual sailors tend to avoid) a catamaran can be a liability, though with the proper training they can be handled safely. When the conditions are right, catamarans are sweet sailing, smooth performing, and comfortable, so it’s no surprise that more and more of them are appearing in the world’s best sailing destinations.


Where Can I Get Training in Catamaran Sailing?

In response to their rise in popularity, ASA developed a new course, 114: Cruising Catamaran. This course is ideal for people who already have monohull cruising experience and want to translate that over to the catamaran. You’ll learn all the advantages and disadvantages of multihull sailing so that you’ll always be making an informed decision when considering which boat to charter or buy. You’ll also get the practical sailing skills you need to be confident and have a great time on your cat. Contact an ASA school near you to see if they offer ASA 114: Cruising Catamaran.

Article taken from Sailing Blog and Social Hub from American Sailing Association - http://www.asa.com/social_media
URL to article: http://www.asa.com/social_media/2013/01/18/catamaran-sailing/

By Don Schrama

Finance your next boat at http://www.boatfinance.com/

Tips for buying a Used Boat

Tips for buying a Used Boat
There are numerous benefits to buying a used boat. Once obvious benefit is the model has been tried and tested by people who bought them new. This is a big factor in determining which boat models are reliable. Another reason is monetary savings. Buying pre-owned can save a significant amount of money, when compared to purchasing new. This may be the reason, “60 percent of first-time boat buyers, purchase a used boat,” as reported by the NMMA (National Marine Manufactures Association). Purchasing a used boat does have risks. You should make sure the boat was properly maintained. Simply put, if things go wrong on a boat, all passengers will likely remember the experience with great detail. For this reason, inspect a used boat carefully before purchasing. If possible, have the boat reviewed by an experienced marine mechanic. In addition, never purchase a watercraft without a test cruise with the owner. First-time boat buyers First-time boat buyers often find themselves lost at sea before they step foot on a boat. There are numerous models to choose and Coast Guard regulations affecting their use. Before you start glancing at used boats, know what the boats primary use will be. If you are looking to spending time cruising in peace, a Sailboat may be ideal. On the other hand, if you are looking for an all-around boat, Bow-Riders and Cuddy Cabins may be practical. To ensure you make the right decision, place considerable thought into boating plans. Once you have an idea, research the Coast Guard operation requirements, and the models that suite your needs. At times, when you view a used watercraft, the boat may not be in water. It is common, depending on the region, to find boats for sale at the owners’ home or the Marina. You can make a reasonable assessment without the craft being in water. Still, if a boat is, “the right one for you,” ask to take the boat for a test cruise before buying. An accurate assessment can not be achieved, unless the boat is operated in the water. Always review the boat manufacturers’ recommendations. Most importantly, consider the recommended maximum weight and number of occupants for the boat. If you plan on spending long days on the water with family, you want room to be comfortable. Also, make sure the recommended maximum weight leaves room for occupants plus carryon articles. On power boats, new or upgraded engines may offset the recommended operation weight or horsepower. The new motor may lack power to bring the boat, “on plane,” or be to strong for the Hull’s design. Also consider the added or reduced weight of the motor. Never exceed the manufactures maximum ratings, especially for a new boat owner. Appearance review of a Used Boat When assessing a boats condition, go by your first impression. If a boat looks horrible, it more than likely was not maintained properly. Remember, Salt attacks everything. If a boat was not properly cleaned, the salt caused damage to the boat. Here are ways to determine if a boat was maintained:

Lift any objects on the boat. Pick up coiled ropes, flooring materials, or articles on deck. Look for discoloration or moss. Light discoloration may be fairly common, but deep discoloration or moss, is a sign the boat was neglected. Moss will commonly be found on the Northern side of any objects and the craft.

Look at metal and wood surfaces. Do you see corrosion? Unprotected surfaces in a salty environment deteriorate rapidly. Teak (Common Wood for Boats) will become unsightly, if not oiled. Aluminum will pit, and it may be cracked or appear weakened.

Look over material used for riggings, depending on the craft. Nylon may appear dirty, frayed, or weakened. On certain water craft, sailboats in particular, riggings are important.

Analyze the Gel-Coat. The Gel-Coat should be waxed annually. This depends how often the boat was cruised. If not done sufficiently, the Gel-Coat will have a dull appearance. Rub your fingertip over the finish. If you notice chalk, you either have to live with a dull appearance or paint the boat. As some people may disagree with this statement, let me say, “I know many people that tried restoring the finish of a boat, but I have never seen anyone succeed. Even buffers and compounds failed”.

Examine the Hull’s for problem areas. This will be seen by a discoloration in the Gel-Coat. If you believe the hull was repaired, inquire about the matter. Ensure the repair was done right.

Make sure bulk heads are secure. Often bulk heads are secured with a laminate. This laminate may separate from the hull over time, leaving the bulk heads loose. If this is the case, I strongly urge you do not purchase the boat. These are areas of interest to find neglect on a used boat. Some of the areas mentioned are irrelevant to performance. They will alert you to little annoyances that need to be replaced in the future. For most boat owners, appearance of the craft is important. Spending hours on a dull and unsightly boat is not enjoyable. However, this reverts back to intentions of the boats. Mechanical review of a Used Boat Depending on the type of boat you are planning to purchase, the mechanics are one of the most important areas. Marine engines are expensive, when compared to Automobiles. In addition, with single engine boats, failures can leave you stranded. Once again, I suggest taking the boat for a test run, and have the motor reviewed by an experienced marine mechanic. For your initial inspection, here are some factors to examine:

Is the engine clean? A dirty engine is a good sign of neglect. As a boat owner, I routinely clean my engine after each use. In addition, I give extra care to the engine after it is run in salt water. Most engines produce an oily film when run. This film will cause salt to stick and induce pitting and corrosion to important parts.

Are there heavy deposits of grime near gaskets or seals? This will indicate both neglect and possibly a significant leak. Additionally, they are a good indicator that the engine was exposed to salt for a long period of time.

If the engine is rusted, there may be problems with the cooling system. Salt water that passes through the engine may be leaking.

Freeze plugs should be made from brass, not steel. If steel freeze plugs are on the engine block, they should be replaced.

If applicable, pull the dip-stick and look at the oil. If the boat has a diesel engine, the oil will be black. Oil with a foamy film may indicate cracks or neglected seals. Two-stroke, oil injected engines have additional components that properly lubricate the engine. Ask if the system has been checked or if any parts been replaced. Consult with the documentation to review the maintenance schedule.

Check the batteries. This should be done whenever you take a boat for a cruise. But for review purposes, if the water is low, you will need to replace the batteries.

Check any steering cables by giving a little tug. If loose, they need attention.

Make sure the bilge pump works. The bilge pump removes water from the Hull. This is an important component.

In addition to the bilge pump, some boats have bilge blowers. Generally bilge blowers are on Gasoline powered boats, but may be found on Diesel powered boat as well. The U.S. Coast Guard requires, “The use of a mechanical ventilation system for all non-open type boats built after July 31, 1980 which run on gasoline”. Always refer to the manufactures suggestion for the bilge blower, especially on Gasoline powered boats.
Happy boat buying!