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

11: Cleveland Coast Guard National Safe Boating Week

Start the 2014 boating season with a safety check and refresh yourself with the safety rules.
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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

Small Boats & Power Boats

Small Boats are quite economical, maintenance free, fewer accessories can be added and easy to transport and they can be easily constructed with few weekends. They can be built very easily if you have some basic woodworking skills. Small boats work perfectly alright with novice boat manufacturers and it allows you to get the feet wet in process of producing the boat without undergoing all the risk and frustration. There are lots of producers in the market, who have built ample of boats till today and still love to produce them. Some of the most common materials used for building these boats are wood which is suitable for woodworking builders. The boat building techniques is a stitch and glue method which is considered as one of the easiest methods to implement.

You can easily find small boats for sale and diving. There is great amount of satisfaction and enjoyment in owning one of these beautiful boats. Materials like timber will be an excellent choice for beginners and tools required to build these boats are cutters, measuring tools, sanders, hammers and files. You can imagine the multiplication of satisfaction and enjoyment, those who are building one of these boats. Once these boats are produced there are several different ways to enjoy them such as packing the lunch and cruising up the river, going on a fishing trip with friends and family on the ocean and scuba diving which is one of the popular past times.

Boating is quite wonderful with power boats and most of them are in common with sail boats; they are equipped with engines and have similar maintenance. The major difference between sailboats and power boats is that sailboats don’t have to depend on engines for travel. Those who are looking for power boats for sale; the best place to look for them is over the internet with online dealers as they have lots of dealership networks. The power boats come with ample of space and provide you with different areas and levels to hang-out. In the aft cockpit area there are deck chairs and BBQ, or fighting chairs. There are some other amenities which include entertainment center it wet-bar, lounge on foredeck and flybridge for relaxing.

Once you head inside the sliding glass doors of power boats you will find all entertainment features and amenities like home such as living room with chairs and couch carpeted with some counters and coffee table, big windows with curtains for ample of lights, television in spacious area, closet, comfortable stateroom, drawers, vanity, television and entertainment center. There are lots of other features such as personal preference to heat and air-conditioning, trawlers, big cruisers and houseboats.

by DelfinAshley of BoatPointPark.com March 2011

www.boatfinance.com

Tips on Buying a Used Boat for Water Sports

Boat Buying Guide - Part II

USED BOAT BUYING CHECKLIST

TEST DRIVE - You wouldn't buy a car without test driving it first, would you? Same holds true with a boat, even more so than a car. Boats are finicky animals. They tend to require more attention and maintenance than cars. When you test drive the boat pay close attention to the following things while underway:

Vibration
If it vibrates it could mean a variety of things like a bent propeller. A vibrating boat makes a noisy boat.Functioning Trim
If you're looking at an inboard/outboard boat check to make sure the trim works, which allows the motor to move from the down position to the angled position.
Response
Rapidly, but carefully, test the steering from one direction to another to see how long it takes the boat to respond.
Planing
Check to see how long it takes the boat to plane after take off.
Shifting
Does the boat slip smoothly into gear, or does it jump?
Reverse
Make sure the boat works in reverse. You never know how important this is until you have to dock.
Gauges and Instruments
Check the temperature, RPM, and speedometer for proper function.
Bilge
Make sure it is doing it's job. If your test ride is not long enough to tell, when you get back to the dock run some water in the engine hole with a water hose until the bilge kicks in.
It's a good idea to take along several people on the test drive. Added weight in a boat can affect it's performance and quickness.

Check to see how many hours are on a boat. You measure a car's use by miles and a boat's use by hours. If a boat has more than 500 hours you can expect to pay some money in upgrades and maintenance.

Wood and water don't mix, especially in the floor of a boat. Carefully inspect the floor for soft spots, which indicate rot. Don't be afraid to get on your hands and knees and smell for floor for mildew.

Ask for a maintenance history on the boat. Find out what major repairs have been made to the boat. If a lot of work has been done to the boat, chances are there will be lots to come, which translates into dollars. Ask if the boat is still under warranty. Also, ask who the boat owner used for repairs and make a point to talk to them.

It's a good idea to have a qualified marine mechanic thoroughly inspect the boat before purchasing it. To find a marine surveyor call either the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors - SAMS. If you are going to do it yourself check the spark arrestors and plugs, alternator, belts, hoses, strainer, blower, shift cables, engine alignment, etc. Analyze the oil and make sure it is not cloudy or gritty Cloudy oil can mean the engine block is cracked.

Take a walk around the boat and inspect the hull and make sure it is in good condition. Feel free to tap on the hull all the way around and make sure the hull is consistently solid. Mismatched paint is a sign the boat has been in an accident. Also check for gel-coat blisters and dry rot.

Check the prop for warping, cracks, or nicks. Any of these things can throw off the performance of the boat.

How has the boat been stored while not in use? Was is stored outside and exposed to the sun and weather? Or was it kept in protected dry storage? 

Depending on how the boat was stored can affect how the upholstery has held up over the years. Check for ripped seams and color fading. Also check the boat cover if there is one. 

It's nice if the owner will sell the boat with a few extras which are probably already on the boat. In my opinion, a depth finder is crucial. You don't want the boat to run aground, much less let your skier run aground. In most states a marine radio is required by law. A stereo is a nice thing to have so you can listen to tunes. Also see if the boat owner will throw in some life jackets and an anchor. And if you are a lucky slalom skier they may throw in a speed control device. 

If a trailer comes with the boat you want to buy check the trailer thoroughly. They are not cheap to replace. 

Locate the boat in the N.A.D.A. Guide to find out the price value range for the model and year. Remember, if the boat is priced at the low end or lower than the low end it's likely the boat's had a history of problems and there is a reason the owner wants to get rid of the boat.

By: Bill Schrama

                              Get money you need to buy a used boat
                                    https://www.boatfinance.com