Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Prepare the Galley

With the boating season approaching, it's time to prepare the galley.

Spring cleaning is a time to wash all pots, pans, dishes, cutlery and lockers. An inventory of items already on board shows what needs to be repaired or replaced. The galley can be stocked with supplies used throughout the season such as canned goods, dry goods, spices, dish soap, and garbage bags.

I found it helpful when preparing a boat to line lockers with vinyl carpet runner cut to size. They can be removed for easy cleaning, and keep the lockers from marring.

Non skid runners are useful for lockers where dishes, condiments, and spices are stowed. Using non skid runners as placemats keeps plates from sliding on the table during mealtimes.

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

How to Enjoy Summer Boating

When summer hits, there’s no better time to enjoy boating on a nice, cool body of water with your family. It’s also the time when hundreds of other boaters have the same idea. Summer boating is great fun, however, there are some things you’ll need to take into consideration before you get your boat on the water.

First, remember that there will be many other boaters on the water at the same time as you. Brush up on the Collision Regulations and pay special attention to those boaters around you. The Regulations are introduced in the Basic Standard and expanded in the Intermediate Standard. Visit our Web pages for sailors and power boaters.

Pay special attention to your boat in the hot summer months. It’s hot outside and the engine is hot as well. Check the boat’s fluids before departure so you don’t run the risk of the engine overheating leaving you stranded.

Make sure that you stay well hydrated. In the hot weather, you lose fluid quickly. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol. Alcohol has a dehydrating effect and will deplete the fluids from your body much more quickly than normal.

The weather can change in an instant, so be sure to pay close attention to the weather forecast. By listening to Channel 16 on the VHF radio, you will be notified of any major weather changes. A good practice is to check the forecast around noon. You certainly won’t want to be stuck miles off shore when that freak summer storm hits. Don’t play games with the weather – especially in the summer. Your safety depends on it! To legally transmit on the VHF Radio, you are required to have a Radio Operator Certificate.

Even though it’s hot, you still need to wear a personal flotation device (PFD). This is especially true with children. Almost all drownings occur when a person goes overboard and is not wearing a PFD. A little discomfort from the heat is well worth paying the price when you consider you could be compromising your life.

Summer is definitely the best time of the year to go boating. As long as you keep your safety rules in mind, fun is just around the corner. Summer boating is also a great time to get your family together and enjoy a day on the water. What a way to beat the heat!

Whether you choose to inform a family member or staff at your local marina, always be sure let someone else know your float plan in terms of where you're going and how long you're going to be gone. A float plan can include the following information: name, address, and phone number of trip leader: name and number of all passengers; boat type and registration information; trip itinerary; types of communication and signal equipment onboard. It’s also a good idea to check in whenever you arrive at a port. Upon return home, be sure to close your float plan.