Summer Boating Advice and Safety Tips

By now, most boaters have hit the water, two or three times. Maybe you were out for a holiday party, or a short day trip, but no boater could resist the beautiful warm days of July. Regardless, your group or family can have a world of fun on your boat. 

Obviously, safety is king, but fun is important too. Create a custom set of rules based on our advice below, and you'll have a safe, wonderful time out on the water.

• Take an extra boating safety course, beyond the required minimum. A skill or tip you pick up in class could save your life, and it will surely lower your insurance costs.
• Check the boat to confirm that all components are working properly and in good health.
• Fill up on fuel, and determine when you'll need to re-up.
• Check all weather reports for deplorable weather like high winds and storms
• Technology is only as good as its battery power; bring along some of the classics like a map or compass, just in case.
• You'll always need a high-quality anchor and anchoring equipment, even if you plan to use docks.
• Always bring along a new, fully packed, first-aid kit and extra life vests, because life is very unpredictable.
• You also want USCG approved safety equipment like oars, lifesavers, and fire extinguishers

Whatever fun you decide to have this summer, just remember to be safe, responsible, and polite. If you’re going out with family, remember your precious cargo. Similarly, if you’re going out with friends, remember that even though your boat feels like a private party, you’re still in public.

How to Prepare Your Dock for the Season

As we approach summer, the boats are hitting the water.  After you’ve gotten the boat tuned up and all set, don’t forget to look at your deck and make sure it is fully prepared for the upcoming season.  Here are some tips  to make sure your dock, gangway or deck is fully prepared and ready for summer.

Deck Surface – The boards, panels and wood on the deck should be safe and secure.  If they have come loose or if the screws are not tightly attached, make sure you secure them firmly to prevent further damage or injury. For natural wood, it might be time to apply another coat of sealant.

Level- Make sure the dock is floating at a level surface.  If you’ve stored the deck on dry land during the winter months, things may have shifted out of place. Make sure the poles support the deck as they are designed to do.

Accessory Adjustments – Things like handrails and gates should be properly adjusted as well.  Have they become lose since last year? Are they tight? If you’re adding on new accessories, make sure you have the proper space and accommodations to have them properly installed.

Gangways – Make sure the decking is in order and proper.  Does the jack work?  Are the connections between the shore and the dock good and secure?  These are crucial components to make sure nothing happens when someone uses the gangway to access the dock.

Every spring, you should give your dock or gangway a thorough inspection to make sure there will be no harmful issues when it gets busy.  If you have questions, need replacement or need help, please give us a call.