boating Archives

How to Winterize Your Boat for the Off Season

Posted on September 25, 2014February 14, 2023 Glenn S. Phillips

If you own a home right on the lake, then you may be lucky enough to have direct access to the water.

There’s nothing quite like being able to walk out of your lake home, onto the dock, and right on to your boat!

In light of colder weather, though, you might not be taking it out as often. This is especially true if you’re on a lake that can freeze during the winter time.

Exposure to harsh temperatures for an extended period of time can threaten your boat’s health. We suggest you winterize it to minimize any damage from occurring.

Winterize Your Boat, Protect Your Investment

Fill your boat’s fuel tank – Ensure the boat’s fuel tank is filled roughly to capacity. But remember, don’t fill it all the way up! Leave a little space to allow for the expansion that often occurs during cold weather. Don’t forget to add gasoline stabilizer, as well. This will help keep your boat’s fuel from degrading during the winter. It also slows down the oxidation process in addition to preventing varnish and corrosion.

Close your boat’s fuel valves – To avoid condensation from occurring inside the fuel tank, be sure to close the fuel valves. You’ll also want to replace the fuel filter and water separator. Afterwards, seal all thru-port exhaust ports using duct tape.

Coat your boat’s spark plugs – Remove the engine flame arrester and, while the engine is running, shoot two-cycle oil into the carburetor. In order to burn any excess fuel, turn the fuel supply off. To coat the spark plugs, spin the engine a few times. Replace the plugs but don’t connect any of the wires. These steps will prevent the pistons of the boat from being exposed to air and dampness.

Fill your boat’s engine block – First, make sure all leftover engine coolant is drained from the engine block. Then fill it with antifreeze. Be sure to use antifreeze that’s appropriate for the model of your boat.

Change the gear oil of your boat’s engine – If your boat contains an inboard/outdrive engine, you’ll want to flush the lower unite gear case lubricant and replace it to keep the engine’s internal parts from becoming damaged by water.

Remove the boat’s battery – Before taking the battery out of your boat, ensure that it’s fully charged. Store the battery in a place that is safe and dry for the remainder of the winter.

Check the boat’s propeller and hub – Inspect the blades for damage or severe wear and tear. Replace or repair anything that’s too damaged.

Protect your boat’s plugs and bulb sockets – Use a moisture-displacing lubricant to coat the plugs and bulb sockets’ contact points. With electrical tape, cover the plugs to keep them dry for the remainder of winter.

Clean your boat – After following these steps, clean it one more time to remove any surface dirt that might have collected. Before you start, make sure the cleaning solutions you’re about to use are appropriate for the boat. For the most part, over-the-counter glass cleaners, vinyl cleaners and vinegar and water solutions should be safe and effective.

Cover your boat – Lastly, cover the boat with a waterproof tarp or canvas to protect it from rain, snow, ice, and other debris.

Winterizing your boat is incredibly important. Exposure to harsh winter weather can be damaging to what may be one of your biggest investments. Be sure to use these tips to ensure your boat will survive the off-season and be ready to hit the water running next year!

Benefits of Living on a Lake with Boating Restrictions

Posted on September 23, 2014February 14, 2023 Glenn S. Phillips

If you’re interested in lakefront property, you may be put off by the idea of purchasing real estate on waters that might have boat restrictions.

You shouldn’t let boat restrictions scare you off though, as there are quite a few benefits you can enjoy from living on such a lake.

Keeps noise levels low

Some lakes have restrictions on the size of motor that can be used on their waters.

If you live on such a lake, you won’t have to worry about noise levels as much. This is because smaller motors tend to run more quietly. Not only will your time on the lake be more peaceful, but you’ll also be able to enjoy spending time on your own property more since you won’t be disturbed by noisy passing watercraft.

The fact that there is less noise on your restricted lake will make fishing more pleasant as well.

Keeps water conditions safer

A good number of boating accidents could be prevented if the right safety precautions were taken. As such, the requirement to register your boat helps keep you safer while out on the water. So does the requirement to take a boating safety class or have personal flotation devices with you at all times.

You might be surprised to know that nearly half of all boating accidents are related to alcohol use. You are more likely to encounter a drunken boater than you are an intoxicated motorist. Many states have enacted laws to deal with the dangers of drinking and boating, making it just as serious an offense as drinking and driving. The result is that your risk of being injured in a boating accident is greatly reduced.

More boating accidents happen at night than during the day. This is why it is important to have restrictions on nighttime boating. A few of the things that will help make boating safer at night include:
• Having extra patrols on the water
• Requiring boats to have proper illumination as determined by the U.S. Coast Guard
• Speed limitations

No Wake Zones

No wake zones are typically enacted near fishing docks, piers, marinas, and bridges. This is in order to ensure safe conditions for everyone. If these zones weren’t enforced, it could be difficult to get in and out of your docked boat or might interfere with you fishing from the shore.

Not everyone is courteous enough to avoid making waves, so it’s actually to your benefit to have designated no-wake zones on your lakefront.

No wake zones also serve another purpose in that they protect boaters from dangers associated with flooding. Dangers such as extremely high currents or debris in the water.

Prevents Environmental Damage

Some bodies of water have strict regulations regarding sanitation and pollution control to prevent damage to the environment.

For example, the size and type of engine your boat carries could be regulated to keep exhaust fumes from contaminating the water and polluting the air around your lake. Others will have restrictions on the disposal of waste. This is so water quality is not affected. There might also be restrictions on launching your boat to prevent erosion along the shoreline.

These regulations allow your lake to be a habitat for native fish and wildlife. They are especially important if it is also a source of drinking water for you.

Sometimes Boating Restrictions are What You Want

Rather than be discouraged by boating restrictions, it would help if you considered how they benefit you and other home owners in your area. Most restrictions do not seriously affect your use of the water, and will not be overly burdensome for you to comply.

Don’t let the idea of boating restrictions stop you from realizing your dream of owning lakefront property, as boating restrictions will only enhance your enjoyment of the lake.

Must Have Items For Safe Boating

Posted on September 17, 2014February 14, 2023 Glenn S. Phillips

There are many ways that you can ensure safety as well as enjoyment as a boat operator. It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with safety equipment and consider items that will provide comfort while using your vessel.

Always ensure that you have the valid Certificate of Number while the boat is in use. This will allow you to prove registration and ownership should you be approached by law enforcement.

You should also keep on your boat at least one wearable life jacket for each person on board.

The life jackets must be U.S. Coast Guard-approved, which would be indicated on the label. They also must be the appropriate size and type for each person, and in good condition.

A throwable, such as a life ring or flotation cushion, must be kept on board for vessels 16 feet or longer.

In the case of an emergency, a whistle and an emergency light would be necessary. Emergency lights come in many varieties such as strobe lights that can be attached to the boat, lantern-styles, and utility style for bright, adequate illumination. Distress signals are required for boat use as well. Signals such as an orange distress flag (used by day only), or signal flares.

Another item required to keep on board for safe boating is a fire extinguisher. Although you are surrounded by water, it is still necessary to keep a fire extinguisher handy in case of a fire. Be sure that you have the correct type for your boat, meeting the minimum requirements for the size and type of your vessel.

There are some situations in which you may need to make lots of noise, besides the laughter and fun from passengers on board. In meeting, crossing, or overtaking situations, sound signals are required. This is particularly during times of reduced visibility or while at anchor. You will need to keep at least one sound producing device available, such as a bell, a whistle, air horn, or gong.

To aide in navigation, it is helpful to keep a lake map available for reference. Many boats come equipped with GPS, which is the most convenient way to navigate waters.

But in the absence of GPS, or if it fails for whatever reason, keeping a lake map would ensure efficient navigation. Lake maps also inform of any lake hazards, general configuration, and character of the bottom and will include prominent landmarks and facilities.

Besides safety equipment, there are many things that you can keep on your boat that will ensure comfort and convenience. A VHF Radio would be used for communication and emergency traffic, and an AM-FM radio would be great for your favorite tunes or to catch up on local news.

A compass is a great idea to keep on board, as well. You can purchase a magnetic compass to ensure that your boat is pointed in the right direction at all times.

Be sure to always keep a tow line on board, and that it is an efficient length. 75′ is recommended, by at least 1/2″ thick. A small tool kit and spare parts would come in handy should you ever find yourself in a situation that requires repair.

Waterproof flashlights in various sizes and styles can be purchased as well and would be easy to tuck into a small space out of the way. And don’t forget extra batteries!