Tag: lake boating

5 Must-Have Boating Accessories

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Boatsmart

As the weather is getting warmer, now is a great time to take advantage of the summer sun. Whether you own a boat or opt for a boat club membership, getting out on the water is a perfect way to spend the day. But before setting sail, it’s important to make sure you have all the necessary assets aboard. Today, we’re covering the five most important boating accessories!

First Aid Kit

Photo courtesy of Yachting Pages

When you’re spending the day water skiing, tubing, and swimming, injuries are bound to happen on occasion. And when you’re far from the bathroom cabinet of your lake home, it’s essential to have a first aid kit on board. A few must-have components include bandages (of a variety of sizes), antiseptic, Neosporin, and pain relievers. Additionally, you may need a few extra marine-specific things like sunscreen, motion sickness medication, and aloe vera. Especially in the summer, sun protection is of utmost importance.

Personal Flotation Devices

Photo courtesy of Cabinlife.com

Also called PFDs for shorthand, personal flotation devices are an umbrella term that encompasses both life jackets and throwable devices. PFDs fall under five different classifications depending on your boat and water. For instance, Type I (offshore vests) have a higher minimum buoyancy for rough, remote waters while Type II (near shore vests — the most common at lake homes) are suited for more manageable lake waters. By law, there must be enough PFDs for every passenger on board a boat. As such, these are absolutely essential on board.

Proper Documentation

Photo courtesy of TakeMeFishing.org

Just like you keep your car registration paperwork in the glove compartment of a car, it’s a good idea to keep papers in your boat as well. Between the registration papers, the correct decal stickers, and your boating license, it’s important to make sure every documentation that is required by the state and local authorities is accounted for. As a good rule of thumb — the pouch that holds your boating documents should stay separate from other plastic bags on board that hold cameras, phones, and other technology items.

Signaling Devices

Photo courtesy of DiscoverBoating.com

In case of an emergency, it’s important to keep the right signaling devices on board. For boats smaller than 16 feet, you only need a distress signal between sunset and sunrise, so you’ll only need a signal when you’re boating at night. Other exceptions to this rule include boats involved in racing, manually propelled boats, or small sailboats without propulsion machinery. Otherwise, if your boat is larger than 16 feet, be aware that you’ll need a combination of floating smoke signals/flares and a distress flag. Not sure what you need? You can always consult a local boating supply store in your lake area.

Docking Equipment

Photo courtesy of Boatasy

Even if you’re planning on an “out and back” trip home, it’s important to bring docking equipment on board. You never know if you’ll want to dock for lunch, or if you’ll need to pull over in case of an emergency. First, you’ll need at least two fenders as buffers between the boat and the dock. Additionally, it’s not a bad idea to carry an anchor on board as well. Of course, don’t forget ropes for tying your boat. For more detailed tips on tying up your boat, check out this instructional video from BoatUS.

Wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable day out on the water!

Boat Lingo: Boat Terminology 101

Posted on Camille Smith

One of the best parts about living on a lake is the opportunity to sail or go boating. Especially as the weather is getting warmer, more people will be enjoying the fresh air and sun while out on the water. Whether you’re new to boating or you’re a seasoned sailor, we all can share the common nautical language. That language is different from the terms we use on dry land. Boating jargon can undoubtedly be confusing (what does starboard mean anyway?) but no need to worry. We’re here to help you out with the basics of boat lingo. Not only is it a necessary, common language shared among boaters — it’s also fun. We’ll cover several standard boating terms, their meaning, and history. Whether it’s directions, parts of the boat, or other nautical terms, you’ll be talking like a real sailor in no time!

Port and Starboard

Photo courtesy of Pexels from Pixabay

Port and starboard refer to the right and left sides of a boat, with port, meaning the left side, and starboard, describing the right side. At first, it may seem silly to introduce new words in place of pre-established terms — why not just call it right and left? It’s because the words right and left are subjective to position, and they’re different depending on where a person is standing on a boat. On the other hand, port and starboard refer to fixed locations and will be standard no matter which way your crew is facing. 

But why the names port and starboard? In the early days of sailing, the steering oar was located on the right side of the boat since most sailors were right-handed. The steering side fuses two old English words, steor (steer) and board (side of the boat). Eventually, this was shortened to starboard. On the side of the boat opposite the steering wheel, sailors would load shipments. Since the loading side faced the port, the term port became shorthand for the left side of the boat. And if you have trouble remembering which is which, remember this simple trick — ‘port’ and ‘left’ both have four letters. 

Stern and Bow

Photo courtesy of Monica Volpin from Pixabay

Just as the terms right and left have been tossed out of the porthole (window) when it comes to proper boating lingo, front and back are history as well. Instead, stern refers to the back of the boat, while bow refers to the front. When moving towards the bow of the boat, sailors use the term forward while aft refers to moving towards the stern. If that’s not perplexing enough, you can also use combined terms like starboard-bow to refer to the front right of the boat, just as you might use the word “northeast” when giving directions for a car.

Tacking and Jibing

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Tacking and jibing (gybing) are both sailing maneuvers that involve turning the boat’s bow towards the wind, so the wind changes from one side of the ship to the other. While tacking refers to turning your boat against the wind, jibing means turning your boat directly into the wind. As the idiom “may the wind be at your back” implies, tacking is the most common technique to create smooth sailing. Jibing is less common and used when the destination is downwind on the opposite tack. That said, you might not hear sailors use the word “downwind” to describe this direction — the name leeward refers to downwind, while windward refers to upwind (the direction from which the wind is blowing). 

Mainsail and Headsail

Not every sailboat has the same number of sails, but most boats have at least one headsail (head-sill) and one mainsail (main-sill). Both sails are attached to the central pole or mast, while a system of ropes, chains, and cables called the rigging holds up the mast. The difference between the two sails lies in their function and positioning on the sailboat. 

The mainsail is located behind the mast. It is attached to both the mast and the boom. The boom is a pole attached to the bottom of the mainsail perpendicular to the mast, which improves control. Its purpose is to control the ship’s stern. 

By contrast, the headsail controls the bow and increases speed. As any sailor knows, the wind is entirely unpredictable. As such, extra sails like spinnakers (spin-acres) and storm sails help sailors prepare for the unknown. 

Of course, this is not a comprehensive list of terms. This beginner’s shortlist is only a starting point to the full world of sailing jargon. Just as you would when learning any new language, the key is practice. So get aboard your boat, hoist the mainsail, and enjoy the open waters! 

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A Beginners Guide to Sailing – Sailboat Terminology

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

If you are ready to take on the wonderful and relaxing world of sailing, then you will need to learn a few things. Here you will learn the most used terminology that you will hear and soon be using yourself.

Boating Terms

  • SailboatAbeam: This means something lies at the right angle from the boat. Example: The buoy is abeam from us.
  • Aft: The portion of the vessel behind the middle area of the vessel
  • Ahead: This means in front of the boat. Example: The land is ahead.
  • Astern: This means behind the boat. Example: The competition is astern.
  • Beam: This is the widest part of your boat. Example: The boat’s length is 50′, but the beam is 14′.
  • Boom: This is the horizontal pole that extends from the bottom of the boat’s mast.
  • Bow: This is the front of the boat.
  • Crew: These are all those who participate in operating the boat.
  • Forward: This is toward the bow.
  • Freeboard: This is the height of your deck above the water.
  • Helmsman: (also called helmsperson) This is the one that steers the boat.
  • Lee and Leeward: (Pronouncing: “lee” and “loo ward”) This is downwind.
  • Port: 1 – This is the left side when you are looking forward. 2 – This is a window in the side of your boat. 3 – Location where boats and ships dock.
  • Rudder: This is beneath your boat. It is a flat piece of wood, metal, or fiberglass that is used to steer it.
  • Running Rigging: This is all of the lines that control any part of your sails, which includes the sheets, outhaul, and halyards.
  • Skipper: This is the person who is in charge.
  • Standing Rigging: This is all of the wires or the cables that hold up the mast.
  • Starboard: This is the right side of the boat when you face forward.
  • Windward: This is towards the wind.

Sailing Tips for Beginners

Now that you are aware of the typical terms used while sailing, here is a list of tips to help you when you are a beginner.

  • Choose un-crowded and calm water when you are beginning.
  • Pick a smaller boat.
  • Use a boat rigged with one sail to start.
  • Follow all sailing basics for the safety of you and your passengers.
  • Research the wind, tide, and weather conditions.
  • Get familiar with the control of the sails.
  • Capsize to ensure you know how to manage should it happen for real.
  • Show respect to the boom.
  • Memorize the terms.
  • Practice as much as possible.

Learning to sail is very exciting, but make sure to take all rules, regulations, and safety information very seriously!

Boating 101: 15 Essential Items for Your Day on the Lake

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

BoatingEveryone loves to go boating, but some forget to pack important items needed for the trip. This information has been compiled in order to help you stay on track with your boating venture. There is nothing worse than packing everyone up and arriving to your destination to not be able to have the most fun because you forgot something.

Here is a list of 15 items that are essential in almost any of your boat outings!

#1: Boat Registration

This is important to have before the boat touches the water. It is a requirement in order to operate the vessel.

#2: Camera

Make sure to take a waterproof camera to ensure you can capture the memories.

#3: Marine Radio or Waterproof Cell Phone

This is important for your safety should you become stranded.

#4: Clothes

Just in case an emergency should happen and you are stranded, you may need to take clothing (protected by plastic) to change into should your clothes become wet.

#5: Cooler

If you are going to go fishing, then you will need a cooler for the fish. You will also need a cooler for you drinks or your food.

#6: First Aid Kit

Face it, accidents happens. It is important to have a first aid kit with you for the safety of you and those with you.

#7: Fire Extinguisher

This is self-explanatory. If your engine catches fire, you will most likely want to put it out!

#8: Fishing License

You will need your license on you if you plan on doing some fishing (unless it is private property and you own the lake).

#9: Hand Sanitizer and Wipes

You will be handling a lot of things that hold bacteria. It is important to take wipes and hand sanitizer with you on your trip.

#10: Repellent

Most times it is important to take insect repellent to keep bugs off of you . You are in nature, it will happen.

#11: Food and Beverages

Take food and beverages with you, you never know when you’ll want a snack.

#12: Personal Floatation Devices – PFDs

You will need to make sure each passenger has a PFD for safety. This is a must.

#13: Visual Distress Signals

This is important to have if you are far away from land and your radio is not responsive. This will alert people to your location and that you need help.

#14: Map and Compass

Just in case you venture too far out on the water, you will need to be able to work your way back to land. The map and compass will allow you to stay in control of where you are.

#15: Sunscreen

You will be outdoors, and the reflection of the sun’s rays off of the water can quicken the effect of sunburn.

Make sure that all of these items are packed before you leave for a boat outing. It is suggested to make a list of everything you need to take and everything you want to take to ensure you leave nothing behind, especially anything that is listed here.

What Type of Boat Fits Your Lifestyle?

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

Picking out a boat does not have to be a difficult process, you just need to know what you plan on using it for.

A boat will give your family many fun times and great memories on the lake. However, in order to do this, you have to choose what type of boat best fits your needs.

pontoon boat at sunset what boat type is best for youPontoon Boats

A pontoon boat is considered to be flotation device that can hold a large weighted load. It includes a flat surface unlike other boats and relies on pontoons to float. This boat is almost like a boat and raft hybrid.

Many people treat this as a floating patio due to the flat surface and the overhead roof. They barbeque and enjoy the day in the water.

Pontoons are great for families in all age ranges and make for a relaxing day out on the lake!

Bass Boats

Bass boats are a great way to go fishing in style. They are smaller than a pontoon boat and are designed for fishing and built for speed.

These typically only seat 2-3 people so you will have to plan your outings with just a couple of friends or maybe you and your two kids. Generally these boats are purchased for fresh water lakes and features swivel chairs, storage bins, and livewells for your catch.

You can store life preservers inside the boat, as well as fishing tackle and more. This is great (and obvious) choice if fishing is your priority.

Wake Boats

This specific boat is designed to offer a large shaped wake for wakeboarders to jump and launch from. The wakeboard is a V-drive boat which means that they are an inboard boat, which includes a rear-facing engine.

This type of engine is used in order to keep the weight placed towards the back of the boat. Another feature of this boat that is standard is a wakeboard tower. The tower is typically used to elevate the pulling position of ropes that allow the rider to launch and stay in the air much longer.

These boats are perfect for those who love to ski, wakeboard, or even wakesurf!

Canoe

CanoeThis boat is perfect for the minimalist. It is a lightweight narrow designed boat that seats 1-3 people. There are no motors here; canoes are propelled manually by the occupants using paddles.

They are used for many purposes that include racing, touring, camping, and whitewater canoeing. They are made of different woods and can vary in size depending on your needs.

Choosing a boat is all about determining what activities you plan to do on the lake. If you only plan to fish, then having a bass boat may be a great idea. However, if you plan on visiting with family, fishing, and swimming, then the pontoon boat may be the way to go.

No matter which boat you decide on, do your research before you buy. Then, and this is most important, be safe and have fun on the lake!

How to Store & Maintain Your Personal Flotation Devices

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips
Life jackets laying on lake deck how to properly store personal flotation devices

One of the best safety measures that you can rely on while out on the water is the use of personal flotation devices (PFDs).

A personal flotation device, also referred to as a life jacket or life preserver, is a piece of equipment designed to assist a wearer, who may be either conscious or unconscious, to keep afloat.

In case you’re wondering, you can check your state’s PFD requirements here.

The bottom line is that PFD’s save lives. But, these devices will only work as they should if they are maintained and stored properly between uses.

Here are a few tips on how to store and maintain your personal flotation devices to be sure they’re always ready to go at a moment’s notice.

Cleaning Your Personal Flotation Device

Cleaning products
Photo courtesy of Pexels.

To keep PFDs clean, all you need to do is wipe them down with a solution of mild soap and warm water and then rinse thoroughly.  When cleaning stains from life jackets, use a stiff-bristled brush to gently scrub them away, but avoid using bleach, solvents, or other stain removers. The strong chemicals in these products can break down the materials PFDs are made from, thereby compromising their integrity. When exposed to saltwater, a quick rinse is needed to remove residue before allowing your device to dry.

After washing your PFD, hang it up in the open air away from direct sunlight and leave it there to dry thoroughly before storing it. Never place it in the dryer or near a heat source, as this could cause the vinyl or plastic components to warp or crack. Personal flotation devices should never be dry cleaned.

Inspecting Your Flotation Device

Kid inspecting life jacket
Photo courtesy of Pexels.

Flotation devices should be inspected on a regular basis, preferably before each use. Some of the things you should look for include:

  • Broken or damaged hardware
  • Ripped, torn, or missing webbing
  • Webbing that has become unattached
  • Mold or mildew
  • Rotted material
  • Large rips or tears
  • Oil spills, as this could affect buoyancy

Inflatable vests should also be inspected for:

  • Bobbins and pins that aren’t operating properly
  • Evidence of any corrosion on the CO2 cartridges
  • Nozzles that have not been punctured by the firing needle

It is also a good idea to manually inflate vests from time to time in order to check for leaks. Allow them to remain inflated overnight to be sure they are working properly, and repair or discard any that are not holding air as they should.

Storing PFDs

Storing lifejackets personal flotation device on boat
Photo courtesy of The Hull Truth.

Boating laws typically require that PFD’s are readily accessible to all passengers onboard a vessel.  Make sure that your PFDs are actually taken out of the plastic wrapper they came in prior to use. The U.S. Coast Guard does not consider these devices to be ‘readily accessible’ if they must be unwrapped first. In addition, you must generally carry a throwable device onboard all watercraft that is 16 feet in length or longer.

When you’re not on the water, you should store flotation devices in a cool dry area with adequate ventilation. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, as UV rays could prove harmful to them. Hang them up whenever possible rather than placing them on a shelf or the bottom of a locker. If hanging them up isn’t possible, make sure heavy objects are not placed on top of them, as this can also cause damage.

Personal flotation devices play an important part in keeping you safe on the water. Although it might seem trivial, properly cleaning, inspecting, and storing your PFD’s will go a long way to make absolutely sure that they are functional and in good working order for when you need them.