Best of Boating

Ohio DNR Recommends Frequent Boat Cleaning to Control Zebra Mussels

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is recommending that boat owners frequently take their boats out of the water and thoroughly clean the boat hull to control evasive species like Zebra mussels.

Zebra mussels frequently attach themselves to boat hulls, but any part of a boat that comes into contact with waters infested with these mollusks is capable of retaining zebra mussels, according to the ODNR.

The mussels will not damage boat hulls, but heavy encrustation will slow speed, impair handling capability, and reduce your boat's fuel economy.  Zebra mussel colonies can also clog intake systems for water and power plants, cover and sink navigation buoys, and create maintenance problems for docks. The Zebra mussels are not naturally occurring species of Ohio's waterways.

According to the Chaparral Boat Owner's Manual, leaving a fiberglass boat hull in the water for a prolonged period of time can also cause gelcoat blistering and void the boat's hull warranty, which is another good reason to frequently maintain your boat hull.

For more information, visit www.dnr.state.oh.us.

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BoatUS promotes PFD safety for kids with free online videos

ALEXANDRIA, VA - Summer will soon be here and for many parents, this may be the first time your family goes boating. To make sure everyone is ready, the non-profit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water has three free online resources to make sure the kids are safe:

25 Years Later Sea Tow is the AAA of the Water

By Courtney Hutton

Boating safety concern has risen significantly since the recent boating tragedy in Florida that involved two NFL players and two of their friends.

On the water, even small problems can turn into emergency situations if you're not prepared. That's where Sea Tow comes in. Sea Tow is an on-water assistance service that is available to any type of boater in every type of water.

You have probably seen the Sea Tow decals on some boats or even the big yellow on-duty company boats roaming your neighborhood waters. If you don't know what Sea Tow is about or have always been curious, you should definitely look into it. It is not just a towing company.

Boating magazine compares Jet-Drive to Sterndrive

By Erin Shaughnessy

The popularity of jet-drive boats is impossible to ignore.  Not only is a jet-drive boat the best-selling boat in the 23-foot category,  but that very same model (the Yamaha AR230 High Output) was named Boat of the Year by Boating magazine.

 

In the most recent issue of Boating magazine, writer Charles Plueddeman compares the Yamaha 232 Limited with the Regal 2200 to see how a jet-drive boat compares to a sterndrive. The results are in favor of the 232 Limited, shedding more light on why jet-drives are topping sales reports.

 

First of all, the Yamaha 232 Limited is $14,000 less than the comparable Regal model, and the Yamaha comes with a head compartment.  According to the writer, the materials that Yamaha uses are first rate and the finish is excellent.  The cost saving comes from the high volume of boats Yamaha produces and the standardization of parts.  And as for power, Plueddeman reports the Yamaha 232 Limited turned tighter and out-accelerated the Regal 2200 by a substantial margin.  And then there is the jet-drive itself.  A jet-drive does not have an exposed propeller.  Moms love that, according the the writer.

 

We don't want to steal too much of Boating magazine's thunder, so you'll have to buy the December issue to read the full article.  The bottom line is...  If you are considering a new boat purchase, a jet-drive boat like the Yamaha 232 Limited should be on your must-see list before signing the dotted line.

A New Boat Too Expensive? Think Again

Owning a new boat or Waverunner may not be as expensive as it seems when compared to other forms of family recreation.  Discoverboating.com offers an interesting interactive comparison chart that is quite an eye opener.  Check it out.

Boating 101: Winterizing Checklist

Your first step in winterizing should be to make a checklist of all items that need to be accomplished. Check the owner's manual of your boat and motor for manufacturer's recommendations on winterization. If you are a new boat owner, perhaps you should employ the assistance of a friend with experience in winterizing or hire a professional to do the job. The following is a generic outline of areas which should be of concern to you, however, there are many resources on the Internet with more detailed and specific information.

Engine
Run the engine to warm it up and change the oil while it is warm. Change the oil filter and flush the engine with fresh water. Circulate antifreeze through the manifold by using a pickup hose from the waterpump to a bucket of antifreeze. Start the engine and allow the antifreeze to circulate until water starts to exit the exhaust. Change the fluid in your transmission, remove spark plugs and use "fogging oil" to spray into each cylinder. Wipe down the engine with a little fogging oil or WD-40.

Fuel
Fill your fuel tank to avoid a build up of condensation over the winter months. Add a fuel stabilizer by following the instructions on the product. Change the fuel filter and water separator.

Bilges
Make sure the bilges are clean and dry. Use soap, hot water and a stiff brush to clean up any oil spills. Once the bilges are clean, spray with a moisture displacing lubricant and add a little antifreeze.

Fresh Water System
Completely drain the fresh water tank and hot water heater. Isolate the hot water heater by disconnecting the in and out lines and connect them together. Pump non-toxic antifreeze into the system and turn on all the facets until you see the antifreeze coming out. Also put non-toxic antifreeze in the water heater.

Head
Pump out the holding tank at an approved facility. While pumping, add fresh water to the bowl and flush several times. Use Vanish crystals or whatever your owner's manual recommends and let sit for a few minutes. Again add fresh water and pump out. Add antifreeze and pump through hoses, holding tank, y-valve, macerator and discharge hose. Again, check your owners manual to make sure that an alcohol-based antifreeze won't damage your system.

Interior
Once you have taken care of the system you should remove any valuables, electronics, lines, PFD, fire extinguishers, flares, fenders, etc. Open all drawers and lockers and clean thoroughly. Turn cushions up on edge so that air is able to circulate around them or move to a climate controlled area. Open and clean the refrigerator and freezer. You might want to install a dehumidifier or use an odor and moisture absorber product such as "Damp Away".

Out of Water Storage
Pressure wash hull, clean barnacles off props and shafts, rudders, struts and trim tabs. Clean all thru-hulls and strainers. Open seacocks to allow any water to drain. Check the hull for blisters and if you find any that should be attended to you might want to open them to drain over the winter. It is best to take the batteries out of the boat and either put them on a trickle charger or charge them every 30-60 days.

In Water Storage
Close all seacocks, check rudder shafts and stuffing boxes for leaks, tighten or repack as necessary. Check battery to make sure it's fully charged, clean terminals, add water if necessary and make sure charging system is working. Check bilge pumps to ensure they are working and that float switches properly activate the pumps and are not hindered by debris. Make sure you or the marina check your boat periodically. If in an area where the water actually freezes, have a de-icing device or bubbling system around your boat.

By following some of the above suggestions, you should be in good shape for the winter. Remember to consult your owner's manuals for manufacturer's recommendations on winterizing. If you have not done a winterization job before, seek out a friend or professional to do the job for you.

Boating 101: Boating with Pets

Many of us take our canine friends along for the boat ride. Be sure to follow a few common sense guidelines:

While on the boat, make sure your dog is under constant supervision, especially while the boat is moving. If your puppy or dog is a newcomer to the boat and to the water, take things slowly to allow your pet to adjust to the movement of the boat and to the noise of the engines. If your pet is nervous or scared while on board, you may want to consider leaving him behind next time. Not every dog will enjoy being on a boat.

No matter what size your dog, consider using a Personal (Pet) Flotation Device. Quite a few companies make them in varying sizes and specifications. It is important to properly size your dog, so bring him along when you purchase this safety item.

I know what some of you Labrador owners are thinking, "A PFD, for my dog?" My response is yes. No matter how good a swimmer your dog may be, a PFD can come in handy when a dog does not realize his true swimming limitations or accidentally falls overboard. Keep in mind that most, if not all PFDs for pets are designed with a convenient handle on top that aids in lifting your dog out of the water.

Another safety consideration on the boat is your dog's footing. Remember, your dog is not wearing boat shoes, so a fiberglass boat can be challenging, especially when wet. Provide better footing with a piece of carpet or a rubber mat. Also, a boat's surface can get quite hot on a dog's footpads, so check the deck's temperature often.

Always have a shaded area for your dog to retreat to. This is especially important for those daylong trips when the sun and temperature can become overwhelming. You can help protect your dog's eyes by providing a pair of specially made dog sunglasses, if your dog will tolerate wearing them.

All dogs should have a collar with a legible ID tag and for ultimate backup, be microchipped. Remember to bring plenty of fresh water and a bowl along. There is never anything good about your dog drinking too much salty water while playing in the surf.

For those of you who venture out to islands, be alert for your dog's health out there as well. The beaches and shallow waters can contain sharp objects from normal marine debris to the man-made variety. Monitor your pet at all times while in the surf and on the beaches. Otherwise, your dog may bring back to you an unhappy hermit crab. Of course, be a responsible and courteous dog owner.

While enjoying the water and the waves with your dog, make sure he does not exhaust himself with swimming and chasing the surf. Remember, your dog does not realize that he has limitations and any dog can stay too long in the water, so be ready to set a time limit. Also, try to limit swimming during those times when the jellyfish are in large numbers. They will sting your dog just like they will sting you.

Another obvious danger of being on any boat is the hazard of fishing gear. Be sure to keep all hooks and bait far away from the mouth of your curious dog. Otherwise, you'll have one terrible trip home as the treble hook sways from your dog's lower lip. Unfortunately, I see this occur way too often. You can try to cut the hook out or at least lighten the weight. Just remember the barb usually doesn't come out but in one direction.

Please enjoy the beautiful days ahead out on the water with your favorite canine companion, but do it with care and common sense. Always rinse or bathe your dog when you arrive back home to cleanse the coat, especially if he was in salt water. You may want to get some more helpful information on all forms of boating with your dog. If so, go to BoatUS.com/pets, for tips on boating safely with your dog.

Boating 101: Towing & Trailering

Trailering can add new dimensions to the sense of freedom that comes with boating. With a trailerable boat, you're free to boat just about anywhere. It's a great way to explore different waterways. Using a boat trailer is also the most affordable way to store a boat. These boating safety tips can help you learn all about towing and boat trailer maintenance.

Look for Certified Trailers
The NMMA has developed a certification program to help boat trailer manufacturers comply with established industry standards and federal safety regulations, and to help inform the public of such compliance when purchasing trailers. Trailers are certified in the areas of plates, capacity ratings, couplings, safety chains, lighting, winches, brakes, registration procedures, and conspicuity systems. A manufacturer participating in this program must certify all models as fitted with all factory supplied equipment on a model year basis.

Getting Started
If you've never trailered a boat, there are several things you need to consider. First is the towing capacity of your car, truck or SUV. You can find this information in your vehicle's owner's manual. Most standard pick-up trucks and SUVs can trailer boats up to 25 feet, but again, consult your vehicle owner's manual for limitations.

Weighing In
Your boat's owner's manual will list the "dry weight" of your boat. That's the weight of the boat, less fuel and gear. Make sure when you're assessing your vehicle's towing capacity;http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif you add several hundred pounds to account for those extras.

Muscle Power
As the weight, length and width (beam) of a given boat increase, so does the muscle power needed to launch and retrieve it. Don't be afraid to ask for help at the ramp if you need it. Trailer boaters are always happy to help.

Consult Your State Laws
Towing laws vary somewhat from state to state and often are based on weight and beam.

Boat Trailer Maintenance
Trailer hubs and lights get dunked twice every time you go boating. Do an occasional inspection by popping off the cap with a screwdriver. If the bearings are dry, add grease. Conduct routine maintenance by having someone occasionally stand behind your trailer and make sure the brake lights, taillights and turn signals are in good working order. A thorough freshwater wash down of your trailer after each use will extend the life of your hubs and lights.

For more information visit Discover Boating.

Boating 101: Eco-Friendly Boating

Even with the new technology, the cooperation of individual boaters is essential in the effort to improve air quality and prevent pollution. Boaters can make a difference that will help protect the environment now and in the future by adopting the following practices compiled by the Environmental Protection Agency:

• Limit engine operation at full throttle.
• Eliminate unnecessary idling.
• Avoid spilling gasoline.
• Use a gasoline container you can handle easily and hold securely.
• Pour slowly and smoothly.
• Use a funnel or a spout with an automatic stop device to prevent overfilling the gas tank.
• Close the vent on portable gas tanks when the engine is not in use or when the tank is stored.
• Transport and store gasoline out of direct sunlight in a cool, dry place.
• Use caution when pumping gasoline into a container at the gas station.
• Carefully measure the proper amounts of gasoline and oil when refueling.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule.
• Prepare engines properly for winter storage.
• Buy new, cleaner marine engines.
• By combining these strategies, boaters can reduce pollution from marine engines and help improve air quality across the nation and protect public health.

Boating 101: Cold Water Boating

The dawn of spring is a celebration for everyone who loves the outdoors, especially boaters. However, even with warm air, early spring hangs on to chilly water. Avoid any mishaps those first weeks on the water by following some easy cold water tips.

• Prepare your boat for the water again. Plan ahead to check the condition of your boat and its equipment before you head out. (See our spring start-up checklist.)

• Check the latest weather forecast. Prepare for the possibility of encountering bad weather. This is true for every boat outing, but early spring can bring strong wind and waves or high fast-moving water with bad weather.

• File a float plan. Tell family or friends the general area you plan to boat, who you are taking with you, when you are leaving, and when you plan to return. Include details about your boat or watercraft, such as registration number.

• Dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature. Even though the days are warm, the water stays much cooler, much longer. One of the major causes of boating fatalities is hypothermia, the rapid reduction of body temperature, which occurs when boaters fall into cold water. Consider wearing a wet suit under your layers, but definitely layer up.

• Do not overload. An overloaded boat sits lower in the water, which increased the chances of flooding or capsizing. Do not exceed the carrying capacity in passengers or gear. Keep as much weight as possible in the middle of the boat and limit your load to essential items.

• Always wear a life jacket. Not only do PFDs keep you afloat, they also provide excellent insulation against cold, wind and rain. Most state laws require that all watercraft be equipped with a Coast Guard-approved PFD fro each person on board.

• Keep a proper lookout. Always be aware of your surroundings before changing course or speed.

• Boat sober. Alcohol affects balance, vision, judgment, and coordination—which are all required for safe boating. When combined with sun, wind, noise, vibration and motion, alcohol can impair a person on water much faster than on land.

• Operate at a safe speed. Boats don’t have brakes, so heeding to this general navigation rule can avoid most collision problems.