With hurricane season 2017 quickly approaching, it’s officially time to make sure your boat can handle the weather woes that may be headed our way: powerful waves, devastating winds, torrential rain and more. Though we all hope for a quiet season, this is one case where the “better safe than sorry” mantra definitely applies. So, what can you do to make sure your boat is shipshape when the next “big one” comes knocking?
How to Prep for Hurricane Season 2017
Call me maybe: Though texting and tweeting may have made actually calling on the phone a rarity, you may want to ring your boat insurer and marina or dock owner to get the lowdown on what you’re covered for in case of a storm. Just as importantly, you can find out what the insurance company expects you to do to prepare for a hurricane. If you don’t do everything expected of you by your insurance company, you may have to foot the bill for repairs after the hurricane wreaks havoc.
Check it out: Just like your pre-departure checklist, you should also create a to-do list of steps to take once a hurricane watch is announced, including the likes of safety equipment to check, legal paperwork to put together and items to stow safely on shore.
If you gotta go, you gotta go: Never–and we mean ever–try to ride out a hurricane in order to keep an eye on your boat. Though you may see your vessel as an extension of the family, the truth is, you should never risk your life for it. Do your best to prepare for the storm and then stay out of its way.
Hurricane season 2017 is coming, and with it, the risk of big storms and major damage. We’ve been mostly lucky in recent years when it comes to hurricanes, but, as we all know, luck can only last so long. Do your due diligence, call your insurance company and marina/dock owner, write up a hurricane season 2017 to-do list and, most of all, get out of the way of the storm or stay safely sheltered if it becomes apparent that you’re in the line of fire. Here’s to a season of safe boating!
There is no question when it comes to boating safety: you either make it a priority or you put yourself and everyone else on the water at risk of injury, boat damage or worse. Though simple tips like keeping fire extinguishers onboard, wearing personal floatation devices and utilizing emergency locator beacons can be literal life savers, should you consider taking boating safety courses?
The Benefits of Taking a Boating Safety Course
We know, we know. You’re probably an experienced boater who feels pretty confident that they know their way around their boat and favorite waterway. You very well may, but there are always blind spots or bad habits that you may not even recognize you’re doing every time you hit the water.
Some of the learning opportunities include:
Environmental Protection: Staying on the right side of environmental protection of your favorite lake, stream, river or shoreline isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s also very often the law. From pollution prevention to low-wake zone awareness, there are small steps you need to know before making a big, negative impact on the environment.
Boat Operation: Though you may feel like you have the hang of operating your vessel, there are some easily overlooked best practices that can help you avoid collisions, run aground or otherwise damage your boat.
Emergency Procedures:From fires to dangerous weather, when you’re facing an emergency on the water, every second counts. A boating safety class can teach you the right procedures in a number of critical situations possible while boating.
Navigation:Even if you know your favorite boating spot like the back of your hand, there are too many variables to go without trip planning and preparation. These classes can teach you the safest ways to plan your next boating trip.
Equipment:Even the safest boaters should know what equipment could save their lives in emergency situations. Ensure that all of your safety equipment is up to the task of keeping you and yours out of danger.
If you’re a new boater, boating safety courses are a no-brainer. Why not start this exciting hobby from a foundation of knowledge and safe practices? For you more grizzled, practiced boaters who haven’t taken a boating safety course, why wouldn’t you want to brush up on your skills? It’s worth it to know that you’re boating as safely as possible, especially if you boat with friends and loved ones. Safety first–fun, a very close second.
Boat lift manufacturer partners with Mazda Road to Indy to ‘lift’ youth in U.S.
FT. PIERCE, Fla. (Feb. 27, 2017) — Hi-Tide Boat Lifts, a leader in the boat lift manufacturing industry, has announced the start of its 2017 ‘Kids on Track’ program, which will ‘lift’ the spirits and inspire the dreams of children throughout the country by providing them with unique access to INDYCAR racing events in the Mazda Road to Indy Presented by Cooper Tires series.
In its third year, Hi-Tide’s Kids on Track program will work with local charity organizations in 10 cities to grant children and their guardians and/or mentors free access to Mazda Road to Indy racing events, behind-the-scenes tours of the racetrack, and an opportunity to meet Mazda Road to Indy drivers and more.
“Mazda is very passionate about motorsports,” said John Doonan, director, Mazda Motorsports. “It means a lot to us that Hi-Tide Boat Lifts shares their passion by bringing children to the race track. Their goal of inspiring kids at Mazda Road to Indy events is something we support and admire.”
Craig Wood, owner of Hi-Tide, has a passion for motorsports and his desire to make a difference in the lives of youth prompted the company to sponsor the South Florida- based Mazda Road to Indy driver Kyle Connery in early 2015. This experience inspired Hi-Tide to sponsor the entire Mazda Road to Indy series and expand the Kids on Track program. In 2016, Hi-Tide partnered with local Big Brother Big Sisters chapters, Ronald McDonald House Charities and other local organizations in various U.S. cities to provide children and their mentors an unforgettable day at the races. The program was able to grant exclusive access to 19 organizations and more than 95 children nationwide.
“Hi-Tide is constantly striving to stay connected and involved within communities across the country, eager to give back in any way we can,” Wood said. “Kids on Track gives us the chance to engage our nation’s youth in a unique experience, with hopes to inspire them to chase their dreams and ‘lift’ their spirits to go above and beyond in their life endeavors.”
Kids on Track kicks-off on March 11, 2017, at the first Mazda Road to Indy race in St. Petersburg, Florida.
About Hi-Tide Boat Lifts:
Hi-Tide Boat Lifts is a pioneer in the boat lift industry, as the first manufacturer to design a product entirely of corrosion-resistant aluminum made specifically for the marine environment. As the leaders and innovators in the boat lift industry, the company also developed a patented Gear Drive gear box, which guarantees years of low-maintenance service. Learn more at: hi-tide.com.
About Mazda, Mazda Motorsports:
Mazda Motorsports boasts the most comprehensive auto racing development ladder system of any auto manufacturer in the world. The Mazda Road to 24 program offers a number of scholarships to advance drivers up the sports car racing ladder, beginning with the Global MX-5 Cup series and culminating with the Mazda Prototype team. The Mazda Road to Indy is a similar program that includes Mazda-powered categories of USF2000, Pro Mazda and Indy Lights. In grassroots road racing, more Mazdas race on any given weekend in North America than any other manufacturer. Mazda is also the title sponsor of the renowned Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, Calif. Follow all of the latest news at MazdaMotorsports.com, @MazdaRacing on Twitter, and MazdaMotorsports on Instagram and Facebook.
The great outdoors is…well–great. The trouble is, human exposure to these often delicate ecosystems can lead to damage, pollution and even full-stop extinctions if not carefully monitored. Your favorite waterway to boat or fish in is no different. For that reason, it is important to know the easy ways you can enjoy eco-friendly boating without sacrificing the fun of getting out on the water with friends and family.
Five Easy Ways to Implement Eco-Friendly Boating Techniques
See the Signs: Many waterways, especially near vulnerable flora and fauna (manatees, seagrass, coral, etc.), will post “no wake” signs that warn boaters to slow their vessels. High-speed boats can cause wakes that damage shorelines and make it more difficult to maneuver around seagrasses and slow-moving wildlife. Just as you should in a car, follow posted speed limits and heed all warning signs.
Don’t Spill:Fuel and oil are both awful for the environment. Though you may be extra careful when filling your oil and fuel tanks on the water, you may not be able to avoid a spill. Add to that, the risk of your engine or tanks leaking these pollutants and you can see why it is so important to report any incidences of oil or gas leaks to the Environmental Protection Agency as soon as possible. If you come across a vessel leaking or dumping pollutants, it is your responsibility to report it as well.
Maintenance and Mess:Always ensure that your engine is up to snuff before hitting the water. It is especially important to check all hoses, which can become brittle after months of exposure to the sun and water.
Trash Troubles:Do your part to ensure that no one on your boat is throwing garbage overboard. It is tempting to simply toss that soda can or potato chip bag into the open water, but this has an immediate and terrible impact on the entire ecosystem, no matter how little the litter.
Overfishing:If you’re new to fishing, you may not realize that there are strict regulations on both saltwater and freshwater fishing to avoid overfishing or the capture of protected species. Follow these rules to stay on the right side of the law and preserve the delicate ecosystem.
If you love boating, you must also love and respect Mother Nature. Do your part every time you hit the water by following waterway speed limits and warnings, reporting oil and fuel spills, maintaining your engine and never littering. As boating and fishing enthusiasts, we are also the guardians of the waters we love spending our time on.
Smart, eco-friendly boating has come a long way since the “save the manatees” days (a campaign that actually accomplished just that). With more awareness, there is no excuse for leaving our waterways worse for future generations of boaters, fishers and anglers.
If there’s one constant in boating, it is options. Onboard vs inboard motors, multihull vs monohull, big boat vs even bigger boat–the list goes on. One of these choices has nothing to do with your vessel itself, but is easily just as important: floating docks vs fixed docks.
For the uninformed, there are two basic types of docks. Fixed docks, which are often wooden platforms supported by wooden pilings driven into the ground below the water, is looked at as the more traditional style. However, floating docks are also available, which only require buoyancy to keep above water and provide a few key benefits you may not know about.
Why Floating Docks May be a Better Option for Your Boating
The biggest benefit of floating docks is their adaptability on the water. As tides rise and fall, so do floating docks. At high tide, fixed docks could face submersion, which is terrible for wear and tear and a big problem if you were hoping to hit the water. Also, the fact that they’re made with plastics and metals chosen for their durability on the water can lead to less maintenance, muss and fuss.
The flexibility of floating docks is also worth noting. Need a small dock? You may only need a couple of platforms. Looking for something bigger? More platforms can be easily added to your project to fit your exact needs.
Though some prefer fixed docks due to the added hang out and party spot they provide when attached to a home, if your given waterway faces big tidal fluctuations, we’d highly suggest going with floating docks.
As always, you should absolutely do your homework and pick only what makes the most sense for your personal boating needs. Whatever floats your boat (or dock), as they say.
If you do decide to go with a floating dock, be sure to see what Hi-Tide can offer with our super stable, aluminum enforced floating docks today.
