Boating is all about sharing experiences on the water. From the joy of taking your child fishing for the first time to a laid back Sunday spent with good friends, boat owners usually love the opportunity to share their passion. However, as generous as boaters are with sharing the joys of boating, that generosity ends right at theft. Though we hate to worry about it, boat security is definitely an important part of keeping your vessel and belongings safe.
Boat Security Systems
Just like your home or car, there are many different boat security systems worth your consideration. Depending on your specific needs, you could choose a:
Local Alarm: This system is the most traditional of security systems. Acting like you might expect a car alarm to, if the sensor is tripped, an audible alarm will sound, alerting all within earshot to the break in.
Remote Alarm: Taking the local alarm a step further, this security system will alert the boat owner remotely (via text, email or call) when the alarm is tripped.
Interactive: If even a remote alarm isn’t enough, there are boat security systems that allow you to remotely activate floodlights, kill engines or even release a deterrent gas into the cabin.
Once deciding the right line of protection for your vessel, do some research and find a model you can trust. Prices can vary widely depending on features and you definitely want to know that what you’re buying isn’t overpriced for your needs or an unreliable waste of money. Regardless of which boat security system you go with, we hope you never have to use it. However, as they say, it’s better to be safe than get your boat stolen.
For more guidance on this very subject, we highly recommend the in-depth boat security article from Boat US, which we used to gather much of the information for this blog post.
Update 9/10/18: Well, here we are again. Hurricane Florence is knocking at the door of the Southeast, and she’s bringing her friends Helene and Isaac, currently brewing off the coast of Africa. Though Florence is the biggest threat to North and South Carolina, all of us should take this recent pop in tropical activity as a wake-up call: hurricane season is not over until the fat lady sings (November 30). So, get prepared, batten down the hatches and double check your hurricane plan now.
Howling winds, torrential rains, flash floods and tornadoes – no, this isn’t a trailer for the latest big disaster movie, but a sample of what hurricane season can bring to our doorsteps. As boaters, the threat of a hurricane hits even closer to home than some others, since storm surge, massive waves and high winds can pose a tremendous threat to our vessels. What should you do to protect your boat this hurricane season? Well, it has a lot to do with being ready long before the winds start blowing.
Securing Your Boat for Hurricane Season 2018
We may already be in the dead of hurricane season, but you still have time to get your prep completed before the next big storm threatens.
Make a Plan Yesterday: One of the biggest errors in judgment when prepping for a hurricane is to wait until one’s breathing down our necks to do so. The time to prepare is not next month, next week or tomorrow – get a plan together today. Figure out if you will keep your vessel on the water or spring for safe storage on land. Update your hurricane checklist, sort out your vessel storage and make sure this plan fits well with your overall hurricane safety plan.
Dock Check:Docks and marinas may be perfectly safe in most normal conditions, but hurricanes are far from the average afternoon thunderstorm. Check in with your marina to see if they recommend or require any action from you to make your vessel storm-ready. You can also ask if there is any insurance protection on docked vessels. Storm-rated floating docks with tall pilings may be a safer alternative to traditional, fixed docks, but are also not 100% guaranteed to keep your boat safe in hurricane-force winds and surf.
Consider Safer Storage:Though boat lifts and floating docks could keep your boat safer than some alternatives, your best bet is to keep your vessel safely out of the churning, destructive wave pool that an incoming hurricane may create. You may be able to rent space in a covered storage facility or anchor down your boat in a safe location using straps.
Be Prepared to Bail:Though it’s nightmare fuel for a boater to even consider this, if you’re forced to pick between your safety or your boat’s safety, we’re going to have to suggest you pick the former. If an oncoming storm is coming too quickly for you to safely store your vessel and get out of Dodge, it’s a far better idea to leave your vessel to the elements and check the damage once the coast is clear. Hopefully, the above prep will help you avoid this scenario, however.
Hurricane season ends in November, meaning we still have quite a few months of sitting on the edge of our seats, waiting on the next big storm to threaten. In the meantime, keep an eye on the tropics, prepare for the worst and know that, if a hurricane has you in its crosshairs, you’re ready for it.
We hate to be bummers, but we have to say it: the sun? Kind of overrated. Don’t get us wrong, we love getting a nice tan and defrosting after colder winter months. However, what you don’t hear about far often enough is just how tough the sun can be on all of us who enjoy spending their days in the great outdoors. If you’ll be spending the last weeks of summer boating and basking in the sun, you need to be protected.
Best Methods of Sun Protection When Boating
Use Sunscreen, and Often: This one is a no-brainer but worth remembering. Sunscreen isn’t the only line of defense against the sun’s dangerous ultraviolet (UV) rays, but it’s an incredibly important one. We recommend using an SPF 50 or higher and reapplying regularly to not only avoid a nasty burn, but also protect your skin from long-term damage and cancer risks. Even some clothing isn’t enough to fully block UV rays, so we recommend getting as much coverage as possible before hitting the water.
Keep an Eye Out for Sunglasses: Since putting sunscreen on your eyes is a bad idea, your first line of optical protection is a good pair of shades. Sunglasses, especially those with polarized lenses, can both protect your eyes and give you added visibility–an important element of safe boating.
UPF-Rated Clothing: Though certain fabrics can block out UV rays better than others, clothing that is rated for its ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) is designed for sun protection. Many sportswear companies provide long-sleeve, breathable shirts, neck gaiters, hats and more for those trying to take extra steps to keep from baking while on their boat.
In combination with the above three tips, staying in the shade of a canopy and enjoying a bit of time below deck can help keep you from getting extra crispy on your next boating trip. Don’t get us wrong, fun in the sun can be a great time. However, you can’t underestimate those destructive UV rays and the less-than-fun results of spending an hour or two too long in them. Stay safe, enjoy the last hurrah of summer and do what you can to stay golden instead of well-done.
When a tornado is on its way, most have the common sense to get out of its way or seek shelter. Unlike hurricanes, the warning period before a tornado strikes is minutes instead of days, leaving people little time to prep and reach safety. As boaters, as much as we fear the wrath of hurricanes, waterspouts, much more akin to quickly-developing tornadoes, are another natural threat that every boater should know about.
What You Need to Know About Waterspouts
Not Quite Tornadoes: Though they may look similar, waterspouts form over water and are usually less intense than tornadoes. That being said, waterspouts can make landfall and develop into tornadoes.
Two Types: There are two distinct varieties of waterspouts: fair-weather and tornadic. Fair-weather waterspouts are more common than the tornadic variety and far less powerful. As you may assume, fair-weather waterspouts can form without intense storms powering them. Tornadic waterspouts, however, can contain winds up to 100mph, making them as strong as an EF1 tornado. These are formed when warm waters meet cooler air and form a vortex.
Safety Suggestions: As we said before, waterspouts are pretty unpredictable, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t warning signs. Keep your radio tuned to NOAA Weather Radio and keep an eye on forecasts to steer clear of any potentially dangerous storms. If you spot a funnel cloud or fully formed waterspout, navigate away from it. Though these natural wonders may be a sight to see, never forget that they can seriously damage your vessel and cause injuries. If you cannot navigate away from the vortex, get yourself and passengers below deck after taking down sails and closing hatches. Once the waterspout has passed, you may put in a mayday call if necessary.
Though the Florida Keys are the hotspot for this extreme weather phenomenon, waterspouts can occur as far north as the Great Lakes. Before you hit the water, check the weather forecast and steer clear of dangerous storms that can spawn tornadoes and waterspouts. Stay safe, watch the skies, and have a great time with the ones you love.
When heading out to your favorite spot to get in some high-quality fishing, many of us like to take a handy checklist. From making sure you pack the right lures and bait to checking the weather and latest fishing reports, this list can grow to something near novel length. We’re sorry, but we have to add to that list. But we promise — it’s worth it.
Fishing Tips to Add to Your Checklist
See the Signs: Most any major waterway will have signs that caution boaters and fishers of regulations or dangers. Heed signs that mark off no-fishing zones, private property and otherwise protected areas. Some common off-limits areas include protected seagrass beds and oyster reefs.
Safety First: Your checklist needs to include the likes of a first aid kit, waterproof baggies or protectors for your cell phone, life vests fitted to each person onboard, flashlights, sunscreen and bug spray if you’re in an area prone to mosquitos.
Stay Hydrated on the Water: Though you’re surrounded by the stuff, don’t forget to bring plenty of water or sports drinks in order to stay hydrated. It’s especially easy in the summer months to not realize just how dehydrated you’re getting in the blazing sun. Also, coffee, soda and alcohol can act as diuretics, so avoid them when trying to rehydrate.
Watch the Weather: Summer brings with it some predictably unpredictable weather patterns, namely, the dreaded afternoon thunderstorms. Though we’d all like to kick back for a full day of fishing and fun, it’s important to keep tabs on worsening weather. The last thing you want is to be caught with your rods up when the lightning starts.
Read the Regulations: The most fun part of fishing? The regulations, of course. OK, we know rules and regulations can be a bit of a downer when you’re just trying to hit the water and have some fun. However, understanding catch-and-release rules, bag and length standards and other regulations (for both freshwater and saltwater fishing) can help keep you out of trouble with local authorities.
By looking out for posted signs, bringing safety equipment, staying hydrated, watching for approaching storms and reading your local fishing regulations, you can have a trouble-free time on the water. So grab your bait, pack a lunch and complete your checklist — you have a summer full of fishing to do. We’ll see you on the water.
