It’d be fair to call our team at Hi-Tide perfectionists. Sure, we love kicking back and cruising or fishing on a lazy Sunday with the best of them, but when it comes to our business, we are deadly serious. It’s that kind of passion that has helped Hi-Tide succeed in our market and build trust. If we created a boat lift without the confidence that it could take a licking, we wouldn’t want to use them and we wouldn’t want you to either.
Boat lifts are in charge of holding your prized possession until you’re ready to embark on another boating adventure, and because of that important job, require perfection in manufacturing. Speaking to Carlos Quinones, president of Hi-Tide, we share a bit of behind-the-scenes magic that shows just what it takes to craft a boat lift worth trusting, and why cutting corners is a big no-no.
Building Boat Lifts | A QnA with Carlos Quinones
What is the turnaround time a customer can expect for most lifts to be ready for installation?
Hi-Tide features the quickest floor-to-shore service in the boat lift industry. That means that, generally, we can have a lift ready for delivery or pick up in a day. However, if you need a special favor, sometimes in as little as few hours! We can deliver these quick turnaround times by, first and foremost, operating the largest boat lift facility in the business. This allows us to work with an unsurpassed stock of inventory that is ready at all times, which, in turn, allows for the unparalleled responsiveness we so like to brag about.
What are the main steps of the production process?
Our production facility houses seven departments, including the Saw Room, Welding, Mill Room, Packing, Rigging, Electrical, Assembly, each playing very different but equally vital roles in our production process.
Where do you feel that others cut corners? Why does Hi-Tide prefer to take the time to get it right?
Our elite speed is created solely by our commitment to inventory. While Hi-Tide enjoys supporting the industry’s best-backed warranty, it has become increasingly important to create user awareness regarding this commitment to our customers. It’s one thing to provide lip service regarding the ability to stand behind ones product but it is our unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction that ensures, creates and allows our customers to get the best product and support. This underscores the necessity to maintain our commitment to excellence in the manufacturing process. There are no shortcuts or corner cutting at Hi-Tide; we prefer to round those corners!
Why is it risky to rush the manufacturing process?
While the industry demands speed in manufacturing, our primary focus remains on user safety and providing the most reliable boat lift in the industry. This core focus ensures our strict commitment to never sacrifice any procedure or process to hurry the manufacturing process, which could easily result in a dangerous situation in the field. After all, we are not building toys. We are lifting them above the water.
How has Irma affected the business/production process?
While tropical storms and hurricanes have devastating effects on coastal communities, they also create a demand in the recovery process for the boat lift industry by way of repairs and or replacements. This results in a ramp up in available parts in order to keep up with the demand as boaters move on to dock, seawalls, and boat lift repairs. Hi-Tide is always ready for whatever Mother Nature throws our way and what the industry may demand in the rebuilding process.
Though boating is good fun and often associated with a perfect way to get in some rest and relaxation, boat lifts are serious business. Knowing that our lifts are trusted by thousands to keep their vessels (and selves) safe when hitting the water is all the motivation we need to keep up the highest standards of safety and quality. Through never rushing the process, keeping up our stock, and reaping the benefits of the biggest boat lift facility in the business, you can rest assured our boat lifts are always “rounding those corners.”
When the heat rises and sunlight stretches longer into the evening hours, there is nothing like getting in a bit of lake swimming to cool off and provide a great excuse to break out the boat for another season of fun. But like boating and swimming anywhere, boating on Texas’ many lakes presents dangers that everyone should be aware of before taking a dip. Even if you’re an experienced boater who has frequented a favorite watering hole, review these lake swimming and boating safety tips before your next trip to make sure you’re enjoying the water responsibly.
Lake Swimming and Boating Safety Tips
Weather Check: Sometimes, lake boaters can be lulled into a false sense of security since they’re not concerned with the rough waves and vastness of the ocean if a bad storm were to roll in. Some think they’d have ample time to make it back to shore and to safety before a thunderstorm were to roll in. Unfortunately, thunderstorms can develop surprisingly quickly and unexpectedly in warmer months, bringing with them dangerous downpours, winds and lightning. Check the weather the day before your trip, and then one last time before heading out in order to make sure the coast is clear.
Animal Awareness: Something to always remember when swimming in a lake is that this is not your backyard swimming pool. Lakes are home to a number of creatures that can do you harm if you’re not vigilant. Snakes, alligators and snapping turtles can all be dangerous. Be sure to learn what animals inhabit your favorite lake and keep an eye on your surroundings at all times.
Emergency Preparedness: Ensure that all safety equipment is fully stocked, checked and in-date. As always, there should be a Coast Guard approved Personal Floatation Device (PFD) available for every person onboard, which should be worn at all times. Make sure that PFDs fit, especially on children, who will need a parent or guardian to secure their correctly sized vest properly. According to a Children’s Health, 80% of drowning deaths in boating accidents involved people not wearing PFDs, so this is incredibly important. Additionally, everything from fire extinguishers to flashlights should be double checked and first aid kit supplies should be restocked.
Swimming Safety: Never swim at night. Nocturnal predators may be more active and swimmers will have little to no visibility after dark, meaning increased danger. It is also very important to keep close watch of all swimmers, especially children. If there is an emergency and a swimmer is struggling in the water, throw them a flotation device or a pole to grab hold of instead of jumping in yourself. There have been many unfortunate cases of people intending to help a drowning person becoming victims themselves in the panic.
Lake swimming and boating in Texas can be great fun for the whole family as long as it’s done safely. If you check the weather, gain a knowledge of the wildlife, prep for emergencies and swim safely, you and yours can make a splash all spring and summer long. Stay safe, and as always, we’ll see you on the water
Already well into the first quarter of 2018, you may be revving up for a spring and summer season full of beach trips and boating fun. As an industry and culture, we love to think about what’s around the bend for boating. Gazing into the near future, the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) posted a video on notable 2018 recreational boating trends we may see in the coming months.
2018 Recreational Boating Trends to Watch
Versatility: Though there are certainly boats that work better for specific activities, there’s a prediction that more boaters will seek out multi-use vessels. This makes sense when considering many boaters aren’t on the water professionally or for a highly specific reason. Many may flock to vessels that are more Jacks of all trades.
Family Focus: This year is predicted to be big for families, and why not? Boating can be big fun for everyone, whether cruising on a lake or deep sea fishing. As long as the captain follows safe boating laws and practices, boating is a relatively safe way to bond in the great outdoors.
Fishing: According to the NMMA video, 70% of boats are used for fishing. Additionally, the sales of vessels used for saltwater fishing are predicted to increase by 4% and freshwater to increase by 2%. Whether for relaxation or some friendly competition, there’s a reason fishing is a major driver of boat sales, and will be for the foreseeable future.
Boat Services: You don’t have to own a boat to enjoy time on the water. The NMMA predicts that services including boat rentals, chartering and fractional use boating, just to name a few.
NMMA president, Thom Dammrich has some solid predictions for 2018 recreational boating trends, many of which ring true to what we’ve seen firsthand in recent years. With an increased interest in versatility, family boating, fishing and alternative means of getting onto the water, this year is sure to be yet another exciting time to be in our industry and share this common passion of ours. Only time will tell if these predictions prove correct, but regardless, we’re happy to get going on another season of sunshine and fun on our favorite waterways.
Spring is coming, and with it, prime boating season. OK, so Florida may not get the icy winters of our northern neighbors but even so, people tend to flock to the water once the heat starts coming back in full force. Before you do hit the water again this spring, make sure you follow these quick boat maintenance tips that could keep you and your family safe.
Safety First: Before all else, think of safety. Check your personal floatation devices to ensure they’re in good shape, double check the dates on your flares and fire extinguishers and replenish your first aid kit. Additionally, if you have emergency beacons, flashlights and strobes onboard, double check their batteries, as they may have been drained or corroded if left in devices too long.
Corrosion Check:From damaging UV sun rays to corrosive salt water, the belts, hoses and cables on your boat can take a beating. Before hitting the water, check all water and fuel hoses for cracks and damage, make sure belts aren’t showing signs of fraying and check that all cables are in tip-top shape. If any of these essentials are damaged, they could break on you mid-trip, leaving you and yours in bad shape. Take special care to check all pieces made of rubber, plastic and easily corroded metals.
External Evaluation:Though it may sound vain, your boat’s looks matter–not the color of paint or the detail work you decide on, but the shape your hull is in. Check for any damage, cracks or discoloration that may need to be addressed before your next trip. Also, be sure to wash your vessel thoroughly before and after your time on the water to avoid future damage and take the time to ensure that all lights are working on your vessel, as connections can become corroded or bulbs can break.
For some more specifics, check out this helpful video from Boat US:
You may want to rush out as soon as bathing suit weather hits, but it’s well worth the time and effort to make sure you do a bit of boat maintenance to ensure your next trip is a safe one. By checking your safety equipment, looking for corrosion and evaluating your hull and lights, you can make sure your vessel is shipshape and ready to take on a day of fun.
Boating with groups of friends or family is one of the true joys of boat ownership. There is nothing quite like hitting the water with some of your favorite people for a day of fun. However, for those without a boat, renting a chartering service can also be appealing for an exciting trip on the water. That day can quickly turn tragic if the vessel isn’t up to the task of safely chartering you and your guests.
Before booking a boatful of your favorites, you should understand the risks and considerations of chartering large parties on an uncertified vessel.
What to Know Before Booking a Chartering Trip with Large Parties
Only Coast Guard-certified and inspected vessels are allowed to carry parties larger than 12.
Overloaded boats could lead to extremely dangerous conditions, including tragic incidents such as the one that occurred in Tampa Bay in 2017.
With too many people aboard a non-certified vessel, the shifting weights can lead to stability issues and the potential to toss people overboard.
Larger parties require more pfds on board–one for each adult and child.
Though some may assume “it’ll be fine” if they book a large party aboard their vessel without confirming the boat’s inspection history and certification, it is vital to do so to ensure the safety of your loved ones. The US Coast Guard urges everyone who plans to charter more than 12 guests aboard their vessel to only do so with a regularly inspected and certified vessel that can handle such conditions. If you own a chartering service, do what’s right by your customers and operate safely. If you are paying for a chartering service, do not hesitate to ask if the vessel has been certified and inspected by the US Coast Guard before stepping foot aboard.
