There are neat freaks, clutter kings/queens and everyone who falls somewhere in the middle. Oftentimes you only need to look at someone’s car to tell where along the neat/dirty spectrum they are–from immaculately washed and waxed to “WASH ME” scrawled in caked-on dirt. Regardless, we are absolutely not judging…until you move the conversation to boats.
Not washing your boat can cause a multitude of cosmetic and, more importantly, performance and safety issues. But the question is, should you wash your boat after every trip? Is it really worth the effort? Well, yes and no.
The unfortunate truth is that water, especially saltwater, can be quite destructive to many materials and surfaces that might be found on your boat. Metals can corrode, wood can warp and fiberglass can deteriorate. You can protect these thing by regularly cleaning your vessel, including:
Waxing your boat every 3-4 months. The combination of hot sunlight and corrosive saltwater can quickly eat away at your boat’s protective layer of wax, so be prepared to recoat it regularly.
Completing a freshwater wash down with a light cleaner (dish soap works in a pinch), which can drastically reduce the chances of corrosion on stainless steel parts and should be done after every use on saltwater.
Flushing your engine after every use can keep it from getting clogged up by debris or corroded by saltwater.
Washing all windows with a water and vinegar solution to keep visibility while on the water after every trip.
There are many ways to wash your boat, but the important thing to remember is that you should make it a priority if you want your investment to last. Wash it with fresh water and mild soaps after every trip, wax at least every four months, flush your engine after every use and wash your windows regularly.
Critics always joke about just how expensive (and stressful) boat ownership can be but if you wash your boat and conduct regular maintenance, it can be (mostly) smooth sailing for you and your ship.
Here’s a hard fact for our community to swallow: according to last year’s US Coast Guard’s annual report, Florida leads the country in boating accidents at a whopping 681 in 2016. Worse yet, many of these accidents are avoidable. Again, according to this report, 15% of all boating deaths were directly associated with alcohol and 83% of drowning victims were not wearing PFDs.
The question is no longer if boating accidents are a problem but instead, what can be done to stop the recklessness and slow the rate of injuries and death?
How You Can Prevent a Boating Accident
Boating and Booze Do Not Mix: We’ve said it multiple times before, but it bears repeating. Do not drink and operate your vessel. Do you take drinking and driving seriously? Yes? Then the same caution should be heeded on the water. Operating a vessel while over the limit (.08 or higher if 21+) is illegal and puts everyone on the water with you at risk due to your slowed reaction times and lowered inhibitions and judgement.
Make PFDs a Promise: So often, an otherwise minimal accident can turn tragic if an operator or passenger falls into the water without a PFD. Though you may consider yourself a competent swimmer, there are almost unlimited ways that you could end up incapacitated or panicked. That’s not to mention the possibility of fast currents, rough waves or bad weather, which could all make swimming back to the safety of your vessel next to impossible. Make sure you and all passengers are always wearing US-Coast-Guard-approved PFDs.
Speed Kills: Again, just like speeding on the highway, exceeding speed limits on the water can be dangerous and hazardous to wildlife and other boaters. High speeds can cause disruptive wakes that can destroy oyster beds and disturb fellow boaters, as well as make it more difficult to maneuver around sea grasses, coral reefs, sand banks and wildlife. Worse yet, especially in low light or fog, you may be unable to see other vessels anchored or traveling on the same waters, which could lead to a catastrophic accident. Always follow posted speed and wake limits and stay vigilant for risks.
Safety First: Before you even consider taking that new boat out on her maiden voyage, we highly recommend taking an accredited safety course. Even if you’re an experienced boater, sometimes we can adopt bad, unsafe habits over time that are hard to shake. Take a safety course, brush up on or learn the basics for the first time and you can ensure you’re as safe as possible when you hit the water.
Boat accidents are impossible to totally stop. Just like car accidents, some things are simply out of your control. However, boating accidents can be significantly reduced if boaters simply stay sober behind the wheel, always wear PFDs, follow speed and wake limits, and brush up on some key safety standards of operation. Stay safe, have fun and we’ll see you on the water!
Can you believe we’re already knee deep into the third quarter of 2017? That being said, it’s been a fantastic year to be on the water, with little in the way of major action in the tropics to put a damper on our fun. As time passes, boating, like everything, advances at what feels like an ever-quickening rate.
Don’t worry–if you can’t keep up, you’re not alone. But, as people with our ear to the ground (or is it water?), here are a few of 2017’s biggest boat trends (so far).
Top 3 Boat Trends You Should Know About
Digital Everything: From throttles to dashboards, more and more of our modern boats tend to be going digital. Digital replacements of complicated, traditionally mechanical parts not only provide often far smoother operation but also reduce the amount of moving parts that boat owners have to worry about repairing. On the digital dashboard front, new touchscreen LCDs are not only aesthetically pleasing but allow for more information to be displayed in one place, including GPS and weather reports.
LEDs: When it comes to lighting, it’s out with the old and in with the new. Not only are traditional bulbs less energy efficient (putting a bigger strain on your battery), but they are far less reliable, especially on the water. Longer lasting and relatively easy to install, LEDs are also highly customizable, allowing boaters to change colors on the fly in some models.
Convertible Seating: If a minivan can have fold-away seating or a bench that turns into two separate seats, why can’t your boat? Whether taking a romantic trip for two or a full-family excursion, your next boat may be able to accommodate with convertible, highly customizable seating.
Of course, the above three trends are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to new boat trends sweeping the scene. The one commonality among all three, though, is the fact that all are new methods of making boating easier, more intuitive and less of a hassle. Like trending tech advancements everywhere, time brings boating innovation that we’re sure to enjoy well into the future. For now, enjoy the digital displays and throttles, LED lighting and convertible seating that help make modern boating a breeze.
Texas is big in size, big in heart and big in having fun on the lakes and rivers that can be found throughout the state. Though Texas boating is a great time in and of itself, there are plenty of water sports and recreational activities to keep you and your family having fun while on the water. Whether you enjoy kicking back and enjoying some downtime or prefer some high-octane thrills, there is something for everyone on the water.
Lake and River Texas Boating Activities
Fishing: Bass, catfish, crappie and more call Texas’s freshwater lakes and rivers home, so there is plenty to catch if you enjoy a day of casting reels and relaxation. Just make sure you know the daily bag limits and are familiar with fishing regulations before hitting the water.
Jet skiing: Looking for a bit of excitement? Riding a jet ski is the perfect way to enjoy some fast-paced, exhilarating fun. Keep safety in mind, however, as these often quick-moving personal watercrafts can be dangerous if not handled with care. You are regulated to wear a USCG-approved PFD and attach a kill switch to your clothing.
Water skiing and Wakeboarding: Though sometimes difficult for beginners, water skiing and wakeboarding can be good fun and a great way to cool off in the hot summer months. In regard to safety, read up on the regulations in place for all water sports involving towing people.
Kayaking: A fun way to traverse rivers, kayaking can lead to great sightseeing of Texas’s many natural wonders. For a more laid-back approach, give kayaking a try on placid lakes or slower-moving rivers.
Paddleboarding: If you’re less of an adrenaline junkie and looking for some calmer recreation while on the water, give paddleboarding a try. Something like kayaking, except the paddler stands instead of sits, paddleboarding can be both relaxing and a great workout while on the water.
Though lakes are often less treacherous than the open ocean, it is still vitally important to stay safe while on the water. Be sure to always keep all safety equipment on board while boating, keep PFDs on all passengers, do not drink and operate your vessel and always keep an eye out for fellow boaters, swimmers and others enjoying the lake or river with you.
Would you take a few shots, knock back some beers or sip on a slew of cocktails before getting behind the wheel of your car? Well, what makes driving under the influence any different than boating under the influence? Some make the mistake of thinking that BUI is somehow safer than DUI because there are fewer boats on most waterways than there are cars on the road. But the statistics don’t lie; according to the American Boating Association, the leading contributor to fatal boating accidents is alcohol.
That being said, some still decide to recklessly operate their boat inebriated. For those people, there are laws in place to add a little incentive to do the right thing.
Quick Facts About Florida’s Boating Under the Influence Law
Drinking and boating is not illegal unless the boat’s operator is above the legal BAC limit of .08 for those 21 years of age and older, or if the officer believes the operator is considerably impaired.
An officer is allowed to stop a boat if they catch the operator speeding or operating recklessly.
Boating while intoxicated by recreational drugs other than alcohol is also considered boating under the influence.
Certain prescription medications that can hinder judgment or reaction times can lead to reckless boat operation and persecution under the boating under the influence law.
The US Coast Guard has the right to arrest those found boating under the influence off of Florida’s shoreline.
All boats, from canoes to superyachts, fall under Florida’s boating under the influence law.
Consequences for Boating Under the Influence
First conviction: $250-$500 and up to six months of jail time
Second conviction: $500-$1,000 and up to nine months of jail time
Third conviction: $1,000-$2,500 and up to 12 months of jail time
Understand that fines and jail (or even prison time) only become more serious when arrests occur within 10 years of a prior boating under the influence arrest, or when an accident damages property or people.
Last year saw 701 deadly boating accidents. This is a lifestyle we love, but boating safety must be respected and followed in order to keep you, your family and all others who enjoy boating having fun while on the water. Though it may be tempting to indulge while taking the boat out, it is never worth risking your life and the lives of others.
Have fun, be safe and we’ll see you on the water this summer.
