Page 16 - Mid America Boating - May 2023 issue

Boat Smart from page 14 and its fi ttings; bilge and water pump along at various boat shows nationwide. I came
with connecting hoses and clamps. Spare across several of note. The 406 MHz GPS
parts for these are a good idea to have Personal Locater, called “Fastfi nd Plus” oper-
MAY 2023 [ MID-AMERICA BOATING ] 16
I had a discussion with a Coast Guard boarding offi cer recently. He told me registration aboard. A very important item to check is ates on the 121.5 MHz frequencies. It gives an
numbers and a state sticker or documented name properly displayed are the fi rst thing boarding your horn, although not on the requirement instant alert and a GPS position to assist with
teams look for. He said, “If the numbers are not on right there are often other requirements not list, horns will frequently fail during storage a quick rescue when needed, a great device for
met like outdated fl ares but the single most important thing we look for are PFDs (personal and need replacement. those who venture offshore on large bodies of
fl oatation devices, lifejackets).” Another item not on water. This item may be reviewed on the net by
PFD prices range from variety of prices. Each year new styles are introduced, tested the list of Coast Guard typing in the name.
and approved as manufacturers and the Coast Guard work together to develop the most requirements is a VHF Another interesting item that would be
comfortable – thus most likely to be worn, designs. The newest styles include infl atables, radio. If you boat on useful on larger vessels and particularly sail-
manual and automatic. If you select one, read all the information before purchasing and be a small body of water boats is “MOB i-lert.” It constantly monitors
aware they need proper care and maintenance. with a small vessel, a crew and passengers and immediately raises
Infl atables are listed in various classifi cations from Type II to Type V. Some may only radio may be of little an alarm if a person falls overboard.
be counted as a PFD if worn while others qualify if readily available. With all the frequent use but no matter what Important for boating safety is to not only
testing plus additions and removals to the list, it would take another article to provide the size your boat is, if know what is required to properly equip your
breakdown. Just keep in mind the only way any lifejacket can save your life is if you’re wearing you venture onto large boat but to obtain the training to properly
it, it’s in good condition; it fi ts properly and is properly fastened when you hit the water. bodies of water, a VHF operate your boat. The Coast Guard Auxilia-
How you maintain your boat is part of safe boating as with a good antenna ry and US Power Squadron conduct classes
well as how you equip and operate it. It’s a good idea to should be a must. in every part of the country. Your local Coast
tally up your replacement parts to be certain you have The Coast Guard Guard station can put you in touch with a local
that belt you may need for a quick repair and don’t forget also does not require fl otilla or class. If there are no classes available,
to replace the duct tape you used up. an anchor be carried on Boat US and ABC (America’s Boating Course)
Although not listed as a safety item, bow, hand, side your boat yet it is essen- have online classes (www.BoatU.S. Foundation
and other rails should be maintained in the best possible tial for all size vessels. It is General Boating Course and www.Americas-
condition. If they are loose, remove the fi tting completely very important in protect- BoatingCourse.com). they provide a test and
making certain you install plates or washers when re-in- ing your safety because grading system upon completion. The online
stalling for stronger backing. Fittings attached with only if your engine fails while classes do not replace the experience that a
screws are not safe. When tightening a loose fi tting, such running alongside a rocky seasoned instructor offers. They’re hands-on,
as a rail base, inspect the base for cracks. Clean the deck reef on a windy day, you need it to prevent a been there, done that tales best describe what
area where the base mounts and use a good bedding very harrowing experience. I tested one exten- you may encounter.
material under each fi tting. The use of good bedding sively the “Hydrobubble ™” and found it works Cleaning, maintaining, replacing items all
keeps water from entering cracks or worn boltholes. If well in all types of bottoms, sand, mud, grass equal safety. Let’s all do what’s required and
water collects in these areas it can freeze and expand and rocks yet is easily retrieved. Most recent what we have learned is required to make this
during winter storage resulting in severe hull damage and information I have gathered on this anchor is a safe boating season. MAB
a rail that could pullout or break if called upon to keep a it is out of production but available at many
person from going overboard. This type of maintenance distribution sites. Type the name into your Perils of the Freshwater Seas, an anthology of stories
should be considered safe boating practice. browser and conduct a search – it will be well and experiences written by Captain Fred Davis is
Another item to check is your lights and be sure to worth your effort. available for $22.30 (includes shipping) E-Mail:
carry spare bulbs. Check all pumps, the wash-down New safety items are introduced each year padavis2006@comcast.net