Help clean up after the trip
Tuesday, December 27, 2005, 03:02 AM - General
Its always great inviting friends for an outing or fishing trip. Boating is a great way to socialize with friends and fishing with friends is the best. If someone invites you out on the boat, take the time after the trip to help clean the boat. Being someone who never asks for help (a trait my wife doesn't like, lol), I always end up having to clean up on my own. It only takes a little time to pick up trash on the boat and rinse down the boat. If everyone is dog bone tired, offer to come over the next day to help with the cleaning. It may just get you invited on the next outing!

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Boat Speeding Can Kill
Tuesday, November 1, 2005, 02:47 AM - Safety
Sure its in everyone's nature to go fast on the water. Why have all that boat horsepower, if you can't let it GO! However, there is a time and place to max the RPMs, and high traffic areas isn't one of them. Also, unfamiliar waters or blind areas. Safe boaters also don't go flying by anchored fishermen, only to have the boat's wake nearly capsize the other boat. Before opening up that throttle, ask yourself are you endangering yourself or others. You just might save a life...possibly your own.

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Remove the drain plug!
Friday, September 16, 2005, 04:23 AM - General
We all know how important it is to not forget the drain plug when launching our boat, but just as important is to remove it when you pull your boat up. Case in point. A good friend of mine was telling me yesterday, that he had forgotten to remove his drain plug after boating two-weeks ago. After several torrential downpours in Florida, the boat had flooded to the point that his entire inboard/outboard was under water...needless to say, it will take some time and drying out before he enjoys the water again :(

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Start Thinking Winterization
Sunday, August 28, 2005, 04:08 AM - General
For those with outboards living in colder climates, its getting time to start thinking about winterizing your motor. Winterizing is important. It protects your valuable investment and allows for easy starting the next boating season. Here are some easy steps: 1) Flush the outboard with clean water. After flushing, allow to drain completely in the vertical position. 2) Run all gas out of the motor, to keep deposits (varnish) from forming. 3) Remove each spark plug and spray cylinders with fogging oil. Spray inside carburetor with fogging oil. 4) Drain the lower unit crankcase and replace crankcase oil. 5) Remove propeller and grease propeller shaft with marine grade grease. 6.) Top off internal fuel tank and add stabilizer. You can do the winterization yourself, or most Marinas will do it for low cost.

[ 6 comments ] ( 8 views )   |  permalink  |   ( 2.8 / 139 )
Public Boat Landing Etiquette
Friday, August 19, 2005, 06:05 PM - General
From Bonnethead: One of the best resources to boaters are the public boat landings. For the majority of us who cannot afford slip fees, these allow us easy access to the waters we love. However, because they are public, they can become very congested and cause short tempers. I've seen two actual fist fights at a landing, just because neither individual could 'wait' their turn. I've also seen individuals squeeze their boat in-between the middle of two boats, just to launch a few minutes early. When using a public boat ramp, help each other get in and out of the water, making everyone's trip enjoyable. These ramps will only get more congested in the future...so be patient!

[ 15 comments ] ( 11 views )   |  permalink  |   ( 3.2 / 83 )

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