Here at Cannons Marina we have said it once before and because it is the boating season, we will say it again – There are a few Proactive Tips for Using Ethanol-Enhanced Fuels in your Yamaha Outboard Motor.

Most people want to know why ethanol is such an issue? Simply put, ethanol has hygroscopic solvency properties. That’s a really fancy term for that it both it attracts and absorbs water, and loosens debris in your fuel system and over a short time this can negatively effect your engine’s performance and longevity.

To help combat some of the issues, you can follow these simple best practices:

1). Install Yamaha 10-micron water separating fuel filter. It helps remove the water ethanol fuels attract and the debris or corrosion the ethanol may loosen. Change the filter element every 50 hours, and always carry a spare on-board.

10-Micron Water Separating Fuel Filter

Provides superior filtration ahead of the engine’s onboard filters and injectors. Large filtering and water capture areas maximize filtration while maintaining flow rate for necessary for large engines. Also available in a “mini-10” version specifically for outboards 115hp and under. Highly recommended for all two-stroke and four-stroke EFI outboards and two-stroke HPDI’s. Also excellent for carbureted engines. Stainless Steel Assemblies- MAR-SPRTR-HD-SS, Aluminum Assemblies- MAR-SEPAR-AT-OR, and mini-10 Assemblies- MAR-MINIF-LT-AS are available from your local Yamaha dealer.

2). Consistently use Yamaha Fuel Stabilizer and Conditioner Plus in every tankful. Its non-alcohol formula helps prevent phase separation of the water from the fuel and it will help protect fuel system components from the corrosive damage ethanol-based fuels can cause in boats.

Fuel Stabilizer & Conditioner PLUS

Strongly recommended for E-10 fuels, this alcohol-free formula helps prevent fuel oxidation and phase separation from moist, rich air. When used continuously, it keeps fuel fresh, potent and free from gum and varnish for up to one year of stor­age. Its metal filmers provide extensive protection for steel and aluminum components.

Phase Separation

Steel rods submerged in an oil bath with a high dose of synthetic salts

Treated with Yamalube Fuel Stabilizer & Conditioner PLUS

Result: Clean and Rust-Free

Treated with competitor’s enzyme stabilizer

Result: Extreme Rust

Treated with competitor’s fuel stabilizer

Result: Rust

*Fuel Stabilizer Plus test results from Spectrum Corporation.

3). Use Ring Free Plus in every tank, and don’t regularly exceed 87 octane fuel unless specified by the manufacturer. Using fuel above the recommended octane level for your engine can lead to incomplete combustion and contribute to carbon build up. Not only will Ring Free Plus remove carbon, gum, and varnish and help keep your fuel system clean, it protects the fuel system’s internal components for damaging and sometimes power-robbing corrosion.

Ring Free PLUS

Exclusive, synthetic PLUS formula provides superior deposit control, cleaning fuel injectors, carburetors, intake valves, intake ports and combustion chambers. Featuring metal filmers, it also protects silver solder, copper, aluminum and steel in a fuel system from the corrosive effects of ethanol sulfate salt.

4). If possible, buy your gas where they sell a lot of it. It’s fresher that way. Be sure to add the appropriate amount of addi­tives listed above before you fill up, each and every time.

Let us know your thoughts and by all means, enjoy your free time.

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Proactive Tips for Using Ethanol-Enhanced Fuels in your Yamaha Motor

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Proactive Tips for Using Ethanol-Enhanced Fuels in your Yamaha Motor

The potential discomfort should be more than enough for parents to keep kids well protected while boating.

Did you know that childhood sunburn more than doubles their chance of developing melanoma later in life?

Not to mention that excess sun exposure can lead to dehydration.

There are several things that you can do to protect your little bundle of joy.

First of all, kids younger than six months need to be kept out of the sun, period.

For you boaters, this is a good reason to hire a babysitter so you and your First Mate can have a break on the water.

A baby’s brand new skin is just too sensitive for the sun and for sunscreen.

They have very little melanin, the dark brown to black pigment that protects the skin by tanning when exposed to sunlight.

Melanin is not only found in the skin. It’s in their hair and  the eye’s iris too. So in addition to damaging their skin, exposure to the sun can lead to future issues.

It’s simple really. Keep them out of the sun as much as possible. Take your boat rides early in the morning or late in the afternoon and keep them covered. Make sure their clothes are loose fitting and no skin is exposed. Get them a really natty hat that protects their ears, their neck and their face. Or for even more fun, get one for yourself and turn it into a dress up game. Don‘t forget their life vest.

If you’re child is older than six months, follow the above and slather their exposed skin with a broad-spectrum sunscreen that has an SPF value of at least 15, 30 will be better. Make sure you use a brand that won’t sting their eyes. Apply at least 30-minutes before going outside and dermatologist suggest to reapply every two hours and after they swim.

When they’re a little older, teach them to keep to the shade when the sun is strongest, i.e. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and make sure there’s shade on board at all times. Cover them in unbleached cotton clothes; the fabric breathes, they’ll stay cooler and it’s good protection. Have them pick out a hat they love and will actually wear and spring for some Oakley’s so they’re eyes are protected and they look really cool too.

It’s really that not difficult to keep your little ones safe from the damaging rays of the sun and enjoy a day of family fun on the water.

Happy Boating.

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Babies On Board Boats – Protect Your Little Ones while Boating

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Babies On Board Boats – Protect Your Little Ones while Boating

Malignant melanoma is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women ages 24 to 29, edging out breast cancer for those in the 30 to 34 year range.

10 a.m. to 3 p.m., prime boating hours, pose the greatest risk for sun exposure. On the water, UV rays are reflected, attacking us from every direction. Even on cloudy days, 80% of the damaging UV rays break through to bombard our skin. One in 50 fair-skinned Sunbelt residents will get melanoma. Other UV-related effects include premature skin aging, skin cancer and permanent eye damage, even blindness. Skin damage can begin after just 15 minutes of exposure.

That tan you’re sporting is your body’s way of alerting you that damage has already been done.

The key to avoiding sun damage is prevention. If you choose to be in the sun, always apply sunscreen with UVA (ultraviolet long wave light) and UVB (ultraviolet medium wave light) protection and a minimum sun protective factor (SPF) of 30 on all exposed areas. Sunscreen works by absorbing, reflecting and scattering sunlight and contains chemicals that interact with your skin to protect it from UV rays. Reapply it if you’ll be out for more than two hours and be mindful of your sunscreen’s expiration date; it usually has a maximum three-year shelf life.

Wear tightly woven, loose fitting long sleeve shirts and pants. T-shirts only have a minimum SPF rating of 15, often less. Protect your face, neck, head and ears with a wide-brimmed hat – canvas works best. Wrap around sunglasses block UV rays from creeping in from the side, and they reduce the risk of getting cataracts. Make sure you have a source of shade on your boat. If you’re taking antibiotics, antidepressants, diuretics or retinoids, stay out of the sun, period.

Children should be completely protected from UV exposure. 80% of skin damage from the sun is inflicted before age 18. Remember that your pets need sun protection just as much as we humans.

Aside from protection, early detection through monthly, full-body, head-to-toe, front and back self-exams, including your hair, nails, palms and even the soles of your feet, are the best defense against skin disease.

Enjoy your time on the water, but take just a few moments to protect yourself and your family from the risks of sun exposure.

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Sun Protection for Boaters

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Sun Protection for Boaters

Boating Safety Equipment

Boating Season is finally here and while we get ready to take advantage of our splendid spring-summer weather and water, there are a few things we feel you need to consider – the minimum required boating safety equipment for vessels 16-39 feet.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) minimum regulations are delineated below. But in the spirit of promoting boating safety, we believe there are additional considerations to keep in mind.  Specifically-

1). Check the weather before you head out. Here in Florida weather changes suddenly and can sometimes get pretty fierce. Check the weather before and during your trip. Be prepared to go another day if conditions are questionable.
2) Make a float plan. Review it with a friend you can trust to call the Coast Guard if you do not return on time.
3) Consider the ambient temperature and make a plan for getting shade or warmth, as needed.
4) Apply sunscreen (at least 50 SPF) frequently.
5) Bring plenty of water and food for everyone on board.
6) Make sure to have up to date charts of the waters where you will be cruising and know how to read them.
7) If you have a pet you must have shade and water on the boat.  Animals need sun protection and a shady cool place to rest. A doggie life jacket is a must too.

Minimum Required Safety Equipment for Class 1 Recreational Vessels (16 to less than 26ft)

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
One approved Type I, II, or III for each person on board or being towed on water skis etc., in addition, one throwable Type IV device
•    Must be USCG approved. Must be in serviceable condition. Must be properly stored.
•    NOTE: A Type V hybrid may substituted for any Type I, II, or III device, but it must actually be worn whenever the vessel is underway and the person is not in the cabin or other enclosed area.
•    Class I: Every person on board under the age of six (6) must wear an approved Type I, II, or III while the vessel is underway.
•    Water Skiers: Every person skiing or aquaplaning must wear an approved Type I, II, or III PFD. Inflatable PFDs are prohibited.

Fire Extinguisher
•    Must be USCG approved and in serviceable condition.
•    One USCG-approved B-1 type fire extinguisher is required for all recreational motorboats except outboard-powered motorboats less than 26 feet long if constructed in a manner that will not allow gas fumes to accumulate. If your boat has a built-in fuel tank, an inboard engine, compartments where portable fuel tanks may be stored, or open areas between the hull and deck where flammable or explosive gases could accumulate, you must carry a fire extinguisher. Non-motorized boats are exempt from the fire extinguisher requirements.
•    NOTE: When an approved fixed fire extinguishing system is installed in the machinery space(s), it may be counted in the place of one B-I type hand-held portable fire extinguisher. Some fire extinguishers require specific mounting brackets for approval. Read the label on your fire extinguisher for this information.

Visual Distress Signal
•    Required on the high sea and coastal waters only.
•    Must carry visual distress signal for both day and nighttime use.
•    NOTE: Coastal waters means the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and all bays, sounds, harbors, rivers, inlets, etc. where any entrance is over two (2) miles wide to the first point where the distance between shorelines narrows to 2 miles.
Sound Producing Device
•    A bell, horn OR whistle
•    Every vessel less than 12 meters (39.4 ft) in length must carry an efficient sound producing device. The sound-producing device need not meet any particular specifications, as long as the vessel can produce signals required by the navigational rules.

Backfire Flame Control
•    An effective means of controlling backfire flame of all gasoline engines installed after April 25, 1940, except outboard motors
•    Backfire flame arrestors must be USCG approved.

Ventilation (Boats built prior to August 1, 1980)
•    At least two ventilator ducts fitted with cowls or their equivalent for the purpose of properly and efficiently ventilating the bilges of every closed engine and fuel -tank compartment of boats constructed or decked over after April 25, 1940, using gasoline as fuel or other fuels having a flash point of 110 degrees or less.

Ventilation (Boats built after August 1, 1980)
•    At least two ventilator ducts for the purpose of efficiently ventilating every closed compartment that contains a gasoline engine and every closed compartment containing a gasoline tank, except for those having permanently installed tanks which vent outside the boat and contain no unprotected electrical devices. Also, engine compartments containing a gasoline engine having a cranking motor must contain power operated exhaust blowers which can be controlled from the instrument panel.

Vessel Lighting
Recreational vessels are required to display navigation lights between sunset and sunrise and during periods of reduced visibility (fog, rain, haze, etc). The U.S.C.G. Navigation Rules specify lighting requirements for every description of watercraft. The information provided in the attached link is for vessels less than 65.5 feet/20 meters in length.

Minimum Required Safety Equipment for Class 2 Recreational Vessels (26 to less than 40ft)
Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
•    One approved Type I, II, or III for each person on board or being towed on waterskis etc., in addition, one throw able Type IV device.
•    Must be USCG approved. Must be in serviceable condition. Must be properly stored.
•    NOTE: A Type V hybrid may substituted for any Type I, II, or III device, but it must actually be worn whenever the vessel is underway and the person is not in the cabin or other enclosed area.
•    Water Skier: Every person skiing or aquaplaning must wear an approved Type I, II, or III PFD. Inflatable PFDs are prohibited.

Fire Extinguisher
•    Must be USCG approved Must be serviceable condition
•    At least two (2) B-I types approved hand-held portable fire extinguisher or at least one (1) B-II type approved hand-held portable fire extinguisher.
•    NOTE: When an approved fixed fire extinguishing system is installed in the machinery space(s), it may be counted in the place of one B-I type hand-held portable fire extinguisher. Some fire extinguishers require specific mounting brackets for approval. Read the label on your fire extinguisher for this information.

Visual Distress Signal
•    Required on the high sea and coastal waters only
•    Must carry visual distress signal for both day and nighttime use.
•    NOTE: Coastal waters means the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and all bays, sounds, harbors, rivers, inlets, etc. where any entrance is over two (2) miles wide to the first point where the distance between shorelines narrows to 2 miles.

Sound Producing Device
•    A bell, horn, OR whistle.
•    Every vessel less than 12 meters (39.4 ft) in length must carry an efficient sound-producing device. The sound-producing device need not meet any particular specifications, as long as the vessel can produce signals required by the navigational rules.

Backfire Flame Control
•    An effective means of controlling backfire flame of all gasoline engines installed after April 25, 1940, except outboard motors
•    Backfire flame arrestors must be USCG approved.

Ventilation (Boats built prior to August 1, 1980)
•    At least two ventilator ducts fitted with cowls or their equivalent for the purpose of properly and efficiently ventilating the bilges of every closed engine and fuel-tank compartment of boats constructed or decked over after April 25, 1940, using gasoline as fuel or other fuels having a flash point of 110 degrees or less.

Ventilation (Boats built after August 1, 1980)
•    At least two ventilator ducts for the purpose of efficiently ventilating every closed compartment that contains a gasoline engine and every closed compartment containing a gasoline tank, except for those having permanently installed tanks, which vent outside the boat and contain no unprotected electrical devices. Also, engine compartments containing a gasoline engine having a cranking motor must contain power operated exhaust blowers, which can be controlled from the instrument panel.

Vessel Lighting
•    Recreational vessels are required to display navigation lights between sunset and sunrise and during periods of reduced visibility (fog, rain, haze, etc). The U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Rules specify lighting requirements for every description of watercraft.

We also suggest that you equip your vessel with the following:
•    An anchor and a sufficient amount of anchor line
•    A de-watering device, such as a bilge pump in the event of flooding
•    An oar, paddle or other alternative means of propulsion in case your engine fails.

If the above equipment requirements and suggestions are met, you may be eligible to display an FWC or Coast Guard Auxiliary safety decal. For more information, please contact your local FWC office.

Happy Boating from The Crew at Cannons Marina.

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Boating Safely & Boating Safety Equipment

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Boating Safely & Boating Safety Equipment

It is Earth Day 2010. And, it just happens to be a gorgeous boating day here on Longboat Key. Cannons Marina is a clean marina and clean boatyard and as we do our part this earth day, thought we would share some clean boating practices and recommendations from  Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection Agency.

Florida Depart of Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Boating Practices

Fueling
• Fill fuel tanks just before leaving on a trip.
• Use oil absorbent material to catch drips from the fuel intake and the vent overflow.
• Fill portable fuel tanks ashore where spills are less likely to occur and easier to clean
up.
• Add a fuel conditioner to tanks if the engine is used infrequently.
Controlling Oil
• Place oil absorbent material or a bioremediating bilge “sock” in the bilge to prevent
oil leakage into waterways; replace regularly.
• Place an oil absorbent pad under the engine.

• Check fuel lines for damage; replace with alcohol resistant hoses.
• Secure fuel hoses to prevent chafing and leaks.
• Never discharge bilge water with a sheen; it is illegal.
Cleaning Boats
• Wash boats with a sponge and plain water.
• Minimize washing your boat while in the water.
• Use phosphate-free, biodegradable and non-toxic cleaners.
• Wax boats; a good coat of wax prevents surface dirt from becoming ingrained.
• Conserve water; use a spray nozzle on hoses.
Vessel Maintenance
• Share leftover paint and varnish with fellow boaters rather than disposing in the
trash, where it can end up in a landfill and seep into waterways.
• Bring used solvents and waste gas to hazardous waste collection sites.
• Keep vessel engine clean to spot and repair leaks.
• Use premium two-cycle engine oil.
• Use alternatives to toxic bottom paints.
Containing Sewage
• Never discharge raw sewage.
• Use marina pump-out stations and rinse holding tanks regularly.
• If pump-out stations are not available, encourage marinas to install them through
Clean Vessel Act funding.
• Use restrooms on shore.
• Use approved Marine Sanitation Devices (MSDs) when underway.
• Conduct regular maintenance for Marine Sanitation Devices.
• Use enzyme-based products to control odor and reduce solids in holding tanks.
• Avoid holding tank products that contain quaternary ammonium compounds
(QAC) and formaldehyde.
Clean Boating Tips & Protecting Sensitive Habitat
• Proceed slowly in shallow areas and do not disturb wildlife.
• Avoid contact with submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) such as fragile seagrass
beds.
• Watch the wake; it can lead to shoreline erosion and disturb wildlife.
Contain Trash
• Do not let trash get thrown or blown overboard.
• Buy products without plastic or excessive packaging; plastic is deadly to fish and
birds.
• Do not toss cigarette butts overboard; they are made of plastic (cellulose acetate).
Be A Responsible Boater
• Learn about environmentally safe products and practices.
• Obey laws governing speeding, littering and discharge.
• Encourage boating facilities to provide trash cans, recycling bins and pumpout
stations.
• Support marinas that are environmentally responsible.

Happy Earth Day and Happy Boating!

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Earth Day, Green and Clean Boating Tips

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Earth Day, Green and Clean Boating Tips

There are fuel/water filters on your Yamaha Outboard motor that need to be check and changed every 50 hours. Filtering out water and stopping debris from entering your engine in the first place will always be better for the life and performance of your outboard.

Why?

It is no secret concerning all the issues that surround ethanol fuel blends and so because of these problems, Yamaha Motors strongly recommends using a 10-micron fuel/water separator filter,  especially for all EFI or HPDI model engines. They also recommend to check and change your filters more frequently. Because we are seeing so many fuel related issues, we decided to make a video on how you can check and change your fuel water separator.

So watch it and let us know what you think?

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

How to Change A Yamaha Fuel/ Water Separator

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

How to Change A Yamaha Fuel/ Water Separator

Finally! The winter chills we’ve experienced for the past two months are beginning to fade and when they do, we boaters begin to feel the call of the water. It’s time to begin the annual spring ritual of cleaning, polishing, swabbing decks, having our motors serviced and making sure we comply with all state and federal boating regulations.

For 2010, there are a few changes to laws regarding the requirements for operating boats in Florida. Specifically, they are:

Anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 who operates a vessel powered by 10 horsepower or more must pass an approved boater safety course and have in his/her possession photographic identification and a boating safety education identification card issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The following operators are exempt:

•    A person licensed by the U. S. Coast Guard as a master of a vessel.

•    A person operating on a private lake or pond.

•    An operator who is accompanied onboard by a person who is at least 18 years old and possesses the required Boating Safety Education Identification Card, provided that person is attendant to and responsible for the safe operation of the vessel.

•    An operator who is accompanied onboard by a person who is exempt from the educational requirements, provided that person is attendant to and responsible for the safe operation of the vessel.

•    A non-resident who has in his or her possession proof that he or she has completed a NASBLA-approved boater safety course or equivalency examination from another state.

•    A person who is operating a vessel within 90 days after the purchase of that vessel, provided they have available for inspection aboard that vessel, a bill of sale meeting all the requirements as established in Chapter 328.46(1), Florida Statutes.

For detailed regulations affecting the operation of your boat, Cannons Marina encourages you to visit the Florida Boating Rules.

Happy boating everyone!

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

New Florida Boat Laws for 2010

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

New Florida Boat Laws for 2010

Yamaha Motor battery service and maintenance is simple but keep in mind that different motors require different batteries and this blog is specific to Yamaha Outboard Motors.

If you have another brand of motor I recommend consulting your local certified dealer for help and advice.

The main thing that we want to address is your battery’s size, type and the general maintenance will vary and that Yamaha Motor’s recommends a very specific size and type of battery based on the size of your motor.

The manufacture’s  recommendations can be found in the owner’s manual. If you do not have an owner’s manual,  you can try to find one online or just call the marina we will be pleased to help locate the information that is specific to your motor.

Yamaha Motors are sensitive to the following:

Note Yamaha does not recommend using deep cycle batteries, maintenance free batteries or gel cell batteries. These batteries are not designed for a high starter current or continuous charging.

• Keep battery terminals completely clean of any corrosion.
• All wing type or regular nut fittings must be tightened using a wrench.
• Check fluid levels monthly and fill to indicated level on battery.
• For batteries that are not used frequently, consider purchasing a slow charger for your battery and convenience.

Cannons Marina is proud to offer an award winning maintenance and a service department that is a Certified Yamaha Five-Star Service Center. Whether or not you purchased your Grady White, Scout or Yamaha motor from Cannons, if you demand quality maintenance for your boat and motor, come see us at Cannons Marina for your next service.

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Yamaha Motor Battery Service Maintenance Tips

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Yamaha Motor Battery Service Maintenance Tips

Over time, carbon and impurities can build up in your engine, causing premature wear and avoidable maintenance costs.

Yamaha recommends adding two fuel additives that can actually
protect your engine and save you money in the long run.

Ring Free is recommended to clean away the build-up of carbon and fuel impurities that can affect ring lands, pistons, combustion chambers, manifolds, ports, valves, the vapor separator and carburetors in either two- or four-stroke engines.

These deposits can cause the moveable parts of your engine to stick and may eventually lead to a breakdown. You can prevent most of these issues by adding Ring Free to your tank each time you fuel-up.

Yamaha recommends adding one ounce of Ring Free to every 10 gallons of fuel each time you refuel. If you have neverused fuel additives, consider an initial “shock treatment” of two ounces of Ring Free to every 10 gallons of fuel and then follow-up with a continuous program of one ounce per 10
gallons thereafter.

Fuel Conditioner/Stabilizer is another excellent product to use on a continual basis and during long periods of boat storage.Your Yamaha engine is a high-performance motor that isextremely sensitive to different blends of fuel. Not all fuelblends are the same and the type of additives used dependson the brand of fuel you pump. Fuel is blended by each manufacturer and is made primarily for automobiles. However, your car’s engine is very different than your outboard motor.

Fuel can burn “dirty” and may cause performance and other issues with your engine. To eliminate these issues, Yamaha created and recommends the use of Yamaha Fuel Conditioner/Stabilizer, which was specifically created for your Yamaha engine and keeps fuel from breaking down during periods of continuous use and or prolonged storage.

For long periods of storage or non-use, Yamaha recommends toping off your tank and adding one ounce of Yamaha Fuel Conditioner/Stabilizer to each gallon of fuel. This should significantly decrease fuel breakdown and water build up in your tank. For continuous use, Yamaha recommends Yamaha Fuel Conditioner – Stabilizer in a ratio of one ounce per every two gallons of fuel.

We are a 5-star certified Yamaha service dealer, call us today at 941.383.1311 and book your Yamaha motor service.

by: Eric Eric Snode, Master Mechanic, Cannons Marina

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Yamaha Motor Fuel Additives, Long Term Money & Engine Savers

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Yamaha Motor Fuel Additives, Long Term Money & Engine Savers

While heading out  to fish or simply to take a relaxing cruise, here are a few basic things we feel every boater needs to do before leaving the dock:

• Weather Check the weather conditions thoroughly for the full time you’ll be on the water and remember, storms can and do come from out of nowhere and can be potentially dangerous.

• Make a Float Plan and leave it with a friend you can trust to call the authorities if you’re overdue.  A float plans specifies who is on board, what type of boat you’re in and its identifying markings, when your expected departure and return times are and where you’re planning to go. I’ve included a copy of the USCG Float Plan for your convenience.

• Complete a vessel safety equipment check. Assure that your boat has all the required Coast Guard regulated safety equipment, like a floatation device for each person on the boat and a working mobile phone or VHF radio. Remember – if you are offshore, there is no cell phone service; therefore a VHF radio is a must.

• Check your fuel, oil, battery and gauges. Make sure you have plenty of fuel on board for the trip you’re taking.

• Check that you have extra lines and that your anchor is securely connected to the boat.

• Bring plenty of extra water, food and sunscreen.

• Have an EPIRB

• Take along up to date charts and a GPS if heading offshore.

• Make certain that your boat is NOT overloaded with people and weight. A vessel that is overloaded has a real potential to capsize or even sink.

• Follow these simple yet important safety tips, be prepared for any contingency, use your head and enjoy your time on the water.

Happy boating!

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Boating Safety

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Boating Safety