Tips and Tricks for Summer Boating story by Dari Mullins McBride
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ummer is here and boating season is in full swing! Whether you are a new boater, a novice or an expert, there are always new ideas, tips and tricks to increase fun and stay safe on the water. Taking advantage of your time on the water requires just a little time and planning to ensure that you and your passengers get the most of life on the lake. SAFETY FIRST One of the best ways to ensure a fun and safe day on the water is adequate preparation. When getting ready to take the boat out for a day, there are several things you should do. Of course, making sure the boat is operational is first and foremost. Check
fuel levels and plan to get fuel prior to departure if necessary. If you are towing your boat, be sure your trailer is ready as well. The lights and brakes should be checked. Also be sure there is enough air in the tires and that your towing vehicle is up to the task. Secondly, check the weather for any potential issues that could arise. Also, keep in mind that, when you are on the water, pop-up storms can happen at any time, especially in hot summer months. In fact, lake resident Becca Richards and her family have devised a quick retrofit of their pontoon to ward off those storms. “We combat the pop-up storms with a large tarp that has metal grommet holes so it can be tethered to our boat using bungee cords and carabiner clips,” she explained.
“Through trial and error, we’ve found that it is best to angle the tarp downward from the Bimini to the front of the boat. Usually, some water pools on the tarp near the front, but a well-placed camping chair usually solves that dilemma. We keep ponchos on board and have learned it’s best to wait out the fierce storms that blow through.” Boaters should also be aware of how many people are going out on their boat and their swimming ability. Any child under 12 must always wear a lifejacket in the boat. It’s recommended that anyone over 12 who cannot swim also keep a lifejacket on while riding in the boat. Double check with your passengers to be sure you have the correct size and number of lifejackets.
Whether it’s just lounging around on deck or engaging in watersports, the best idea for enjoying time on the water is to plan ahead.
56 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING
