Chain of Lakes Breeze August 2021

AUGUST 2021 • VOL. 8 NO. 3

Breeze Chain O’ Lakes

INSIDE: Aquanuts win championship Boating with kids • Safety tips

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AUGUST 2021

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Adhering to certain dos and don’ts can make kayaking safer.

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Kayaking is a healthy and enjoyable activity that attracts new enthusiasts all the time.

Part of what makes the sport so popular is the relative ease with which people can get started.

Kayaking requires minimal gear (kayaks can be rented if not purchased) and no advanced skills are required. However, kayaking is not to be taken lightly, as water sports can be unpredictable. Adhering to certain dos and don’ts can make kayaking safer.

• DO choose the right boat. There are boats rated for kayak racing and those that are strictly for recreational purposes. Some boats are meant for calmer waters and others for waves and open seas.

• DON’T forget to check the weather forecast before heading out in the water. Storms can come up relatively quickly, and offshore winds can make it challenging to paddle back to shore.

• DO let someone know where you’re going and how long you plan to be out on the water.

• DON’T touch or get too close to wildlife, as animals can be unpredictable and even dangerous.

• DO dress for the water temperature and not the weather outside. This helps ensure your health if you intentionally or accidentally enter the water.

• DON’T skip wearing a life jacket/buoyancy aid.

• DO expect to get wet, even if you do not fall in. Splash up will occur from paddles and some water will get in the boat regardless.

• DON’T forget to bring along some snacks and water.

• DO bring a fellow kayaker along. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned professional, bringing a friend along ensures someone can go for help if you’re involved in an accident or suffer an injury.

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Aquanuts win world’s largest waterski tournament The Aquanuts of Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, won the won the world’s largest waterski tournament – the Wisconsin State Water Ski Tournament – for the first time in 35 years on July 18.

The Aquanuts of Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, have been skiing on the shores of Lake Mary for the past 49 years. In those 49 years, they have always been entertaining and talented, but wins have been hard to get to as clubs like the Rock Aquajays from Janesville and Mad City Ski Team from Madison who are much larger, have been the dominant big two for the past 20 years.

The Aquanuts were scheduled as the second team to ski, arriving in Wisconsin Rapids at 5:30 a.m. July 18 to prepare for their show on. The sun rose on the Aquanuts in more than just one way.

Sunrise greeted a team that was amped up and ready to go. Lead by show directors Dan Boreman and Kailey Koehler, the Aquanuts unloaded the trailer, got the skis out, and with their 20-minute setup, had everything in place.

The Aquanuts opened the show with a very difficult combination jump and backwards-barefoot act. They followed with a flawless ballet line and opening pyramid that set the tone for the day’s competition. The show closed out with three, four-high pyramids and thunderous cheers from the huge crowd. It was clear to the crowd and the team that the Aquanuts skied a great show.

Twelve hours after the team arrived to unload their trailer of skis and props, most had stayed to watch all the other shows and get the results before heading back to Twin Lakes.

First came the scores for individual performances in several acts: ballet line, the winner – the Aquanuts; next came barefoot, again the Aquanuts; Jump,

Aquanuts; and pyramid, Aquanuts.

In all, the Aquanuts took first in five of the eight categories as well as best male skier, Ethan Shulda, best female skier, Kailey Koehler, and best Trick Skier, Jared Meyer, but the tension was still there as those acts were only two-thirds of the entire team score. The bigger teams would likely add lots of total points from the other categories.

As the third-place team, the Aquajays,

and then the second-place team, MadCity were announced, there was only the Aquanuts remaining as quiet nervousness became tears and celebratory screams.

The team ran down to the podium, posed for a picture and the entire winning team jumped into the lake to celebrate.

The Aquanuts final tournament of the year will be the Nationals Show Ski Championship the weekend of Aug. 13 to 15.

The Aquanuts had a few days off to rest and relax as the Junior Team skied July 21, and the Aquanuts performed an exhibition as part of a Shred the Lake event in Twin Lakes on July 24. The full team returned to the water July 28.

The Aquanuts performed and were honored in trophy presentation ceremony July 31 in Twin Lakes.

For more information, call 866-Ski-Show or visit www.aquanutwatershows.com.

from top: The Aquanuts ski in a ballet line. The state championship team performs on Lake Mary in Twin Lakes at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays when they are not competing; The Aquanuts of Twin Lakes perform in pyramid formation at a recent show. The waterski team won the 2021 Wisconsin State Water Ski Tournament in July.

The team won first place in several categories, including the ballet line and pyramid. The Aquanuts will compete in the National Show Ski Championship in mid-August.

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Bring learning onboard for the kids this summer

Remember the old rhyme “no more pencils, no more books, no more teacher’s dirty looks”? It brings back fond memories of flying out the school doors and flinging our backpacks into the corner, forgotten until summer’s end.

Now that we’re grown up, we know ongoing learning is not only good, but also enjoyable.

Here are five ways from Discover Boating to bring learning onboard your boat this summer, without your kids grumbling over the lesson plan.

Knot Tying 101 The minute your kids can tie their shoes, they can learn to tie a bowline. Graduate them on to a clove hitch, a square knot, a figure-eight knot, and more. From picture books to online videos made especially for kids, helpful resources abound.

If you have two or more kids, consider making a game out of it: Whoever can tie a knot properly the fastest gets to pick the next new knot to learn.

Drivers ed Each state has its own regulations in terms of requiring a boating license for motorized craft. However, there’s no age restriction on learning certain terminology and the “rules of the road.”

Teach your preschoolers, for example, what “port” and “starboard” mean, along with “red right return.” Older kids, meanwhile, can comprehend additional channel markers, and what your boat should do in head-on or crossing situations.

Cooking classes If your boat has a galley, involve all ages in meal planning and preparation. Flex their math muscles (without them knowing it) by adapting recipes to the number of people in your family. On a related subject, see our article 10 Steps for Planning a Successful Boat Camping Trips, for an opportunity to plan a full weekend onboard. swim lessons on a boat

Navigational know-how Kids just learning to read can learn to identify speed and other basic data on your helm instruments. If you have a touchscreen chartplotter, these same little ones can learn what a waypoint is, and how to tap a position on screen to mark one.

School-age children, tweens, and teens can help map out routes in advance. Similarly, they can ensure plotted courses

Swim lessons This is especially helpful, and all the more fun, if your kids can’t go to summer camp this year. Show them how to properly enter the water from your boat, and safely swim around it. Have them count the number of strokes it takes to swim from the bow to the stern, and back (bonus: they’ll be so tired at day’s end they’ll go straight to sleep, without a fuss).

Source: www.discoverboating.com.

don’t coincide with submerged objects or land masses.

Boating is a great summer activity for families. Teach the kids the basics of boating while out on the water.

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9 ways to prevent drowning all year long Spending time in and around water is a favorite pastime for adults and children.

Swimming, boating, running through sprinklers, and soaking in a nice warm tub can be great ways to relax and have fun.

Even though water play can be exciting, it also can be dangerous. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children between the ages of one and four and the fifth leading cause of accidental death overall in the United States, offers UCI Health.

Calm rivers can hide swift currents, rocks and tree branches. Ocean rip tides and rough waves can confound even excellent swimmers. Lake waters can be extremely cold, even in summer, making it challenging for a person to stay afloat and avoid hypothermia. It is essential for everyone to play it safe when in and around water. Here are nine ways to do just that.

Avoid swimming or boating in high 1. running water, making sure to always check conditions before starting.

Never dive or jump into unfamiliar 2. or shallow water, advises Seattle Children’s Hospital.

Obey barriers, such as markings 3. for deeper ends in pools, fencing around pools and ropes in open waters.

Barriers help reduce the risk of drowning

considerably.

Life jackets should be worn by 4. swimmers of all ages, especially during water sports like boating and jet skiing.

The Red Cross says strong swimming 5. skills can significantly reduce the risk of drowning. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, most children age four and older can learn to swim. Enroll in a family swim class to brush up on skills.

Have eyes on children at all times 6. when they are in or around the water — both inside the home and outdoors.

Employ “touch supervision,” which means always remaining in arm’s reach of the child.

only in public swimming areas 7. Swim that are protected by lifeguards.

Do not mix alcohol and water 8. recreation. Remain sober when boating, swimming or supervising children who are swimming.

Drains in pools and spas can be 9. deadly. The Mayo Clinic says to keep children away from drains, as body parts and hair can become trapped by the strong suction.

Water safety is a priority all year long, but gets even more attention every summer.

A few simple safety measures can prevent many drownings.

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Which boat is the right one?

THE ULTIMATEWakeboard SKI BOAT/WAKE BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE boats It can be incredibly fun and rewarding to enjoy watersports with your own ski boat or wake boat, but the different varieties of watersports each have very specific and specialized boats that excel at taking the experience from fun to fantastic.

Discover Boating offers a breakdown of the different watersports activities, each of which have genre of boats designed to be ideal for their individual specialties.

They include: • Water skiing; • Wakesurfing; • Wakeboarding; • Kneeboarding; and • Tubing.

Water skiing is the original watersport, and people have been enjoying this activity for just about as long as there have been planning powerboats. The ideal ski boats throw up very little wake, and the wakes are shaped so the skier can cut through them with minimal impact.

Propeller turbulence should also be minimized.

To achieve this, most ski boats designed for water skiing have: • An inboard power system with the engine located centrally in the boat; • A relatively narrow beam (width); and • A relatively low deadrise (the amount of V shape in the bottom).

Ideally, they should cruise in the mid to upper 20 MPH range and be capable of speeds over 30 MPH, and they shouldn’t throw spray far aft or off to the sides where it might affect the skier.

Wakeboarding requires a bit less skill than water skiing or wakesurfing, so it’s a great stepping-stone activity for younger watersports lovers. It’s also the realm of tricksters—wakeboarders tend to enjoy doing jumps, spins, and flips.

Since wakeboards have bindings (and boards used for wake surfing do not) the rider can do aerial tricks without fear of losing contact with the board. This means that one important trait of wakeboarding boats has to do with the tow-point. It should be elevated as much as possible, and in most cases, is mounted atop a tower, arch, or elevated pedestal. That high towpoint helps the rider catch more air, and get more creative with his or her waterborne acrobatics.

Serious wakeboarding boats are also designed to: • Create a fairly large wake that peaks 75 feet or so behind the boat, where the wakeboarder is riding; and • Most employ V-drive inboards and many have ballast tanks and/or tabs or “wake plates” that can be used to enhance the size and shape of the wake.

Wakesurfing boats

In one very important way, wakesurfing boats are the diametric opposite of ski boats: the idea is to make as large a wake as possible, instead of a small one. But it can’t be just any old wake. Wake surfers like a wave with a clean peak, like a cresting breaker on the beach. And it should peak close to the boat, sometimes

within 10 feet or less of the transom, where the serious surfing gets done.

Since wake surfing takes place without any attachment to the boat (surfers usually use a tow-rope to get started, then pitch it away and surf on their own afterwards) having those ideal wakes is critical for the rider to be able to maintain his or her position, as well as perform stunts and tricks.

To attain the size and shape surfers need, wake surf boats often have a number of wake-adjusting features: • Ballast tanks are common, and may be used to double the weight of the boat and generate a correspondingly huge wake; • Plates and tabs mounted at the transom may also be employed to both enlarge and shape the wake; and • In some cases these tabs and plates can not only be adjusted to make the ideal wake, but also to shift it from one side of the boat to the other, on the fly as the surfer rides the waves.

Kneeboarding boats

Kneeboarding, where the participant sits on his or her knees on the board, is generally considered an “entry level” form of watersports and in terms of difficulty is a step up from tubing, but a step down from wakeboarding. As a result, there isn’t much specialization needed in the boat itself. In fact, many people enjoy kneeboarding behind bowriders, deck boats, or cross-over boats like fish-andskis.

The exact size and shape of the wake

is less imperative in this case, so various boat designs and powerplants may be employed. In fact, you can have a thrilling kneeboard ride behind just about any type of boat.

Tubing boats

Tubing is where many watersports enthusiasts got their start, and it’s common for kids of all ages to jump overboard for a day of tubing. As a beginner sport, the type of boat you use for tubing is not a critical factor. Essentially, all you need is a boat with tow points, a tow rope, a tube, and some people who are ready to get wet and have a boatload of fun.

Tubing is also the only towed watersport that can be done socially; there are plenty of two-, three-, and even fourperson tow-tubes out there that you can load up and take for a joy ride.

What watersports boat is right for you?

So, which of these types of watersports boats will be best for you, personally?

That’s a question that only you can answer.

Just remember that the more specialized boats designed specifically for one sport in particular will likely be better at their mission than cross-over or multi-tasking boats. But on the flip side of the coin, less specialized models give you more flexibility in which of these activities you’d like to enjoy on any given day.

Source: discoverboating.com.

On the water handling Page 6

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AUGUST 2021

to ensure buckles and seams are intact, and that the flotation devices don’t have holes, either.

Also ensure that your kids haven’t outgrown the life jackets they used last summer as well. Discover Boating has a whole guide to help you, see “Life Jackets, Vests and PFDs: How to Choose the Right Fit” at discoverboating.com.

Waterways are filled with friendly boaters, just think of how many times someone has waved as you passed by. As much as there’s shared appreciation of this fantastic boating lifestyle, there’s a greater appreciation for boating properly and safely. boat handling tips Whether it’s the middle of summer or the coolest part of winter – and even when its too cold to hit the water in some parts of the country – any time is an ideal time to practice and improve your boat handling skills. Knowledge is power, after all.

Follow these boat handling tips to ensure a tip of the hat comes with those friendly waves whenever you find yourself on the water.

Learn boating knots

Tying oneself up in knots is a good thing in this case. Can you tell a cleat hitch from a clove hitch? Take some time to get familiar with all the basic boating knots— check out our step-by-step instructions here.

Then, keep some spare line by the TV or your favorite chair to ensure you keep practicing.

Take a class

Most states require boat owners and operators have some type of formal educational training or even a boating license. If you haven’t already, sign up for instruction, provided by the U.S. Coast Guard and other top-notch organizations you’ll find listed on our Boat Safety Courses, Education and Training page.

Some courses are online, while others are in person.

If you want to get started right away, you can also study some of our step-bystep boat-handling guides with Discover Boating; they cover all the basics: • Towing and trailering your boat to the ramp; • Launching your boat; • Driving your boat;

WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR BOATING SKILLS

Ask for advice Keep your boating skills honed by taking classes, practicing navigation tactics and always double checking your equipment.

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• Anchoring; • Docking; and • Loading your boat back on its trailer.

Practice nav skills

If there’s a secluded beach you’ve been dying to anchor off of, map out your route now. This way, you’ll be even more

confident when you cast off the lines.

Check your nautical charts, or a marine navigation app, for water depths, submerged obstacles, or other potential difficulties along the way, too.

Double check equipment

Start with life jackets. Now’s the time

Last but not least, ask for specific help to improve your boat-handling skills—and do it well before spring launch.

Is there a fellow slip holder at your marina who always seems to know what to do?

Or maybe your friend or family members who’s been boating for years, could show you the ropes?

How about the dealer who sold you your boat – has he or she encouraged you to reach out with questions?

Take advantage of these knowledgeable people now, to become one of them yourself.

Source: www.discoverboating.com.

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Boating safety tips for 2021

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into issues with your boat’s nav gear.

Advice from Capt. Nik Foster, Sea Tow Daytona/Ponce/ New Smyrna.

Advice from real captains

As we cruise into the 2021 boating season, we bet you’re more than ready to push off the dock! We are too, and having endless summer fun on the water starts with a safe boating experience. Brush up with the basics in our Boating Safety Guide, if you need a refresher.

Feeling confident before you leave the dock is the best way to enjoy boating to its fullest, especially since it allows you to have a stress-free experience. But there are a few somewhat subtle safety measures, tips and tactics that aren’t always as well-known as the old standbys like “check all your safety gear,” and “wear a life jacket.”

To get the insider scoop on some of the finer points of building confidence by being prepared for a safe day on the water, we went to our friends at Sea Tow and asked them Stay safe when boating by being prepared and to chime in with their in-depth experience and know-how. making sure everyone on board has a life jacket.

Since those Sea Tow captains have so much experience STOCK PHOTO The Breeze out on the water, we asked them to help us come up with some lesser-known safety tips that would make everyone’s time aboard more care-free and enjoyable. They delivered. be able to charge your phone from the boat. But with an external battery you’ll be able to keep your phone battery ready for use.

Also, know how to get your GPS location from a cell Always have a VHF radio onboard, but carry your cell phone. We often get calls from people who don’t know phone as a backup form of communication. their location, even while using a cell phone to make the While a properly working VHF radio remains the call. They simply don’t know how to share their location or standard for on-water communications, it doesn’t retrieve their GPS coordinates on their device. change the fact that more and more boaters are replacing On an iPhone, one method is to simply ask Siri, “What traditional marine electronics (VHF radios, chart plotters, are my GPS coordinates?” and she’ll provide them to you. etc) with cell phones and tablet-based apps.

Or if you’re an Android user, you can open your Google It’s become important to ensure that you have a way to keep these devices charged and ready when you need them. Maps App and click on the blue location dot. The app will pull up a page with your coordinates listed.

Pro tip – A phone charger or external battery that But an even better idea is to get a marine navigation app doesn’t depend on the boat for power has become an essential part of our Captain’s equipment bags. If your boat for your phone. Then you’ll not only have easy access to coordinates, but you’ll also have a backup in case you run develops an electrical issue or a dead battery, you won’t

Have a radio

Have two anchors

Carry two anchors aboard so you always have a spare (you know, just in case the first one goes for a dive).

When you anchor up, remember the adage “when in doubt, let more out.” While a good rule of thumb is to let out five to seven times the amount of depth in anchor line, the more line you have out, the lower the possibilities of dragging or breaking free.

Pro tip – Make sure you know the general depths in the areas you may anchor and that you have a sufficient amount of anchor line aboard. You’ll also want to check that you have an anchor and chain of the appropriate size and type for your boat, and the type of bottom in the areas you normally visit.

Advice from Capt. Ramsey Chason, Sea Tow Rhode Island, and Cape and Islands, Mass.

Carry extra lines, fenders

Many new boaters don’t realize that you’ll need those lines and fenders to raft up with other boaters or tie up at waterfront restaurants. Lines commonly aren’t provided (even at establishments with their own docks), and fenders are a must to prevent damage and to make sure body parts don’t get pinched between boats (a potential danger when rafted boats are not properly secured).

Advice from Cheryl Powers, owner, Sea Tow Key Largo.

Assess the situation

Whenever you’re cruising with doubt, stop your boat and assess the situation.

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How to reel in the right boat As the summer heats up more COVID19-weary people outside, the allure of being in nature and out on the water is inspiring a boom in the fishing boat business. Regular fishermen and novices are eager to get out and enjoy the challenge and contemplation that comes with pond and lake fishing.

But, this type of fishing presents some barriers. To really go where the fish are in a pond or lake setting, a small fishing boat is essential, and the right boat can get you on your way to a wonderful, “one with nature,” experience.

Many current boat styles used for lake and pond fishing have certain disadvantages. Motors can get caught in vegetation, and deeper draft boats can’t

navigate shallow coves.

The Twin Troller, however, is an innovative small water fishing craft distinct from other boats on the market because it’s designed specifically to address the criteria for successful pond and lake fishing.

Here’s how:

Maneuverability

The Twin Troller carries two electric motors that are recessed within the boat’s hull, eliminating the risk of a motor getting damaged on rocks or tangled in branches, weeds or other debris in shallow water. The in-hull propulsion allows quiet operation, shallow draft, and a 360-degree turning radius. In addition, foot pedal controls allow for a completely hands-free

navigation experience, with no paddling required.

Safety

The Twin Troller is lightweight and easy to handle. The flat-bottom design and strong sides offer maximum stability, without the tipping risk associated with jon boats, canoes, or kayaks, and anglers of all ages and flexibility levels can step in and out easily.

Comfort

Nothing spoils a day of fishing faster than a stiff back or sore bottom from sitting on an uncomfortable boat bench.

The Twin Troller features an elevated and padded seat so you focus on fishing.

“Freedom Electric Marine is dedicated to providing a one-of-a-kind experience for small water fishing enthusiasts through our high-performance Twin Troller boats,” says founder Frank Jones.

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10 EASY WAYS TO SAVE MONEY ON BOAT OWNERSHIP COSTS Using tools like the Boat Loan Calculator at the Discover Boating websites makes it easy to nail down accurate monthly expense figures when you’re purchasing a boat, but like any substantial asset, there are other costs of boat ownership. You can, however, find plenty of way to save money on annual boat ownership.

These 10 tips will be a good start as you decide how to manage your boat ownership expenses in the most costeffective way: Take advantage of tax deductions There are a number of ways boats can help you reduce your tax burden at the end of the year.

Your boat may count for a second home mortgage interest deduction. In some cases they qualify as a business expense, boats that are chartered for profit may be a legitimate consideration. If you use

your boat to commute expenses could be deductible. And when you’re ready to move on to a new boat you may be able to donate your old one to get an additional tax break.

Naturally you’ll want to make sure that any exemptions you file for are completely legal and legitimate. But that may well be the case, so a discussion with your accountant is in order.

Save fuel Run your boat at its most efficient cruising speed to save fuel. If you have a sailboat you’re in luck – any time the wind cooperates your fuel costs will be around zero. But power-boaters will see a drastic reduction in their fuel bill if they run their boat at its most efficient speed – this involves knowing what it means to trim a boat, and how to properly trim a boat, which will improve its performance and fuel economy.

All boats have a “sweet spot” where they get the best MPG (commonly around two-thirds of full throttle), which you can determine by watching fuel efficiency on your engine monitor or through trial and error. Either way, the important thing is to identify that most-efficient cruise, and then operate your boat at that specific speed whenever appropriate.

Consider fractional boat ownership Why own 100% of a boat, if you’ll only be using it half the time? There’s nothing wrong with sharing your pride and joy with another owner or owners, and the financial benefits of sharing the cost can be huge.

Plus, there are fractional ownership companies that take care of many of the ownership issues, so you can enjoy fractional ownership even if you don’t have a group of friends or family who want in. Particularly when it comes to large boat

or yachts, for people with limited time availability fractional ownership makes a lot of sense.

Keep up with the maintenance Keep your boat and its power system properly maintained.

This includes things like making sure the bottom isn’t covered in growth and keeping the engine(s) in good running condition so you don’t lose efficiency. But keeping the boat well maintained will also pay off in the long run, because expensive break-downs and equipment failure becomes much less likely.

Take a boating education course It’s always a good idea to continually expand your knowledge and skillset when it comes to boating, and taking a boating class can help you do just that. The better • CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Page 10

CHAIN O’ LAKES BREEZE

AUGUST 2021

MARINE TRADING POST BUYING, SELLING & SERVICING BOATS AND MARINE EQUIPMENT

CLASSIFIEDS Boats 16 FT. WHITEHAUL WOOD Sailing/ Row Boat. Latstrake Construction 5’ beam, includes trailer, canvas cover, 2 oars, Gaff Rig Sail & swing down keel. $8,000 OBO. 815-885-3360.

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Fishing Boats

Ski Boats/Fishing Boats

14 foot aluminum fishing boat, trolling motor, oars, battery. $395.

1980’s Runabout bow Rider, 100 hp (262) 742-3665.

Johnson, trailer $95 (262) 949-6997 1985 Mastercraft Prostar 190, trailer, Lift and Lift Parts garaged, $2350 best. Text please Jet ski lift, Needs some repair $25.00.

(630) 886-6667 1990 Mastercraft Prostar 190, low (262) 949-6997 hours, excellent ski boat, trailer, lift Jet ski trailer, Needs work. $50.00. kept $5250 best (262) 949-6997 (262) 949-6997 1995 Mastercraft Sammy Duvall series, Corvette engine, flat wakes Shore station lift parts, cheap. great slalom boat $11,500 best. (262) Lauderdale Lakes. (262) 742-3665 742-3665 1998 Supra Legacy, Super low hours, Ski Equipment clean, kept in heated garage, bow rider, great family boat. $7950 best.

Ski trainer, easy to get up on, builds (262) 949-6997 2000 Supra Legacy, very clean, confidence. $75. Text (262) 949-6997 garage/lift kept, bow rider, 275 hours, Slalom ski, Connelly, great shape, $9750 best. (630) 886-6667 $95.00. (630) 886-6667

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AUGUST 2021

Boat ramp etiquette 101 Every boater should know the Rules of the Road – or what’s also come to be known as basic “boating etiquette” for safe, courteous navigation – before pulling away from the dock. However, there’s another set of mostly unwritten rules comes into play at the launch ramp.

A popular boat ramp can be a busy place, especially on a summer weekend.

The process of launching and retrieving hundreds of boats is like running a circus with no ringmaster – so etiquette, custom and courtesy are all that stand between good order and havoc.

A good boat owner takes pride in appearing ship-shape at the ramp and contributing to efficiency. Those who are unprepared, or just oblivious, can mess things up in short order. So don’t be that boat owner.

Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers and Discover Boating offer some of the basics of boat ramp etiquette, starting with a few tips that will make your launching and retrieving process smooth and stress-free, including: • Always complete all prep work first in the staging area – out of the way of ramp where other boaters are launching; • Launch quickly and efficiently; have others in your crew assist you to make the process easier, if possible; • As soon as the boat is off the trailer, pull back up the ramp and park in a designated spot; • When retrieving your boat, use a courtesy dock or tie up away from the launch area until your trailer is in place; and • Load the boat onto the trailer, secure the winch at the bow and the safety chain; then proceed to the staging area to finish unloading and securing your trailer.

Prepping boat for launch If this is your first time at the launch site, park out of the way and take a minute

SAVE MONEY

Reassess your boat storage options You may be able to save money on your slip by shopping at several different marinas, because pricing can vary widely depending on the marina’s location and amenities.

You may also be able to save money in the long run if you buy a trailer and store your boat rent-free, at home. And in the off-season you might find that there’s less expensive winter storage available inland, as opposed to leaving it at the boatyard.

Brush up your DIY While significant mechanical work should probably be left to the professionals, there’s nothing wrong with handling minor chores ranging from cleaning your boat, to winterizing it, to installing new boating accessories.

Naturally you’ll want to use good judgement and be sure you don’t bite off more than you can chew, but a little bit of elbow grease and determination can prevent some big bills from arriving in the mail.

Page 11

Learn the basics of launching your boat

STOCK PHOTO The Breeze

inspect the ramp and dock – check the water depth, which side the dock may be on when you launch, and the flow of traffic as other boaters line up to launch.

Your goal is to be as efficient as possible when it’s your turn to actually back down and launch. With that in mind park in a designated staging area, or out of the way or traffic, to prepare your boat and do the following: • Visit the pay station and take care of a launching fee if one is required; • Install the boat drain plug;

• CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

educated you are the less likely it is that you’ll make a costly mistake while running your boat. Plus, in some cases being better educated can get you an insurance break.

Since many boater education courses are free, that makes taking one a win-win.

CHAIN O’ LAKES BREEZE

Get gas station on land Fuel costs are usually substantially higher at marinas, and boats hold a lot of fuel. However, whenever you fill up a trailer boat on land be sure to check the pumps and verify that you’re using the proper one. Many land-based gas stations carry E15 these days, and that can damage marine engines and fuel systems.

Have the proper boat insurance While insurance is certainly a cost of ownership, it’s also the best way to prevent dipping into your bank account to cover large, unexpected expenses.

And while it isn’t by definition “insurance,” also consider getting an onwater assistance and towing membership.

All mechanical items including boats can break down, and a tow can be a very large and unexpected expense if you don’t have all the bases covered.

Share space Consider placing your boat into a peerto-peer boat sharing marketplace.

Many boat owners find that they can defray a large proportion of the cost of ownership – and sometimes even make a profit – by joining one of the boat sharing companies and letting some lucky renters get in on the fun. For more information, visit www.discoverboating.com.

• Check that the key is in the ignition – this would be a good time to bump the key into the “start” position just to make sure you don’t have a dead battery; • Load all your gear into the boat – fishing tackle, coolers, tubes, skis, etc.; • Attach fenders to the dock side of the boat; • Remove the transom tie-down straps and the outboard motor brace if you use one.

• Attach dock lines to the bow and stern cleats; and • Unplug the trailer lights from the tow vehicle to keep cold water from damaging the hot bulbs.

Launching the boat Now you are ready to back down the ramp and launch. If you have a crew give everyone instructions on how to help, or how not get in the way. If someone is available to drive the boat off the trailer, that person can put on a PFD (personal floatation device) and get into the boat and be ready to start the engine and pull away.

• Start the engine before releasing the boat from the trailer. This way if your engine will not start you can simply drive back up the ramp to trouble shoot; • Either use dock lines to walk the boat down a dock and away from the launching area, or have your driver move the boat out

SAFETY TIPS

of the way; and • Your boat driver may wait on the water while you park and pick you up from the end of the dock, or move the boat away from the launch area and tie up.

As soon as the boat is safely off the trailer, pull back up the ramp and park in a designated spot.

Retrieving the boat Reloading the boat on the trailer is simply the reverse of launching. Drop the vehicle driver and passengers off on a dock. If there’s a courtesy dock or dock away from the launch area, it’s OK to tie up while you wait for the trailer. If not, move the boat away from the ramp area and wait for the trailer to be backed down.

Clean, drain, and dry Before driving away it’s important – and in most places, the law – to remove weeds from the boat and trailer and to drain the bilge, live wells and bait wells before driving away from the ramp. This best practice has been coined, “Clean, Drain, Dry.” This prevents the spread of invasive species like milfoil and zebra mussels. There may be signage at the ramp with guidance for this procedure, or check with your state DNR for local regulations.

Learn more by visiting StopAquaticHitchhikers.org.

• CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

still running, which can lead to hitting something or running aground.

Boaters are generally a friendly-group, so never hesitate to ask for information or advice whether it be from your friendly local Sea Tow captain, or a fellow boater with more experience and local knowledge.

Advice from Capt. Joe McGuinness, Sea Tow Eastern Connecticut.

Always have a backup plan

There’s one final bit of advice that all

the captains agree on: You need to have a backup plan in case the unexpected happens. You can’t walk home if you run out of fuel, the battery dies, or you have mechanical issues.

Pro tip – Membership with an onwater towing and assistance company is a smart investment. Even more than that, it provides peace of mind. You can cast off the lines knowing that you always have a friend in your corner – and that’s the very best way to enjoy worry-free boating to its fullest.

Page 12

CHAIN O’ LAKES BREEZE

AUGUST 2021

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