As the summer winds down and full is in full swing, there are still opportunities to go boating.
Four upcoming holidays include Halloween, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. If you don’t have immediate family living nearby, we suggest you pack your bags and spend the weekend on the boat leading up to these occasions.
Most marinas are empty these days because all boaters are out basking in the sun and swimming in the ocean. If this will be your first time boating on holiday, you need to know a few things.
Don’t Drink and Drive
We understand it’s a holiday, but that does not make it right to drink and drive. Mixing alcohol with water, waves, sun, and wind makes the situation quite dangerous. In fact, according to a report by the US Coast Guard, 23% of boating deaths involve alcohol consumption and negligence on the part of drunk people.
Watching your alcohol intake while on the boat would be responsible from a safety perspective. Even passengers should be careful and not drink excessively to prevent accidents. If you plan to make a toast because it’s a special occasion, we recommend giving someone the role of a Sober Skipper.
Install ECOS on the Boat
The Engine Cut-Off Switch (ECOS) on the boat’s panel is a small clip shaped like a “C.” It can be found on the helm station, attached to a spring button.
The clip is attached to a lanyard, which the captain hooks on himself. In case of an accident, such as the captain falling offboard, the clip detaches, and the boat stops.
Most new boats come with an ECOS system. The good news is that you can also install it on an old boat.
Don’t Over Invite People
It might seem tempting to invite a couple of your friends. If you invite people on your boat, ensure you don’t exceed its capacity. Consider the weight of your passengers and carry-ons, gear, water toys, and coolers.
Go Slow at Night
Holidays usually feature events such as fireworks shows. Your visibility will become restricted as soon as the sun goes down, creating a navigation problem. The water and marina are usually congested during holidays, so use extra precautions. Turn on the navigation lights, anchor your boat in a clear area, and signal to other boats if you see them approaching blindly. If you plan to do fireworks, bring a fire extinguisher with you.
You will find a huge crowd no matter where you dock, so be prepared. Practice docking in tight spaces to avoid bumping into boats parked in the slips beside you. Lastly, make a checklist and have a VHF radio to communicate with the coast guard in an emergency.
Visit the EZ Dock website and browse their products section for floating docks. They offer different types of boat docks and dock accessories. For more information, call on (800) 654-8168.
