Life Water on the
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table of contents Filing a Float Plan Can Be a Life Saver 11 Lightning Fast Tips Nine Towing Tips to Save Fuel One Good Sniff Safe Boating in any Season 20 Must-Have Items on Your Boat Leave Alcohol on the Dock 4 Questions for Your Insurance Agent Insurance Coverage - Trailers Life Jacket Loaner Program Spring Make-Ready Checklist The Naked Truth about Extended Warranties Report Boating Accidents E15 Fuel Bad for Boats Flo Rivers’ Top 10 Check 10: When Trailering Your Boat Don’t Let Fog Cloud Safe Boating Practices Keep Our Waterways Secure Don’t Roll Your Boat Well Anchored Beware of Flood Debris Bottom Paint
Winterize in 7 Easy Steps Secrets of Boat Shopping Revealed So You Want to Sell Your Boat 1...2...3...Find a Boat Ramp The Scoop on Poop Commercial Traffic Facts It’s a New Day Financing Your Boat Yes, You Need a VHF Radio Locking Through Reader Questions about Documentation and State Registration The More You Know To Survey or Not to Survey? National Safe Boating Week Boat Manufacturers Boat Education Government Agencies Locks Maps, Charts & Publications Tourism Websites
Want a better life? Add water. Our mission at Life on the Water is to bring more people to the lakes, rivers and coastlines of the Deep South. If only for 15 minutes a week on the shore or floating in the current, you’ll feel better and think more clearly if you’ll add water to your life. This library was compiled from questions we’ve been asked by readers. The answers they couldn’t find. The subjects that didn’t seem to be covered. The information was out there. It just hadn’t been collected and presented in one place. We’re happy to do that here. Thank you for being our reader. And thank you for living life on the water.
Christy Martin lifeonthewater.com/resources 3
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Destination PROFILE Cadiz, Kentucky Prizer Point Resort
In a time of smartphones and apps that attempt to take you ‘waterskiing’, a small town on the banks of Barkley Lake hosts a resort that’s winning accolades across the country. Surrounded by water on three sides, Prizer Point Resort combines the pristine landscape of Land Between the Lakes, the nature and wildlife of the Cumberland River’s Barkley Lake and a menu of familyfun items to create vacation getaway memories that last a lifetime. “Lisa and I just had this dream of creating a place that families could come and really have fun,” says Greg Batts, owner of the resort since October 2000. “Our motivation every day is when we can help adults be kid again.”
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The amenities at Prizer Point lend a setting for families that want to spend time together…or provides activities for kids to play while the adults relax. A typical day at Prizer Point could be gliding down the world's largest inflatable waterslide or climbing the iceberg in the lake. From there, you can dive into a splash play pool or jump your heart out on the jumping pillow. As you stroll the grounds, you may see a group volleyball game or a family playing basketball or newfound friends having a soccer match. At the end of the day, take in an outdoor movie with the family or enjoy s'mores at your campfire with the beverage of choice, knowing the kids are happily asleep in bed.
Prizer Point has the largest inflatable waterslide in the world
When we asked Batts what he thinks is the best attraction, he didn’t hesitate. “The value. We get family reunions and groups of all sizes…even small business conferences…because of our value pricing,” he explains. Prizer Point offers tent sites to hassle-free houseboat rental… three-bedroom condos & log cabins to treehouse accommodations. “We offer a lot of different
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ways to stay with us in order to meet the diversified requests and budgets of our customers,” Batts tells us. The resort can lodge 450 people in 53 lodging units. Pricing ranges from $25 a night for the tent sites to $2250 a week for houseboat rental. Diversification is a good word to describe the surroundings at Prizer Point. Being surrounded by water on three sides affords a changing landscape and horizon for vacationers to enjoy. Land Between the Lakes is a protected wildlife refuge so you’ll see all kinds of wildlife. Walk just bit and you’ll see a towboat glide by making its way to the Barkley Canal and ports anywhere in the world.
Fishing in Barkley Lake is known worldwide for bass, crappie and catfish and is considered one of the cleanest lakes in America. (EPA list 2013) Fishing guides
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on-site can take you to the secret coves and sloughs to catch the big one. “Some of our guests prefer to prepare their own meals…but those who want to dine out, we’ve got the best restaurant anywhere!” says Batts. Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner at The Pier floating restaurant literally on the water. Choose from Boaters’ Baskets featuring the Yacht Club Sandwich or the Big Buoy BLT, signature fried pickle chips and the Friday, Saturday and Sunday Fish Fry that attracts people from miles around.
Something Greg and wife Lisa are especially proud of is their staff. “Everyone here buys in. They believe in what they’re doing and that providing friendly service and a clean and safe family environment will keep customers coming back and they’ll tell other people about us,” Greg says.
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Many employees have made Prizer Point their first job in life. Greg and Lisa feel that teaching their young employees a good base of business values in a familyoriented environment will give them the experience needed to do well in life. “Our guests benefit from their enthusiasm and the younger guests can relate to them better. “ says Batts.
the enclosed pool at Prizer Point continues to be a popular reason families make this their vacation destination year-round
Greg and Lisa haven’t stopped improving the resort. Adding new slips over the last year has attracted boaters from across the region, including transient dockage for travelling boats. They’ve also expanded the service department with full-time mechanics, one even having 40 years of experience. “We noticed that more and more of the boats are older. That requires good maintenance and we wanted our customers to know that we recognized that,” Batts explained.
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Prizer Point Resort leads the way in the kind of resort budget-conscious Southerners want. But reaching past the Southeast, the nation is finding the small town of Cadiz, Kentucky…and they’re coming back for more every year. See the photo gallery lifeonthewater.com/prizerpoint.com
Greg Batts, owner – Prizer Point Resort
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Filing a Float Plan Can be a Life Saver
Christopher Columbus may have told Queen Isabella “if I’m not back in two years, send help,” but good ideas like filing a Float Plan often have more humble origins. It may have been as simple as a husband telling his wife he would be home by 5 p.m. with fish for dinner, and realizing that by 6, with no dinner provided, his wife would begin to wonder just where her great fisherman was. Whatever the case, a Float Plan form was published in the 1994 edition of the Federal Requirements and Safety Tips for Recreational Boaters and has remained an essential tool for aiding maritime Search and Rescue ever since. A Float Plan contains critical information about you, your vessel, and your intended voyage to assist the U.S. Coast Guard or local marine law enforcement should you fail to reach, or return from, your destination as planned. Your Float Plan is not filed with the U.S. Coast Guard. Instead, you should leave a copy with a family member, marina operator, or someone with whom you’ve established an expected time of return. Your Float Plan should include your boating location, when you plan to return, and emergency contact numbers. Additional information should include a detailed description of your vessel, number of persons and emergency equipment aboard, and any information that would help in locating and identifying your vessel. Printable Float Plans are available online at uscgboating.org. You can fill in your vessel’s name, type, registration number, propulsion and navigation systems, safety equipment on board and other basic data, leaving only the destination and passenger information to complete before your trip. Photocopy a stack and you’ll always have one ready when you are. lifeonthewater.com/resources 11
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11 Lightning Fast Tips
Lightning strikes are rare, but boaters should take precautions when storms move in.
For recreational boaters in the Deep South, summer thunderstorms bring danger not only with wind and waves, but also with lightning strikes. The South gets more lightning per year than any other part of the country. BoatUS recently took a look at how to protect yourself from this hazard while boating, sailing and fishing on the open water and has these tips:
•D on’t wait until it’s too late: Get off the water early: Getting to safe harbor is the safest bet. If you’re in a powerboat and can’t get in, you may be able to get around the storm. • I nside is best: If you can’t get off the water in time, the best place to be on a boat is inside any cabin, but avoid being near the mast or chainplates (sailboats), or large metal appliances like refrigerators. • Keep away from metal: If there is no “down below” and you’re stuck out on deck, stay away from metal railings, wheels, the mast and mast stays (both on sailboats), or any other metal fittings.
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•D on’t be a lightning rod: If you’re on an open boat, stay low and in the center. Depending on the severity of your situation, it’s also a good idea to remove jewelry. The US Coast Guard reports a case a few years ago in which lightning struck a man who was standing up wearing a large medallion. • Stay out of the water: Don’t fish during a thunderstorm – or dangle toes overboard. • Disconnect the power and antenna leads to your electronics: Many strikes just damage electronics, so disconnecting them goes a long way in preventing equipment damage. • Lower antenna: Unless they serve as part of a lightning protection system, lower any antennas. • Stay silent: Don’t use the VHF unless absolutely necessary.
• Dissipater dilemma: As for mast-top lightning dissipaters, there is no agreement by the experts on how well or if they work at all. Insurance claims files show that boats with “brush-like” dissipaters mounted at the top of the mast have been struck by lightning. • If you do get hit: 1) Check people first; 2) then check the bilge as strikes can rupture through-hull fittings and punch holes in hulls; 3) check electronics and compass; 4) check your boats bottom. You may want to consider a haul-out to check the bottom thoroughly (trailerboats can be inspected when you get back home). The challenge with lightning strikes is that they sometimes leave hard to find traces of damage that may only be seen when the boat is out of the water.
• Lightning grounding protection systems: Grounding systems, which provide a path for the lightning to enter and safely exit the boat, must be free of corrosion if they are going to provide any protection.
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Nine Towing Tips to Save Fuel With fuel prices high, trailering a boat has become more expensive. However, BoatUS offers some easy ways to stretch that tank of gas:
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Basic maintenance: Keep your tow vehicle’s engine tuned and replace the engine air filter as needed. Drive ahead: Moderate your use of the accelerator pedal by looking ahead and anticipating traffic. You will likely brake less aggressively and re-accelerate without having to be heavy on the fuel-hungry accelerator pedal. Take it easy when starting from a dead stop. Stop “cruising”: With automatic transmissions, stay off the cruise control, especially when traveling in hills or mountains. Cruise control cannot anticipate going up or down a slope, and tends to use more fuel when the transmission kicks down to a lower gear to compensate for speed loss on a hill.
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Tire tip: Keep tires properly inflated to the recommended PSI on both the tow vehicle and trailer. Check PSI before every trip. Cover up: On long trips, use a tight-fitting boat cover when towing, which helps decrease wind drag and improves fuel economy.
photo: BoatUS
Lighten up: Lighten the load by carrying just what you need for the day or weekend in the tow vehicle and on board your boat. Also, at about six pounds per gallon of gas, try to keep the boat’s fuel tank near empty when trailering long distances.
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Drain it: Never leave water in a live well or bait tank. At a little over eight pounds per gallon, carrying an extra 25 gallons of water in these built-in tanks can represent 10% of the boat’s total weight. Filled wakeboard boat ballast tanks or bags can also add significantly more weight – from several hundred to over 1,000 pounds of water. Emptying tanks also slows the spread of invasive species.
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Slow down: A decrease in towing speed of just five or six miles-per-hour can lead to a noticeable decrease in fuel consumption. Trailer tires have a maximum speed of 65 mph, so going over that will not only harm MPG, but could damage tires as well. Go local: Plan more trips closer to home.
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One Good “Sniff” May Save a Life
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It is a required procedure anytime a boat is refueled to turn the engine compartment blower on before starting the engine. But if a leak has developed below, or if you don’t run the blower long enough, tragedy may strike in the form of an explosion. Add the sniff test to your refueling checklist as a final precaution against fueling disaster. Life on the Water has these six refueling safety tips:
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Always remove passengers from the boat, and reboard only after refueling is complete and the engine(s) restarted. Engine should be turned off, as should all electrical switches, including the ignition. This means turning the ignition to the “off ” position and flipping any AC and DC switches in the main distribution panel to “off.” Do not use your cell phone when refueling.
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Keep all doors, ports and hatches closed, and only open them when refueling is complete.
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To prevent unintentional sparking, hold hose nozzle firmly against fuel fill (and not a rod holder, water tank fill or holding tank, which happens more often than you think). Make sure you don’t overfill the tank.
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After refueling, make sure the engine compartment blower runs for at least four minutes. This may delay others waiting to fill up, but it’s worth the wait. A quick sniff test takes only a few seconds and is the most effective method for detecting fuel leaks. Always open the engine bay hatch (if your boat is equipped with one) and smell the bilge area as well as any closed compartments or interior spaces.
photo: Florence Harbor
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Meet LIFE ON THE WATER resource: Capt. Steve Blazier TENNESSEE RIVER SAILING CHARTERS
1. What is your background and how did you decide to do SAILING CHARTERS…on the Tennessee River? The last year I was in the Navy a friend asked me to crew his Thistle sailboat in order to race it in Charleston, SC. When I got out and started college in Columbia, another friend acquired a Helms 25 and we sailed it for 3 years. After completing my post graduate training, I bought my first sailboat, a Gulf Coast 22, which I still have! As the fleet grew, I’ve ended up with a J-30 and earned my USCG Captain’s license a few years ago. So, after sailing for 40+ years, it’s time to share my love of sailing and pass on
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experience and knowledge. I’ve lived in Florence since 1985 and have sailed Wilson Lake, Wheeler Lake, Pickwick Lake and the TennTom Waterway to Mobile.
2. Describe a sailing charter. A sailing charter can be as long as you want. The more time we have, the further we can go. During the summer, to avoid the heat, we go out Saturday evenings to watch the sunset and then sail until we’re tired! We usually end up coming in around 10 or 11 pm. A sailing charter is perfect for couples, small groups…even office getaways. Conversation of the water is just better…clearer…easier. We find that companies love to do charters to get out of the office and really hear what their employees are saying. Our customers can bring appetizers, a bottle of wine…whatever makes for a relaxing time on the water.
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3. If you could fix one thing about our waterways, what would it be? I’d ask boaters to be more responsible about the amount of trash that blows off their boats. Please, use a trash bag and keep it tied down. Go back and pick up whatever went overboard. 4. In one sentence, why should I book a TENNESSEE RIVER SAILING CHARTER? Where else can you get a ride on a sailboat built to be raced on the open ocean? The winter can be the best time, it’s not hot and the wind blows a lot! The J-30 does best in wind 10-20 mph.
Steve’s wife Jan is also a USCG captain and conducts ladies’ bass fishing courses and boat-driving instruction specifically for women.
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5. What plans do you have for TENNESSEE RIVER SAILING CHARTERS? Everywhere I go, people want a houseboat to rent or charter. Lots of those people would never buy a boat…but they want to experience it. We’re restoring a 43’ houseboat right now to be ready for rental by the spring of 2015! There’s a consortium of USCG Captain’s at Joe Wheeler Marina…so if I can’t accommodate you on a particular date, chances are that I can put you in touch with someone who can. This will really open up the possibilities of bringing more people to the waters of North Alabama and the Tennessee River!
Sailing charters for sunset cruises start as low as $200 for 6 people…just $35 per person. Check out their website: tennesseeriversailing.com
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photo: near Redstone Arsenal on the Tennessee River from Kathy Milligan
The Nine Commandments of Safe Boating Any season is the right season for safe boating practices. Here are six practices you should always be guilty of following, no matter what the season. 1) Water & alcohol don’t mix: US Coast Guard tests have shown that environmental stressors – sun, wind, wave motion, vibration and glare – can slow a boat operator’s reaction time and make them prone to more errors. This fatigue reduces an operator’s reaction time as much as drinking alcohol alone. However, when you combine the two, it can lead to boaters missing ten times as many “cues” as those who are
only exposed to the environmental stressors alone. 2) Night operation requires extra vigilance: Operating a boat at night, with fewer visual cues, confusing background lights ashore, and other vessels moving about can be challenging. But there’s one thing you can do which solves many of these problems; slow down. By slowing down the boat you give yourself the time and room to maneuver, make safe course changes and avoid hazards such as unlit navigation aids or shoals. Your second best nighttime “tool” at your disposal – adding an extra spotter.
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3) Give the boat a “checkup:” A free vessel safety check by US Coast Guard Auxiliary or US Power Squadrons is a good indicator of whether you and your boat have all of the right safety gear and are ready to handle a bad situation. To find out how you can get one near you, go to www.safetyseal.net. 4) Know what drowning looks like: Someone who is drowning lacks lung capacity to call for help. Drowning victims move their arms as though climbing a ladder, taking quick gulps of air before slipping back under. In an adult, this can last up to a minute before the victim never resurfaces – a child may only do this for 20 seconds. Sudden cooling of the skin can also cause a swimmer to “breathe in” water. Never jump overboard before knowing the depth of the water and ensuring that it’s free of underwater hazards such as rocks, shoals, stumps or other structures. Also pick swimming areas away from boating traffic and strong currents. It’s always best to anchor, shut down the motor, and deploy the boarding ladder before going in. 5) Tell a friend: A float plan could be as simple as letting a family member know where you are going and what time you expect to return, or a more detailed written plan for longer trips, easily left on a windshield, given to a friend, or
dropped off at the Harbormaster office. One piece of float plan etiquette: always check back “in” upon your return. 6) Always check the weather: “You could be well prepared; however, the one thing that’s out of your hands is the weather,” says BoatUS Foundation President Chris Edmonston. The good news is that with today’s technology, it’s easy to keep an eye on weather conditions. Countless weather delivery options exist, from VHF DSC radio to smartphone apps, so make sure you are well-equipped before you head out. 7) VHF radios aren’t just for big boats. Take a VHF radio with you on every outing, no matter what size boat you are on. These radios are the primary means of communication on the water. And cell phones don’t always work. 8) Don’t stop or anchor in high traffic areas. River navigation channels are marked with red and green buoys. It’s like a highway or interstate for the water. And you would never stop in the middle of a highway for a picnic (or anything else). 9) Life Jackets will save your life. Never get in the water without one!
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Must-Have Items on Your Boat Lifejackets for everyone onboard
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A throw cushion – a type IV flotation device
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Fire extinguisher
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Lines to secure the boat
Visual distress signals – flares or at least a flashlight
Horns, whistles or bells – anything that makes noise
Copy of the Inland Navigation Rules...Rules of the Road
Your boater registration, insurance certificate, boating license
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First aid kit fully stocked
VHF radio
Working bilge pump
River charts
Garbage bags and/or sealable baggies
A serrated knife or Swiss Army Knife
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Paddle
Emergency Position Indicator Radio Beacon (EPIRB)
17 18 19 20 Compass
Spare engine parts
GPS
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Leave Alcohol on the Dock The Coast Guard’s annual report, Recreational Boating Statistics, shows that a boater with a blood alcohol level above the legal limit runs a significantly increased risk of being involved in a boating accident. This is why: • Sun, wind, noise, vibration, and motion – “stressors” common to the boating environment – intensify the effects of alcohol, drugs, and some medications by causing fatigue, which in turn impairs a boater’s balance, coordination, and reaction time. • As blood alcohol concentration goes up, the ability to process information, assess dangerous situations, and exercise sound judgment becomes increasingly difficult. • Peripheral vision, depth perception, night vision, focus, and the ability to distinguish colors (particularly red and green) are reduced.
photo: USCG
With these impairments, accidents are more likely and more deadly for both passengers and boat operators. Alcohol is a factor in nearly one in five recreational boating fatalities; U.S. Coast Guard data show that in more than half of these the victims capsized their boats or simply fell overboard.
• Finally, alcohol reduces inhibitions and brings on a false sensation of physical warmth, which could cause a person to enter and/or remain in cold water until hypothermia sets in. lifeonthewater.com/resources 25
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photo: on Lake Guntersville from Sandra Merlo
4 Questions for your Insurance Agent Got the boat ready to go into the water? Hold it, just a minute! Ask your boat’s insurance agent these four hard questions.Their answers could let you know how worthwhile, or worthless, your current policy is:
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1. Does your insurance company expect you to pay salvage costs that should be paid by them? Most people say the main reason they buy insurance is to cover the “big things.” The most common types of catastrophic insurance claims are sinkings – which can happen to anyone – or storm claims, which destroy your boat and leave it in pieces in the neighbor’s back yard. lifeonthewater.com/resources 26
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In both of these cases, it is the policy’s “salvage” coverage that will pay to remove your boat from the bottom of the lake or from your neighbor’s back yard. A good policy has separate and full salvage coverage (up to your policy’s limits) for the costs to remove the boat that is not less than or limited to a percentage of the “hull” value (which is the part of the policy that reimburses you the actual the loss of the boat). A bad policy reimburses you for the loss of the boat, but could make you pay some salvage fees out of your own pocket – and isn’t that what insurance is for in the first place?
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2. When you have a claim, how much help will you get? When insurance companies handle a claim, there are two schools of thought: those that are “hands-off ” and those that are “hands-on.” A hands-off insurance company believes you should do all of the work. With a big claim, that could include finding a salvor, crane company, barge and trucking service on your own, and then reimbursing you. A hands-on insurance company – usually a specialty marine insurer – has access to these unique services 24/7 and wisely negotiates pricing, hires and pays these contractors for you, and can arrange for, and even guarantee, repairs.
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3. Does the policy have “consequential damage” coverage? In the world of boat insurance, catastrophic losses that include fire, explosion, sinking, demasting, collision or stranding are considered a “consequence.” For example, when your boat sinks due to a rusted, through-hull fitting breaking off, the sinking is a consequence of the broken thru-hull. Good boat insurance policies include “consequential damage” coverage for these specific catastrophes. In plain English: if consequential damage is not covered in your policy, almost every sinking or fire could be excluded as a result of “wear and tear.”
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4. Do you want me out of harm’s way? A better insurance policy will offer 24/7 emergency claims response that can immediately step in with the necessary resources to prevent further damage. And if you live in a hurricane zone, it will also share the cost of a haul-out to move your boat to high ground or pay a captain to move it to a hurricane hole. If you’re not satisfied with your insurance agent’s answers to these questions, it’s time to start shopping around for a better policy. lifeonthewater.com/resources 27
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If a tree damages your boat and trailer, do you know which insurance policy will take care of the trailer? photo: BoatUS
Auto, Boat or Homeowners Insurance
Where Does the Boat Trailer Fit In? It’s clear what auto, boat or homeowners insurance policies are for. However, which insurance policy insures your boat trailer? The answer depends on how and what type of damage occurred. “If a boat trailer is damaged in an accident on the road, it’s the separate trailer coverage provided by your boat’s insurance policy that pays for repairs or replacement,” said BoatUS Vice President of Marine Underwriting Mike Pellerin. “But if your boat trailer damages another’s property or leads to injuries when it is connected to your tow vehicle, it’s your auto insurance policy’s liability coverage that would pay for damages to other vehicles, propertylifeonthewater.com/resources or any medical claims.” 28
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“The same goes if you accidentally back your rig into your neighbor’s stone wall,” continued Pellerin. “Your boat’s trailer repairs would be provided for by the trailer coverage in your boat’s insurance policy, while repairs to the neighbor’s wall would go under the auto policy’s liability coverage.” What happens if a tree falls on your unloaded trailer while it is parked in your driveway? It could be the trailer coverage in your boat’s insurance policy that will compensate you, or you may also be able to make a claim on your homeowner’s policy. If a trailer is damaged or stolen when stored at a marina or other storage location, the trailer coverage in the boat’s insurance policy will compensate you.
Here are five insurance buying tips for trailer boaters: 1. Not all boat insurance policies automatically provide boat trailer coverage, and there could be geographic limits on where you may trailer the boat. 2. If you do decide to add trailer coverage to your boat’s insurance policy, ensure that your insurer knows the cost of the boat and trailer separately. If you don’t separate these two, they may have difficulty in fairly compensating you for a claim. 3. Ensure your vehicle’s insurance policy includes liability coverage for any damage to another’s property that you cause while trailering your boat. 4. Ask your homeowner’s insurance company if your trailer is covered when stored at home. 5. If you store your boat trailer at your marina or other storage facility, be sure to read the fine print in your contract as it relates to insurance. Many include language that holds these facilities “harmless.”
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Everyone got a life jacket? Kids need the right-sized life jacket and a program from the BoatUS Foundation offers to loan them for free for an afternoon, day or weekend. photo: BoatUS
It’s a simple question boat owners often ask when heading out on the water. However, for younger guests who require the right-sized life jacket, the answer isn’t always “yes.” There may be only adult-size life jackets on board, kids may have simply outgrown their life jacket, or perhaps some younger guests joined the outing at the last minute. To help get kids in right-sized life jackets, the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety’s Kid’s Life Jacket Loaner Program now offers over 530 locations across the country – marinas, boat clubs, waterfront businesses and even fire houses – where kid’s life jackets in various sizes (up to 90 pounds) can be borrowed at no cost for the afternoon, day or weekend. “When kids wear an adult life vest, it provides a false sense of security because they can easily slip out once they hit the water,” said BoatUS Foundation Program Manager Alanna Keating. “It’s better to make a pit stop at one of our loaner locations and grab one that fits. All you have to do is sign it out and return it when you are done. It’s that simple.” To find a location near you, go to BoatUS.com/Foundation/LJLP/map. Across the country the program on average loans out over 90,000 life jackets each year, and at least three children’s lives have been saved since it began in 1997. lifeonthewater.com/resources 30
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Spring Make-Ready Checklist Don’t let your excitement about launching your boat for the first time of the season distract you from the routine but necessary steps you need to take to ensure your boat is sea worthy and has all the necessary safety gear. Follow these steps to get your boating season off to a good start. 1. Check your distress signals to be sure they meet the requirements for your state and that they have not passed their expiration date. 2. Check the gauge on your fire extinguisher. Replace it if in doubt. 3. Inspect your life jackets. Replace those that have deteriorated or been outsized by your family and friends. 4. Check your batteries. Charge and/or replace as needed. 5. Test all electronics including your radio, GPS, depth finders, etc. 6. Check the through-hull fittings for cracks or deterioration. If more than 10 years old consider replacing them. 7. Check the sea-cocks (valves) attached to the through-hulls, hoses and clamps. Replace hoses that are soft, brittle or cracked. Make sure hoses are doubleclamped. 8. Keep a spare impeller on board if applicable. 9. Check rudder linkages and bearings and replace as needed. Foremostboating.com
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The Naked TruTh abouT exTeNded WarraNTies Do you need an extended warranty?
The answer is that “extended warranties,” also known as service contracts, may not offer the full coverage you’re hoping for. Knowing what they will and will not cover, will give a boat buyer the chance to make an educated purchase. 1. An extended “warranty” is not a warranty. Rather it’s an insurance policy that pays for repairs if the breakdown, failure or failed component is covered by the policy. On the other hand, a new boat warranty covers much more and generally offers more protection to the boat buyer.
photo: Larry Long
2. Don’t let the name fool you. Service contracts with brand names like Mercury Product Protection or Volvo Penta Extended Protection Program are usually written by independent companies, not the manufacturer. 3. Not everything is covered. A service contract covers specific items only. On the other hand, a new boat warranty is a guarantee that the manufacturer will stand behind the product. A new boat warranty
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would replace a defective part and repair any damage that was a result of the failed part. With a service contract, parts are a commonly covered repair but the residual damage is generally not. 4. The real cost of repairs could be higher. Service contracts could come with some out-of-pocket repair costs. While they may cover a certain broken engine part, the contract may not cover the costs to remove the engine to access the part. Also, service contracts generally have nominal deductibles. 5. The overlap issue. Service contracts sold by independent companies begin as soon as they receive your premium but take a back seat to the new boat warranty. This means if your service contract is for five years and the new boat warranty is for two, you actually only get three years of service contract protection. The exceptions are the extended warranties sold by Mercury and Volvo that begin after the manufacturer’s new boat warranty runs out. 6. Wait to buy. If you’re buying a new boat, don’t rush into a decision to purchase a service contract at closing. Many independent service contract
providers give up to a one-year window to purchase an extended warranty for new boats. Waiting to purchase until you’re near the end of this window extends the life of the service contract. However, this is usually not an option with a used boat purchase. 7. The check was in the mail. Twenty-five percent of all service contract complaints involve dealers “forgetting” to send the premium to the contract’s provider, which doesn’t come to light until the boater needs the coverage. 8. Approval needed: All service contracts require preauthorization before work begins. Some will require work to be done only at “approved” shops or, in the case of third-party service contracts, may require all the work to be completed by the dealer who sold you the boat. 9. Breakdown time revealed. Most defects in new boats and engines appear within the standard warranty period. 10. The durability wildcard: Knowing how “durable” your boat is can help you make a decision on purchasing a contract. source: BoatUS
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Report Boating Accidents It’S the LAw
The operator or owner of a boat involved in an accident is required to complete and submit an official accident report. The U.S. Coast Guard maintains statistics based on accident reports that help identify boat defects and boater behaviors that cause injuries and take lives. The more accurate and complete the accident report, the better job federal, state and territorial agencies can do to make boating a safe recreational activity. No penalties or citations can be imposed solely on the basis of an accident report. The U.S. Coast Guard has the following basic guidelines for when to file depending on the severity of the accident and the jurisdiction in which the accident occurs. These situations require reporting: • person dies within 24 hours of an accident – report must be filed within 48 hours • person is injured and requires medical treatment beyond first aid • person disappears from the vessel under circumstances that indicate death or injury • damage to vessels and other property totals $2,000 or more (less in some states and territories) – report must be filed within 10 days
• complete loss of any vessel • person dies more than 24 hours after the occurrence Boat accident report forms can be obtained from the state boating authority, typically the Department of Natural Resources; Department of Fish, Game, and Wildlife; State Police or similar agency. If you are unsure, you can find out by visiting nasbla.org. Click on “People,” then click on “State Boating Contacts.” A federal form, accepted by many states, can be downloaded at uscgboating.org. The form should be sent to the state boating authority, either in the state where the accident occurred, the state in which the vessel is numbered or, if the vessel does not have a number, the state where the vessel is principally used. The authority will review the report, determine a cause and forward the information to the Coast Guard. Filing an insurance claim is no substitute for filing an accident report, nor does filing a report substitute for filing an insurance claim. Contact your boat insurance agency for instructions related to insurance claims.
lifeonthewater.com/resources Source: U.S. Coast Guard 34
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Top 10 Contributing Factors in Boating Accidents and Fatalities Operator inexperience and lack of instruction are major factors in boat accidents, especially those resulting in fatalities.*
Factors
Accidents
Fatalities
Injuries
Operator Inattention
749
43
521
Operator Inexperience
439
43
312
Excessive Speed
427
32
441
Improper Lookout
335
14
277
Alcohol Use
308
120
330
Machinery Failure
282
9
111
Weather
260
74
119
Hazardous Waters
242
91
118
Force of Wave/Wake
229
13
207
Navigation Rules Infraction
110
6
85
*U.S. Coast Guard Recreational Boating Statictics 2009
(Most recent available statistics)
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E15 Fuel Bad for Boats Avoid Costly Mistakes at the Gas Pump Which one can you use in the car and which one can you use on the boat? Confusing and inadequate gas pump signage illustrates the challenge boaters face when selecting the right gas for their boat. photo: BoatUS
Most recreational boats in the US are “trailer” boats. Stored in the backyard or driveway, they are trailered to the water and enjoyed for the day. They are also refueled at your local gas station or minimart which may offer E15 fuel (15% ethanol) that is prohibited by the federal government for use in boat motors and violates engine manufacturer warranties. According to BoatUS, the EPA’s debut of its proposed solution, a small, orange label affixed to the gas pump titled “Attention,” has only heightened the need for boaters to be vigilant. “As this new fuel starts appearing at the local fuel pump, we see the real likelihood of putting the wrong fuel in your boat,” said BoatUS Vice President Margaret Podlich. “It could lead to costly
engine or fuel system damage, and potentially leave you stranded out on the water with a disabled vessel, compromising your family’s safety. When a boat’s engine stops running, you can’t pull over to the side of the road.” Earlier this year, the EPA authorized the use of E15 in 2001 model year and newer motor vehicles. However, the agency did not authorize its use in marine engines or a range of off-road vehicles, tools and equipment. Currently, most boaters in the US have transitioned to E10 (10% ethanol), the maximum percentage of ethanol permitted in gasoline before most engine manufacturer warranties are voided. However, many boaters still go out of their way to find ethanol-free fuel.
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BoatUS believes it will be hard for consumers to recognize when or where E15 is being rolled out to their local gas stations or fuel sellers. “Most likely consumers will encounter E15 for the first time to their local gas station with little or no fanfare, and may be attracted to its price. This means we have to be alert now – it’s really a situation of buyer beware,” said Podlich. The boater’s group also said the issue goes far beyond gas-powered boat engines. “I encourage anyone
fueling – whether it’s for your boat, car, motorcycle, generator or six-gallon portable tank for your lawnmower or leaf-blower, to absolutely know what type of gas is going into that tank,” said Podlich. “Unless you have a 2001 or newer motor vehicle, the gasoline-powered engines you own were not built for E15. Now is the time to start knowing which gas stations offer you safe fuel.”
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lifeonthewater.com/resources 38
$20 bill First thing, walk down the dock and throw it in the river. You know you are going to drop something valuable in anyway, so you may as well get it over with. Drink hugger
But don’t take one of those tacky, decorated, oversized jobs. They don’t fit in the cup holder.
Your Dog
He likes to get away too.
A so-so book That way if your fellow boaters are boring, you have something to do. But if they are fun, you aren’t too tempted to ignore them and finish your novel. Fishing pole And don’t worry about the worm dirt under your fingernails….until it’s time to eat anyway. Camera You never know when the guy on the boat next door is going to trip over his untidy lines and fall in the drink. And if that doesn’t happen you can always snap shots of children, turtles and the sunset. Vienna Sausages
No trip to the river is complete without a few cans. Sardines can be substituted if you prefer.
Fun noodle they are the perfect float.
Small, versatile, easy to store…
Baggies
The plastic kind, not your swim trunks. Guests get upset when their cell phones get wet.
Good attitude
It’s hard to be cranky on the water, but some people succeed. Don’t be one! lifeonthewater.com/resources 39
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Before you hook up your trailer and head toward your favorite launch site be sure: 1. coupler, hitch and ball are the same size 2. coupler and safety chains are secured to hitch of vehicle 3. all fasteners are properly tightened 4. boat is securely tied down to trailer, not just with the winch line 5. wheel lug nuts are tight 6. wheel bearings have been maintained and are in good shape 7. load is not over weight for trailer or tow vehicle 8. tires are properly inflated and do not have dry rot 9. trailer lights are all working 10. trailer brakes are working properly
Discoverboating.com
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photo: on Watts Bar Lake-Tennessee River from Cole Martin
Fog can develop very quickly, reducing visibility on the water to just a few yards and leaving boaters confused as to their position and what obstructions may be around them. Limited visibility raises the risk of hitting fixed objects and colliding with other boats, which is why it’s important to take preventive action that includes slowing to a safe speed, energizing your navigation lights, and sounding the appropriate sound signals for your vessel type as required by the U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Rules. In fog, if other boats can’t see you they need to hear you. If you see fog moving in, do the following before your visibility becomes seriously reduced: • Fix your position on a chart or mark it on an electronic plotter. • Reduce your speed to the point where you can stop your vessel in half the distance you can actually see. • Turn on your navigation lights.
• Instruct any passengers to help you keep watch – by sight, sound, and smell – preferably in the bow. • Begin sounding one prolonged blast on your horn (4–6 seconds) every two minutes while underway and making way and two prolonged blasts every two minutes when underway and stopped. Continue until the fog lifts and visibility significantly improves. • If you decide to anchor your vessel and shut off the engine, the sound signals change. While you are at anchor you must rapidly ring your bell for 5 seconds at intervals of not more than 1 minute. This lets other vessels know where you are and what your status is. It is very easy to get lost or disoriented in fog. Your seamanship skills and good conduct on the water will help alleviate the stress and help ensure that you, your passengers and your vessel return safely to your mooring.
lifeonthewater.com/resources 41source: U.S. Coast Guard
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Keep Our Waterways Secure Coast Guard response boats enforce security zones around naval vessels and critical infrastructure facilities near the water. photo: U.S. Coast Guard
Average citizens can and do play an important role in national security. If you are one of America’s approximately 82 million recreational boaters, or if you live, work, or engage in recreational activities on or near the nation’s waterways, you can help keep these areas safe by participating in America’s Waterway Watch and reporting suspicious activities to local law enforcement agencies. The U.S. Coast Guard’s AWW program is based on the same principles as Neighborhood Watch and enlists the efforts of the Coast
Guard, its Reserve and Auxiliary components, the United States Power Squadrons®, and local residents, boaters and businesses, to augment security. Always remember that people are not suspicious, behavior is. Call 877-24WATCH (877-249-2824) if you notice any of the following: • Someone taking pictures, video or making sketches of facilities, such as bridges, tunnels, ferry transport systems, fuel docks or power plants. • Someone asking questions about access to one of these facilities.
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• Someone anchoring, fishing or diving in an area not typically used for that activity. • Unusual night operations, including lights flashing between boats. • Any boater who misuses their vessel or seems strangely unfamiliar with its operation. • Unattended vessels near bridges or in unusual locations. • Unusual transfer of personnel or cargo while underway, anyone tossing items into waterways or onto shorelines, or anyone recovering such items. • Anyone trying to access a boat by force.
• Seeing a hole in a security fence around an industrial facility. Do not take matters into your own hands. Call 877-24WATCH (877-249-2824). If you believe there is immediate danger to life or property, call the Coast Guard on Channel 16 VHF-FM, or dial 911. As the Department of Homeland Security puts it: If you see something, say something. To learn more, visit the America’s Waterway Watch website at americaswaterwaywatch.org. The U.S. Coast Guard reminds all boaters to “Boat Responsibly!” For more information and tips on boating safety, visit uscgboating.org.
lifeonthewater.com/resources 43
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Don’t Roll Your Boat
photo: U.S. Coast Guard
Capsizing is a leading cause of recreational boating deaths and injuries, and weather is often a contributing factor. But overloading and inexperience at the helm can also put a vessel in danger of overturning, especially in smaller craft that can be adversely affected by load, wind and water conditions. To avoid capsizing your vessel, follow these U.S. Coast Guard tips: • Don’t overload. Check your vessel’s capacity plate, or calculate the maximum number of passengers by multiplying the length times the width of the boat and dividing by 15. • Keep gear and passengers evenly distributed, and secure gear so that it doesn’t shift. • Turn at a safe speed and angle. • Watch for waves and wakes from other boats. Reduce speed and take them head-on or at a slight angle off the bow. • Avoid boating in bad weather. If caught in a storm, reduce your speed and head for the nearest shore. Keep passengers at midpoint and low in the boat, especially in high winds and rough seas. • Never anchor from the stern of the boat. The pull of the anchor combined with less freeboard on the stern increases the risk of swamping. lifeonthewater.com/resources 44
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Well Anchored The most important factor in successful anchoring is having the right equipment. Choose your anchor for the bottom, not the boat. Then make sure you have enough line, known as rode when referring to the anchor, for the length of your boat. You will need approximately five times the length of your boat for day anchoring and eight times the length for night anchoring. Attach a length of chain to the anchor and the rode to the chain.
Pivoting Fluke Anchor use in sand or mud Plough or Claw Anchor use in weeds or sand Grappling Anchor use with a rocky bottom Mushroom Anchor for small boats like a canoe or john boat
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photo: BoatUS
Recent storms and floods on waters in the Deep South have increased the number of submerged objects lurking on or just below the surface of rain swollen rivers, lakes and bays. Bob Adriance of the BoatUS Damage Avoidance Program says, “Small boats moving at high speeds can be sunk easily by striking a submerged object, whether it’s a tree, parts of buildings, fences, landscape timbers or other debris washed down in recent storms.” What’s the best precaution? Slow down after significant rain events and post extra lookouts – the more eyes the better. “It’s really a problem for any boat as running gear and outdrives can be damaged and lead
to water coming in,” says Adriance. BoatUS has these four tips: • Before you go: Have all of the safety and communications gear aboard and ensure the bilge pumps are working and there is no debris in the bilge. It’s always a good idea to have an extra bailer or two aboard, such as a bucket, emergency hand pump or even a cut-off detergent bottle. Also understand that navigational aids may have shifted. • Stop for any “thud”: If you hear a thud, always stop the boat immediately and inspect the bilge or storage compartments for damage. Check again a short while later as a crack can open up after a boat has bounced around a
lifeonthewater.com/resources 46
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while. Another sign of damage is the boat may feel “funny” or less responsive; a sign that water is coming aboard. • Put on life jackets: If you find water coming aboard — even if it’s just a trickle — immediately put on your life jacket and notify the Coast Guard as you could lose the power and the ability to send a distress call on your VHF. It takes only seconds for a trickle to get worse.
• Be prepared to improvise: If you do find a hole in the hull, bilge pumps alone may not stem the tide. Use anything you may have aboard such as towels, wooden bungs (keep them handy for plugging round holes such as prop shaft logs), or other gear to wedge into holes or cracks.
TIP The perfect number on a boat is three. If something happens to one of the passengers, there are two left…one to drive and one to assist the victim.
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lifeonthewater.com lifeonthewater.com/resources 47
Bottom Paint– Not Just for Looks
Blisters on the hull need to be sanded down before new bottom paint can be applied. photo: Larry Long
If your boat stays in the water for even part of the year, you will need to have the bottom inspected and painted periodically. A bottom that is rough from wear and tear, or because of a carpet of marine life, will decrease the fuel efficiency and ease of handling of your boat. Left too long and you can have a real problem. There are two types of paint that should go on your boat’s bottom. The outer layer keeps your bottom slick and inhibits the growth of algae and other marine life that can build up over time. The under coat, or barrier coat, serves as a waterproof layer to protect your hull. A good barrier coat is the single most important factor in protecting your hull and in prolonging the life of your bottom paint. The barrier coat will begin to show through as the bottom paint wears off. The color acts as a visual indication it’s time to re-paint. Some bottom paint, known as hard paint, builds up with each layer. After a number of coats the build-up becomes thick enough that pits and rough spots can appear on your bottom when the paint begins to release. When this happens, all the old layers will need to be sanded off and a new coat applied. lifeonthewater.com/resources 48
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Soft, or ablative, paint for your bottom is designed to come off slowly. As gunk attaches to the bottom, the paint sloughs off and the gunk goes with it. This keeps your bottom clean. Anti-fouling paint contains copper and releases toxic biocides at a controlled rate that prevent marine growth from taking hold. Some paints also contain slimicides that function as a sort of sunscreen for your bottom by filtering out UV rays at the surface and preventing photosynthesis necessary for plant growth. With any bottom paint, be sure the paint line is about three inches above the water line. As boats get older they tend to sit lower in the water, so you may have to adjust your paint line up over time. In warmer climates, where boats tend to sit in water year round, you can expect to have the bottom repainted more often. A good rule of thumb – expect to have your bottom inspected and painted every three to five years. Expect the process to take up to a month and cost several thousand dollars‌. more if your bottom is blistered. Blistering occurs when water gets through the barrier coat and to the fiberglass. It mixes with the resin in the fiberglass creating a gas that expands and pushes the fiberglass open. The water-filled blister will penetrate into your hull, and your hull will become saturated.
Check out the video Bottom Paint Mysteries Revealed at lifeonthewater.com for more information from Angler Marine and Greg Rash with Portable Boat Repair. Click on the YouTube button for this and other informative videos.
Blisters need to be repaired as soon as possible. They will get worse and more expensive to repair as time goes by. Blisters must be sanded away to the hull. Once exposed the hull will need time to completely dry out. Only then can the fiberglass, barrier coat and bottom paint be reapplied. There are several different types of bottom paint and not all types are compatible with the existing paint. Also, different hull materials require different paint types. If this is a job you plan to do yourself, your first step must be education. Unless you have the time, tools and education to do the job right you might be better off leaving this one to the professionals.
lifeonthewater.com/resources 49
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Summer Fun Starts with Winterizing
During a freeze, water that has not been flushed out of a boat can cause major damage. Even more, if you didn’t take the time to winterize your boat those damages may not be covered under your boat insurance policy. That’s why it’s so important to take some time to winterize your boat. An hour of prevention could save you thousands of dollars and one big headache. “Winterization doesn’t take too long for most boats and is just a matter of when and where,” says Foremost Insurance Group’s Senior Marine Product Manager Brad Seeley. “If you are unfamiliar with the process, any marine facility or dealer should be able to help you, but following the right steps makes it an easy do-it-yourself job.” lifeonthewater.com/resources 50
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How to Winterize Your Boat 1. The biggest step in boat winterization is to make sure ALL water is drained from the vessel. Damage due to a freeze generally is not covered by your insurance policy, so if you don’t know how to extract all the water properly get help from a professional to winterize your vessel. 2. Drain all the fuel from within the engine. Run the engine to get it out of the system making sure that cooling water is circulating through the engine. Once it’s out of the system, fill up the fuel tank so it doesn’t develop condensation. Add a fuel preservative to the tank to keep the fuel from vaporizing and protect it from being exposed to the air. 3. To minimize the effects of rust and corrosion, spray a petroleum-based or wax-based spray into the engine. Spray the cylinders and any of the metals that need to be protected. 4. Remove the drain plug if the vessel is being stored ashore. Water sitting in the boat not only has the potential to freeze and cause damage, but the weight of the water could be enough to pop the tires on a trailer or damage the axel. Just remember to plug it back in before you launch your boat in the spring. It’s also a good idea to regularly check the drain during the storage period to ensure it’s not obstructed. 5. Take down any sunshades, canvases or appendages that could be caught by the wind. 6. Use a good tarp that’s waterproof, covers the entire open area of the boat and can hold the weight of snow build-up. 7. If you are storing your boat on a trailer, remove the wheels and block the hubs so they sit off the ground. Cover the hubs with plastic so moisture is kept out. Park your trailer on level ground and out from under trees or limbs. Store the vessel at a slight angle, with the bow of your boat raised slightly. This will allow for proper drainage. While it’s stored be sure to check it from time to time to make sure it hasn’t tilted or shifted. source: Foremost Insurance Group lifeonthewater.com/resources 51
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Secrets of Boat Shopping Revealed
photo: at the Nashville Boat & Sport Show January 2012 from Jake Martin
Since the beginning of time, we’ve taken to the water. Noah built an ark. Columbus crossed an ocean to get to the other side. Lewis and Clark were the original Great Loopers. You may be shopping for a boat right now if you’re browsing this Resource Guide... So what are the questions you really need to ask yourself as well as the dealer, broker or seller you’re buying from? Before you even start ‘googling’, what tips would lead you in a good direction? lifeonthewater.com/resources 52
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1. Plan ahead. Allow enough time to explore the many types and brands of boats. Think about when you want to begin boating and plan accordingly. 2. Set a goal to find the right boat for you and your family. Begin by narrowing down your choices. Ask yourself the following questions: What do I want to do with the boat? Where do I want to go boating? Who is going with me, and how many people should the boat carry? Will we be cruising to get away? Fishing? Trailering? Overnighting? Entertaining? Waterskiing? Will we go to salt water? How much am I willing to spend on boating…not just buying a boat but also the service and maintenance? The answers to these questions will help you narrow down your choices. 3. Choose the right boat. Do I want to only consider new or is pre-owned a better option for me? Narrow your choices to a short list of the type of boat that best suits your needs. Make short lists of features that you want, features you’d like, and features you want to avoid. Much like cars or homes, some people prefer buying a boat that no one else has owned. Others feel they can forego the depreciation hit if they look at a pre-owned boat.
4. Start Shopping. Once you have narrowed your category choices down, then the real fun begins. It’s time to go shopping. You want to find the right boat and the right representative. Ask similar questions to each person to compare apples to apples. You may not know the exact boat that you want yet, but you know what kind of experience and service that you want to have, so don’t be afraid to ask the hard questions. 5. Take notes. As you look at boats, document everything: Take pictures of the dashboard, the galley, the head. Take notes to remind you later of your likes and dislikes. Involve your family with the decision and listen to their likes and dislikes about each boat. No two boats are exactly the same - but the perfect boat exists for you. 6. When are you ready? There is no correct amount of time that it should take to shop for a boat. For some, one afternoon is all that they need. It takes others several years. The right time for you to buy a boat is when you are ready. Boat shows are an excellent time to get great deals on boats. But do your homework before you go. Visit the broker or dealer. Look at their boats in November and December. And always know, new and used boats come on the market every week. No need to make an impulse buy.
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7. Take a Sea Trial. The way a boat handles, and the way it feels on the water is a very important consideration. Try to test the boat in the types of conditions where you will be using it. For example…if you plan to make the ‘Great Loop’ compared to just cruising your immediate boating area, your needs are very different in a boat. 8. A Survey. Much like an appraisal for a home, having a boat surveyed by a professional can help you know the true value of the boat you’re considering. Sometimes, a new boat hasn’t been operated or moved for some time. A survey on a new or pre-owned boat is like a small insurance policy that you’re buying a sound vessel. Many insurance companies and financial institutions require a survey for valuation purposes. As part of the survey, the surveyor will evaluate the bottom of the boat via haul out…a good way to assess bottom paint or structure under the water. Even having a mechanical survey can be a good idea if a full survey is not something you want to do. The SAMS (Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors) website lists surveyors in your area who can give you estimates on pricing for this service…or ask your dealer or broker.
Cost of a survey in the Deep South varies but a good estimate is around $15 to $20 per foot of the boat…with an $8 to $16 charge per foot for the haul out to inspect the bottom. So…a 27 ft. boat would cost around $783.00 total. 9. The cost of ownership. For most, the cost of owning a boat is nothing compared to the benefits derived from owning and using your own boat. Nonetheless, be sure you understand that the cost of owning a boat includes more than just the fiberglass. Things like… • Taxes. Contact the county in which you plan to register the boat for the applicable sales tax rate. For example, In Alabama, boats are taxed like automobiles…not at the retail sales tax rate. But in Tennessee, boats are taxed at the retail sales tax rate. • Storage. On land? Dry storage? In-water slip? Behind your home on in your driveway? Some communities do not allow boats or RV’s in the driveway. • Fuel. Prices on the water are usually higher than on the road. But using marine grade fuel is always better for the life and operation of your boat. • Insurance. Usually $10-$15
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per ‘000 paid for a boat… but contact the companies for quotes. Starting with your current home or auto company is a good place to start, but marine insurers can often quote better rates on larger boats because they are more familiar with the systems. Ask your dealer or broker for names of marine insurers. • Winterization. If temperatures in your area go below freezing for 3 or more days in a row often, you may want to winterize. Make some calls to area mechanics for current rates. For larger boats, other options include marine bilge heaters that can cost $400 to $700 depending on the size. • Annual repairs and maintenance. A broad rule of thumb is $50-$150/foot annually, depending on how handy you are, how often you use your boat and where you live. Getting a list of the vendors that you would call on for these services can be important to your boat budget.
10. Get educated. Every boater had to learn at some point. Boating is not difficult, but it does require skill, patience and obtaining your own comfort level. If you haven’t already, sign up for a virtually free boaters education course from the US Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadron, where you can learn the rules of the road. (Visit lifeonthewater.com for a class near you.) For on-the-water training, most dealers and brokers offer training on how to operate your boat. Most likely the docking, launching and retrieving your boat just requires practice. The best tip is to take it slow and practice during the week and during the fall/winter months when boat traffic is light.
Bonus TIP Visualize yourself on the boat you’re considering. That exercise will tell you all you need to know about whether the boat is right for you. lifeonthewater.com/resources 55
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So You Want to Sell Your Boat… Two-footitis: a condition experienced by boaters that seem to need more space on the water. Sufferers of twofootitis come to boat shows to find a cure. Do you trade-in your current vessel? Or try to sell first and then buy your next boat? Or maybe your life has changed and the boat just doesn’t fit anymore. Consider these tips before you sell your boat…
– Be prepared to act quickly. If you choose to sell the boat yourself, willingness to show your boat and work with a potential customer quickly can mean a sale…or not. Consider listing with a dealer or broker if time will not allow you to show your boat at the buyers’ convenience. It will be well worth the partnership.
– Be aware of current market conditions for your specific boat. The internet has changed how people look for boats. They know pricing and availability before they ever make the phone call. If your boat isn’t priced and presented accordingly, you may be wasting your time trying to sell it.
– Promoting your boat. Think about how you found your boat in the first place. Talk to others who have purchased boats. Online searches, print ads, flyers at marinas…all can be good ways to sell boats. But be aware of scam artists and ‘hull-thumpers’. Never send money to anyone expressing an interest
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in purchasing your boat online. Always have someone with you if you are meeting a potential buyer. Require a deposit before you give boat rides. – Remove all personal items or anything that would not be included in the sale or trade of the boat. The potential customer needs to imagine THEIR things on the boat. Whatever they SEE on the boat, they perceive as being SOLD with the boat. – Keep your boat clean and presentable. Like a home, a clean one sells faster. Remember when you bought the boat? Appearance is everything in terms of getting the most money for your boat. Consider a professional detailing service to make your boat stand out from the rest. – If you dock your boat at a marina, keep the area around your slip clean and presentable. When your area is clean, potential customers know you are someone who cares about your boat. – If your boat has a refrigerator and freezer, remove all food items. – Be ‘weather aware’ to make sure your boat is in top condition for sale. Winterizing your boat is the
LIFE ON THE WATER Readers Respond.
Why do you boat? • ‘My family had a boat when I was growing up…’ • It’s affordable • Lakes and rivers everywhere • To make memories • Reduces stress & provides an escape • It’s a mini-vacation • Promotes teamwork • It’s good exercise • Gives a great feeling of accomplishment
• It’s FUN best way to insure protection from freezing temperatures. If you do not winterize, install bilge heaters. With a cold snap comes cabin fever. As soon as temperatures go up even slightly, it creates more potential buyers. In the spring or summer, make sure all maintenance has been performed and the boat will pass inspection. If you get to the point of sea trial, consider weather and water conditions. Every minute counts in today’s current sales climate.
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– Repair anything on the boat not working. If this isn’t possible, disclose it upfront. This is far better than the buyer finding it out unexpectedly. Consider having a survey performed by a professional marine surveyor. This may help sell your boat more quickly. – Keeping your boat maintained, running properly and clean will mean a sale...or not. RUN YOUR BOAT on a regular basis to avoid old fuel, rotting hoses or impellers and a dirty bottom. A boat is meant to be run in the water, not just sitting in the water. Use a stabilizer in your fuel in winter if you’re not going to be running the boat. Check with your mechanic to know the best procedures to follow to keep your boat in top condition in order to sell it. – Don’t be offended at lowball offers. Think of it as a starting point. Keep your bottom dollar figure in mind. Consider boating accessory items that could be added to the deal. A dock box, a dinghy, a full tank of gas, a transportation allowance…these could be items that help sell your boat. – When you sell your boat, know the correct paperwork according to your state and the buyers’ state. Surprises months after the sale of a boat are not pleasant. Generally, a notarized bill of sale, the current boat registration and a letter stating any liens have been satisfied will suffice. Check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles for the best list. Or hire a broker or dealer to handle the transaction. Cancel your insurance only after the transaction is complete and each party has proper documents.
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Boat launch ramps were busy for the Guinness World Record Raft-Up on Lake Cumberland, Kentucky Photo by Sara Wilcox
1. 2. 3. Find a Boat Ramp Check out the BOAT RAMPS app from TakeMeFishing.org, available on iTunes and Android Market or see takemefishing.org/boatramps.
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The Scoop
on Poop It’s an ugly subject. But someone has to talk about it. Marine sanitation devices (MSD) are required by the USCG and EPA on all vessels having an installed toilet. MSD regulations do not apply to vessels with porta-potties. The EPA sets the rules and the USCG enforces them. The official potty designation(s) are as follows: Type I is a flow through discharge device that uses a maceration system with disinfection by chemical treatment on vessels of 65 feet or less. An example of a Type I system is a Purasan that uses a canister of chemical or a Lectrasan that uses saltwater or salt tablets. Type II is a flow through discharge device that’s typically a biological or aerobic digestion system. Examples of this system include The MSD and the Ahead Sanitation Systems. These systems reduce waste to even lower amounts of bacteria and are approved for any size vessel. Type III is the holding tank with pump-out option. This is the standard scenario for most vessels on inland waterways. Equipped with a ‘Y’ valve, these systems usually have the option of discharging overboard or using the pump-out system. Other types of Type III technology include incineration, recirculation and composting. No discharge zones Visit epa.gov then search “No discharge zones” for locations. These are lakes and rivers in the U.S. that do not allow any discharge overboard whatsoever. For example, Dale Hollow Lake in Kentucky and Tennessee is a no-discharge lake. A good rule-of-thumb – If you boat on a body of water that is not used for interstate travel and is not navigable to other bodies of water, pump out. Best Resource: Your local marina. Plus, they have the certified personnel to provide your MSD stickerlifeonthewater.com/resources (required by most states). 60
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Commercial Traffic Facts photo: on the Ohio River aboard M/V Andi Boyd by Billy Martin
True or False? The locks and dams were established on inland waterways to promote tourism. That would be very false. The locks and dams were critical to economic recovery, harnessing the lakes’ and rivers’ power as well as transportation capabilities. Boaters just get to come along for the ride. Commercial traffic on our waterways is good and recreational boaters need to be responsible where safety is concerned. Did you know… – it can take a commercial tow up two miles to stop – a tow can travel one mile in seven minutes – commercial vessels must stay in the navigation channel because of depth. The channel is marked by red buoys and green cans. If you see no channel, commercial traffic can be bank to bank. DO NOT ANCHOR OR FLOAT IN THE CHANNEL. – the pilot’s “blind spot” can be hundreds of feet in front of the tow – the “wheel wash” is a commercial tow’s underwater current. With a force of 3500 horsepower pushing barges, a PWC could be mired on the bottom of the river in seconds. – commercial towboats monitor VHF channels 13 and 16. Contacting them to make them aware of your intentions is great, but remember, they’re working. No time for chit-chat. – don’t boat in commercial work areas. – Ever hear the towboats blow their whistles? That means something. A series of short whistles, say five or more, means danger. Stay out of the way. – Logical rule #17: If it’s bigger than you, it has the right of way. Steer clear. source: americanwaterways.com
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It’s a New Day Financing Your Boat They’re still around. The number of lending institutions willing to finance boats has gotten slimmer. That’s not bad. It just means you need to know a few things before you even approach the bank or credit union.
1
According to the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) section 163(h)(4), a boat will be considered a qualified residence if it is one of the two residences chosen by the taxpayer for purposes of deductibility in the tax year. A boat qualifies as a second home IF a. It has living accommodations including sleeping space (berth), a toilet (head), and cooking facilities (galley). b. If it’s a charter vessel (for hire), the taxpayer will have to use the boat for personal purposes for either more than 14 days or 10 percent of the number of days during the year the boat was actually rented, to qualify for the interest deduction in accordance with IRC section 280A(d)(1).
2
3
Interest paid on a home equity loan to buy a boat may not be deductible. Home mortgage interest deduction is limited to interest paid on home equity loans up to $100,000. By using a home equity loan, you may limit the amount of interest that is deductible, if a boat loan balance exceeds $100,000. Get a survey. Your lending institution may require it. Find a SAMS or NAMS certified marine surveyor to evaluate the boat you’re thinking of purchasing. See page 54 about marine surveys.
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4
5
Chat with a trusted financial representative. Before making any credit inquiries, ask to meet with your representative to discuss current market conditions and the actual boat or type of boat you’re interested in purchasing. Then ask what steps should you take in order to get financed.
6
If anything good has come from the downturn in our economy, we’ve all learned that making a commitment is important. Be prepared to make a 20 to 30 percent down payment in order to get financing on a boat. Actually, this will help when, or if, you decide to sell the boat down the road…you might not be upside down because of the boat’s current value.
Put yourself in the bank or credit union’s shoes. What information would make you hand over cash to someone A boat is an investment for a boat? Is the vessel in memories and fun. sound? What’s the history of It is an element of the the boat? How is the re-sale entertainment dollar. value? What is the going sale And those investments prices? Where will you keep can’t be measured by a the boat? Do you have your decimal point. boaters’ license or captain’s license? lifeonthewater.com/resources 63
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Yes, You Need a VHF Radio Although not required in recreational boats under 65.6 feet long, a VHF Marine Radio is an essential piece of equipment. No license is required for recreational boaters, and it allows instant communication between your boat and other boats, marinas, bridges, locks and dams and the U.S. Coast Guard. It is the primary means of communication on the water, and most allow instant access to NOAA weather forecasts, 24 hours a day. If you have the radio on, you must maintain a watch on VHF channel 16. Although you may have many channels on your radio, all but the ones listed below are restricted to specific uses. Channel 16: Used to hail boat or the lockmaster, and for emergency and distress calls. Once contact is made switch to the requested channel. Channel 22A: Restricted to Coast Guard use only. If you establish contact with the Coast Guard on 16, they may ask you to switch to 22A. You may also hear an announcement on channel 16 to switch to 22A for important information. Channel 13: Communication with bridges — both bridges that must open in order for you to fit under them and the bridges of large vessels. This is a good channel to listen to in periods of poor visibility. (You must use the low power on your radio when broadcasting on Channel 13.) Channels 68, 69, 71, 72, 78A: The only working channels available to noncommercial vessels for ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore communications.
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Sandra Ellard relaxes while her husband, Mike, locks through Watts Bar. photo: Mike Ellard
Locking Through
1. Have on board fifty feet of line, proper deck fittings on which to attach line, fenders, and a life jacket for every passenger. 2. Know the meaning of buoys and navigation markers and the lockage priority of your boat (government vessels have first priority followed by commercial passenger vessels, commercial tows and barges, then recreational boats last). 3. Once signaled, approach the lock slowly. Wrap your line around a floating mooring post and tie the free end to your cleat. Do not tie to the ladder or any stationary object. 4. When the exit gate is fully opened and the Lockmaster signals you to depart, the boat nearest the exit should leave first. Do not pass other boats and do not create a wake. Having the phone number to the lock can be an advantage. Monitor channel 1 on your VHF radio. If you call the lock operator on this channel and get no answer try channel 13 or 14.
Watch a video of locking through from Life on the Water TV! lifeonthewater.com/resources 65
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Reader Questions about...
DOCUMENTATION and STATE REGISTRATION
Q: What is USCG documentation anyway? - Nancy Kay, Athens, Georgia A
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Q: If I document my boat with the U.S. Coast Guard, do I have to register it in my state? - Vince Smith, Louisville, Kentucky A: Absolutely. Every state has different requirements, but USCG documentation does not supersede registering in your state OR registering in the state you will be using the boat. And yes, you have to pay sales tax, or at least a registration fee, even if your boat is documented. Check out takemefishing.org for links to every state’s registration requirements. Q: I’ve heard that if my boat is documented with the U.S. Coast Guard, they could seize my vessel at a time of war? Is that true? - Kevin Sealy, St. Louis, Missouri A Caption: Boats from around the Southeast flock to Boomsday on Calhoun’s Deck, Knoxville, Tennessee for football season. Photo: Knoxville Tourism and Sports Commission
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The More You Know… The More Fun You’ll Have Don’t wait until spring to begin planning your next season of fun on the water. Winter is a great time to sharpen your knowledge of navigational skills, emergency procedures, and safety regulations in courses conducted by the U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, United States Power Squadron®, state boating authority or other boating safety organization. If you trailer your boat across state lines, you can also check the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) website at nasbla.org to see what boating safety courses may be required from state to state. At the very least, get the basics. Important aspects of boating safety can be covered in about eight to 10 hours of instruction, including a review of federal requirements, required safety equipment, proper steerage, lines and ropes, knots, weather, and PWC operating info. Boaters also learn how to share the waterways safely with others.
And remember, boating education is not just for the beginner. For experienced boaters who are already well versed in the basics, the off-season is an opportunity to take classroom instruction on advanced navigation and charting, using the latest marine technology. Good boating education teaches responsible boating practices that make the on-the-water experience safer and more enjoyable for everyone involved. The off-season is a good time to sign up and learn more about boating. You’ll be doing yourself a favor and putting your passengers in more capable hands.
source: U.S. Coast Guard
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Training in Boating Safety Lowers the Risk of Accidents and Fatalities Operator training in how to handle a boat in different situations is critically important to the safety of everyone on board. In 2009, according to U.S. Coast Guard national data, 76 percent of recreational boating accidents involving fatalities occurred on boats where the boat operator had received no known instruction on how to operate the vessel. For boat owners there’s an added incentive to get training; insurance companies frequently offer discounts on boat insurance to individuals who successfully complete a boating safety course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA and recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard.)
Percent of Death By Know Operator Instruction USCG Auxiliary, U.S.Power SquadronsÂŽ, American Red Cross-Approved Training 4%
State Training 6%
Informal or Internet Training 14%
No Known Instruction 76%
*U.S. Coast Guard Recreational Boating Statistics 2013
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To Survey or Not to Survey? A marine survey is an inspection of the structural, mechanical and electrical systems of a boat. Certified marine surveyors are your best option and usually the only service accepted by insurers and lending institutions. Much like a home appraisal, you’ll get an estimated value based on current market conditions. Here are some tips when enlisting the help of a surveyor: – request the checklist that he or she will use when inspecting the boat – ask for a list of the services they include in their fees as well as additional services they offer such as engine compression test, electronics testing, sea trial or hull inspection. Make sure you know what your survey will include and the cost for those services.
– be specific if you have concerns for something on the boat. Maybe you’ve heard rumors that a boat had sunk or was damaged. The surveyor is your contracted help in evaluating a boat’s soundness. – ask your insurance company or lending institution for the specific details they will want to see in order to give you the best premium or interest rate possible. Consider them your partner in buying a boat. – if deficiencies are revealed in the survey, the seller should know what they are. He or she can decide whether to fix the problem or give a pricing adjustment.
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LIFE ON THE WATER RESOURCE PROFILE:
Ty Hope Marine Surveyor With Progressive Maritime Services
A little girl stands on the banks of the Black Warrior River on Tuscaloosa, Alabama’s waterfront watching the towboats cruise by with the sound of giggling girls in the background. But she doesn’t join in. Ty Hope was fascinated by the massive tows pushing enormous barges on her tiny river. Ty Hope’s uncle grew up on that river also. Fresh out of college, he made his way to New Orleans, Louisiana to make his mark into the marine industry. After a few years and lots of hard work, he now runs a nationwide marine inspection company. Ty worked with her uncle in the business, surveying barges and towboats for commercial companies.
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Ty moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee in September 2011 and her uncle put her in contact with some of his marine industry friends. David Brooks, owner of Progressive Maritime Services, was one of those friends. He was ready to move into another phase of his life and asked Ty if she would take over. She jumped at the opportunity. Her experience working with her uncle gave her an amazing base of knowledge that most marine surveyors spend many years of ‘trial and error’ getting in their business. Her passion for the marine industry and her perspective from a female point of view has made Ty Hope one of the most respected marine surveyors in the South. “Never stop learning. Never,” Ty tells us is the key to growing and being a successful marine surveyor. She is a member of the esteemed Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS), member of the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC), a graduate of the Chapman School of Seamanship, Yacht & Small Craft Survey Class and is ABYC Standards certified. Ty and Progressive Maritime Services can conduct insurance, pre-purchase and condition and value marine surveys. Her evaluations cover the overall condition of the vessel structure as well as all systems, Lifeonthewater.com/resources lifeonthewater.com/resources 72
and equipment onboard, ensuring that the vessel is in compliance with ABYC standards. With her background in the commercial marine surveying industry, Ty and Progressive Maritime Services can also provide draft surveys and tonnage reports to buyers and sellers of commodities being shipped by barge. And yes, she is one of a handful of female marine surveyors in the world. When we asked her if that made it difficult, she merely replied, “No…it’s really an advantage.” We like that spirit.
Ty Hope Progressive Maritime Services Cell 423-580-0947 Fax 423-875-6262 thope@southins.com Lifeonthewater.com/resources lifeonthewater.com/resources 73
Water is the driving force of all nature. – Leonardo da Vinci
photo: Lisa Hancock
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Boat Manufacturers
Adventure Craft Calumet, MI 49913 888-482-7015 adventurecraft.com Bayliner Marine Corp U.S. Marine 800 Gay St., Suite 1700 Knoxville, TN 37929 865-582-2200 baylinerboats.com Bluewater Boats 4394 Enterprise Place Fremont, CA 94538 510-651-8400 bluewater-boats.com Bryant Boats, Inc. 306 Sweetwater Vonore Road Sweetwater, TN 37874 423-337-3639 bryantboats.com Catamaran Cruisers 4166 Demastus Lane Columbia, TN 38401 800-365-1255 catamarancruiser.com Chaparral PO Drawer 928 Nashville, GA 31639 229-686-7481 chaparralboats.com
Ebbtide Corp. 2545 Jones Creek Rd. White Bluff, TN 37187 615-797-3193 ebbtideboats.com
Jefferson Yachts 700 E Market Street Jefferson, IN 47130 812-282-8111 jeffersonyachts.com
Emerald Bay 4801 Feather River Blvd #16 Oroville, CA 95965 530-534-3440 emeraldbayhouseboats.com
Lakeview Houseboats 2870 East HWY 90 Monticello, KY 42633 606-348-3412 lakeviewyachts.com
Fantasy Yachts 1897 North Highway 90 Old Monticello, KY 42633 606-348-0445
Leisure Kraft Pontoones 1996 Peavine Road Crossville TN 38571 931-484-2681 leisurekraft.com
Funtime Yachts 2459 N Hwy 127 Russell Springs, KY 42642 270-866-7999 funtimehouseboats.com Gibson Houseboats 130 Davis St. Portland, TN 37148 615-325-9320 gibsonboats.com Godfrey Marine 4500 Middlebury St. Elkhart, IN 46515 574-522-8381
Desert Shore Houseboats 801-698-7101 desertshore.com
Grady-White Boats, Inc PO Box 1527 Greenville, NC 27835 252-752-2111 gradywhite.com
Destination Yachts PO Box 58 Montgomery, IN 37558 812-486-2628 destinationyachts.com
Holiday Mansion RR3 - Box 111, Albany Lane Albany, KY 42602 502-262-8100 holidaymansion.com
Duffy Electric Boats 17260 Muskrat Ave Adelanto, CA 92301 949-645-6811 duffyboats.com
Horizon Yachts Rt. 1, Box 290X Monticello, KY 42633 606-348-1528 horizon-yachts.com
Majestic Yachts 101 Westwood Drive Columbia, KY 42728 270-385-9828 majesticyachtsinc.com Malibu Boats West, Inc. One Malibu Ct. Merced, CA 95340 209-383-7469 MasterCraft Boat Company 100 Cherokee Cove Dr. Vonore, TN 37885 423-884-2221 mastercraft.com MetroShip 818-357-4000 metro-ship.com Moomba 1717 Henry G Lane St Maryville, TN 37801 885-983-9924 skierschoice.com Moticello PO Box 1585 Jeffersonville, IN 47131 812-282-7579 monticelloriveryachts.com
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Nomad Houseboats 17695 Campground Rd. Phillipsburg, MO 65722 252-288-5670 nomadhouseboats.com Patio Cruisers 2434 Dayton Road Chico, CA 95928 530-897-0690 patiocruisers.com Pluckebaum 1231 State Road 1793 Prospect, KY 40059 502-228-0111 pluckebaum.com Rinker Boat Co. Inc. 128 River Road Hendersonville, TN 37075 615-824-2175 rinkerboats.com
Sharpe Houseboats 5215 S. Highway 27 Somerset, KY 42501 606-676-0610 sharpehouseboat.com
Supra 1717 Henry G Lane St Maryville, TN 37801 885-983-9924 skierschoice.com
Stardust Cruisers 2300 E. Highway 90 Bypass Monticello, KY 42633 606-348-8466 stardustcruisers.com
Thoroughbred Houseboats 185 Fairground Road Albany, KY 42602 606-387-7421 thoroughbredhouseboats.com
Starlite starlitehouseboats.com
Tige 126 Weakley Lane Smyrna, TN 37167 615-625-3689 tige.com
Sun Tracker 2500 East Kearney Springfield, MO 65898 417-873-4555 suntrackerboats.com Sunseeker sunseeker.com
Travelwave 1374 highway 77 Marysville, KS 66508 785-629-8043 travelwave360.com
Sunstar 606-348-6648 sunstarhouseboats.com
Twin Anchor 619-294-4300 twinanchorboats.com
Boat Manufacturers
Myacht 417-873-4555 myachtboats.com
Sea Ray Boats 2600 Sea Ray Blvd, Bldg 1 Knoxville, TN 37914 searay.com
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Boater Education
Captain’s Quest 904-460-9477 capquest.com Life on the Water Magazine PO Box 12171 Huntsville, AL 35815 256-656-2200 lifeonthewater.com Lighthouse Landing Sailing School PO Box 129 Grand Rivers, KY 42045 800-491-7245 lighthouselanding.com National Association of State Boating Law Administrators 1500 Leestown Rd, Ste 330 Lexington, KY 40511 859-225-9487 nasbla.org Offshore Sailing School 16731 McGregor Boulevard Fort Meyers, FL 33903 800-221-4326 offshore-sailing.com True Course Captains School 937-478-1947 www.truecourses.com United States Power Squadrons usps.org U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary cgaux.org/boatinged
May 17-23 is National Safe Boating Week lifeonthewater.com/resources 77
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State Departments
alabama.gov
Building Commission 770 Washington Avenue, Suite 444 Montgomery 36130 334-242-4082 bc.alabama.gov Conservation & Natural Resources 64 North Union Street Montgomery 36130 334-242-3154 dcnr.state.al.us Docks Department PO Box 1588 Mobile 36633 251-441-7203 asdd.com Emergency Management Association PO Drawer 2160 Clanton 35046 205-280-2200 ema.alabama.gov Environmental Management 1400 Coliseum Boulevard Montgomery 36110 334-394-4352 adem.alabama.gov Geological Survey PO Box 869999 Tuscaloosa 35486-6999 205-349-2861 gsa.alabama.gov Governor’s Office 600 Dexter Avenue Montgomery 36130 334-242-7100 governor.state.al.us/staff
Homeland Security PO Box 304115 Montgomery 36130-4115 334-353-3071 Homelandsecurity.alabama.gov House of Representatives 11 South Union Street Montgomery 36130 334-242-7600 legislature.state.al/house/house. html Legislature legislature.alabama.gov Motor Vehicle Registration 50 N. Ripley St Montgomery 36132 334-242-9000 ador.alabama.gov Senate 11 S. Union St Montgomery 36130 334-242-7800 legislature.state.al.us Soil & Water Conservation 100 N. Union St, Ste 334 Montgomery 36104 334-242-0551 swoc.alabama.gov Transportation 1409 Coliseum Boulevard Montgomery 36110 334-242-6358 dot.al.us Tourism 401 Adams Ave Montgomery 36104 334-242-4169 alabama.travel
Agencies
Alabama Forestry Commission PO Box 302550 Montgomery 36130 334-240-9300 forestry.state.al.us Alabama Marine Police Division Headquarters PO Box 301451 Montgomery 36130 334-242-3673 dcnr.state.al.us/boating/ Alabama Natural Resources Conservation Service 3381 Skyway Drive Auburn 36830 334-887-4581 al.nrcs.usda.gov
Government Agencies
Alabama
Alabama Power 600 North 18th Street Birmingham 35291 800-245-2244 alabamapower.com Alabama Wildlife Federation PO Box 631 Guntersville 35976 800-822-9453 alabamawildlife.org TVA PO Box 2000 Decatur 35609-2000 256-729-2000 tva.gov U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mobile District Headquarters PO Box 2288 Mobile 36628 251-690-2505 sam.usace.army.mil/locate_us.htm
Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Division 64 North Union Street, Suite 514 Montgomery 36130 334-242-3884 outdooralabama.com lifeonthewater.com/resources 78
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Government Agencies
Kentucky State Departments
Division of Conservation 375 Versailles Road Frankfort 40601 502-573-3080 ec.ky.gov
Emergency Management 100 Minuteman Parkway Frankfort 40601 800-255-2587 kyem.ky.gov Environmental Protection 300 Fair Oaks Ln Frankfort 40601 502-564-0323 eec.ky.gov Fish & Wildlife #1 Sportsman Lane Frankfort 40601 502-564-3400 kentuckyunbridledspirit.com Governor’s Office 700 Capitol Avenue, Suite 100 Frankfort 40601 502-564-2611 governor.ky.gov Homeland Security 200 Mero Street Frankfort 40622 502-564-2081 homelandsecurity.ky.gov Motor Vehicle Licensing PO Box 2014 Frankfortv40602-2014 502-564-1257 transportation.ky.gov Natural Resources 2 Hudson Hollow Frankfort 40601 502-564-6940 eec.gov
Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet 500 Mero St. Frankfort 40601 502-564-4270 tah.ky.gov Water 200 Fair Oaks Lane, 4th flr Frankfort 40601 502-564-3410 eec.ky.gov Parks 500 Mero Street Frankfort 40601 502-564-4841 parks.ky.gov
Agencies
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Louisville District 600 Martin Luther King, Jr. Place Louisville 40202 502-315-6766 lrn.usace.army.mil
Mississippi State Departments
Emergency Management PO Box 5644 Pearl 39288 601-933-MEMA msema.org Environmental Quality PO Box 2261 Jackson 39225 888-786-0661 deq.state.ms.us
Geospatial Clearinghouse 455 North Lamar Street Jackson 39202 601-359-6762 gis.ms.gov Governor’s Office PO Box 139 Jackson 39205 601.359.3150 governorbarbour.com
Homeland Security PO Box 958 Jackson 39205 601-346-1500 homelandsecurity.ms.gov Marine Resources 1141 Bayview Avenue Biloxi 39530 800-374-3449 dmr.state.ms.us Port Authority PO Box 40 Gulfport 39502 228-865-4300 shipmspa.com Soil & Water Conservation Commission PO Box 23005 Jackson 39225-3005 601-354-7645 mswcc.state.ms.us State Parks 1505 Eastover Dr. Jackson 39211-6374 601-432-2400 mississippistateparks. reserveamerica.com Tourism visitmississippi.com Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks 1505 Eastover Drive Jackson 39211 601-432-2400 mdwfp.com
Agencies
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mississippi Valley Division 1400 Walnut Street Vicksburg 39180 601-634-5760 mvd.usace.army.mil
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State Departments
Economic & Community Development 312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, 11th Floor Nashville 37243 615-741-1888 tnecd.gov
Emergency Management 3041 Sidco Drive Nashville 37204 800-262-3400tnema.org Environment & Conservation 401 Church Street Nashville 37243 888-891-TDEC tn.gov/environment Governor’s Office 1st Floor, State Capitol Nashville 37243 615-741-2001 tn.gov/governor Hours of Representatives State Capitol Nashville, TN, 37243 615-741-2901 tn.gov/house Homeland Security TN Tower 25th Floor 8th Ave. N. Nashville 37243 615-532-7825 tn.gov/homelandsecurity Parks 401 Church Street 7th Floor Nashville 37243 888-TN-PARKS tn.gov/environment/parks Tourist Development 312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, 25th Floor Nashville 37243 615-741-2159 tn.gov/tourdev
Transportation 505 Deaderick Street, Suite 700 Nashville 37243 615-741-2848 tdot.state.tn.us
U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters 2100 2nd Street Southwest Washington, DC 20593 202-372-4422 uscg.mil
Wildlife Resources Agency 4400 Hogan Road Nashville 37220 615-781-6500 www.tn.gov/twra
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency epa.gov
Agencies
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District PO Box 1070 Nashville 37202 615-736-7161 lrn.usace.army.mil
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 800-344-WILD fws.gov
Government Agencies
Tennessee
National
Federal Emergency Management Agency U.S. Department of Homeland Security 500 C Street SW Washington, D.C. 20472 202-646-2500 fema.gov US Department of Homeland Security 245 Murray Ln Sw # 14 Washington D.C., DC 20528 202-447-5751 dhs.gov Tennessee Valley Authority 400 West Summit Hill Drive Knoxville, TN 37902 865-632-2101 tva.gov U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Great Lakes & Ohio River Division 441 G St. NW Washington, DC 20314 usace.army.mil U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary cgaux.org lifeonthewater.com/resources 80
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Locks
Alabama River
TENNESSEE RIVER
TENN-TOM WATERWAY
Robert F. Henry Dam MM 236 334-872-9525 sam.usace.army.mil
Fort Loudon Dam MM 602.3 865-986-2762 tva.com/river/lakeinfo
Jamie Whitten Dam MM 411.9 601-454-7977 tenntom.sam.usace.army.mil
Miller’s Ferry Dam MM 133 334-682-9262 sam.usace.army.mil
Watts Bar Dam MM 529.9 423-334-3522 tva.com/river/lakeinfo
GV “Sonny” Montgomery Dam MM 406.7 601-585-3915 tenntom.sam.usace.army.mil
Claiborne Dam MM 72 334-682-4244 sam.usace.army.mil
BLACK WARRIOR RIVER
Chickamauga Dam MM 471 423-875-6230 tva.com/river/lakeinfo
Bankhead Lock & Dam MM 365.5 205-339-1921 sam.usace.army.mil
Nickajack Dam MM 424.7 423-942-3985 tva.com/river/lakeinfo
Holt Lock & Dam MM 347.0 205-553-1711 sam.usace.army.mil
Guntersville Dam MM 349 256-582-3263 tva.com/river/lakeinfo
Oliver Lock & Dam MM 338.1 205-758-4860 sam.usace.army.mil
Wheeler Dam MM 274.9 256-247-3311 tva.com/river/lakeinfo
Seldon Lock & Dam MM 261.2 205-372-9868 sam.usace.army.mil
Wilson Dam MM 259.4 256-764-5226 tva.com/river/lakeinfo
CUMBERLAND RIVER
Cordell Hull Lock & Dam MM 313.5 615-735-1040 lrn.usace.army.mil
Pickwick Dam MM 206.7 731-925-2334 tva.com/river/lakeinfo
Old Hickory Lock & Dam MM 216.2 615-847-3281 lrn.usace.army.mil
Kentucky Dam MM 22.4 270-962-4226 tva.com/river/lakeinfo
Cheatham Lock & Dam MM 148.7 615-242-1922 lrn.usace.army.mil
TENNESSEE RIVERCLINCH RIVER
Barkley Lock & Dam MM 30.6 270-362-9131 lrn.usace.army.mil
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Melton Hill Dam MM 23.1 865-986-2610 tva.com/river/lakeinfo
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John Rankin Dam MM 398.4 601-585-3080 tenntom.sam.usace.army.mil Fulton Dam MM 391 601-862-7431 tenntom.sam.usace.army.mil Glover Wilkins Dam MM 376.3 601-651-4966 tenntom.sam.usace.army.mil Amory Dam - Tenn Tom MM 371.1 601-256-4051 tenntom.sam.usace.army.mil Aberdeen Dam - Tenn Tom MM 357.5 601-369-7966 tenntom.sam.usace.army.mil John C. Stennis Dam MM 334.7 601-328-7075 tenntom.sam.usace.army.mil Tom Bevill Dam MM 306.8 205-373-2942 tenntom.sam.usace.army.mil Howell Heflin Dam MM 266.1 205-652-9258 tenntom.sam.usace.army.mil Demopolis Dam MM 213.2 205-289-0645 tenntom.sam.usace.army.mil Coffeeville Dam MM 116.6 205-276-3293 tenntom.sam.usace.army.mil
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Landfall 151 Harvard Ave. Stamford, CT 6902 800-941-2219 landfallnav.com Life on the Water Magazine PO Box 12171 Huntsville, AL 35815 877-274-0767 lifeonthewater.com
Manual for Development, Design & Operations of the Modern Marina maffett-bouton.com Marina Dock Age magazine 6600 West Touhy Avenue Niles, IL 60714 847-647-2900 marinadockage.com Quimby’s Cruising Guide 319 N Fourth Street, Ste 650 St. Louis, MO 63102 314-241-4310 heartlandboating.com
Skipper Bob’s Cruising Guides PO Box 1125 Daltaville, VA 23043 804-776-8899 skipperbob.net The Tennessee River Guide Book 865-765-3407 navcal.com Women on Board Cruising favorsventures.com
MAPS, CHARTS & PUBLICATIONS
Dozier’s Waterway Guide Publications PO Box 1125 Deltaville, VA 23043 800-233-3369 waterwayguide.com
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TourIsm
Alabama
Alabama Tourism Department PO Box 4927 Montgomery 36103-4927 800-ALABAMA alabama.travel
Statewide
Alabama Assn. of RV Parks and Campgrounds 1340 Vickers Rd. Tallahassee 32303 850-562campinalabama.com Alabama Scenic River Trail 799 Ashley Dr. Madison 35758 256-426alabamascenicrivertrail.com Alabama State Parks Division 64 N. Union St. Montgomery 36130 800-252outdooralabama.com Bed & Breakfast Association of Alabama, Inc. PO Box 707 Montgomery 36101-0707 bedandbreakfastalabama.com
Regional
Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association PO Box 2537 Decatur, AL 35602 866-NORTH-AL northalabama.org Tenn-Tom Tourism Association PO Drawer 671 Columbus, MS 39703 800-457-9739 tenntom.org
Cities
Alexander City Chamber of Commerce PO Box 926 Alexander City 35011-0926 256-234-3461 alexandercity.org Athens Greater Limestone Chamber of Commerce PO Box 150 Athens 35612 256-232-2600 tourathens.com Birmingham Greater Birmingham CVB 2200 9th Ave. N. Birmingham 35203 800-458-8085 birminghamal.org Centreville Bibb Co. Chamber of Commerce PO Box 25 Centreville 35042 205-926-5222 bibbchamber.org Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce 301 2nd Avenue Southwest Cullman 35056 800-313-5114 cullmanchambers.org Dauphin Island Chamber of Commerce PO Box 5 Dauphin Island 36528 877-532-8744 dauphinislandcoc.com Decatur/Morgan Co. CVB PO Box 2349 Decatur 35602 800-232-5449 decaturcvb.org
Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce PO Box 667 Demopolis 36732 334-289-0270 demopolischamber.com Eufaula/Barbour Co. Chamber of Commerce 333 E. Broad St. Eufaula 36027 800-524-7529 eufaulachamber.com Florence/Lauderdale Tourism One Hightower Place Florence 35630 888-FLO-Tour visitflorenceal.com Florence Shoals Chamber of Commerce 20 Hightower Place Florence 35630 256-764-4661 shoalschamber.com Gadsden/Etowah Chamber of Commerce 1 Commerce Square Gadsden 35901 256-543-3472 gadsdenchamber.org Gulf Coast Alabama Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce PO Drawer 3869 Gulf Shores 36547 251-968-4237 alagulfcoastchamber.com Gulf Coast Alabama Gulf Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau PO Drawer 457 Gulf Shores 36547 800-745-7263 agccvb.org
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Guntersville Lake Guntersville Chamber of Commerce 200 Gunter Avenue Guntersville 35976 800-869-LAKE lakeguntersville.org Huntsville Huntsville - Madison County Chamber of Commerce 500 Church St. Ste. One Huntsville 35801 800-843-0468 huntsville.org Lanette Eufaula/Barbour Co. Chamber of Commerce 333 E. Broad St. Eufaula 36027 800-524-7529 eufaulachamber.com Moulton Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce 12467 AL Hwy 157 Moulton 35650 256-974-1658 lawrencealabama.com Mobile Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau PO Box 204 Mobile 36601 251-208-2000 mobilebay.org Montgomery Convention & Visitors Bureau PO Box 79 Montgomery 36101 800-240-9452 visitingmontgomery.com
TourIsm
Gulf Coast Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce 29750 Larry Dee Cawyer Drive Daphne 36526 251-621-8222 eschamber.org
Kentucky
Phenix City-Russell Co. Chamber of Commerce PO Box 1326 Phenix City 36868 800-892-2248 pc-rcchamber.com
Kentucky Tourism 612 B Shelby Street Frankfort 40601 502-223-8687 Kentuckytourism.com
Rogersville Chamber of Commerce PO Box 842 Rogersville 35652 256-247-9449 rogersvillealabama.com
Southeastern Kentucky 2292 S. Hwy. 27 Somerset 42501 877-868-7735 tourseky.com
Regional
Scottsboro Jackson County Tourism 407 East Willow St Scottsboro 35768 800-259-5508 jacksoncountychamber.com
West Kentucky Tourism 88 Chilton Rd Benton 42025 270-527-3869 westkentucky.com
Selma-Dallas Co. Tourism & Convention Bureau 912 Selma Ave. Selma 36701 800-45-SELMA selmaAlabama.com
Campbellsville U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Visitors Center 544 Lake Rd. Campbellsville 42718 270-465-4463 lrl.usace.army.mil
Tuscaloosa Visit Tuscaloosa PO Box 3167 Tuscaloosa 35403 800-538-8696 visittuscaloosa.com Tuscumbia Colbert County Tourism PO Box 740425 Tuscumbia 35674 800-344-0783 visitsheffield.com Union Springs Tourism Council of Bullock County PO Box 5236 Union Springs 36089 334-738-TOUR unionspringsalabama.com
Cities
Cadiz/Trigg County Tourist & Convention Commission 5748 Hopkinsville Rd. Cadiz 42211 270-522-3892 cadiz-lakebarkley.com Frankfort/Franklin County Tourism Commission 100 Capitol Ave. Frankfort 40601 502-875-8687 visitfrankfort.com Grand Rivers Grand Lakes Chamber of Commerce PO Box 181 Grand Rivers 42045 888-493-0152 grandrivers.com
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TourIsm
Vicksburg Convention and Visitors Bureau Post Office Box 110 Vicksburg 39181-0110 800-221-3536 visitvicksburg.com
South Central Tennessee Tourism Association 3780 Franklin Pk. Lewisburg 37091 931-993-3286 sctta.net
Tennessee
Southeast Tennessee Tourism Association 1000 Riverfront Pkwy. Chattanooga 37402 877-807-4885 southeasttennessee.com
Tennessee Department of Tourism 800-462-8366 tnvacation.com
Regional
Middle East Tennessee Tourism Council 304 E. Lake Forest Dr. Knoxville 37920 888-568-3662 easttnvacations.com Middle Tennessee Tourism Council 501 Union St., 6th Flr. Nashville 37219 615- 862-8828 middletennesseetourism.com Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association 109 Fox Street Jonesborough 37659 800-468-6882 netta.com Northwest Tennessee Tourism Council 231 South Wilson St Dresden 38225 866-698-6386 kentuckylaketourism.com
Southwest Tennessee Tourism Association PO Box 10543 Jackson 38308 866-261-7534 tast/tn.org Tennessee State Parks 401 Church St., 7th Flr. Nashville 37219 888-867-2757 tn.gov
Cities
Byrdstown Big South Fork Tourist Info Center 8500 Highway 111, Suite 100 Byrdstown 38549 931-864-8666 go2bsf.com Camden Kentucky Lake – TN River Convention & Visitors Bureau 255 Marina Rd., I-40 to Exit 133 Camden 38320 800-225-7469 kentuckylaketennessee.com
Celina Clay County Chamber of Commerce 424 Brown St. Celina 38551 Phone: (931) 243-3338 dalehollowlake.org Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce 811 Broad Street Chattanooga 37402 423-756-2121 chattanoogachamber.com Chattanooga Convention & Visitors Bureau 2 Broad Street Chattanooga 37402 423-756-8686 chattanoogafun.com Clifton Area Chamber of Commerce 122 Main St Clifton 38425 931-676-5570 cliftonchamber.com Clinton Anderson County Chamber of Commerce 245 N. Main Street, Suite 200 Clinton 37716 865-457-2559 andersoncountychamber.org Decatur Meigs County – Decatur Chamber of Commerce PO Box 1301 Decatur 37322 877-230-3184 meigscountytnchamber.org
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South Central Tennessee Tourism Association 3780 Franklin Pk. Lewisburg 37091 931-993-3286 sctta.net
Tennessee
Southeast Tennessee Tourism Association 1000 Riverfront Pkwy. Chattanooga 37402 877-807-4885 southeasttennessee.com
Tennessee Department of Tourism 800-462-8366 tnvacation.com
Regional
Middle East Tennessee Tourism Council 304 E. Lake Forest Dr. Knoxville 37920 888-568-3662 easttnvacations.com Middle Tennessee Tourism Council 501 Union St., 6th Flr. Nashville 37219 615- 862-8828 middletennesseetourism.com Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association 109 Fox Street Jonesborough 37659 800-468-6882 netta.com Northwest Tennessee Tourism Council 231 South Wilson St Dresden 38225 866-698-6386 kentuckylaketourism.com
Southwest Tennessee Tourism Association PO Box 10543 Jackson 38308 866-261-7534 tast/tn.org Tennessee State Parks 401 Church St., 7th Flr. Nashville 37219 888-867-2757 tn.gov
Cities
Byrdstown Big South Fork Tourist Info Center 8500 Highway 111, Suite 100 Byrdstown 38549 931-864-8666 go2bsf.com Camden Kentucky Lake – TN River Convention & Visitors Bureau 255 Marina Rd., I-40 to Exit 133 Camden 38320 800-225-7469 kentuckylaketennessee.com
TourIsm
Vicksburg Convention and Visitors Bureau Post Office Box 110 Vicksburg 39181-0110 800-221-3536 visitvicksburg.com
Celina Clay County Chamber of Commerce 424 Brown St. Celina 38551 Phone: (931) 243-3338 dalehollowlake.org Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce 811 Broad Street Chattanooga 37402 423-756-2121 chattanoogachamber.com Chattanooga Convention & Visitors Bureau 2 Broad Street Chattanooga 37402 423-756-8686 chattanoogafun.com Clifton Area Chamber of Commerce 122 Main St Clifton 38425 931-676-5570 cliftonchamber.com Clinton Anderson County Chamber of Commerce 245 N. Main Street, Suite 200 Clinton 37716 865-457-2559 andersoncountychamber.org Decatur Meigs County – Decatur Chamber of Commerce PO Box 1301 Decatur 37322 877-230-3184 meigscountytnchamber.org
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TourIsm
Knoxville Chamber of Commerce 17 Market Square #201 Knoxville 37902 865-637-4555 knoxvillechamber.com Lenoir City Loudon County Visitors Bureau 1075 Hwy. 321 N. Lenoir City 30771 888-568-3662 visitloudoncounty.com
Pigeon Forge Dept. of Tourism 2450 Parkway Pigeon Forge 37868 865-453-8574 mypigeonforge.com Savannah Hardin County Convention & Visitors Bureau 495 Main St. Savannah 38372 800-552-3866 tourhardincounty.org Spring City Chamber of Commerce 384 Front St. Spring City 37381 423-365-5210 springcitychamberofcommerce.com
Tazewell Claiborne County Tourism Commission PO Box 649 Tazewell 37879 800-332-8164 claibornecounty.com
sm
Jasper Marion County Chamber of Commerce 302 Betsy Pack Dr. Jasper 37347 423-942-5103 marioncountychamber.com
Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau 150 Fourth Ave. N., Ste. G-250 Nashville 37219 800-657-6910 visitmusiccity.com
i
Gallatin Sumner County Convention & Visitors Bureau PO Box 957 Gallatin 37066 888-301-7866 sumnercvb.com
Union City Obion County Chamber of Commerce 214 E. Church St. Union City 38261 866-698-6386 obioncounty.org Wayne County Chamber of Commerce 219 East Broadway Collinwood 38450 931-724-4337 chamber@netease.net
Common Words with New Meaning on the Water... guy – A line or tackle to steady a said, yard or cargo boom. gripe – An abnormal tendency for a sailing craft to turn into the wind. omponents in the design of any hull, lines of buttocks – C vertical longitudinal planes passing through the hull. yawl – (not y’all) A sailboat rig, with a large mainsail forward and a smaller mizzen or jigger aft. kid – A small open barrel, also a large pan or pot. dog – The name for a lever to close or tighten a hatch or door. gypsy – ( actually spelled gipsy) The warping end of a winch or windlass. lifeonthewater.com/resources 87
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WEBSITES
360boating.com – Listing of boating companies by category activecaptain.com – Interactive cruising guidebook americasboatingcourse.com – A listing by state of boating laws americaswaterwaywatch.org – U.S. Coast Guard site for information on reporting suspicious activity cgaux.org – United States Coast Guard Auxiliary congressmerge.com – A link to US senators and representatives for each state greatloop.org – America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association greenboatingusa.com – Alternative, eco-friendly products, links and consulting services to marinas and boat owners kentucky-marinas.com – The Kentucky Marina Association is a state wide organization which represents marinas located in the state of Kentucky lakesonline.com – A resource for lake and reservoir information marinebankers.org – Listing of marine lenders, surveyors, insurers, and maritime attorney members marinesurveyor.org – Listing of all SAMS certified marine surveyors nasbla.org – Explanation of boating laws by state riverbills.com – Mississippi River and Illinois River information saltwatertides.com – Source for tide, moon, and sun predictions for the Gulf Coast, US East Coast and US West Coast tennesseemarinas.com – Tennessee Marina Association is a statewide organization which represents marinas all across the state tennesseeriver.info – Lake levels, maps, rentals etc trva-tcwc.org – Source for news and events on the Tennessee and Cumberland Riversusps-17.org -United States Power Squadrons -District 17 “Dixie District” uscgboating.org – U.S. Coast Guard weather.com – Latest weather information weather.gov – Latest weather information
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