Safety Reminder

[muskybob]

With the open water season coming up, now would be a good time to check the dates on your flares & fire extinguishers.  Don't be caught on a boat check and then complain about it later.  Worse yet, go to use them and they don't work. Have a safe and enjoyable season!!!

 

[dukhnter8]

^{Good call. Also when buying new flares check the expiration date as I bought some a few years ago that only had a year or two before they expired.}

[Yankee Troller]

[LongLine]

Also please don't forget the Life Jacket law.

 

Tom B.

(LongLine)

[Sk8man]

And.....don't mention too much about flare guns because Emperor Cuomo might decide we can only have 1 cartridge

[Tim Bromund]

you're just  going to have to turn in your high capacity, assault flare gun

[fathobbit0074]

I'll take the life vest ticket Government over reach At it finest

[FX]

Charge your batteries! - before you get to the launch

 

Perform your own safety inspection on your vessel and trailer - before you get to the launch

 

Plenty of stuff on line:

 

Boat Safety Checklist

Keep this page with your boat, ready for inspection. By using this checklist, or one fine-tuned by yourself,

you'll be sure that everything is on board and in good working order. Your passengers will appreciate

knowing you're concerned about boating safety.

• Float plan--let a friend or relative know when you're leaving, where you're going, when you expect toreturn, what to do if you don't, and a description of your boat
• Registration certificate or documentation
• Personal Flotation Devices (wearable and throw able)--USCG approved, good condition, readily accessible, assigned and fitted
• Fire Extinguishers--right number, size, and class for boat; charged, not corroded, nozzle clear, bracketed, readily accessible
• Visual Distress Signals--current dates on flares, proper number, batteries good if lights or EPIRB
• Anchors and Line--adequate anchor for bottom, adequate line for water depth
• Bilge device --bilge pump operable, alternative bailing device available
• Watch or clock--operable
• Bright flashlight or searchlight
• Navigation lights --tested and operable, spare bulbs
• Batteries--fully charged, encased in plastic boxes or terminals covered, securely fastened down
• Sound-producing device--horn, whistle appropriate for boat
• Alternate propulsion--paddle or oar
• First Aid Kit
• Tools, spare outboard prop and lock nut
• Compass
• Sunscreen
• Emergency contact numbers - local marina's etc
• Marine/Weather Radio

 

Basic Trailering Checklist

Never tow your boat trailer before you check to be sure: 

• Coupler, hitch and hitch ball are of the same size
• Coupler and safety chains are safely secured to hitch of tow vehicle
• All fasteners are properly tightened
• Boat is securely tied down to trailer (winch line is not a tie down)
• Wheel lug nuts are properly tightened
• Wheel bearings are properly adjusted and maintained
• Load is within maximum load carrying capacity
• Tires are properly inflated
• All trailer lighting is working properly
• Trailer brakes are properly adjusted and working (if trailer is so equipped)
• Be sure to check local and state requirements regarding brakes and any additional equipment that may be required

 

 

Shawn