Yeah, we know … it’s a tough time to not be out on the boat.
But while you’re waiting for a change in the season, it is a good time to do a few things that will make those early trips a whole lot better.
And with the Mid-Atlantic Sports and Boat Show hitting the Virginia Beach Convention Center – on the 30th and 31st of this month and the first day of February – having a few good ideas might just prove to be a bonus.
For starters, where all that stuff you always have on board – especially the things that are required by the Coast Guard – and what condition is it in?
You know, life jackets, fire extinguishers, rope, throw-floatation devices, electronics, whistle, and flare gun. Let’s not forget the Epirb (emergency position indicating radio beacon) or the PLB (personal locator beacon). Who do they look? Hate to find out the hard way that they weren’t?
Is it time for replacements, new batteries, a little TLC?
Hey, it only takes a few minutes to check.
You don’t want to discover that the fire extinguisher is no longer charged when the Coast Guard or Marine Patrol have stopped you for an inspection. Worse yet, when your vessel is on fire and no-one is nearby.
And you don’t want to realize that you’re lost without a rescue beacon or a satellite phone.
A great idea is to check with the local Flotillas to find out when they are doing complimentary vessel inspections. If everything is good to go, they can give you an inspection sticker that can really save everyone some time when you’re stopped on the water. Not to mention you are more at ease knowing things are ship shape.
If you have issues, don’t fret, they’ll let you know what they are.
Now how about the rest of the stuff? The things you don’t have to have, but often wish you did – a good cooler, bathroom waste disposal items and bags for when Mother Nature phones in with a rush order, suntan lotion, bug spray – and water, you don’t want to be high and dry.
Hold on, what about the inflation to the device to blow up those tow-behinds and floating toys? Might want to just stay at the dock if that thing’s not working.
It might seem ridiculous now, but we sometimes don’t think about some of those little things until we’ve hit the water.
If you conclude that a little shopping I required, remember a valuable lesson – find yourself a serious shopper and look around for the best price.
To read more of my stories, go to: leetolliveroutdoors.com
