Using Your Phone as a Boating Tool

Recent news has alerted us that Generation Y is smartphone obsessed. We're not really surprised. But what does surprise us is that many people we know aren't using their smartphone for boating! It's our opinion that if you're going to have your phone on you anyways, you might as well make it a useful boating tool. So here are a few boating apps we know of that could make your life just a little easier:

Regardless of skill level of experience, all boaters can learn from the Boater’s Pocket Reference, an app chock full of information like navigation rules, tips on boat handling, how to tie knots and more. When your boat is out of the water, you can refer to this app for information on trailering and maintenance. Like pictures instead of words? There are a variety of charts, graphs and illustrations in the app that make everything easy to understand. While the app isn’t free – it’s $4.99 – it is highly ranked by iPhone users and includes a search function so you can quickly and easily find the information you need, right when you need it. 

Turn off your VFH radio and stay updated on current weather and tide forecasts with the NOAA Buoy and Tide Data app, which accesses data from NOAA’s National Data Buoy Center. You can search for buoys by name or location and view a range of weather data, including wind speed, gusts and pressure. Tide predictions and moon phases are included as well. The app is $1.99. 

If something goes wrong on your next outing, the free Sea Tow app can come to your rescue. You can contact their 24 hour dispatch center through the app, a handy feature if your radio is on the fritz. In addition, the app contains tide and forecast information, and you can save up to seven locations for continued weather monitoring. Finally, the app features a compass and speedometer so you can pinpoint your location on a map. 

Well we might have gotten a little ahead of ourselves, because before you can use these, you need to get your boat into the water. That’s where Boat Ramps comes in. This free app allows you to search for ramps near your location, by zip code or by city. Once you’ve chosen a ramp, the app will provide you with directions. Reviews for the app, however, lament that it doesn’t provide more information about ramps, like fees (or lack thereof), restroom facilities or bait shops.

What are your favorite boating apps? How has your smart phone enhanced your boating experience, on or off the water?

What You Need to Know When Winterizing

Like it or not, it's getting to be that time of year where we tuck away our boats and dream of spring days. Let it be clear: we are by no means encouraging you to put away your boat now. But when you're ready to winterize, here are some tips you might keep in mind.

1. Treat your battery like a million bucks.
Batteries are what you need to get going each time you crank that engine, so make sure you give those babies a little TLC before tucking them in for the winter. Charge the battery, and then remove the negative cable. Let it rest for several hours before checking on it. A fully charged battery should read 12.5 volts. Between now and your boat's big unveiling in the spring, check the charge monthly. Also, don't believe that myth that says storing batteries on a concrete floor shortens their lives!

2. Make sure your tarp stays put.
Sharp edges and things that stick out wear holes through tarps. Prevent this by covering sharp places with strips of old carpet or rags, and use duct tape to secure them. When tying down a tarp, crossing lines under the boat works, but that makes it tough to get inside the boat for any projects during the winter. An alternative is to fill one-gallon jugs with sand and hang them from the tarp. When you need to get into your boat, just lift a jug or two to remove the tension. To prevent those sags that hold water and rip, use a stepladder, placing it on the deck to support the low spot. Stretch a big cotton T-shirt over outboard cowls to protect glossy finishes from flapping tarps. Hate the critters that move into your boat over the winter? A battery-powered AM radio left tuned to a talk station will deter creatures from shacking up.

3.  Make a list, check it twice.
Use a handy dandy checklist like this one from iBoats to make sure you follow all of the necessary steps while winterizing your boat. You don't want to get distracted and miss a key step, only to regret it in the spring!

Not so much a do-it-yourself-er? Then check out our winterizing coupons and make an appointment with us today.

When are you winterizing your boat? What are some winterizing tricks you like to make use of every winter?

Top 100 Dealer... Again!

We are honored to have been chosen as one of Boating Industry's Top 100 Dealers in North America for the second year in a row! 

Boating Industry's editor in chief, Jonathan Sweet, had this to say about this year's awardees:

This group of dealers truly represents the elite of the boating industry, companies that are excelling in customer satisfaction, service and overall business success. From thousands of dealers in North America, these 100 companies stand out as the best of the best.

Thank you to all of our amazing customers, colleagues and supporters for making Austin Boats and Motors such a great place to be!

Here is the press release for more information about the Top 100 program and other awardees:

Boating Industry announces Top 100 Boat Dealers in North America

Boating Industry magazine
November 15, 2012 

Press Release

Legendary Marine named Dealer of the Year

Orlando, Fla., November 14, 2012 – Boating Industry magazine, the leading trade publication for marine dealers, has announced its annual list of the Top 100 Boat Dealers in North America at a gala event here tonight.

“This group of dealers truly represents the elite of the boating industry, companies that are excelling in customer satisfaction, service and overall business success,” said Boating Industry editor in chief Jonathan Sweet. “From thousands of dealers in North America, these 100 companies stand out as the best of the best.”

Topping the 2012 Top 100 list, earning the coveted Dealer of the Year award, was Legendary Marine of Destin, Fla.

“When evaluating Legendary Marine, we were impressed by the company’s rapid growth, strong financials and heavy investments in marketing, education and service,” Sweet said. “It’s clear that Fred Pace and his team have made the right choices to guide Legendary through the recession and into the recovery.”

Boating Industry also recognized eight other dealers with Best in Class Awards.

• Best Website: Action Water Sports, Hudsonville, Mich.
• Best Place to Work: Port Harbor Marine, South Portland, Maine
• Best Boat Show Strategy: The Sail & Ski Center, Austin, Texas
• Best Events: Parks Marina, Okoboji, Iowa
• Best Industry Advocate: Buckeye Marine, Bobcaygeon, Ontario
• Most Innovative: WakeSide Marine, Elkhart, Ind.
• Best Marketing: BMC Boats, Longwood, Fla.
• Best Service Department: Gordy’s Lakefront Marine, Fontana, Wis.

Along with the Top 100, Boating Industry inducted a new company into the Top 100 Hall of Fame: Prince William Marine Sales, Woodbridge, Va. Prince William joins the two previous inductees, Galati Yacht Sales and MarineMax. Companies are inducted into the Hall of Fame after twice being ranked as the top dealer.

The complete Boating Industry Top 100:

• Action Water Sports, Hudsonville, Mich.
• Advantage Yacht Sales, Newburyport, Mass.
• Atwood Lake Boats, Mineral City, Ohio
• Austin Boats and Motors, Lakeway, Texas
• B&E Marine, Michigan City, Ind.
• BMC Boats, Longwood, Fla.
• The Boat Shop, Tafton, Pa.
• Boat Town, Austin, Texas
• Boaters Exchange, Rockledge, Fla.
• Boats Incorporated, Niantic, Conn.
• Bosun’s Marine, Mashpee, Mass.
• Breakwater Marine, Surrey, British Columbia
• Breath’s Boats & Motors, Bay St. Louis, Miss.
• Bryan’s Marine, Vidalia, La.
• Buckeye Marine, Bobcaygeon, Ontario
• Candlewood East Marina, Brookfield, Conn.
• Castaway Marina, Queensbury, N.Y.
• Causeway Marine, Manahawkin, N.J.
• Clark Marine, Manchester, Maine
• Cleveland Boat Center, Cleveland, Tenn.
• Colorado Boat Center, Loveland, Colo.
• Davey Marine Center, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
• Deep Creek Marina, McHenry, Md.
• Desmasdon’s Boatworks, Pointe au Baril, Ontario
• Don’s Marine, Lodi, Wis.
• Dry Dock Marine Center, Angola, Ind.
• Farm Island Repair & Marine, Aitkin, Minn.
• Fogarty’s Lake Flower Marina, Saranac Lake, N.Y.
• Gage Marine, Williams Bay, Wisc.
• George’s Marine & Sports, Ottawa, Ontario
• Glencove Marina, Lake Ozark, Mo.
• Gone’ Fishin Marine, Dixon, Calif.
• Gordon Bay Marine, Mactier, Ontario
• Gordy’s Lakefront Marine, Fontana, Wisc.
• Grande Point Marina of Lansing, Dimondale, Mich.
• The Great Outdoors Marine, Lavelette, W.V.
• Hagadone Marine Group, Couer d’Alene, Idaho
• Hall Marine Group, Lake Wylie, S.C.
• Hampton Watercraft & Marine, Hampton Bays, N.Y.
• Hayes Marine, Appling, Ga.
• Hoffmaster’s Marina, Woodbridge, Va.
• Hurst Marina, Manotick, Ontario
• Irwin Marine, Laconia, N.H.
• Jet Ski of Miami & Fisherman’s Boat Group, Miami
• Kelly’s Port, Osage Beach, Mo.
• Lake Union Sea Ray, Seattle
• Lake Viking Marine, Gallatin, Mo.
• Laurel Marina, Bristol, Tenn.
• Legendary Marine, Destin, Fla.
• Lodder’s Marine, Fairfield, Ohio
• Lynnhaven Marine, Virginia Beach, Va.
• M&P Mercury Sales, Burnaby, British Columbia
• Maple City Marine, Chatham, Ontario
• Marina Fortin, Saint-Paul-de-l’lle-aux-Noix, Quebec
• Marine Center of Indiana, Indianapolis
• Marine Sales of Pickwick, Counce, Tenn.
• Marine Specialties Boat Sales & Service Center, Sparks, Nev.
• Miami Nautique International, Miami
• N3 Boatworks, Indianapolis
• North Texas Marine, Gainesville, Texas
• Oak Hill Marina, Arnolds Park, Iowa
• Omaha Marine Center, Omaha, Neb.
• Paris Marine, Peterborough, Ontario
• Parker Boat Company, Orlando, Fla.
• Parks Marina, Okoboji, Iowa
• Port Harbor Marine, South Portland, Maine
• Port Sandfield Marina, Port Sandfield, Ontario
• Pride Marine Group, Bracebridge, Ontario
• Quality Boats of Clearwater, Clearwater, Fla.
• Rambo Marine, Hazel Green, Ala.
• Rayburns Marine World, Kelowna, British Columbia
• Reed’s Marine, Delavan, Wis.
• Regal & Nautique of Orlando, Orlando, Fla.
• Russell Marine, Alexander City, Ala.
• Russo Marine, Medford, Mass.
• The Sail & Ski Center, Austin, Texas
• Sea Ray of Cincinnati/Sea Ray of Louisville, Cincinnati
• Seattle Boat Company, Seattle
• Shipyard Marine, Green Bay, Wis.
• Short’s Marine, Millsboro, Del.
• Singleton Marine Group, Buford, Ga.
• Ski & Sports, Rogers, Ark.
• Skyline Marina, Orillia, Ontario
• South Austin Marine, Austin, Texas
• South Florida Mastercraft, Boynton Beach, Fla.
• South Shore Marine, Huron, Ohio
• Spicer’s Boat City, Houghton Lake, Mich.
• The Sportsman, San Benito, Texas
• Spring Brook Marina, Seneca, Ill.
• Strong’s Marine, Mattituck, N.Y.
• SunDance Marine, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
• Texas Marine, Beaumont, Texas
• Tobler Marina, Hayden, Idaho
• Town & Country Marine, Lakefield, Ontario
• Traverse Bay Marine, Traverse City, Mich.
• Vallely Sport & Marine, Bismarck, N.D.
• Vincent Payne Marine, Point-au-Baril, Ontario
• WakeSide Marine, Elkhart, Ind.
• Wayzata Marine, Wayzata, Minn.
• Woodard Marine, Hydeville, Vt.

The Top 100 will be featured in the December issue of Boating Industry and online at www.BoatingIndustry.com.

Basic Tools to Keep Aboard

It’s always best to be prepared when traveling on your boat. Carrying a first aid kit is a must, but carrying a tool kit with you is also a good decision. You never know when you might need to repair a canvas or tighten a bolt. First, make sure you have a waterproof marine tool box to keep your tools organized and handy, but also to protect your tools from water damage.

Now, what’s in your tool kit? Here are a few basic tools you should keep in your tool kit onboard at all times.

Canvas Snap Tool: Easily align and fasten inside and outside snaps. Ideal for unsnapping snaps without damaging the canvas. (pictured below)

Duct Tape: Because everyone knows that Duct Tape can fix anything! Electrical tape is another good thing to keep handy.

Manuals: Chances are, if you need your tool kit, you’ll also need your manual – whether for your engine, plumbing, ventilation, or just your boat in general. You should keep these manuals in your tool box with your tools so that you don’t have to search for them when you truly need them. Make sure you keep these in a large plastic zip lock bag so that they don’t get wet.

Wrenches: Make sure you have several different sizes with you if you aren’t quite sure of the exact sizes that you’ll need.

Screwdrivers: Pick up one of those handy dandy 11-in-1 screwdriver sets at your local hardware store – you’ll thank yourself later.

Canvas Repair Kit: This kit should include small pieces of canvas, needles and string.

Super glue: Because just like Duct Tape, it can fix anything when you’re in a pickle.

Multi-tool: Having a small multi-functional tool on board, such as Swiss army knife, can definitely come in handy. Many of these tools include small screw drivers, scissors, knives of all sizes, etc.

Socket set: If you have the room for a complete set, perfect. If not, find out the sizes you need and keep them on board at all times.

Spare Flashlight: with fresh batteries. Make sure your flashlight is waterproof and floats in case of an emergency.

There are several other things to consider keeping on board in your tool kit (depending on the size of your boat and add-on equipment) such as extra fuses, impellers, spare keys, wire cutters, spare electrical wiring, etc.

Make sure you keep your tool kit in a place where you can easily access it, especially in a time of emergency. If you have to use something in your tool kit (such as a spare part) or if something in your tool kit breaks, be sure to replace it as soon as you get back to dock. Remember, keep calm and carry a tool kit. Happy boating!

How To Take A Great Picture of Your Boat

Gorgeous shimmering water, a clean sleek boat, sun rising over the horizon – every boat lover wants that perfect picture of their boat. But capturing that ‘perfect picture’ is easier said than done.

First, consider what exactly you’re looking to take a picture of. Your boat, obviously. But do you want to take a picture of it while docked or do you prefer a friend on another boat take a photo of you driving offshore? Maybe you want both. Either way, once you’ve established a plan, there are some other very important things you need to consider.

Lighting is everything

The best time to take photos of anything, especially a boat in glistening water, is in the early morning or late evening. In the summertime this is usually around 7-7:30am and 6:30-7:30pm. You can take semi-decent photos at anytime if there is overcast. If you think you’re going to defy the laws of the sun high in the sky at lunch time though, you are sadly mistaken, my friend. Once the sun has risen it creates harsh light and shadows. It also reflects off of the surface of the water which creates many unwanted shadows across your boat. 



When taking a photo of your boat, make sure the sun is always positioned behind it or at an angle from the boat. This illuminates your boat and also guarantee’s that it isn’t in a direct sunlight position (again, harsh light is the worst when taking photos). This is also true for when you’re taking photos of people on board – always make sure the sun is behind them. Avoid using a flash if possible as it can cause a glare on the side of your boat.

If you’re shooting with a DSLR camera (not a point and shoot), make sure your photo isn’t overexposed by checking the histogram. It’s better to make your photo darker than lighter – you can fix underexposed photos easier than you can fix extremely overexposed photos.  Also, make sure you know how to use your camera. Learning how to shoot in manual mode before you try to take amazing photos of your boat will be quite helpful.

The Best Angle and Position

Don’t be scared to get creative and wild with the angle in which you’re taking a photo. Standing on a dock taking a photo of your boat head level isn’t going to cut it – you won’t be able to catch the details and the curves in the body. Try standing on a chair or ladder, or even squatting or lying down to get a few low photos of your boat by positioning the camera in a low position and pointing the camera upward (capturing the bottom to the top of your boat). Standing beside the boat at an angle (front to back) also creates a nice feel to the photo.



Don’t forget that there’s more to a photo than just your boat. Offsetting your boat to one side or the other in the viewfinder creates a dramatic effect and adds layers to the photo. You can also use this time to capture a beautiful sunset or other boats in the distance. There is beauty in depth.

Capturing Details

Don’t forget about the details on your boat such as the reel on your favorite fishing pole, the gauges on your dash, or even something as simple as an old rope lying in the corner. All of these things are part of your boat and your love for it. Detailed and abstract photos not only make unique hangings for your wall, they also help you capture memories. You’ll be able to look back and smell that salt water air, feel mist against your face, and remember the exact sunset on that evening….all by looking at the photo hanging in your den. 



You can take perfect photos of your boat, whether you’re using a point-and-shoot camera or a more complicated DSLR camera. When in doubt, you can always hire a professional to do it (and they might even consider bartering a session for a boat ride). In any case, remember to get out of the ‘norm’ and shoot at different angles. Don’t shoot in harsh sunlight. Have a friend take photos of you in the middle of the lake while you’re cruising around with your family. Or capture the essence of that gorgeous memorable sunset in the background. Remember, you’re not just taking a cool picture of your boat, you’re taking a cool picture of your boat while making memories that will last a lifetime.

Do you have any pictures of your boat that you just love? Share them with us on our Facebook page.

Is Satellite TV For You?

While the serenity and excitement of fishing, water sports, lying in the sun, and feeling the cool breeze blow across your skin is all part of the boating experience; sometimes, you just want to watch a baseball game…or maybe, in recent weeks, your favorite Olympic team. Or, yes, the newest Disney show that you’re youngest can’t live without.

Welcome to the 21st Century -- we have satellite capabilities on boats here.

Should I make the investment?


Having a satellite TV on a boat clearly isn’t for everyone. If you don’t spend a lot of time on your boat, you don’t need it. If you enjoy getting away from the noise of everyday life, it’s highly probable that you wouldn’t even turn the TV on if you had one on your boat. However, if you have a family, enjoy entertaining on your boat, or just want to kick back and relax, then satellite TV could definitely be for you.

Marine satellite TV systems are available at a wide range of prices – mainly depending on how much equipment you need. For just one TV and receiver, marine satellite TV can usually fit into a smaller budget. But if you want to have multiple TVs being used at one time or a large system, it can get pricey.

How it works

If you have decided that satellite TV on your boat is for you, then you’re in luck – the set-up process is fairly simple. Satellite TV on a boat isn’t much different than that on land.  While satellite on land uses wires and cables, marine satellite TV receives transmissions directly from satellites.

First, you’ll need to contact a local marine TV retailer (that’s us). Or, if you are buying a boat and want satellite TV as an add-on, make sure you tell your salesperson so they can make the changes accordingly. Either way, we’ll be able to make sure you get all of the proper equipment and can help you with the set up. If you’re confident in knowing what you’re doing, you can just order the equipment from our parts department. However, we highly recommend having our trained and professional technicians install your new satellite TV.



The above picture is the inside of the dome on a satellite TV.

Now, you’ll need a TV. Any TV will do really – however, LCDs, Plasma’s, and flat screens are the obvious choices. Flat screens on mounts also give you the ability to easily hide the TV or move it out of the way when you’re not using it.

Next, decide which satellite service provider you’d like to go with. You can even go with providers such as DirecTV and Dish Network. All satellite service providers have different channels and network packages to offer, so be sure to check out all of their packages. Premium movies and pay-per-view programs can also be purchased while onboard. 

Once set-up is complete, you’ll be able to enjoy your satellite TV, and a few great boating movies, from just about anywhere. Simple as that!

Happy boating with your 48” LCD satellite TV!

Buying Used - Where to Start

Buying a used boat is appealing to those who are looking for their very first boat investment or even for the experienced boater that wants to upgrade, or just have a second boat. Buying a used boat is a wonderful option, but there are some factors that need to be considered when looking for your used boat investment.



Buying from a private seller


Buying a used boat from a private seller runs a high risk even though, at times, it can seem like a better ‘deal’. Most private sellers do not allow you to test drive the boat that you are interested in purchasing. Most private sellers also don’t stand behind the boat sale or offer mechanical and other help should a problem arise once the boat is yours.


Also See: Marine Warranties


Should you find that you have completely fallen in love with a boat from a private seller, be sure you are very careful and look over the boat very thoroughly. Look for scratches, dents, cracks – open all doors and cabinets. Check the cables and steering. In fact, you should consider hiring a qualified professional boat surveyor to look over the boat and to do a complete certified inspection.



Even if the used boat from a private seller seems perfect and receives a wonderful inspection, you should try to get some background check information on the boat and the seller. Yes, there are good deals out there, and yes, there are plenty of amazing boat owners looking to legally sell their used boat – but fraud runs rampant, and stolen boats are constantly being sold throughout the country. Always make sure that you’re working with a well known, local, and highly recommended seller.



It’s best to stay away from long distance online sales. You may end up spending more money in traveling expenses, only to come back home with a broken boat or even worse, not coming home with a boat at all! Never, ever, buy a boat online without inspecting it first, or hire a certified professional to inspect it.



Buying from a dealer



Buying a used boat from a dealer can certainly take care of most of those headaches and extra costs for you that might come along with buying from a private seller. If at all possible, you should try to buy your used boat from a trusted boat dealer (like us). Boat dealers inspect every used boat that they have so that it is ready and waiting for you to inspect it yourself. Want to take it for a test drive? – Certainly! Quality boat dealers allow their clients to test drive their boats before final purchase. Just like a car, you want to know every detail of what you’re about to invest into – boat’s aren’t that different than purchasing your next new dream car.



Buying from a well-known and highly regarded boat dealer or broker can ensure that you aren’t getting yourself into a fraudulent deal. Next thing you know, instead of spending money on fishing bait for you, and a new boat grill for your other half, you’ll be spending money on finding a lawyer and trying to get yourself out of this “amazing deal” that you had to have.



Boat dealers stand behind their boats (as they should, since they inspected them), and even offer special servicing and maintenance. You can take comfort in knowing that you can take your used boat back to the same dealership that sold the boat to you for tune ups and servicing, and have it treated like the ‘baby’ you know it is – after all, they took care of it before you ever did.



While there are pros and cons to both buying from a private seller and a dealership, the bottom line is that you want to make sure you have the boat properly inspected before making the purchase and you should always ask questions about the boat no matter where you purchase it from (previous owners, any accidents, etc). Make sure you are comfortable with your dealer or seller – it will help if you buy local or from someone that you know can be trusted. And if you feel like something is too good to be true, do some background snooping and make sure you’re not about to be ‘conned’.



Now, go find that perfect boat and enjoy the second half of summer out on the water. Happy Boating!!

What to Do if You Run Out of Gas

It is every boater’s worst nightmare – being stranded in the middle of a river, lake, or the ocean. Many things can strand you in the middle of nowhere – engine problems, bad weather, etc. But one of the most common things is running out of gas. So simple, yet so common. Before you leave dock, always make sure you have enough fuel for your journey, and make sure you have even more than enough. A little extra gas never hurt anyone!

Even the best of boaters may find themselves in this situation though, so here are a few things to do should you find yourself stranded.

1. First of all, don’t panic! Panicking in any emergency situation on a boat is a no-no – especially if there are others on board with you. Take a breather and clear your mind so that you can make rational decisions.
2. If you have a VHF radio or phone, and it is working, you should make that your first choice for trying to call for help. You can read our blog full of information on how to use a VHF radio and what stations to call here. 
3. Set your anchor so that you don’t float any further than you want to. This will also assure that you don’t drift into rocks, shallow water, etc.
4. Observe where you are. How long have you been in your boat -- are you close to shore? Could you paddle there (if you’re in a smaller boat)? Are there any rocks or other dangerous objects around that could puncture your boat? Are there any landmarks that you can give over the radio so that other boats in the area know your location quicker and easier?
5. If it’s daylight, make sure you put on sunscreen and stay hydrated. There’s nothing worse than getting burnt to a crisp, or worse, passing out from heat exhaustion or dehydration. Put cool rags on your neck or face to cool your down if you are in an extreme heat situation.
6. Put your life jacket on. You never know what else could go wrong. And you should already have it on anyway!

Adding to these tips and to help you plan for a boating trip, always make sure you give a friend or family member a copy of your float plan. Your float plan should include your course, how many people are aboard, your vessel description, and places that you may stop. You should also let them know a time that you’ll be back from your journey, and that if you aren’t back by a certain time, they should call for help. If you are delayed, make sure you contact them and make them aware. Have nautical charts of the area that you are boating in (stop by - we'll help make sure you have the right one), a global positioning device (GPS) and a reliable way to communicate on board (VHF Radio, Cell Phone & Charger). These are all things you can do in advance that could potentially save your life. Happy Boating!

4th of July Boating Safety Message from Mercury Marine

We received an email from Mercury Marine this week which had a few good tips for keeping safe while boating this Wednesday. So we decided to share those tips with you below.



BOATING SAFETY TIPS

• Before and during operation, make sure everyone on your boat is in the proper passenger position. Sit down and hold on. You don’t want your passengers to be in a position that could result in them falling overboard. Also, don't sit or stand at the front of a moving pontoon boat.
• Always wear your lifejacket. It can save your life. The majority of boating fatalities involve people who drown without a lifejacket on.
• Watch out for the propeller. Shut off the engine whenever anyone is in the water near your boat. Placing the engine in neutral is not enough.
• Use your lanyard cut-off switch. Things can happen quickly on the water. Make sure your engine will shut off if you are not in the operator’s position.

Have a happy and safe 4th of July!

It's Time To Grill

Boating and grilling – they seem to go hand and hand. It all goes together with that ‘summertime’ feel.  And of course, grilled food is healthier for you. But besides all that, grilling on a boat is all part of the adventure of boating.

I’m sure most of us can use common sense and know that you’re not going to lug a huge stainless steel gas grill on a boat. In fact, there are special grills that are specifically made for boaters. You’ll want to make sure you have one that is best suited for your boat and space limits. Keep in mind that grilling on land is dangerous, so grilling on a boat is even more of a hazard – not necessarily always because of the grill, but because of the limited space on a boat and the constant movement of being on the water.

Plan ahead

First of all, plan ahead. Before you step foot on your boat, make sure you have planned out everything that you’ll need – be it food items, pots and pans, drinks, etc. Remember, you have a small space to work with, so try to only bring one of everything that you need (unless, of course, it’s eating utensils, etc). This won’t only make it easier for you to grill, it will also be easier for clean up.  You should take some time to pre-plan your meals and stick with those meals that you already have the cooking items for onboard. Never count on catching fish, if that is indeed what you want to fix. Fish should always be considered a ‘bonus’ meal or something to eat in place of a non-perishable meal. Also, check your propane tank for leaks or damage before setting off. Nothing could be more frustrating than trying to start your meal without gas for your grill -- or worse, having a leak and lighting a match nearby.

Grill at the dock or at anchor

It’s safer to cook when the boat is docked. You won’t lose your food or have to worry about someone falling on the grill should a random wave come along. Speaking of which, make sure all of your cooking utensils and pans are in a zippered bag/back pack or secure cabinet, whether you’re docked or not.  Your boats movements are unpredictable and loose items can be a potential hazard! If you must find that adventure out in the open water, make sure you're anchor is set to help keep you from moving about.

No glass allowed

Don’t bring glass on board! Many bowls, cups, and drink or cooking bottles (such as olive oil) are glass and should not be brought onboard. Should you find that you need a bowl or container, always use something that is plastic – put condiments such as ketchup or cooking oils in portable plastic containers. This would go along with the ‘planning ahead’ point above. When making sure you have all of the proper cooking equipment or extras, if you find that you have something glass, run to your nearest store to find a plastic alternative. It’s not worth the risk of having that glass break or having someone step on a loose glass bottle – especially if you’re hours away from land.

You'll have a limited supply of water

Conserve water as much as possible while cooking and cleaning. Remember, there are a lot of different uses for water on your boat. Bring hand sanitizer to wash your hands with periodically, and sanitizing wipes to wipe down surfaces. Don’t run the faucet while cleaning up after your meal. Reuse water where possible, and bring bottled water to drink and use when needed.

What are you going to grill?

You might wonder what types of things to cook when on a boat – again, keeping in mind that you have very limited space. Some things that you might consider grilling are ka-bobs. Pre-make your ka-bobs and put them in large 1gallon plastic storage bags. Or, consider doing the same with chicken or anything that needs to be marinated – put your pieces of meat in large plastic containers or storage bags (which are more flexible) along with your marinade. By the time dinner comes, they’ll be perfectly marinated and you can toss the plastic bags out. Easy clean up! Fish is an easy meal as well. Seasoning your fish with simple salt and pepper or old bay seasoning, then putting it on the grill, makes for a delicious and memorable dinner for the entire group. Simple, but oh so delish!  Tacos and single dish meals are also easy when on a boat. Put all of your toppings or condiments in separate containers before getting on your boat or leaving dock -- it makes your life much easier, especially if your toppings need to be sliced and diced. Always make sure your meat is cold and on ice – never cook meat that has been allowed to come to room temperature (who knows how long it’s been warm!)  And remember that leftovers aren’t any good either unless placed on ice after your meal.

Have a great cookout

Be safe on your boat and take all precautionary measures, including an up to date fire extinguisher. Anything can go wrong in under a second on a boat, whether you’re playing with heat or not! Check at you have a small first aid kit with burn cream. This will come in handy for sunburn or an accidental burn from the grill. Always be prepared and always plan ahead – and don’t forget the food!

Tips for Viewing Fourth of July Fireworks from Your Boat

Open waters and open skies make for the best fireworks display. There’s no better place than laid back on your boat with your friends and family while watching fireworks on the 4^th of July. But there are a few tips you should consider that will heighten the excitement of the fireworks, and to make sure you’re taking the proper safety precautions while on the water. 

First of all, you should check the US Coast Guard’s local notice to mariner’s website for any special instructions for boaters during the big event. Be sure to follow these instructions – they are not only mandatory to keep you safe, but to keep other’s safe as well. Make sure your boat is equipped with the correct safety equipment and check that everything is functioning normally. Life jackets should already be on board, but if you have any newcomers or irregulars that will be joining you on your boat for the special event, you’ll need to be sure you have extra life jackets.  

When looking for the perfect place to drop anchor, you’ll want to make sure you anchor downwind of the show. If you anchor your boat upwind, you may not hear the fireworks very well – and we all know, there’s nothing better than feeling and hearing the powerful boom of fireworks!

Find your location and anchor early. You can take the extra time to eat, play games, or just relax before the fireworks begin. You can also take this time to make sure your anchor is set properly, and see that your anchor lights are on and working. Training your newer passengers on board about the normal procedures and emergency procedures is another great thing to take up this extra time. Better safe than sorry!

When it comes to being patriotic on the water, many people enjoy a nice ‘drink’. However, it’s best that you not allow alcohol on board while in the middle of a body of water (read the Preventable Tragedy). Of course, the captain definitely shouldn't drink as it can impair his ability to react or impair his vision in general. But passengers should also be warned about alcohol on board. If an emergency should arise, passengers may not be able to react as quickly as needed. They could also lose their balance more easily than if they were sober. Passengers under the influence of alcohol or any type of drug can also distract the captain of the boat.

When the show is finished and it’s time for the festivities to end, take your time when pulling up anchor and leaving. Remember, there are many other boaters on the water going the same exact direction you are. There’s no rush, so take your time and be cautious. There may be other boaters not following proper safety guidelines, or worse, they may be driving under the influence of alcohol. Rushing back to dock isn’t worth an accident. Enjoy this relaxing moment with your loved ones and cruise slowly back to land.

Bonus: Top National In-Water Destinations For July 4 Fireworks Displays

There’s nothing worse than being distracted by lights or obnoxious noises while watching your fireworks show, so be courteous to other boaters.  Don’t play with flashlights, spotlights, or large lights of any kind. Also, if you’re playing music on board, make sure it’s not too loud for other boaters to hear. Just because you like a particular kind of music, doesn’t mean others want to listen to it. 

From all your friends at Austin Boats & Motors; have fun, be safe, be courteous, and most of all… enjoy your 4^th of July!!

Ready to Launch Your Trailer Boat – 5 No-No’s

So, you’re ready to put that nice shiny boat in the water and enjoy your day. But not so quickly – there are some steps you need to take before backing that trailer down the ramp to launch your boat into the water.

Marina’s, lakes and other bodies of water normally have launch ramps for boaters. It is the boater’s responsibility to make sure the launch procedure goes smoothly and without incident. So you’ll want to make sure you know good and well what you’re doing, and how to properly do it.

There are several different things to take into account that will help you make this process quick and painless -- making sure all of your personal items are on your boat before launching it is one of those things. That includes clothes, fishing poles, food, drinks, coolers, etc. Also, making sure your boat trailer has been properly maintained will help eliminate problems.

Here are a few more things to think about before launching.

1. Don’t wait to practice backing up a boating trailer down a ramp while other people are waiting for you. A busy public boat launch ramp is NOT the place to learn how to back up a boat trailer. Don’t rush!! It’s a fact that boater’s who rush the process are normally the ones who cause the most damage (or lose their boat from not concentrating). Be calm and get plenty of practice before the time comes to launch or retrieve your boat (whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned boater).

2. Did I forget to put the drain plug in? – Yeah, you’ll want to make sure that lovely little invention is securely in place before launching. And when you’re sure that it’s securely in place, check again…just to be extra sure.

3.  Never launch your boat by yourself. It is much easier to launch a boat when you have help. Your helper can drive the vehicle and trailer away while you manage the boat that you’ve just put into the water. There are so many things that can go wrong while in the launch process – it’s best to have a buddy or adult family member there to help you in case of an accident and so the process goes along much more smoothly.



4. Don’t forget to tie your boat to the dock before pulling your truck and trailer away. There’s nothing worse than going to park your vehicle and coming back to a boat in the middle of deep waters…with no way to get to it! Make sure you tie a bowline to a dock before launching your boat into the water.

5. And last but not least, don’t forget about your engine. Your engine will need to remain raised during the launching process. Not raising your engine during a launch and/or in shallow waters can cause major unwanted damage. When you launch your boat, slowly motor over to the dock that you’ve attached your bowline to. Once you’re in deeper water, you can lower your engine. 

The launch and retrieval process can be so simple, quick, and easy if you make sure you pay attention and follow these simple steps. Even the most experienced boater can forget to tie his boat to a dock, or even un-tie his boat from his trailer. But no matter what the issue, know that you’re not alone! Making a boating launch/retrieval check list may be a good idea. Or better yet, print out this blog and keep it in your vehicle so that you’ll have it at all times when you’re ready for a fun day on the water!

What's your biggest challenge when launching your boat?

Create Your Own Boating Movie on Facebook with Movie Maker

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As the "Director" you can preview your movie to rearrange photos or edit captions. When you're finished you can post it to your profile or download it. You can even share your "blockbuster" with Discover Boating for a chance to have it featured on the Discover Boating Facebook page!

Star in your own boating movie now.

VHF Marine Radio – The Basics

VHF radios are essential to all boaters. This radio could potentially save your life or help you save the life of another. VHF radios are used for emergency and non-emergency situations, however, they are also used to alert boaters of information on the water – be it an approaching storm or a sinking vessel. 

The main channel you’ll need to remember when on your boat -- channel 16. This channel is used for emergency and non-emergency calls. All boaters are required to keep a constant watch on channel 16. Many boaters simply turn their radios off because they wish not to listen to static, etc. -- this is a major issue. Your radio should remain on and turned up at all times. There have been many situations where boaters did not have their radios on and as a consequence, were not aware and could not out run storms, or did not know about a sinking vessel close to them. In both situations, casualties could have been prevented if the captain would have simply left their VHF radio on.

Radio channel 16 may be used to hail other vessels or to make the first initial contact with a marina or restaurant when wondering where to tie your boat up when coming into dock.  However, you’ll need to switch over to another channel once you make contact with your party so that you’re not jamming up the main channels. At no point should you use your radio as a ‘telephone’ to chit-chat with other boaters or someone on shore.

Channels 6, 13, and 22A are also important channels for boaters to remember. 

• Channel 6 is reserved for intership safety use and is mainly used during search and rescue operations.
• Channel 22A is reserved for communications with the Coast Guard and should be for Coast Guard use only (not open to other vessels). This channel is used by the US Coast Guard when relaying marine information broadcasts. Since not everyone is interested in these broadcasts, the US Coast Guard will make their first initial contact on channel 16, letting all boaters know that they will make their announcement (that may or may not be important to each boater) on channel 22A, and that interested boaters should switch over to that channel immediately for more info. 
• Channel 13 is for navigational use between vessels. Large vessels us channel 13 (no need to use channel 16 for this situation first, channel 13 is both a calling and working channel) when relaying their intentions to one another and when they arrive at bridges and locks. Channel 13 is restricted to 1 watt, so be sure to switch your radio to low power when using this channel.

Channels 68, 69, 71, 72, 78A are all used as “working” stations and are available for you to use at any time (as long as no one else is using them) when you switch your conversation over from channel 9 or 16.



For a complete listing of all boating channels (including those in international waters), click here.

If you are trying to communicate with a boat that is nearby, make sure you set your radio on low power so that your signal will not carry further than it needs to. If you’re trying to communicate with a boat or location that is further away, you can use high power. In all situations, use kind language and no profanity. Vulgar language is illegal and can also offend other boaters, especially those with small children.

Now that you know the important radio channels, you may be wondering, “how on earth do I use this thing?!” The basics -- be sure to adjust the "Squelch" control as low as possible so that you don’t hear static or ‘white noise’. In order to make a call, hold the button on the microphone down, speak, and then release to hear the other boat or location’s reply.

Believe it or not, there IS a proper way of calling another vessel or on shore location.

First of all, make sure you are making your first contact on either channel 16 or channel 9. You’ll also want to listen in for a couple of minutes to make sure the channel is not tied up with another conversation.

1. Say the name of the vessel or location that you’re calling three times. Ex: Lake Travis, Lake Travis, Lake Travis.
2. The words "THIS IS", spoken once, and then the name of your vessel, also spoken once. Ex: THIS IS the motor vessel (insert name of vessel)
3. Say the word "OVER", and then await the station being called to reply.
4. The station will reply in the same manner that you called them. You should then designate a new channel to switch over to and continue the conversation. Once establish, speak the word "OVER". Ex: Please switch and listen to channel 68, OVER
5. Wait for the station to confirm the channel. They will then say “OVER” and you’ll both need to switch over to the new channel and continue your conversation by first contacting them in the same way as you initially did, but this time, on your designated channel.

Always move your conversations to a different channel in a non-emergency situation. If you are using channel 16, no one else can use it until you are off of that channel, which means any emergencies that need to be called in will have to wait.

In a distress and emergency situation, your call will be very similar to a non-emergency call, but much more complex. However, if the only thing you have time to say is MAYDAY, the name of your vessel, and what type of distress you’re in, that is fine as well. The key is that you give enough information so that the Coast Guard knows how to best respond to your call. You’ll need to stay by the radio and repeat this call periodically until you receive a response. You should also stay close to your radio incase more information is needed once someone replies to your call.

First, make sure you’re on channel 16.

1. Say “MAY DAY”, spoken three times
2. Speak the words “THIS IS”, once
3. Proceed to say your vessel name (spoken three times) 
4. Give the position of your vessel by latitude and longitude or by bearing (true or magnetic) and the distance to a well known landmark which will help a responding station located your vessel. Be sure to include all vessel movement such as course, speed and destination.
5. Speak what the nature of your distress is (sinking, fire, etc.), and the kind of help you require.
6. Speak the number of people on board.
7. Give any other information which might help in the rescue, such as length or tonnage of vessel, the type of vessel, the number of people onboard needing medical attention, color of the vessel, etc.
8. The word “OVER”, spoken once. 

If you are potentially in distress but are currently not yet in distress, then you can say “Pan-Pan” (pronounced “Pahn”) instead of “Mayday”. This should be used when referring to a controllable leak in your boat or something that is most likely fixable, but you may want to alert someone in case you do eventually need help or incase your situation goes bad.

If you hear a distress call in your area, you are required to respond to it. If you hear a distress call that is not in your vicinity, but that you could potentially get to, then wait several minutes to see if there are other boaters in the area that respond (if there are even any boaters in that area). If they do not respond, you are required to respond.

In summary:

• Always make sure you keep your conversations short and to the point when using a channel. Keep in mind that you may not be the only person who needs to use that particular channel.
• In non-emergency situations, make sure you switch over to a working channel (as listed above) once you make initial contact on channel 9 or 16. 
• Remember that ALL radio conversations are public and anyone on that channel can hear your conversation, including young children. Radios are not to be used for ‘chit-chat’.
• Always speak slowly and clearly so that the responding station can understand you.
• The more information you can provide when speaking with another vessel or the coast guard, the better.
• When speaking to a vessel nearby, switch your radio to low power. When speaking to a vessel further away, you may use high power.
• Always have your radio turned on and turned up. You never know when you or someone else may need information or help.

Have you even used your VHF Marine Radio? Let us know in the comments below.