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Why Go Pontooning?

  1. Good For You
  2. Reconnect With Friends & Family
  3. Easy on the Wallet
  4. Make New Friends
  5. Healthy Outdoor Adventure For All!

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BOATING TIPS & ADVICE

Best Practices For Safe Boating During Covid

Best Practices For Safe Boating During Covid

 

Woman-Standing-Behind-SafetyAnyone who has pursued boating in their life can tell you that though rewarding, it can be very risky and dangerous. Exploring uncharted waters by default comes with a set of conditions that require anyone engaged in such activities to strictly maintain all related safety protocols.

With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, however, the term “uncharted waters” ends up carrying a whole new meaning. Besides maintaining the standard safety protocols that come with boating, people need to make sure that they are adequately practicing social distancing norms and are being safe when it comes to preventing the spread of the novel coronavirus.

In such circumstances, boaters are bound to have a multitude of questions and concerns regarding safe boating. Here are some of the most common questions – and answers when it comes to maintaining COVID-19 protocols along with the standard ones.

  1. Can boating be pursued as a Social Distancing Activity?

Simply put, yes. You can go boating and follow social distancing norms at the same time. That being said, there are a number of rules – and adhering to all of them is mandatory.

  • First and foremost, you can only go with the family members with whom you share a home – any outsiders (i.e., those living outside your house) are not allowed.
  • Going close or rafting with other boats is strictly prohibited, since it might bring the occupants in close proximity with each other.
  • Boaters also need to make sure to maintain distance from outsiders while doing related activities such as fueling up the boat or docking at the marina.
  • Boaters must make sure to disinfect themselves (either by washing their hands or by using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer) before and after using common surfaces such as fuel pumps and marina gate locks.
  • Last but not the least, ensure that you have all needed supplies and gear in advance and that you do not need to go to stores to buy them.
  1. Which boating ramps can I access in my area?

When it comes to seeing which boat ramps are available in your area – the answer, of course, differs from one place to another. This is because different states – and even municipalities within these states have different set of rules and regulations, depending on their situation. It is therefore essential for you to check your local resources for the legalities before embarking on a boating trip.

One of the best resources in this regard is the US Fish & Wildlife Service: State By State Closures (https://www.fws.gov/home/state-by-state-closures.html). This website lists all the wildlife and fish locations in the country along with access points and available spaces. All information is UpToDate and updated daily.

  1. What if I have an emergency and need mechanical assistance?

Boating emergencies are definitely not an uncommon occurrence – and indeed, many of them happen due to mechanical malfunctions. To help boaters in case they do encounter such issues, major fleets such as Sea Tow and TowBoatUS stay active and to offer on-the-water towing assistance – should that be necessary.

Additionally, the US Coast Guard emergency rescue teams, as well as search and rescue (SAR) along with state agencies are generally vigilant and ready of offer assistance if needed.

With that said, the constantly changing nature of circumstances according to the spread of the virus can and does impact the ability of the above to disperse their duties and/or services. Hence, make sure to double check that the area you will be boating in is covered by them before you ever take your boat out.

  1. Do I have to disinfect my boat?

Yes! It is mandatory to disinfect your boat to protect both yourself and others from the novel coronavirus. Solid surfaces that remain stationary and/or uncleaned for a while are known to house the COVID-19 virus – and your boat is no exception.

While technically, you should be safe if only you and your family (whom you share a roof with) have been in the boat – and are not ill – it helps to disinfect your boat – and give yourself and your surroundings an added layer of protection.

The CDC recommendations are the best guideline when it comes to knowing how to disinfect your boat. Always make sure to use EPA-approved disinfectants, but also keep in mind that some of these (especially acids or bleaches) may harm boat surfaces – like those made from vinyl or canvas – that are prone to discoloration or damage. After disinfecting, make sure to wash down the boat one last time to prevent any disinfectant residues from sticking to surfaces.

Boating is indeed a fun activity – and one of the few that can be pursued – even with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It is a great way to spend quality time with your loved ones and give yourself some much-needed relaxation. So long as you follow the necessary rules and maintain the safety protocols, you can enjoy your trip.

 

  Anyone who has pursued boating in their life can tell you that though rewarding, it can be very risky and dangerous. Exploring uncharted waters by default comes with a set of conditions that require anyone engaged in such activities to strictly maintain all related safety protocols. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, however, the term […]
New Pontoon Boats in 2020

New Pontoon Boats in 2020

 

It’s the beginning of the new year, and with the new year comes new hopes, dreams, resolutions, and of course, vacation plans! With spring and summer seasons just around the corner, many are currently busy making plans on how they will be spending their time in the sunny outdoors. For many, of course, pontooning is the vacation of choice. Offering the right combination of shelter and exposure to the outdoors, pontooning is one of the most enjoyable and fulfilling recreational activities that can be enjoyed both alone and in groups (such as with family or with friends).

If you’re among the many looking to get into the activity for a while, or are looking for a new pontoon boat to replace your current one, here are some of the freshest models of 2020:

Bennington BowriderBennington Bowrider

If you are looking for an all-round experience for a fun and sporty experience with family and/or friends, look no further than the Bennington Bowrider. Versatile enough for both sports and casual cruising, the Bowrider comes in a V-Hull performance package, enhanced sight lines for both captains and co-captains, and a low-profile bow with integrated view ports that enhance the level of visibility for passengers alike. The most striking feature of the boat, however, is the pioneering first step-down U-Lounge™ seating arrangement that allows for seating that tops in efficiency whilst bringing people closer together.

Starcraft SLS Series

If what you are after is an exciting ride on the water, and your priority is a boat that can offer such a level of mobility, then the all-new SLS series is ideal for you.  Boats in this series are known for their well-placed HMX tubes and stakes that offer a higher quality of speed and planning, an enhanced lift, a tight turning radius, and most importantly a lower level of surface drag. High on technicality, they offer all the three types of steering (i.e. wheel, tilt and hydraulic), voltmeter and speedometer, and 25” diameter tubes with 100% welded aluminum transom. Models are available in an assorted range of colors.

Starcraft EX Series

If you are among those who have space as their priority and are not shy to spend a little extra to get the best experience, EX series will be your best choice. Prioritizing comfort to the maximum, this series – which has both fishing and cruising models – has 5 very versatile layouts on spacious 8′ widths, making it suitable for even the largest of group travelers. Boats sport 25” diameter tubes with 100% welded aluminum transom, and marine-quality decking and carpeting. All boats are equipped with trim gauge technology that enables maximum smoothness along with maximum fuel saving. Models are available in an assorted range of colors.

Lowe Boats SS170

If you are looking for something that is simple and compact yet well-equipped, look no further than the all-new SS170. Known for packing in the features of larger pontoon boats on its smaller size, this boat packs in high-quality constructions in a remarkable SS styling. The boat’s most remarkable feature, however, remains to be its 25” diameter logs, each with separate and airtight chambers which together make for a very stable and reliable solution, especially if you are out pontooning with family. Further protection is added by the full-length keels that line each pontoon which add extra protection and allow for seamless tracking.

 

  It’s the beginning of the new year, and with the new year comes new hopes, dreams, resolutions, and of course, vacation plans! With spring and summer seasons just around the corner, many are currently busy making plans on how they will be spending their time in the sunny outdoors. For many, of course, pontooning […]
Sharing the Water: Environmentally Safe Boating Tips

Sharing the Water: Environmentally Safe Boating Tips

 

Portrait-Of-Young-Family-BoatingBoating is a fun, recreational activity enjoyed by thousands of people every year. What many miss, however, is the fact that over the past couple of years, it has also turned out to be one of the most environmentally hazardous activities. In fact, it is estimated that the volume of oil pollution and hydrocarbon entering the water every year is at least fifteen times more than the amount that was spilled in the Exxon Valdez incident alone.

Due to a large number of boaters operating either carelessly or without adequate knowledge of following safe boating rules, the waters they operate in gets severely affected with pollutants – which in turn endangers both plant and animal life that thrive in the water and harms the environment at large. The only way to prevent this from happening is to follow all safety rules and best practices.

Here are some ways in which boaters can enjoy their rest and recreation, while making sure that they do not end up harming the environment.

Avoid Oil and Fuel Spills

Not surprisingly, oil spills are one of the biggest environmental hazards that comes with boating. In fact, as much as 30% of oil used in two-stroke engines actually ends up being spit into the water.

Fortunately, this can be prevented. For starters, you must always fuel your boat at the dock and not in the water to prevent even the most minuscule of accidental spillages. You must also refrain from filling the gas tank to the brim – this often causes leakage as gasoline tends to expand and overflow with the application of engine heat. Additionally, make sure to conduct regular checks on your tank for any fissures or cracks that could potentially cause a leakage, and repair them well before you enter the water.

Last but not the least, if you do encounter any leakages or find any fuel leaked in the water (whatever its source may be), you must immediately report it – this will help reduce the damage caused to a great extent.

Control Potential Pollutants

Oil and fuels are not the only category of liquid pollutants – human (and sometimes animal) waste, cosmetics, and paints also cause considerable pollution when exposed to the water.

This too can be easily prevented – for starters, you must have a suitable solution (like a Marine Sanitation Device) for disposing sewage. Make sure to take any paints and other maintenance-related chemicals off of the boat before you enter the water, and in case you are going swimming, make sure to rinse off any sunscreens, repellents and/or any other cosmetics as much as is possible.

Be Wary of Garbage

Besides oil and liquid spills, garbage is the biggest pollutant that threatens marine life. It is not at all uncommon for animals to accidentally ingest garbage, which almost always turns out to be fatal.

Garbage from boats constitutes a wide range of things, from trash (such as papers and wrappers), to boating-related items (like fishing hooks and lines) to toys used by children. As a boater, you must make sure to follow the golden rule of never dumping any trash into the water – every item you bring on board must go back with you to the dock. Keep bins to store garbage, bags for fishing gear, and boxes for toys. Ensure that nothing is left in the open that can be blown away into the water. Also make sure to collect toys when they are not in use.

Keep Your Eyes Open

When it comes to boating (and especially so if you are the one operating the boat), staying vigilant at all times is a must. While it is common practice to be aware of swimmers, surfers and other boaters, there are other things one must take care of as well. As a boater, you should be aware of the animals in the area they are sailing in and must make it a point to take note of specific areas where fragile habitats thrive. This is not too difficult, as these areas – generally called “no wake” zones, are always marked.

Additionally, avoid shallow water and sea grass wherever it is possible. Not only can boating in such areas cause your boat to get stuck, it has the potential to destroy the plant habitat. Also make sure to adjust your propeller as and when necessary in order to avoid stirring up any sediment that can potentially disrupt the water’s mineral composition.

Last but not the least, you must refrain from boating at night, especially if you don’t fulfill the adequate requirements or are new to the activity. Also keep off of any and all alcohol when on the water – alcohol consumption causes impairment in awareness and judgement, which will only make you more prone to accidents.

 

  Boating is a fun, recreational activity enjoyed by thousands of people every year. What many miss, however, is the fact that over the past couple of years, it has also turned out to be one of the most environmentally hazardous activities. In fact, it is estimated that the volume of oil pollution and hydrocarbon […]
Click Here To Read More Boating Tips & Advice From Pontoon Living

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