August may be upon us, Fall is right around the corner, but that doesn’t mean you have to stop going out on your boat. Yes, summer is winding down, but you can go out on your boat during autumn. That’s true whether you’re on the water commercially or enjoying time with family and friends. Boat documentation is our business, but we’re boat owners too. We want everyone to be safe on the water. There are some things to keep in mind when out on the water this fall.
Remember: the Days are Getting Shorter
You know that the days get shorter as summer becomes fall, but some don’t appreciate that until they’re out on the water. After a wonderful day on your boat, you may find that the sun has gone down earlier than you thought. This is why you want to be especially careful about your lights and flares. Ensure that each one of them is in perfect working order before you head out on the water. You never know exactly what’s going to happen, but you can at least prepare.
Navigation May Not Be the Same
Depending on where you are, you might use buoys, channel markers, and other manmade (and man-maintained) markers for navigation. However, local authorities sometimes take these into storage for the winter. They might even do it before winter too, as some locals will do it in the fall. You can prepare for this by having your GPS set up, a float plan with someone on land, as well as fully-charged phones and updated navigation charts. Before you head out on the water, make certain that you have a good plan to get back.
Life Jackets, Gas, and More
If you’ve read our blogs for any length of time, then you know that you need to have a personal flotation device for every person on your boat. Moreover, it has to be one that fits them and is readily accessible. That’s always important when you’re on the water, but especially so during the fall. As the temperatures drop, the water gets colder, thus increasing the risk of hypothermia. Other changes that can occur on the water in the fall: some marine gas stations may close down for the season. You don’t want to be low on gas while out on the water only to discover that the gas station is closed. Make sure you’re full before you head out.
A Safe Place for Boat Documentation
Unfortunately, COVID-19 will continue to be a concern for boaters this fall as well. You want to be especially careful about public docks, beaches, and other places where you may come into contact with others while out on the water. Before you do head out on the water, however, you do want to have your vessel documentation entirely in order. We can assist you in multiple ways. You can find all of the forms you’ll need at our site, as well as an easy way to fill them out. For more information, give us a call at (800) 535-8570.