Preparing For The Storm

We are just over a year since Super storm Sandy, and her devastation still lives on in some of our neighbors. Living on the coast, we know that there are certain risks. One of those risks is hurricanes, or in Sany's case, super storms. Hurricanes can bring rapidly rising waters, heavy winds, and damaging hail. We have heard how to protect ourselves and our homes, but what about our boats?

We have learned a lot though past hurricanes, sadly learned mostly from our mistakes. Here are a few things to remember when you are preparing your boat for a hurricane.

One of the most important things to do before there is even a threat of a storm is to make sure that your boat is insured. Also make sure to read over your insurance to make sure that it covers for events such as hurricanes and the debris from the winds. Also before the storm, you will want to make a storm plan, which is just where and how your boat will be secured during the storm. Most also include a designated person who is responsible if you are out of town.

The threat of a storm has just come across the news. You will need to go down to the marina and check to make sure it will be ok for your boat to remain there. Once you receive the OK, go onboard and take an inventory of everything you have on the boat. Taking a quick video is the easiest way to do this. You will want to then make sure your boat is centered in its slip and tied down tight. Next you will deflate any dinghy's you have onboard and disconnect the battery of the boat.

It is important to remember that you do not want to stay with your boat. Head home and keep an eye on your local weather. Using these tips will help you to get through the storm and be able to get back on the water in no time once the storm is passed with as little damage as possible.

Atlantic City In-Water Power Boat Show

Yesterday was the opening day of the Atlantic City In-Water Power Boat Show. This is the 29th year of this premier boat show and it is proving to be a great one. You will find lots to do at this year’s show and plenty of 2014 and current model  year boats to step foot on.

During this year’s show, there are over 700 boats both in-water and on land, and over 100 booths in the marine marketplace. What is the marine marketplace you ask? It is a Marine Accessory Mart featuring marine electronics, fishing equipment, boat insurance, and so much more.  Once you have finished your tour of the show, you can refuel and enjoy live entertainment on the marina deck.

There is never a better time than at a boat show to purchase your next dream boat and the Atlantic City In-Water Power Boat Show is no exception. Come out for a day or better yet the weekend to Farley State marina to experience not only the boat show, but the 27 miles of shoreline and entertainment that Atlantic City has to offer. We’ll see you at the show.

Hours
Thursday & Friday:          11AM-6PM
Saturday & Sunday:        10AM-6PM

Tickets
Adults                                   $15
Children (12 &under)        Free

Free Vessel Safety Check

Boating safety is a topic that is on everyone’s mind. There are many things that you can do to stay safe on the water. One of them is to take advantage of the free vessel safety check performed by the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.

This 15 minute check could save the life of you and the lives of your family. The check is performed by an examiner of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. They check things like the life jackets on board, registration & numbering, navigation lights, and much more. All the items that they check are required by state and federal laws and if they are missing or not working you could be slapped with a citation if your vessel is inspected by the Coast Guard while on the water.

Once your vessel is inspected and passes, you are awarded a decal that allows local and federal authorities know that you had passed the vessel safety check for that year. If your vessel does not pass the inspection at that time, there is no citation that is issued. Instead, you are provided with written instructions on how to fix the problem.

Still wondering why do it? Peace of mind that your boat meets federal safety standards and that in an emergency you will have the proper equipment and ability to help. Also, knowing your boat meets federal standards means that you do not have to worry about unwanted fines if your boat is boarded by law enforcement.

In many cases boating insurance agencies offer discounts for vessels which undergo a Vessel Safety Check every year. All decals and safety checks are void December 31st of year they are inspected, they are also void should the operator/owner fail to maintain the vessels equipment or the vessel itself to the standard at the time of the safety check.

My Toddler & Boating

Are you ready to bring your little one on your boat for the first time? Don’t spend too much time stressing over whether he will be safe or not. Bringing a child on a boat is similar to having them in the car. Just use these tips for toddlers and boating and you will be just fine.

First things first, before you even head to the boat with your little one, make a trip with just yourself and a few pieces of safety equipment. You will want to child proof your boat just like you would your home. Stow things away from little hands and make sure that all doors and cabinets are secure. Also, make sure that you have a well-fitting life jacket for your little one waiting for when they step on board.

The next steps are all how you prepare at home for the trip, what you need to bring. First, make sure that you have packed plenty of fluids and the sippy cups to put them in. You will want to make sure that you bring extra cups because you know how your kids can be. You have the drinks, now what about the snacks. When you are packing your snack bag, make sure to stay away from foods that are too salty or too sweet. Those could upset your little ones stomach being out in the sun all day. If your little one does get nauseous, ginger snap cookies are good to keep on hand to settle their stomachs down.

When you are packing your diaper bag, there really isn’t anything out of the ordinary that you would need to bring. Just remember to bring an extra one of everything that you usually keep in the diaper bag. An extra outfit, extra diapers, extra lotion, and lots and lots of sunscreen are some things to keep in mind.

Finally, when packing for your adventure, make sure to bring some water proof toys or crayons and paper. Your baby might not be as interested in the beauty on the water as you are, so you will need to make sure that you will have something to keep your little one entertained.

Just remember, boating is a way to relax. Having your little one on board should be an enjoyable experience. If you are not ready to bring them, don’t be pressured by friends and family to do so. If you are ready to introduce your child into the wonderful world of boating, then use this to help make that first day go just a little bit more smoothly.

Operation Dry Water

Imagine this, a warm day the sun glistening off the water, and a powerboat at hand. Now that sounds like a fun day on the water, but adding alcohol to the mix can turn a fun day into a tragic day. That is why Operation Dry Water was born. Operation Dry Water is a national boating under the influence (BUI) awareness and enforcement campaign. This years campaign runs this weekend June 28-30.

The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), working with the states, the U.S. Coast Guard and other partner agencies, coordinate the event each year. Are you wondering what you can do to participate during Operation Dry Water (ODW)? You can start by taking the pledge to never boat under the influence. After taking the pledge, boaters will receive a sticker that can be placed on their boat, car, etc. which will signify that the boater is a supporter of ODW and an advocate for responsible boating. As a boater, we ask that you support the efforts of the USCG, NASBLA, and local law enforcement by educating friends and families about Operation Dry Water and the dangerous of BUI. Most importantly we ask that you live by the pledge and never Boat Under the Influence!

Participating Law Enforcement agencies are asked to increase BUI enforcement during the targeted weekend. This can be done by focusing on a particular body of water, by increasing patrols in several locations, by conducting BUI checkpoints in one or more locations or through a combination of these activities. Agencies are also asked to work with their local media to make the public aware of the event and the hazards of Boating Under the Influence of alcohol and drugs. Make sure to willingly comply to the requests made by participating agencies to continue to enjoy your time on the water safely.

17% of boating fatalities are a direct result of alcohol. Use Operation Dry Water this weekend to help spread the word that alcohol and boating do not mix.

Fish'n for the Cause is Comin'!

For the second year in a row, we are excited to present:

Fish'n for the Cause
Fluke, Bluefish & Striped Bass Tournament
June 7-9, 2013

Join us for a great tournament that benefits local charities! (More information on the charities below.) There will be prizes in each category - over $50,000 in cash and prizes, to be exact - and a special children's division so the kids can participate in the fun too. 

Since it's after May 1, the registration fee is $200 - all of it, like we said, gets donated to charity. You can find the tournament rules here, but we'll hit the highlights now: 

• Maximum of 6 fishermen per boat; maximum of 6 lines in the water per boat.
• All boats must drop off entry cards each morning to be eligible.
• All fish will be inspected by a tournament official.
• All boats participating should be equipped with USCG safety equipment and a VHF radio.
• Participants are expected to practice safe behaviors and have good sportsmanship.

One state record breaker will be awarded an award for breaking the state record with a bluefish, striped bass or fluke catch. Combined Weight awards will be presented to one angler in the Bluefish Division, one angler in the Striped Bass Division and one angler in the Fluke Division. Winners will be determined by the largest combined weight of two Bluefish for the Bluefish Division Award, two Striped Bass for the Striped Bass Division Award and two Fluke for the Fluke Division Award.

Last year, we donated 90% of the proceeds (which were 100% of our entry fees) to the National Breast Cancer Foundation and 10% to Clean Ocean Action. This year, in light of Hurricane Sandy and all that our state has been through, we're donating to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Restore the Shore and the Lunch Break Soup Kitchen. 

Ready to join us? Fill out a registration form! Can't wait to weigh your catches in just a couple of weeks!