Spring Boat Dewinterization Checklist
Spring has sprung and its time to put your boat back in the water. Thank Neptune the winter is over. This year Im going to wake up my boat myself and save some money. But where to begin? How do the pros do this seasonal service? Should I even attempt this? Will it end up costing me a lot more money?
All very good questions and due to the many styles of propulsion and vessel systems, you should read up using your specific owners or service manual. This will be your first step.
Your spring prep is directly related to the comprehensive winterizing of your engine and boat systems. Basically the more you do or have done for winter layup the better your chances in reducing Sit-itis. This is the insidious boat disease that happens, when systems that worked in the fall now do not.
I Just Bought A Used Pleasure Craft How Do I Transfer The Licence To My Name
Modifications to the Small Vessel Regulations, s. 103 have changed the Pleasure Craft Licensing process:
- 103. A pleasure craft that is the subject of a transfer of ownership may be operated until the day on which the new owner of the pleasure craft receives a transferred licence, up to a maximum of 90 days from the day of the transfer of ownership, if documents are carried on board confirming the name and address of the new owner and the date of the transfer of ownership.
To transfer a Canadian licensed pleasure craft to your name, you have two options in submitting your request – You can request a request for the transfer of the pleasure craft licence number online through the Pleasure Craft Electronic Licensing System , or you can submit your “Application for a Pleasure Craft Licence” form, by post.
Can A Licence Have More Than One Owner Listed On It
Yes. The paper Form 84-0172E, Application for Pleasure Craft Licence *, as well as the Pleasure Craft Electronic Licensing System has sufficient fields for up to two owners to provide their “Family Name” ‘Given Name” and “Initial”. The “Date of Birth” is required and must be of the 1st Owner noted on either the paper application, or in the electronic system. In either option, a signed copy of valid government-issued identification is required from each owner whose name is to appear on the pleasure craft licence.
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Utilizing A Heated Storage Option
A heated off-season storage space is a real luxury, one that some boat owners use as an excuse to skip draining the water systems and engines and displacing any water with antifreeze. This can save some time and money, until that big ice storm blows through and knocks out power. Now your warm storage may not be so warm. The expense and inconvenience of a cracked engine block or fractured gearcase is simply not worth taking the chance.
Vessels 65′ To Less Than 165′
- Personal Flotation Devices: One Type I, II, III or V per person plus one Type IV throwable. PFDs must be Coast Guard approved, wearable by the intended user and readily accessible.
- Fire Extinguishers: Vessels weighing up to 50 gross tons must carry at least one B-II extinguisher. Vessels weighing 50 to 100 gross tons must carry two B-II extinguishers.
- Visual Distress Signals: Minimum of three-day use and three-night use or three day/night combination pyrotechnic devices. Non-pyrotechnic substitutes: one orange distress flag and one electric SOS signal light . Pyrotechnic signals must be have a manufacture date within 42 months of the current date.
- Sound Producing Devices: One bell and one whistle or horn required to signal intentions or position.
- A copy of the Inland Navigation Rules must be kept on board.
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Required Safety Equipment You Need On A Boat By Law
Boating in Florida requires certain safety equipment. You cannot go out on a boat without the minimum required safety equipment or you can get into big trouble. Understanding the equipment you need will make a big difference.
If you chose to boat with the Jax Boat Club, you won’t have to worry about safety equipment. We provide everything you need to meet or exceed the requirements of the Florida laws.
Can Someone Of Any Age Operate A Boat
No, there are age restrictions in effect for operating a boat. Restrictions designed to protect the safety of children, prohibit operators under the age of 16 from operating pleasure craft above specified horsepower limits:
- Children under the age of 12 may not operate a pleasure craft with more than 7.5 kW without adult supervision.
- Children between 12 years and 16 years of age may not operate a pleasure craft with more than 30 kW without adult supervision.
- Only persons 16 years of age or older can operate a personal watercraft, regardless of supervision.
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What Types Of Pleasure Craft Do I Need To License
A licence or registration is mandatory for all pleasure craft equipped with motors of 10 horsepower or more, including personal watercraft, which are principally maintained or operated in Canada.
Owners of pleasure craft of all tonnages and lengths may choose to license them under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001. Alternatively, pleasure craft owners may choose to register their vessels in the Canadian Register of Vessels.
Return to: General Information | Top of Page
Introduction To The Pleasure Craft Electronic Licensing System
Transport Canada, the Office of Boating Safetyis pleased to offer the online Pleasure Craft Electronic Licensing System as the preferred and quickest method in applying for a pleasure craft licence.
This new system will allow a pleasure craft owner to do the following transactions online:
If the request for a pleasure craft licence is supported by the proper documentation, the permanent pleasure craft licence issued upon verification of the submitted request, will be identical to the acknowledgment number initially issued.
If any supporting documentation is found to be missing, an e-mail will be sent on the 45th and 75th day after the initial request for a pleasure craft licence was submitted notifying the applicant of any missing documentation and providing an URL whereby the document can be uploaded in order to validate the pleasure craft licensing request.
If the requested document is not received within 90 days, the application for a pleasure craft licence is automatically rejected and the acknowledgment number is cancelled.
THE ISSUED ACKNOWLEDGMENT NUMBER CANNOT BE REINSTATED once the initial application has been rejected and the applicant will have to resubmit their pleasure craft licence request as well as provide all the supporting documentation.
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How Do I Replace A Lost Or Damaged Pleasure Craft Licence
To replace a lost or damaged pleasure craft licence, you may request a “duplicate” copy online, through the Pleasure Craft Electronic Licensing System , you will need to upload and submit the following document:
- a signed copy of a valid piece of government-issued identification for each owner whose name appears on the pleasure craft licence.
The current full side-view photograph of the pleasure craft is NOT required when requesting a duplicate licence.Instructions on how to complete the online request will be noted on the PCELS site, once you have made your selection .
Upon verification of the application and the required supporting documentation by the Pleasure Craft Licensing Centre, a duplicate of the permanent pleasure craft licence will be sent to the pleasure craft owner, by the delivery method selected .
A copy of the document must be kept on board the vessel at all times and pleasure craft licence number is to be marked in BLOCK characters not less than 7.5 cm high, on each side of the bow of the boat and in a colour that contrasts with the background colour.
If the request for a duplicate pleasure craft licence is being sent in by post, you must submit the following documents:
- a completed Form 84-0172E, Application for Pleasure Craft Licence * and
- a signed photocopy of a valid piece of government-issued identification for each owner whose name appears on the pleasure craft licence.
Return to: Application Information | Top of Page
What Supplies Do I Need For My New Boat
Getting a new boat is an experience filled with excitement and fun. Oh, the places youll go! The daydreaming about itineraries and activities with friends and family tends to begin even before the boats engines are turned on.
But before you drop those throttles down and head out toward the horizon, its wise to take an inventory of what boat essentials you’ll need on board.
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Magnetic And Flexible Claw Retrieval Tools And Mirror
Magnetic and Flexible Claw Retrieval Tools and Mirror
Weve all dropped tools deep within our bilge that must be retrieved. Well, these handy tools help you dig deep and come back with the loot. The mirror helps locate the dropped and sometimes hidden object. I shine the light from a MiniMag flashlight into the mirror when the search area is dark or shadowed. Prices vary from $3 each to $20 each and can be purchased from any marine, auto, or building/hardware store. Harbor Freight is also a good source for these.
Canoes And Kayaks Less Than 16′
- Personal Flotation Devices: One Type I, II, III or V per person. PFDs must be Coast Guard approved, wearable by the inteded user and readily accessible.
- Visual Distress Signals: Night signals required when operating at night date of manufacture must be within 42 months of the current date.
- Sound Producing Devices: Horn or whistle recommended to signal intentions or signal position.
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What To Have Onboard Your Boat
Safe and fun boating all comes down to being prepared. If youre new to the game and ready to join the 87 million other recreational boaters in the United States, you may have a few questions about how to stock your boat before you head out for the first time. And while youll learn very quickly through your experience what it takes to be prepared, there are some things you should do before your first adventure to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable time.
Here is a look at the essentials to have on your boat.
The Rest Of The Gear We Recommend
The lists above will satisfy minimum requirements for operating your boat, but there are other saftey products that have proven their worth when the worst happens on the water. While these products will require a little more investment on your part, they are an investment in the safety of yourself and others on your boat. At West Marine, we are commited to making life on the water as enjoyable as possible and having the right safety gear is part of that.
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Registering Your Pleasure Craft
The Canadian Register of Vessels is a title system that keeps track of the owners of vessels. It contains information on each vessel such as ownership and vessel characteristics, e.g. tonnage, construction material and type. When you register, you receive an official number for your vessel, as well as a unique name. It also provides certain benefits, such as the right to fly the Canadian flag.
If you intend to use your vessel as security for a marine mortgage, you are required to register your vessel.
Registration is optional for all pleasure craft, regardless of tonnage and length, as per the Canada Shipping Act, 2001.
There are costs associated with registering. However, the registration is good for as long as you own the vessel. You must carry registration documents on board the vessel at all times, together with any other ownership documents, to help avoid delays clearing U.S. or Canada customs, or in case of a fine.
Transport Canada provides this registration service. For frequently asked questions on registration, please visit the Vessel Registration Office Web site.
Registering your small commercial vessel:
If your vessel is no more than 15 gross tonnage, you may register it in either the Small Vessel Register or the Canadian Register of Vessels. If your vessel is more than 15 gross tonnage, or if you want to register a mortgage, you must register it in the Canadian Register of Vessels.
Licensed vessels:
- it is sold to someone else or, if it is not sold
Ideal Stripmaster Compression Tool
Ideal Stripmaster Compression Tool
These tools make working with coaxial connections a breeze with F-type compression connectors, or even better, the Belden Snap-N-Seal F Connector, which has an O-ring seal making a near watertight connection to the cable. The stripping tool creates a very clean cut that makes working with the ground shield effortless. The compression fittings are more secure than the crimp- or screw-style connectors. The set will set you back a few bucks, but it is worth the cost if you have an abundance of coax cable applications onboard. Set retails for about $100 at Grainger, Lowes and Home Depot.
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Electric Heaters Are No Substitute For Winterizing
Numerous freeze claims over the years have proven the point again and again: If you’re tempted to leave your boat with a heater running this winter rather than winterizing, consider these examples:
An unattended heat lamp totally destroyed this boat. Photo: GEICO | BoatUS Marine Insurance
Failure to winterize caused this engine block to crack. Photo: GEICO | BoatUS Marine Insurance
Heaters are poor substitutes for proper winterizing and can start a fire. Photo: GEICO | BoatUS Marine Insurance
The owner of a 24-foot Bayliner in Portland, Oregon, never got around to winterizing his twin gas engines and instead put a heater in the engine compartment. Like a lot of other people, the owner probably didn’t think about the fact that power outages most often occur right when you need electricity most when the worst winter weather hits. An ice storm came through just before Christmas, downing power lines and cutting off power to the heater long enough to freeze the water in the blocks.
A 27-foot Rinker was “winterized” by placing a space heater in the engine room. The boat, which was afloat in her slip in Alabama, caught fire when the extension cord used to power the heater shorted where it had old damage. The boat was destroyed, and it damaged another boat as well as the dock.
First Aid And Safety Kit
It is also important to have a first aid kit on board while you are out on the water.
This will help you deal with any emergency that might arise while out on the water or even at the beach.
In your safety kit, you will also need emergency equipment.
You need to make sure it contains:
- Flares in case you need to signify your location. This electronic flare never expires and meets USCG regulations.
- Bandages etc.
- A handy multi-tool with a screwdriver, cutting edges, different wrench sizes, etc.
- A loud whistle
- A water-proof case
A properly packed safety kit can help you in any emergency. You should place all this in a dry box and store it somewhere on the vessel.
The WindRider USCG Boating Safety Kit has an electric flare, a first aid kit, a whistle, a multi-tool, and it comes in a waterproof case!
Be aware that some US Coast Guard vessel classifications require a first aid manual and adequate supplies.
Some other things that you could keep in case of emergency are spare towels or spare clothes.
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Items That Should Have Been Completed Prior To Winter Storage:
- Engine oil & filter changed
- Fuel tank stabilized
- Outdrive or lower unit oil changed
- Outdrive unit removed for inspection and/or servicing
- Battery serviced, removed and charged for the winter season
- Battery cleaned, fully charged and cables removed, wire tied and marked as positive and negative leads if left in boat
- Lube shifting cables and steering systems
- Shrink wrap or boat cover with large vents, to prevent mold for forming inside the cover.
That being said, lets begin our spring prep. Charge all batteries and install them, clean the terminals and cable ends. Replace the wing nuts with stainless steel lock nuts to prevent the cables from loosening up. Coast Guard regulations require that batteries be properly secured and battery posts covered.
Now that the batteries are in place, inspect and check operation of all electrical items and electronics. Test all helm and cabin switches and note items that are not working properly. A test that should always be performed would be to turn off the battery switch and ensure the automatic bilge pump float switch is working.
Inspect the trailer and wash the boat. A couple of coats of wax and a new layer of bottom paint will get you looking good for the season.
How To Get A Motorboat Or Jet Ski License
The Motor Vehicle Commission issues motorboat and personal watercraft licenses for use on fresh, non-tidal waters or lakes, creeks or rivers not affected by tidal conditions. A boat license and New Jersey Boat Safety Certificate are required to operate a power vessel or personal watercraft – jet ski or wave runner – on non-tidal waters of New Jersey. A boat license is not required for non-powered vessels.
Step One: Complete a boating safety course For any power motorboat operation on tidal waters, you must successfully complete a boating safety course approved by the New Jersey State Police to receive a New Jersey Boating Safety Course Certificate. Visit the NJSP Marine Service Bureau website for full details.
Additional information is available:
Boating is Alive & Well in New Jersey On The Water – Go Boating NJ Video
Step Two: Get an initial motorboat or jet ski license You must be at least 16 years old. If you are under the age of 17, you need to present a letter with parental or guardian consent.
Applicants must visit a motor vehicle agency with:
New Jersey Boating Safety Course Certificate Pay the $18 license fee
The MVC accepts American Express® card, MasterCard®, Visa® card, Discover card®, checks, money orders and cash.
A license may be renewed by following the above steps for getting the initial license.
How to title and register a boat
In order to use New Jersey waterways, all boats must be titled and registered except:
How to title and register a homemade boat
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