Adding "Green" to Your Boating

Have you heard the term “green boater” before? It might make you think of two different scenarios: one where a miserable landlubber retches over the side of a boat, and the other where someone new to boating struggles to tie a knot, dock or follow the rules of the water.

But there is a third type of “green boater” you may not have considered before, and it's the kind we're talking about today. This kind of green boater is the eco-friendly boater, who makes sure to treat our valuable water resources carefully. If you're feeling like this is an overwhelming prospect ("Do I have to do everything on the boat differently?!"), relax: green boating does not require an entire lifestyle change, but it can make a positive impact on surrounding waters and wildlife, as well as reduce the chance of damage to your boat and engine. If each of the 22 million registered recreational boaters in the United States took more interest in being a green boater, pollution levels and water health might be dramatically different (and for the better!).

Here are a few easy ways to become a green boater:

1. Spill-proof your fueling practices: Prevent fuel spills by carefully and slowly filling fuel tanks, and by using absorbent pads or rags to catch drips and spills. Don't top off or overflow your fuel tank. Leave five percent empty to allow fuel to expand as it warms. You can also use or install a device to prevent overboard discharges from your tank vent. Remember: using detergent to disperse an oil spill or sheen is illegal!

2. Don’t throw it, stow it: Don’t throw your trash overboard. (Obvious? Maybe. But then why do we see so much trash in the water?) Instead, stow your refuse somewhere on board so you can easily dispose of it next time you're on land. Remember, if you wouldn’t swim in it, you shouldn't put it in the water! Further, there are federal regulations on the type of waste that can enter the water. Make sure you are familiar with these laws as well.

3. Rinse and dry your boat before trailering: Aquatic hitchhikers are harmful plants and animals that catch a ride on your boat from one body of water to another. When introduced into a new area water, they can damage existing organisms and change the ecosystem (likely for the worse). They can also damage your equipment, so make sure that your boat is hitchhiker-free before leaving the ramp. 

4. Use environmentally friendly products: These aren't generally difficult to find. If you're going to purchase cleaning products, purchase those that have the EPA-certified “Design for the Environment” DfE label, which assures you that the product has minimal environmental impact and is safer for the person using it. In fact, this label comes on all sorts of products (not just ones for cleaning), so keep an eye out!

Have you added these or other green boating practices into your routine? Where or when do you think boaters should especially focus on being green?

Staying Safe: USCG Safety Requirements

When we head out for a day on the water, we never want think about the worst. And there's really no point in attempting to imagine every possible dangerous scenario that could face you during a day on the boat. Instead, make sure you have these US Coast Guard required items on your boat so that you're prepared to handle anything that comes your way.

Personal flotation devices (PFDs): Life jackets must be Coast Guard approved, in good condition and of suitable size for each person on the boat (we recommend keeping a variety on the boat so you're prepared for any sort of crew). Remember that PFDs must be readily accessible if not being worn (but on boats 16f ft or smaller, they must be worn).

Visual distress signals (VDS): Recreational boats 16 ft and over used on coastal waters are required to carry a minimum of either 1) three day and three night pyrotechnic devices, 2) one day non-pyrotechnic device (flag) and one night non-pyrotechnic device (auto SOS light) or 3) a combination of 1) and 2). Recreational boats less than 16 feet on coastal waters need only carry night visual distress signals when operating from sunset to sunrise.

Fire extinguisher: Not required on all boats, but recommended. For example, if you have inboard engines or an enclosed living space, fire extinguishers are required. But as all boats have fuel and engines, it is highly recommended you keep one on board no matter your size. Make sure they are readily accessible (many boats feature recessed areas just for this purpose).

Sound producing device: You might have a built-in horn, but if not, carry a bell, whistle or other noise maker. (In fact, we carry multiple varieties just in case.)

While this is not a comprehensive list, it puts you well on your way to a safer boat. In addition, make sure you check out state and local boating regulations.

Want to take things one step further? Then do a virtual vessel safety check next time you're at the boat. These checks have a few more requirements, which will just make sure you are that much more prepared!

Reeling in Winter Fish

We're lucky to live in South Carolina, where the average high temperature in December is around 60 degrees. Our boating season isn't quite so dependent on Mother Nature like our counterparts in the Northeastern United States. While the weather may no longer welcome bare arms and legs, that doesn't mean we need to tuck in our boats for the winter just yet. There's plenty of great winter fishing to be found in the Charleston area.

Here are some helpful tips so you can make the most of your winter fishing excursions.

1. Check the latest reports. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources publishes saltwater fishing reports, which can be very helpful in determining where to drop your line and what bait to use. According to the November 29th report, trout fishing is great around Haddrell’s Point, where they're readily eating soft plastics.

2. Make use of the artificial reefs. There are several artificial reefs in our area, and they are home to a wide variety of fish species year round. In the winter, popular species like cobia, king mackerel, red drum and spotted sea trout are around. During the coldest months of the year, artificial reefs are still a haven for large black sea bass, grouper, sheepshead and drum. Don't make the mistake of assuming the reef is located directly at the buoy marker. There may be some structure there, but usually it is scattered about in clumps. The coordinates of the various pieces of structure are provided in reef descriptions, so do your research online ahead of time. When you arrive at a reef, spend some time searching. If you find an odd piece of debris located off to the side, you should be rewarded with under-pressured fish of larger-than-average size.

3. Use the right equipment. You probably don't want to be sticking your arm in the water to snag those sheepshead during the winter, so bring a landing net to stay dry. A Carolina rig works well fishing on the reefs, and check your lures/bait to ensure you bring along what is the most enticing to our winter-loving fish species.

Want to learn more about winter fishing? Check out this post from Game & Fish Magazine.

One last thing: spotted seatrout bite best during the colder months, so look for those guys as long as the temperature isn't dipping below 40 consistently (then they die off).

How do you make the most of winter fishing in the Charleston area?

Winterizing How-To

Like it or not, it's getting to be that time of year where some of us tuck away our boats and dream of warmer weather. 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!

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