Tips for the boating new year

MIKE WHITEHEAD

Ahoy.

Well the new year is here, and I know all good boaters have made

their New Year’s resolutions, which will be broken before the spring

thaw. Oh wait, Newport Harbor does not have a spring thaw, so how

about by opening day at the yacht clubs?

Just what kind of resolutions do boaters make anyway? How about

starting with being courteous to everyone while on the water, whether

sail or power boater. Reminds me of the wish to let there be world

piece. Second resolution is that I will always display the correct

navigational lights at night. Hmm, count how many boats run with

their anchor light brightly shining or how many sailboats under

engine power cruise at night without their masthead light shining.

Another good resolution is that you will not cruise with your

fenders -- commonly referred to as the del rey stripes named after

Marina del Rey boaters -- hanging over your side. What is a fender,

you ask? That cylinder-shaped vinyl thing that you place between your

boat and the dock that you call a bumper. Following up with the

previous resolution, you will learn the nautical nomenclature, and as

such, use the proper terminology when referring to “boating things.”

Last on your list of resolutions is that you will not yell at your

spouse when docking the boat or launching from a trailer. I wonder

how some marriages have stayed together after watching the

transformation of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde when the boat nears the

dock. Dr. Phil would have a field day with these people.

However, on a more notable note, the BoatU.S. Foundation for

Boating Safety and Clean Water has these top 10 New Year’s

resolutions to help boaters have even better boating experiences in

2005:

* Teach a child or friend how to sail, or introduce them to

boating. You can get them started by sending them to the foundation’s

free online boating safety course.

* Check your flares, fire extinguisher and other safety equipment

to be certain it’s in good condition and up-to-date. The U.S. Coast

Guard Auxiliary and U.S. Power Squadrons offer free vessel safety

checks that can help identify these or any other potential problems.

* The next time you go fishing, experiment with circle hooks.

These fish-saving hooks will save an angler’s excitement of the catch

for another day -- or perhaps even for your own child.

* Familiarize yourself with an online weather service so it

becomes a routine part of your pre-departure planning. Knowing

potential conditions before you go makes float planning easier.

* Fuel up your boat without spilling a drop overboard this entire

season and contain engine room drops and spills with bilge pads and

socks. The cumulative effects of a little drop here and there can add

up.

* Purchase and wear an inflatable life jacket. Being comfortable

in your life-saving, personal flotation device means you will use it.

* Tune your engine. An engine running at top performance can

drastically reduce harmful exhaust or oil emissions, and you’ll get

more miles to the gallon.

* Set up some easy to identify, separate trash and recycling

containers aboard. A readily available disposal system helps everyone

keep trash out of the water.

* Save the alcohol for when you arrive safely back at the dock.

The majority of all boating fatalities are alcohol-related.

* Make a donation to your favorite educational or marine

conservation group. In doing so, you will make a positive difference

for every boater in 2005 and gain a great sense of personal

satisfaction.

Note Saturday on your calendar when the Boathouse Radio Show will

be broadcasting “live” from the San Diego Boat Show at the Marriott

Convention Center. You can stop by our booth and register to win free

prizes ranging from a Banner mattress to Hornblower’s cruise tickets.

The live remote is sponsored by the Maritime Institute, Banner

Mattress, KCBQ, Cisco Systems and the National Marine Manufacturers

Assn.

So, tune in to the No. 1 boating talk radio show in the nation,

“Capt. Mike Whitehead’s Boathouse Radio Show.” It airs every Saturday

from noon to 1 p.m. on KCBQ-AM (1170).

Safe Voyages.

* MIKE WHITEHEAD is the Pilot’s boating and harbor columnist. Send

him your harbor and marine-related thoughts and story suggestions by

e-mail to [email protected] or visit https://www.boathousetv.com.