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The Importance of Safety Equipment Both ON and IN Your Boat |
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I know there have been thousands of articles about this topic; I have read many of them. But, with accident and needless deaths on the water still happening, maybe there is room for one more? |
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This site has tried to cater to the outdoorsman who is the “working” man, who has to work hard for his money and who wants to spend it wisely. That is how I am going to approach this article, and let me explain why. If you have a new Skeeter, Ranger, Triton, or any of the beautiful fully-rigged boats, chances are you already have all this safety equipment I am going to talk about. This information is for the people who have bought the johnboats or 14—16 foot V-hull aluminum boats and who has to fit out their rig on their own, although it is good information for anyone just to make sure you have everything in order. |
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Let me start by reporting a rumor I have heard...and, again, this is just a RUMOR, but I think it should happen if it is true. I have heard that the Department of Natural Resources, working with the Coast Guard, is planning on making it mandatory for ANY boat, 16 foot and over, to have a marine radio aboard at all times the boat is in any water. I agree, but with one change...I would drop that down to 14 foot boats or larger. |
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How many people do you know who bought a plain 14 foot aluminum boat and built it up the way they wanted it? I know many; in fact that is how I used to pay for my fishing passion. I would buy a boat, repaint it, add stripes and matching trailer, and build it all up with flooring, casting decks, new carpeting, depth/fish finders, storage, rod holders, trolling motors and even bunk rails on the trailers for easy loading. Then, I would sell it, buy another one for next to nothing, and do it all again. The extra money bought my gear and my boats. |
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All that time, never once in any of those boats I sold did I add a marine radio. Had I known then what I know now, a marine radio would have been one of the first things added to each boat. They can save your life and the lives of others, plus help you catch fish. If you would happen to break down and had to spend any time at all on the water, a radio will be your best friend. If you fall and break a limb, or you or your partner suffers a heart attack, these radios could help you save a life. |
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The new models are simply amazing. For this new year, the Reel Fishing boats will have Cobra radios, models 55 and the newer 75. One thing I love about these radios is you can hook one up to a GPS unit and, with the pressing of the distress button, not only does a distress call go out, but your position is transmitted as well. That alone should be worth any price you have to pay...how much is your life or the lives of those in your boat worth to you? They even carry all the weather channels and have emergency alerts for sudden weather threats. |
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If you can’t afford a mounted radio, or do not have the space or place to mount one in your boat, then get a handheld portable model. My main point is to get one, any one you can. |
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Other things you should have with you at all times whenever you are out on the water are: |
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Make sure you know how to use all the safety equipment in your boat. Don’t be afraid to ask someone to help you if you are not sure. Remember, when it comes to, safety there are no stupid questions. Also, if you can, sign up for a boater’s safety class. Some insurance companies may offer a discount on your boat insurance if you complete a class and show them the paperwork. Check with your local state park or DNR. |
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Why take chances on the water? You are out there because you love it, so why not make sure you can continue to be able to go out there safely. It isn’t hard to add some safety items, take a class, and being a little more cautious of your surroundings in general. |
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It is funny the way some people read an article like this...they look at it and think, “Safety? I have been on the water for years and nothing has ever happened, so why bother with all of this? I’m a very safe boater. This is for beginners.” But...it only takes one time and one thing in an emergency situation to make the “seasoned” person a victim just like a beginner. Death has no preference on who it claims. |
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Put the odds in your favor...equip your boat with the right products, read all you can on boating safety and take a class if possible. Someday you will be glad you did. |
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Hope to see you out there! |
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gunner |
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