What You Need to Know About Ethanol and Boat Insurance Before You Put the Boat Away

Are you putting your boat away for winter soon? Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) says recreational boat owners need to take special precautions with E-10 gas and review their insurance policy before they put their boat to bed for a long winter's nap. Otherwise, they may be in for trouble next spring when they try to start the engine:
 
Keep ethanol at bay: Today it's highly likely that your boat's gasoline contains a mixture of up to 10% ethanol, which is known to damage engines and boat fuel systems, especially over the long winter storage season. If you have a portable gas tank on your boat, try to use as much gas as possible before you put the boat away at the end of the season. Any remaining gas or gas-and-oil mix that's left in the portable tank can be put in your car or outdoor power equipment, respectively. The goal here is to use it up as quickly as possible.

If your boat has a built-in gas tank that cannot be emptied, add a fuel stabilizer, and then fill the tank as much as possible, leaving just a smidgen of room for expansion. This will greatly reduce the amount of moisture laden-air that can enter through the tank's vent and potentially condense on inside tank walls over the long storage season. The goal here is to prevent water from being absorbed into the gas and ethanol mixture, which if left unchecked, results in phase separation and damage to the boat's fuel system and motor. For a more detailed look at ethanol and winter storage, go to www.BoatUS.com/seaworthy/ethanolwinter.asp.

Look for "ice and freeze coverage" in your boat's insurance policy: Many boat owners think they don't have to worry about freeze damage if they live in temperate states or if they keep their boat in an indoor, heated storage area in Northern states. But every year, BoatUS gets multiple freeze damage claims for boats in Southern states hit by a hard freeze and for boats stored in indoor facilities in Northern states where a storm took out the power. So the first rule of winter storage for any boat is to winterize it properly.

Even then, small winterizing mistakes like not draining all of the areas of the raw water system can easily destroy an engine. For that reason, BoatUS recommends ice and freeze coverage just in case something got overlooked when the boat was winterized. Typically offered as a policy "rider" to boats stored in northern climates, it's inexpensive (BoatUS offers the add-on coverage for as low as $20) and can go a long way toward protecting you from a catastrophic engine loss. Ice and freeze coverage may also be a smart option for do-it-yourselfers who want peace of mind, or for trailer boaters who store their boat in a heated garage or travel between warm and cold states.

However, there is a deadline to purchase this coverage as most insurers don't offer it once temperatures get cold, usually the end of October. BoatUS says that boats in warmer, temperate states often have this feature added to their policy automatically, but you should check with your insurer. For more information on boat insurance or ice and freeze coverage, go to www.BoatUS.com/insurance or call 800-283-2883 .

Two rescued by US Coast Guard after drifting for eight days at sea

A Coast Guard helicopter crew safely hoisted two Bahamian citizens from their capsized vessel east of Riviera Beach, Fla., Saturday.

Coast Guard Sector Miami watchstanders received a report of a capsized vessel with two people sitting on the hull in the vicinity of Riviera Beach Saturday afternoon. Watchstanders quickly diverted the Coast Guard Cutter Comorant and authorized the launch of an MH-65 rescue helicopter from Air Station Miami. The helicopter crew arrived on scene, assesed the situation and lowered a rescue swimmer to render assistance. The two people stated they had been drifting for eight days and had ingested salt water.

The rescue swimmer determined the people needed to be medically evacuated immediately and safely coordinated a hoist with the helicopter crew.

The two people were transferred to Del Ray Medical Center for further treatment.

The Coast Guard urges all boaters, especially those transiting offshore or to remote areas, to carry an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon or a Personal Locator Beacon. EPIRBS and PLB's save valuable time during maritime emergencies by transmitting electronic distress signals and GPS coordinates. When EPIRBs are properly registered, they also provide first responders with owners’ contact information and vessel descriptions, which is vital information during search and rescue cases.

For additional boating safety tips, go to http://www.uscgboating.org.

Boating Infrastructure Grants to aid Sandy-impacted marinas

The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) today announced the award of more than $370,000 to three recreational boating marinas through the federal National Boating Infrastructure Grant (NBIG) program.

The grants, provided through the U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, advance ongoing Superstorm Sandy recovery efforts along the Jersey Shore.

The three NBIG grants, awarded in August as part of a package of more than $6.9 million in competitive grants awarded to six states and one U.S. territory for projects to support recreational boating through the NBIG Tier II program, will help restore the marinas to their pre-storm conditions with safety and operational upgrades.

• Belmar Municipal Marina in Monmouth County will receive $270,059 to help fix and update damaged docks, gangways, utilities and other facilities. A new security system and WiFi service will be installed as well.

• Silver Cloud Harbor Marina, a privately owned marina in Forked River (Lacey), Ocean County will receive $65,710 to help renovate a section of existing bulkhead along the Barnegat Bay to provide six new boat slips. Additionally, the marina will install power, water and new lighting.\

• Grassy Sound Marina in Middle Township, Cape May County will receive $36,364 to help repair damaged gangways and utilities and rebuild the fueling facility. New bathrooms and showers will also be installed at the marina.

Since 2001, NJDOT’s Office of Maritime Resources (OMR) has accepted proposals from privately and publicly owned marinas for funding under the NBIG program, obtaining more than $3 million in grants to date.

NBIG funds are provided to states “to construct, renovate, and maintain tie-up facilities” for transient, recreational vessels 26 feet or more in length, and are distributed annually. Some examples of development and programs allowed under NBIG include navigational aides, one time dredging, breakwaters, dockside utility service, recycling and trash receptacles, marketing materials, and other services that serve to increase transient boating nationally.

NJDOT/OMR is currently accepting Letters of Interest (LOI) for FY 2014 NBIG funding. Once a LOI has been approved, draft NBIG applications are due to NJDOT’s Office of Maritime Resources by September 18, 2013 and final applications will be due by October 16, 2013.

NOAA mobile app provides free nautical charts for recreational boating

As recreational boaters gear up for a summer of fun on coastal waters and the Great Lakes, NOAA is testing MyNOAACharts, a new mobile application that allows users to download NOAA nautical charts and editions of the U.S. Coast Pilot. The app, which is only designed for Android tablets for the testing period, will be released on May 20.

MyNOAACharts, which can be used on land and on the water, has GPS built-in capabilities that allow users find their positions on a NOAA nautical chart. They can zoom in any specific location with a touch of the finger, or zoom out for the big picture to plan their day of sailing. The Coast Pilot has “geotagged” some of the major locations -- embedding geographical information, such as latitude and longitude, directly into the chart so it is readable in the app -- and provides links to appropriate federal regulations. The app can be downloaded from the Google Play™ app store. 

“Easy and workable access to nautical charts is important for boating safety,” said Rear Admiral Gerd Glang, director of NOAA Office of Coast Survey. “I’ve seen a popular t-shirt that has a ‘definition’ of a nautical chart splayed across the front: ‘chärt, n: a nautical map that shows you what you just hit.’ As creative as that is, a boating accident can kill. Keeping a nautical chart on hand – to avoid hitting something – can save lives.”

The beta test for MyNOAACharts will expire this Labor Day, Sept. 2. Coast Survey will then evaluate usage and user feedback to decide whether to release a finished version of the app. 

“Expanding the app across a multitude of platforms, ensuring easy accessibility to over a thousand charts and nearly 5,000 pages of U.S. Coast Pilot, will take considerable resources,” Glang said. “We can do it if the boating community likes the app. We truly want the users to let us know if the app meets their needs.”

Boaters without an Android tablet should not despair. The Office of Coast Survey provides free BookletCharts, which are 8 ½” x 11” PDF versions of NOAA nautical charts that can be downloaded and printed at home. The U.S. Coast Pilot is also available in a free PDF version. Those products, and information for purchasing other nautical products, are available at www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov.

Important notice for commercial mariners: The mobile app MyNOAACharts and the BookletCharts do not fulfill chart carriage requirements for regulated commercial vessels under Titles 33 and 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

NOAA’s Office of Coast Survey, originally formed by President Thomas Jefferson in 1807, is the nation’s nautical chartmaker. Its hydrographers survey the coastal seafloor, respond to maritime emergencies and search for underwater dangers to navigation. Join Coast Survey on Twitter and check out the NOAA Coast Survey Blog for more in-depth coverage of surveying and charting.

Are You Buying a Hurricane Sandy Boat?

Boats damaged in Superstorm Sandy boats are being sold on the used boat market. The challenge for buyers is fully understanding any damage or repair issues, says BoatUS

With the fall boat buying season approaching, buyers looking for a pre-owned boat can often find deals as sellers, not wanting to take on the upcoming expense of winter storage fees, are in the bargaining mood. However, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) estimates that 65,000 boats were damaged or lost when Superstorm Sandy struck. Now, nearly a year later, some of those boats are being sold on the used boat market, either in “as is” condition, or after repairs have been made. That’s not necessarily a bad thing if the seller is truthful about any past damage. However, the problem exists when sellers fail to fess up to a boat’s true condition. So how does a used boat buyer go into a purchase with eyes wide open? The BoatUS Consumer Affairs Department has these used boat buying tips – each may be an indication the boat has experienced hurricane damage.

 

Trace the history:When a car is totaled, the title is “branded” as salvaged or rebuilt and buyers know up front that there was major damage at some point in the car’s history. But few states brand salvaged boats and some states don’t even require titles for boats. “Anyone wishing to obscure a boat’s history need only cross state lines to avoid detection, which can be a tip-off,” says BoatUS Consumer Affairs Director Charles Fort. Also look for recent gaps in the boat’s ownership, which may mean that it was at an auction or in a repair yard for a long time.

 

Ask the seller: In some states, a seller is not required to disclose if a boat was badly damaged unless you ask them. If the seller hems and haws, keep looking.

 

Look for evidence of storm damage. A boat you are looking at has an increased likelihood of having been badly damaged in a storm if you see two or three of the following:  

 

• Recent hull repair: Especially on older boats, matching gel-coat is very difficult. Mismatched colors around a repaired area are often a dead give away, and may signal nothing more than filler under the gel-coat, rather than a proper fiberglass repair. • New repairs or sealant at the hull-to-deck joint: Boats that bang against a dock or other boats during a storm often suffer damage here. • Evidence of sinking: Check for consistent corrosion on interior hardware, such as rust on all hinges and drawer pulls. You might be able to spot an interior waterline inside a locker or in an area hidden behind an internal structure. • Extensive corrosion in the electrical system: Corrosion on electrical items, such as lamps, connectors, and behind breaker panels might mean the boat sank recently. Does the boat have all brand new electronics? Why? • Evidence of major interior repairs: Fresh paint or gel-coat work on the inside of the hull and the engine room is usually obvious. All new cushions and curtains can be a tip-off too.

Again, having one or more of these indicators doesn’t always signal serious hurricane damage. The older the boat, the more likely some of these issues will pop up due to simple wear and tear. While something can be said about trusting your gut when seeing these red flags, make sure you have a professional inspect any used boat you’re considering. BoatUS offers a directory of surveyors at www.BoatUS.com/surveyors.

 

Want to Know What's Going On With Sandy-Hit Marinas? Get The Sandy Boater's Guide App

Includes Updated Information on Over 250 Boating Facilities Back After Superstorm

TOMS RIVER, NJ, July 23, 2013 - No matter if you're a regular weekend boater or just passing through, boaters along the New Jersey coast, Long Island and Hudson River have a new, free smartphone app that gives them updated map-based information on marinas, boating facilities, waterways and inlets along this heavily trafficked boating corridor. Available for iPhone, iPod and Android phones, the free Sandy Boater's Guide app is offered by Dozier's Waterway Guide, with support from Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), TowBoatUS, the Association of Marina Industries, Monmouth University Urban Coast Institute and the Atlantic City New Jersey Boat Show. 

The app can be found at WaterwayGuide.com/superstorm-sandy, as well as iTunes and Google Play. Waterway Guide editors continually update information from boating business and facility managers via the Waterway Guide's Superstorm Sandy Resource Page, and through email: SuperstormSandy@WaterwayGuide.com .

"Everyone wants to help boaters and boating facilities get back to a successful season after so much devastation," said Waterway Guide News Editor Mike Ahart. "The rebuilding and clean up efforts have been astounding, and we hope this app helps inform the boating public that services are open for business throughout Sandy-affected areas."

About Waterway Guide: 

Waterway Guide is the time tested, best known and most respected cruising resource available. For over 65 years, boaters have trusted Waterway Guide before making their cruising and buying decisions. Waterway Guide is the boater's choice for verified and accurate information on thousands of marinas, businesses and attractions along the way. All six print editions (Bahamas, Southern, Atlantic ICW, Chesapeake Bay, Northern and Great Lakes) of Waterway Guide, totaling 3,000 pages, are updated annually by on-the-water cruising editors, each possessing an average of 35 years active boating experience and by our professional production staff in Deltaville, Virginia. www.WaterwayGuide.com adds all the latest cruising news, navigational updates, fuel reports and other resources.

About BoatUS and TowBoatUS: 

Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) is the nation's leading advocate for recreational boaters providing its over half-million members with government representation, services such as 24-hour on the water boat towing with the largest fleet in the nation, TowBoatUS/Vessel Assist, as well as 18,000 roadside assistance providers for boat trailers and tow vehicles, feature-packed boat insurance programs, money-saving benefits that include fuel and West Marine shopping discounts, and vital information that improves the boating, fishing and sailing lifestyle. Its member-funded BoatUS Foundation is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating.

Docks with Bad Wiring Continue to Prove Deadly

New Electric Shock Drowning Resource Center at BoatUS.com

"Tragic Deaths Were Preventable" - What You Need to Know

 

Last year over Fourth of July weekend, Alexandra Anderson, 13, and her brother, Brayden Anderson, eight, were swimming near a homeowner's dock on the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri when they started to scream. By the time the siblings were pulled from the lake, they were unresponsive and a short while later were pronounced dead. Two hours later on Cherokee Lake in Tennessee, 10-year-old Noah Winstead, died in a similar manner, while Noah's friend, 11-year-old Nate Parker Lynam, passed away the following evening. These were not drowning victims. In all four of these cases, 120-volt AC (alternating current) leakage from nearby boats or docks electrocuted or incapacitated swimmers in freshwater. This little-known and often-unidentified killer is called Electric Shock Drowning or ESD.

"Every one of these deaths was preventable," said Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) Director of Technical Services Beth Leonard. "Any boater and every adult who swims in a freshwater lake needs to understand how ESD happens, how to stop it from happening, and what to do - and not to do - if they ever have to help a victim." To help them with this vital task, BoatUS has put together a new online Electric Shock Drowning Resource Center to educate and inform the public about ESD at BoatUS.com/seaworthy/ESD.asp, and offers helpful tips below.

"An effort to increase safety standards on marina docks has been underway for several years now, but few resources have been available for the general public," said Leonard. "ESD is a complicated subject, and what information has been available for boaters, private dock owners, and swimmers has, all too often, been inaccurate, incomplete, or misleading. Our Electric Shock Drowning Resource Center addresses this problem with a range of helpful articles and presentations, all of which have been vetted for technical accuracy. We'll continue to add to and update this material to ensure it remains a valuable source of information," she added.
So what should boat owners, private dock owners, and swimmers do to prevent ESD?

Electric Shock Drowning: What You Need to Know From BoatUS

A diagram of how Electric Shock Drowning occurs.
(Courtesy of David Rifkin. This image available at: BoatUS.com/pressroom/previewimg/hires/esd.jpg)

IN GENERAL:

• Tell others about ESD. Most people have never heard of it and are unaware of the danger.
• To retrieve a person in the water, reach, throw, and row - but don't go.
• Make sure your children understand the importance of not swimming anywhere there could be electricity. Don't let them roughhouse on docks. Tell them what to do if they feel a tingling or shock in the water (see below).
• ESD victims are good candidates for successful Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). Learn to perform CPR and maintain your training.

IN MARINAS:

• NEVER swim within 100 yards of any freshwater marina or boatyard.
• Talk to marina owners or operators about the danger of ESD. Ask your marina operator to prohibit swimming at their facility and post signs.
• Ask marina operators if they are aware of and follow the guidelines in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 303 (fire protection standard for marinas and boatyards) and National Electric Code (NEC) 555.

IF YOU HAVE A BOAT:

• Have your boat tested once a year to see if it is leaking electricity, or buy a clamp meter and test it yourself. If you find any problems, have your boat inspected by a qualified electrician trained to American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) standards.
• Have a qualified ABYC electrician install an Equipment Leakage Circuit Interrupter (ELCI) on your boat (refer them to the ABYC E-11 Standard) or use a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) in the shore power cord. As an alternative, install an isolation transformer on the boat.
• Test the GFCI/ELCI at least once a month or per the manufacturer's specifications.
• Do NOT do your own 120-volt AC electrical work on a boat or hire an electrician who is not familiar with ABYC standards to do it. Many of the problems that lead to an electrical fault on the boat result from the differences between shore and boat electrical systems and standards.
• DO NOT use common household extension cords for providing shore power to your boat. Use, and encourage other boaters to use, shore power cords built to UL standards, ideally with a GFCI built in.
• NEVER dive on your boat to work on underwater fittings when it is plugged in to shore power, even in saltwater.

IF YOU HAVE A PRIVATE DOCK:

• NEVER swim within 100 yards of ANY dock using electrical power!
• If you have not electrified your dock or put an AC system on your boat, weigh the risks carefully before doing so.
• If you need electricity on your dock, hire a licensed electrician and make sure the wiring meets the requirements in NFPA 303 and NEC 555. If your dock is already wired, hire an electrician to check that it was done properly. Because docks are exposed to the elements, their electrical systems should be inspected at least once a year.
• Exercise your GFCIs/ELCIs as recommended by the manufacturer.
• If you normally run a power cord from your house or garage to charge your batteries, make sure the outlet has a GFCI and include a GFCI somewhere in the shore power cord.
• NEVER swim off your dock without shutting down all shore power to the boat and the dock.
• Even if you adhere to all of these rules, nearby docks can still present a shock hazard. Educate your neighbors and work together with them to make the waterfront safe.

IF YOU'RE IN THE WATER AND YOU FEEL TINGLING OR SHOCKS:

• DO NOT follow your instinct to swim toward the dock!
• SHOUT! When electricity is not involved, drowning victims cannot speak, let alone shout. Tell those around you exactly what you're feeling so they can help you while keeping themselves safe.
• Try to stay upright and back out of the area the way you came, warn any other swimmers in the area of the danger, and then head for shore 100 yards or more from the dock.
• Alert the dock or marina owner and tell them to shut the power off to the dock until they locate the problem and correct it.
• Go to the hospital, explain what happened, and ask to be checked over to be sure there are no adverse health effects.

IF YOU HAVE TO RESCUE AN ESD VICTIM:

• Know how to distinguish drowning from ESD (drowning victims cannot speak and look as if they are trying to climb a ladder; screaming, shouting and tingling, numbness, or pain indicate ESD).
• Fight the instinct to enter the water - many rescuers have died trying to help ESD victims.
• Call for help. Use 911 or VHF Channel 16 as appropriate.
• Turn off the shore power connection at the meter base and/or unplug shore power cords.
• Get the victim out of the water. Remember to reach, throw, row - but don't go.
• If the person is not breathing or you cannot get a pulse, perform CPR until the Fire Department, Coast Guard, or ambulance arrives.