On Deck



	Be smart when retrieving beached boat March 25, 2008 at 11:12 am One minute we were enjoying a Memorial Day picnic on the beach, and the next we were up to our knees in mire, racing the tide to get enough of our boat to float to get us off the barrier island.

	Overboard situations can turn deadly February 29, 2008 at 1:58 pm Just as most injuries at home are caused by slips and falls, tripping and slipping are common accidents aboard boats, with the added threat of falling down and out of the boat. Slipping on a wet deck is the most common cause of lost footing aboard any watercraft, which is why textured “non-skid” surfaces are often applied to decks and areas where secure footing is critical.

	Annual autumn inspections in order October 30, 2007 at 10:56 am When considering the purchase of my home, I hired a home inspector to give me a professional opinion of what condition it was in. The guy saved me a bundle by pointing out repairs that needed made and that I passed along to the seller, and he left me with a piece of advice that I apply annually to my boat and trailer rig as well as my abode: The inspector urged me to assign one hour a year to taking a walk around the exterior of my house, pad and paper in hand, looking for things that need attention or upgrading.

	Care for fuel now for a happy spring August 22, 2007 at 11:59 am After launching the center console for the first fishing trip of the season, one minute I was zipping toward the fishing grounds at cruising speed, and the next I was off-plane and barely able to keep the outboard at idle as it labored to turn an erratic 500 RPMs.

	Seven tips to save $$ while trailering July 30, 2007 at 11:15 am The peak of the summer vacation season also sees a peak in gasoline use, and with the spike in prices at the pumps this summer, it pays more than ever before to know how to squeeze every mile out of a gallon of fuel — both on the water and on the way to and from the launch ramp.

	Take kids on boating vacations June 28, 2007 at 3:19 pm July is the most popular month for family vacations, when children are out of school and available to join the family on extended trips. As any parent will tell you, there’s a learning curve involved when adjusting to traveling with children, and that’s especially true when — as most fishing families eventually will want to do — you include boating as a vacation activity option.

	10 tips for teaching kids to fish May 22, 2007 at 4:36 pm Studies show that most people who are fishing on a regular basis today were first introduced to the sport by the time they reached age 12, and the majority of youngsters are taught how to fish by an adult family member.

	Distracted drivers asking for trouble April 24, 2007 at 3:59 pm Those of us who tow our boats to and from the fishing grounds accept an elevated responsibility for ourselves and our trailered rigs when we share the road with fellow drivers. Those extra axles and the extended load make us less maneuverable, while at the same time making us a larger target for trouble from other drivers who may not be as skilled or attentive as they should be.

	A post-salt flush is vital for engine health March 21, 2007 at 11:42 am Whether your boat is primarily a freshwater fishing craft out for a rare day in the salt or is bobbing in brine full-time, there is a post-trip task that can’t be overlooked — the freshwater flush.

	Trailer often overlooked by eager boaters February 22, 2007 at 2:30 pm I watched with some envy as my neighbor across the street prepared his boat for his annual spring break fishing trip to South Florida.

	Get rigged right for winter’s rough seas January 25, 2007 at 2:48 pm It’s one thing running inland lakes, rivers and bayous when the wind and waves kick up and protected waters are never too far away; it’s another story when rough open waters of a large lake or open Gulf separate you from the fishing grounds or launch ramp.

	Play the game to save money at shows December 28, 2006 at 10:03 am If you’re in the market for a new boat — and who’s not always at least looking — this may be the best time of the year to make your best deal. Why? Because it’s boat show season, that’s why!