Fall is my favorite time of year here, period. It’s long and beautiful and warm and fun. There are some things that are uniquely regional that I have had to learn, however.
As a boater originally from the Northeast, I arrived in Upstate South Carolina in 1997 with the absolute certain knowledge that “Labor Day” = “Time To Schedule Winterizing the Boat.” With my absolute certain knowledge tucked neatly under my arm, I approached the nearest available marine service department with my urgent mission to get on that winterization schedule.
So, this was the occasion that I received my first gentle, “You aren’t FROM here, are you?” response. (And it wasn’t my last, but…I’ve improved. Honest! In fact, I should be able to confidently claim that I, Captain Rob, am “from here”…. soon…..maybe…..who knows?)
As I mentioned, Keowee Fall is a wonderful, tradition-filled time of year. Clemson Football gets started, the school season begins, the leaves, over a magnificently long period, turn brilliant shades of color, fish start being able to be fished again, and the boating opportunities are plentiful.
Some Captain Rob tips for fall boating:
1. Bring several layers of light clothing on board. Temperatures can change rapidly (in both directions) in the Fall, so to enjoy your time on the water comfortably, be prepared to shed or add layers quickly as needed. If you are taking a sunset cruise, bringing a blanket is another great idea.
2. Bring plenty of water along (and drink that stuff!). Fall weather doesn’t carry the humidity of summer, and it’s easy to forget to hydrate. I might consent to share my best dehydration story in another blog (although it has nothing to do with boats and everything to do with “Steak Nachos”)-suffice to say it sucks-don’t get dehydrated. If you go boating with your fur buddies as we do, bring water and a dish for them too.
3. Check your navigation lights to make sure they work properly. Unlike summer, fall sunsets can turn dark quickly, and you need your nav lights to get home safely. (And with dignity-nothing is worse than being hollered at that “your lights are off,” especially if it’s coming from a DNR enforcement vessel.) Those babies have all the lights, especially the flashy blue ones.
A word about winterization
If you store your boat on a lift or trailer when not in use, my opinion is that you should consider winterizing it before the first hard freeze. When is the first hard freeze? Maybe in another blog, I’ll rant about weather reports, but generally, in my opinion, the first hard freeze happens in early to mid-December. If you keep your boat in water over the winter, winterization is more of an option than a mandate. (just my opinion- folks can get passionate about this subject, and I ‘ain't here to argue, people- only to “infotain.” )
I hope to see y’all on the water!
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