Happy Summer to all! I’ve been on a “boat hiatus” since July 5th due to equipment failure, but I am now repaired and ready to get back out there.
I’ll share some thoughts about equipment failure. First, know that if you own a boat, you will eventually encounter equipment failure. Second, whether your equipment failure experience is funny or traumatic depends mainly on how well you are prepared for the event. In my case, it was funny.
We had just finished the July 4 weekend of hosting out-of-town family, enjoying fireworks displays, tubing, and lake sightseeing. On the evening of the 5th, my wife and I took a quick sunset cruise with our pups to enjoy quiet time. During the cruise, I discovered that the steering wheel was turning really well…but that the boat wasn’t turning with it.
Following some “prop walk” maneuvers in the general direction of the house and a quick call to our neighbor for a tow the last 50 yards to the dock, we got home safe and sound. And the pups had a great time-something about veering around aimlessly makes dogs happy.
We got home without issue because we were prepared. With our boat back on the water and this event now history, I thought I'd share some suggestions that may help make your equipment failure event funny and not traumatic:
1. Don’t panic when something goes wrong. Look around to see if there is a vessel nearby from whom you can request assistance.
2. Always keep proper flotation devices, whistles, and a phone (or marine radio) onboard whenever you go out.
3. Take the time to know how your vessel handles various conditions. There are often ways you can maneuver to safety if you know your boat.
4. Keep a paddle on board if you lose power or navigation ability.
5. Always keep a supply of drinking water on board.
6. If you don’t have a friend to call for help, keep the numbers of the local marinas on your phone.
7. Consider buying boat towing insurance. TowBoat US https://www.boatus.com provides towing service to our lakes.
Stay safe and have fun!
___________________________________________
