5,000 REQUESTS FOR ON-THE-WATER ASSISTANCE EXPECTED OVER HOLIDAY
Boat Owner’s Association of The United States is urging all boaters to prepare and operate with care this July 4th, traditionally the busiest boating day of the year. “Unlike last year’s holiday which was spread out, this year’s three-day weekend will experience a high volume of waterway traffic in fewer days,” said Ruth Wood, president of the BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water. “The highest concentration of traffic will occur on Friday, July 4th, so we urge caution, patience and courtesy, especially returning to the dock or launch ramp that night.”
“It’s one of the few times a year that many boaters will operate at night, so we urge everyone to refresh their memory by reviewing charts for navigation markers before they head out, post an extra lookout with a spotlight, travel at reasonable speed and have life jackets on. Rushing home is the worst thing you can do,” adds Wood.
Jerry Cardarelli, vice president of towing services for BoatU.S said, “We forecast upwards of 5,000 requests for on-the-water assistance for all towers over the holiday. To prevent becoming a statistic, boaters can prepare by first ensuring that all navigation lights operate, fuel is topped off and battery loads are monitored, as running accessories can leave them too weak to start engines. “Keep an eye on your electrical usage when anchored,” adds Cardarelli, “lots of folks will go out early and raft up all day long waiting for fireworks running fans, sound systems or other appliances. You don’t want to become part of the ‘morning after’ crowd who end up inadvertently staying on the hook overnight because of a dead battery.”
For trailer boaters, BoatU.S. also expects a surge in calls for trailering roadside assistance on Thursday, July 3rd as trailers head down the highway to their favorite vacation spot. “The two biggest causes for trailering breakdowns are damaged tires and bearings,” said Beth McCann, executive director of the BoatU.S. Trailering Club. “We highly recommend that before you depart on Thursday that your tires are serviceable and at the correct pressure. It can also help if you have a complete spare tire – inflated on the rim – available.”
For some trailer boaters, July 4th is the only time that they will use their trailers the entire year, says McCann. “Under-used trailers are often under-maintained. Trailers that sit a lot have the highest incidence of bearing failure, so ensure that this preventative maintenance item is taken care of before you go.” And McCann cautions to make time to stop along the way periodically to check your rig.
Boat Owners Association of The United States is the nation’s leading advocate for recreational boaters and provides its 540,000 members with a wide array of consumer services including a group-rate marine insurance program that provides over $7 billion in hull coverage; the largest fleet of more than 400 towing assistance vessels; discounts on fuel, slips, and repairs at over 700 marinas; boat financing; and a subscription to BoatU.S. Magazine, the most widely read boating publication in the U.S. For membership information visit http://www.boatus.com/ or call 800-395-2628.
July 4th Quick Boating Tips:
- Before you go: check charts and navigation lights, and top off the tank.
- While you’re out: watch electricity consumption, be aware of alcohol intake.
- Coming home after the show: Don’t rush home, post a lookout with a spotlight.
- Trailer boater tips: Check tires and bearings before you go; periodically stop and inspect trailer, and have a spare.
Posted: 6-25-2003
