Tips for Safe and Successful Boating Adventures
Aluminum boats and fishing go hand in hand. Over the years more and more people have taken an interest in sailing, more people than ever are enjoying it! That means it’s becoming increasingly important to operate your aluminum boat in a courteous and safe manner. Safe boating is everyone’s responsibility on the lake.
Aluminum Bass Boat Safety
• Absolutely DO NOT use drugs or alcohol while operating any boat, including crappie boats or aluminum jon boats.
• Take a boater safety course. If you don’t pass, you probably shouldn’t be operating a small fishing boat.
• Be sure not to overload your small boat by installing too powerful a motor. All brands of boats, including G3 boats, tracker boats, and alumacraft boats, have a maximum power rating, so exceeding this maximum rating can be very dangerous.
• Always look where you are going. Inattentive driving on the highway is an obvious danger, the same is true when driving fishing boats. Watching for gauges or having in-depth conversations with passengers while cruising impairs your ability to safely operate a small boat.
• Before starting the outboard, make sure that all fishing tackle, clothing, and other loose items are secure.
• Make sure you and your passengers always wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets or personal flotation devices, and that all required safety equipment is on board. Never assume it’s just another day on the water, an emergency situation can arise at any time.
• Do not operate aluminum fishing boats without an emergency engine shutdown lanyard attached to your belt or clothing while the outboard motor is running.
• Be sure to lower your bass boat’s pedestal seats, especially in the bow area, so your visibility is not obstructed. Never allow your passengers to ride on any of the pedestal seats while the boat is running.
• Never show off your boat by accelerating or making sharp turns without interruption. The safety of your passengers and the safety of others in the water is your responsibility.
• Exercise common courtesy while operating aluminum bass boats. Do not run your jon boat too close to other anglers or boaters, it is not only annoying but unsafe. Be extremely cautious in prohibited zones or other marked areas.
Launch of aluminum boats
Launching your little fishing boat is like riding a bike. Once you get used to doing it, you never lose the skill. Before you hit the water with your new jon boat, practice backing the boat trailer in and out of your garage or driveway. Once you have an idea of how sharply to turn the steering wheel and which way the trailer will go when turning in a certain direction, it’s time to put the aluminum boat in the water. The best rule of thumb to remember which way the trailer will turn when you turn the wheel is to put your hand on the bottom of the wheel. Whichever direction you want the trailer to turn, simply wave your hand in that same direction.
Once you get to the lake, please do not block the boat launch ramp. Stay in an area that is clear of traffic when preparing welded aluminum jon boats or crappie boats for launching. Double check that all life jackets and PFDs are on board, secure the hull plug (a common oversight), remove all tie downs and tilt the engine up to allow enough clearance. On steeper ramps, it’s best to keep the bow rope attached until you’re close to the water. Aluminum fishing boats and welded aluminum jon boats are relatively easy to launch, but practice makes perfect.
Once the fishing boats are ready, slowly go down the ramp. Be on the lookout for other aluminum jon boats, swimmers, etc. It is very helpful to have a friend stand near the ramp to make sure your path is clear and the boat launch is safe.
If you’re solo, tie a line to the bow eye, slowly back your trailer until the tail begins to float in the water, set the vehicle’s parking brake, then get off the truck and push the boat out of the water. trailer. Attach the rope to a nearby dock or object until your car moves. These basic launching tips apply to all aluminum boats, including alumacraft boats, tracker boats, and G3 boats.
For more information, visit http://www.aluminumboatguide.com today.
