Too often these outings turn tragic

There have been awesome memories made out on the water with friends and family. Boating can be a great time whether you are spending a sunny day fishing, skiing or tubing.  While these events help us bond with each other, boating accidents from reckless or ignorant behavior can rip friends and family apart.

Here are some interesting statistics from the US Coast Guard:

In 2017, the Coast Guard counted 4,291 accidents that involved 658 deaths, 2,629 injuries and approximately $46 million dollars of damage to property as a result of recreational boating accidents.

81% of deaths occurred on boats where the driver had not received boating safety instruction. In contrast, only 14% percent of deaths occurred on boats where the operator received a boating safety education from nationally approved institutions.

The top five contributing factors in accidents are:
  Operator inexperience
  Alcohol Use
  Improper Lookout
  Operator inattention
  Machinery Failure


There were 172 accidents in which at least one person was struck by a propeller. Collectively, these accidents resulted in 31 deaths and 162 injuries.

So what can responsible boat owners do to insure safety out on the water?

Federal Safety Requirements for recreational boats are written and enforced by the US Coast Guard.  These regulations are detailed in a 82 page document called A Boaters Guide to Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats.  Page 42 of the document lists the requirements based on the size of your boat.  For our purposes, we are discussing boats up to 26 feet in length. Their list starts with reminding boaters that they need the required state numbering and licensing then the remaining 8 items are about safety.  Those items are included in our list below but please review their site for complete details.

We recommend all boaters review this document in its entirety as it address safety in operating your boat as well.  The US Coast Guard offers several courses in boating safety. More information can be found at http://www.uscgboating.org/recreational-boaters/boating-safety-courses.php

In summary, take a few extra minutes this year before you get out with your boat to be sure you have the proper safety equipment.  Do it now and at the beginning of each season.  A few safety precautions can mean the difference between fun and disaster.

Boat Safety Items:

Fire Extinguisher
First Aid Kit
Life Jackets
Whistle or Air Horn
Flash Light
Electric distress signals
Flares
backfire flame arrestor for non-outboard motors
Gas Tank Ventilation
Navigation Lights
Screw Driver
Pliers
Spare Prop
Prop Nut Wrench
Duct Tape

Happy Independence Day

US Boatworks will be open this Tuesday, JULY 3 from 9-5 pm to serve you for the July 4th holiday. We may even be open a few hours on Wednesday, July 4th as our staff will be in during the morning hours to catch up on some work.  If you need us on the 4th, call before coming down.

This July 4th many families will travel to their favorite lake and take their boat out on the water. As usual, hours of preparation go into getting ready for an outing at the lake. Preparation most likely will include cleaning your boat, tuning up the engine and making boat repairs as necessary. Over the last few years, I have written many articles with tips on getting your boat out on the water.  You can find tips about boat engine preparation from the article I wrote this spring.  An important part of this preparation always should include safety items. Check out our list of boating safety equipment every boater should have on board.  We strongly recommend having your boat safety inspected by a trained professional to be sure you have covered all the recommended safety measures.  After all that hard work preparing for your day on the lake, we hope everyone has a great holiday and that your boat runs great.

We appreciate all of our valued customers and know that our success is only because you come back year after year.  Thank you for supporting US Boatworks.

Celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Month

October has been declared National Hunting and Fishing Month by U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke.  Zinke is a proponent of hunting and fishing and looks to expand these activities in our National Parks. He notes in an article on the Kansas Wildlife Federation Website, that hunters and anglers play a huge part in conservation by contributing billions of dollars to protect our wildlife. It’s his opinion that the more people out there fishing and hunting, the better.

So all you hunters and fishers, get out there and enjoy the outdoors but do it within the law and with safety in mind.  Rules and regulations around hunting and fishing can be complex.  The Kansas Outdoors Website is a great resource for the do-es and don’ts of both fishing and duck/bird hunting in Kansas.

To be sure your first duck hunting trip this year goes smoothly, we strongly suggest your outboard motor is running in top shape.  Tuning up your motor is the first order of business.  There are many steps involved in tuning up your motor  & the first is to decide if you are going to do it yourself or leave it to the professionals.  If you are leaving it to the professionals, get your boat into the shop asap to insure your motor is running smoothly. Trusted Kansas City boat repair shops will have a lot of winterizations to do at this time of year so don’t put this off until the last minute.

If you are doing an outboard motor tune up yourself, your first order of business is to pull out your boat owners manual.  If you can’t locate your owners manual, call our come down to our marine store in Kansas City to get one. Once you have your owners manual, check guidelines for recommended procedures, lubes, oils and replacement parts.  Failure to use manufacturer required brands can void your warranty and may cause you further headaches down the road.

Start with a visual inspection of your motor starting at the bottom.  Look for signs of leaking lubricant that may run down the propeller.   This could be a signal that seals have gone bad.  If this may be the case, bring your boat in for service. Next check the propeller for signs of damage.  Cracks in the blades by the hub, large chips or bent blades call for repair or replacement of your prop.

As you move up the motor, check and fix missing or loose screws, nuts or bolts on the lower unit.  Lubricate the grease fittings at the transom bracket, swivel bracket, and transom clamp screw as directed in your owner’s manual. The throttle control should be inspected and lubricated per your manual.

Next up is to replace the spark plugs and fuel filter. Then it’s on to the lower unit. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended frequency of lubricant changes for your outboard motor’s lower unit. Begin by removing the unit’s top and bottom fill plugs and allow the lube to drain into a container of your choice. Replace the lubricant with the manufacturer recommended product by filling lubricant into the bottom fill hole until lubricant reaches the top fill hole. Once filled, replace the top plug, remove the applicator nozzle and replace the bottom plug then wipe clean.

Last but not least, get all your hunting gear out.  Clean, inspect and replace as necessary then get out there and have fun.

US Boatworks Open Saturday July 2

US Boatworks will be open this SATURDAY, JULY 2 from 9-Noon to serve you. We are closed Monday July 4 and will re-0pen Tuesday July 5 at 9 am.

This July 4th weekend many families will descend to their favoarite lake to get their family boat out on the water. Often times hours of preparation go into preparing for an outing to the lake. Preparation usually includes include cleaning, tuning up the boat and making boat repairs as necessary. Over the last few years, we have helped you prepare for these trips through this blog.  You can find tips about  boat engine preparation from the article we wrote this spring.  Part of that preparation also includes safety measures. Please read our list of safety equipment you should carry on your boating trip.  After all that hard work, planning and preparing, we hope everyone has a great holiday and that your boat runs great.

US Boatworks is closed on July 4th so our employees can enjoy the holiday.  We appreciate all of our customers and recognize that our success is only because great customers come back year after year.  Thank you to all who support US Boatworks.