Boating Tips and Tales

Remember the Minnow

Written by Ed Stone, Commodore, MiraBay Mariners Club

"Wow!  It’s especially dark tonight but at least the sea is calm, the wind is light and the sky is clear and full of stars.  A glorious night for a boat ride.  If only the engine would just fire up, we could maybe enjoy it a little more.  I know I checked everything, just can’t remember when.  I wonder how far are we from the shore?  For that matter, can anyone see a channel marker?  Now, where did I put the flares?  Uh Oh!  Just a fizzle!  Man, I could swear they were up to date.  What else could go wrong?  Oh well we can just call the Coast Guard.  Nope.  Nothing but static.  The radio is also not working.  I’ll just throw the anchor out and wait until someone comes by.  Of course, with the battery dead there is no anchor light so I hope they see us before they 'feel us.' 

"A little far fetched?   Not really.  An all too familiar story I’m afraid.  This story may seem far fetched but in the annuls of pleasure boating, there are volumes full of  similar stories.  Some stories, such as this, almost border on being humorous if not somewhat  ridiculous. However all too often these stories become  tragic in nature.  There is more than often a common thread in all the stories no matter what the outcome.  Lack of preparedness.  It’s real easy to jump into our boat and go for a short ride, whether just a pleasure ride or a fishing trip.

"Preparedness is all important especially when boating.  It is the key.  We all pass our boating inspection and have the correct gear as outlined by the Coast Guard.  Well, at least the minimum.  However all too often, after the initial inspection, things start to deteriorate.  These inspections cover only the basic safety equipment and devices, lights etc.  As the captain of our vessel, no matter how large or how small, power or sail, it is our responsibility and our responsibility alone, to make certain we maintain the real working parts of our craft that are not 'specified' in the inspection process.  Is the engine in good shape?  Do we have enough fuel for our planned trip and a little to spare?  How strong is the battery?   Does the engine have enough oil?  Are the sails in good shape?  Most important, did we file a float plan?  Silly questions?  Not if you are stranded in the middle of nowhere and no way to get anywhere fast. 

"Often, a little simple common sense can prevent becoming a victim of our own foolishness.  Before casting off, make sure everything on our vessel is “ship-shape.”  It only takes a minute or so longer to check and make sure all our safety equipment is in good working order and our vessel is mechanically sound.  This is nothing new.  We learn it in our safe boating classes and stories are often published in safety manuals and sporting magazines.  The real problem is:   once done, twice forgotten.  We very often see similar stories as this in the newspapers and on television.  Most of the time the story endings are happy but all too often they end in tragedy.  And, of course, 'it can’t happen to me.'

"Enjoy your days, and nights, on the water and return safely to enjoy it again and again.

"Remember the Minnow."