www.iFourWinns.com

Hey fellow boaters, have you checked the expiration dates on your USGG required safety items? Like flares? How about the level of your fire extinguishers? Are they still in the Full range?

Check 'em and make sure they're current and/or ready to use.

At the moment Virginia is having a week of tax free sales on hurricane preparedness items. I'm wondering if stuff like flares and extinguishers fall into that category?

_________________
-Bill Kearney, 2005 348 Vista

My extinguishers read full, but I intend to pull them and apply the rubber mallet treatment to prevent settling or compacting of the foaming agent.

Always a good idea to check all safety items at the beginning of the season if not more often.

_________________
2007 Horizon 200
4.3L GXi/ SX 225 HP

Bill, good reminder. The flares that came with the new boat are already expired I was in target yesterday and fire extinguishers are on the tax free list.

I can't recall the specifics, but be sure you're getting the appropriate type and number of extinguishers for your vessel.

_________________
-Bill Kearney, 2005 348 Vista

Thanks for the great reminders. On a related note, how do many ofyou stow life jackets so they are "accessible"? After being stopped on opening weekend, I decided to put mine in the side panels above my cup-holders. This "seems" accesible. Any other input?

_________________
Walt B
"Debt-Charged"
Black '07 H210SS
6.2L Bravo One turning a 21P HIFive
Wakeboard Tower with Perfect Pass Stargazer version
Missouri River; Kansas City, Mo.

My and admiral's PFD's are under the bow seats. Accessible as anywhere, other than being worn. The kids must wear theirs at all times.

_________________


Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

The Water Patrol said that under the bow seats was not accesible "enough". They had to be out and within reach. Generally, my ski vests are clipped to the tower, so I'm usually OK, but...

_________________
Walt B
"Debt-Charged"
Black '07 H210SS
6.2L Bravo One turning a 21P HIFive
Wakeboard Tower with Perfect Pass Stargazer version
Missouri River; Kansas City, Mo.

indeed. I have to say, having someone in your family drown will teach you more about water safety than most of those guys know.

_________________


Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

Ah yes, start of the season, which usually means greater enforcement by the revenue collectors. Gotta remind you how much you just love being screwed for money under the guise of 'law enforcement'.

That said, there's some truth to the accessibility argument, especially on smaller boats. A smaller vessel is perhaps more likely to have someone fall overboard (the more open area combined with greater susceptibility to being tossed by wakes/waves). Having a PFD right there and ready can certainly make a difference. If only to give you an 'in water' marker near where they went in.

I've heard stories where the PFDs were stuffed down inside lockers, still packed in their shrinkwrap plastic and with the straps tied tight with rubber bands. Usually with the idea that it keeps them nicer. Oh yeah, there's a good plan, keep the cheap PFDs all nice and neat while the passengers drown...

I make it a habit to get the PFDs out and make sure folks understand how to put them on and adjust the straps. This way they're clear on where they are and I'm a bit more comfortable knowing they could actually get them on, should the need arise. Lat thing I need to be dealing with should things 'go south' is helping everyone deal with their PFD.

_________________
-Bill Kearney, 2005 348 Vista

Agreed. I'm not opposed by any means... on the contrary. I just would like to know some of the places others keep thiers that is both accesible, and won't blow out. Noone has some fancy bungee thing on the floorboard? just curious. Stay safe out there all!

_________________
Walt B
"Debt-Charged"
Black '07 H210SS
6.2L Bravo One turning a 21P HIFive
Wakeboard Tower with Perfect Pass Stargazer version
Missouri River; Kansas City, Mo.