Boating in Extreme Conditions
No one would ever go out onto the water when a hurricane is swirling overhead, obviously. We’re not going to condescend to you and try to convince you not to do that. However, you might have gone out on a cloudy but calm day and then you suddenly find yourself in a maelstrom that you didn’t anticipate. That’s why it’s so important to be prepared and to do whatever you can to be safe in an emergency situation.
L&M Marine, LLC, located in Stapleton, Alabama, is proud to be your local boat dealer. Here are some of our best suggestions for how to navigate inclement weather and stay safe when conditions are suboptimal.
Check The Forecast
This tip might seem like a no-brainer, but the forecast can change on a dime! It might have seemed like this Saturday morning would be a fine day for boating when you planned your trip last week, but conditions might have changed significantly in the interim. Check the forecast before you head out with your boat so that you can be ready for the weather or cancel your trip if conditions look poor.
Have some way to keep tabs on the weather on your boat, too; your phone might not always get a signal, but a transmitter radio can. And scan the skies for any sign that the wind might be picking up or clouds are forming so that you can weigh anchor and head to shore at the first sign of trouble.
Slow Down, Turn On The Lights
If you find yourself in bad weather, slow your roll! You don’t want to be going at top speed when you can’t see anything in front of you and the wind is buffeting your boat around. Going at a slower speed will reduce strain on your hull and make it easier to navigate your way to safety. Try to position your boat at a 45° angle to any swells and have your passengers watch for debris or other boats.
Use your navigational lights to improve your own visibility and to make sure that you’re seen by others. Heavy fog, high winds and downpours can all impact your ability to see, so having your lights on will help.
Gear Up
Every boat should be equipped with a throwable personal flotation device (PFD) and every passenger on board should be wearing a PFD that’s been approved by the United States Coast Guard (USCG). You’re probably more used to calling these items “life jackets,” but PFD is the proper term. You never know when you or someone else could topple overboard, and a PFD will help to keep you afloat and oriented until you can be rescued.
Invest in some wet-weather gear as well to ensure that you stay warm and dry even in heavy rain. Tall waterproof boots with good traction and a sturdy raincoat or poncho with a hood will help. Bring some extra clothes in a dry bag to change into once conditions clear.
Ride Out The Storm
If all else fails, you’ll simply need to wait until the storm clears up. This can actually be safer than trying to head to shore in some cases. If you’re thrashing around on the water and you can’t seem to make headway, then aim your bow towards the swells and ride out the storm.
We hope these tips help you stay safe out there. Still need a boat? Come see us at our location in Stapleton to take a look at our current stock of new and used boats for sale. L&M Marine, LLC, proudly serves Mobile, Alabama, as well as our neighbors in Pensacola, Florida.