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WHY BOAT…?

Do you remember your first fishing or boating trip? Ask anyone to tell the story of who first took them boating or fishing – chances are good the story is deeply personal and meaningful.

Over a dozen studies have shown that being with family and friends, relaxing and being outdoors and close to nature are the primary reasons people spend time on the water. A family doesn’t have to spend a fortune on a theme park vacation to have an experience that everyone will enjoy. Although your first meeting with Mickey Mouse will probably be memorable, chances are it will pale in comparison to memories of spending time on the water with the people you love.

Time spent fishing and boating connects family and friends.

You know how important it is to spend quality time with family and friends. Many of us have seen how outdoor recreation strengthens the family as a unit and children as individuals. So it comes as no surprise that studies have consistently shown that involvement with family members and friends is a primary reason people go boating and fishing.

On the water, there are no cars, no rush hour, no deadlines and a chance to relax.

There are news stories every week about the stress and time crunch felt by working Americans and their families. People are searching for ways to escape the daily routine, be closer to nature and focus more on family and relationships. Studies show that people who participate frequently in outdoor recreation are more satisfied with life overall. For a weeklong vacation or just a quiet Saturday morning, recreational fishing and boating are great ways to “get away from it all.”

Fishing and boating enhance appreciation for the natural world.

Many Americans see outdoor recreation as one of the main reasons to protect the environment. Nearly nine in ten Americans say outdoor recreation benefits the environment because it gives people a reason to care about the resources upon which their activities depend. Another one of our sponsor company’s Parkfit Outdoor Personal Training also encourages the community to get outdoors to enjoy nature. Exercising outdoors by boating boosts your body’s natural feel good hormones as well says our aussie personal trainer.   http://www.parkfitgyms.com.au 

By participating, anglers and boaters provide vital funding.

Fewer than 10 percent of recreational anglers and boaters are aware that their participation plays a vital role in sustaining resources and promoting safe and responsible use of our nation’s waters. On average, 83 percent of state fish and wildlife agencies’ total freshwater fisheries/aquatic resource management budget is supported by fishing license sales and Sport Fish Restoration funds. These funds are derived from motorboat fuel taxes and a special excise tax on fishing tackle and equipment. Sport Fish Restoration funds also support boater education and safety programs around the country.

HOW TO ANCHOR

Anchoring is done for two principal reasons: first, to stop for fishing, swimming, lunch, or an overnight stay and secondly, to keep you from running aground in bad weather or as a result of engine failure. Anchoring can be a simple task if you follow these guidelines:

  • Make sure you have the proper type of anchor (danforth/plow/mushroom).
  • A three to six foot length of galvanized chain should be attached to the anchor. The chain will stand up to the abrasion of sand, rock or mud on the bottom much better than a fiber line.
  • A suitable length of nylon anchor line should be attached to the end of the chain (this combination is called the “Rode”). The nylon will stretch under heavy strain cushioning the impact of the waves or wind on the boat and the anchor.
  • Select an area that offers maximum shelter from wind, current and boat traffic.
  • Determine depth of water and type of bottom (preferably sand or mud).
  • Calculate the amount of anchor line you will need. General rule: 5 to 7 times as much anchor line as the depth of water plus the distance from the water to where the anchor will attach to the bow. For example, if the water depth is 8 feet and it is 2 feet from the top of water to your bow cleat, you would multiply 10 feet by 5 to 7 to get the amount of anchor line to put out (See diagram below).

  • Secure the anchor line to the bow cleat at the point you want it to stop.
  • Bring the bow of the vessel into the wind or current.
  • When you get to the spot you want to anchor, place the engine in neutral.
  • When the boat comes to a stop, slowly lower the anchor. Do not throw the anchor over, as it will tend to entangle the anchor.
  • When all anchor line has been let out, back down on the anchor with engine in idle reverse to help set the anchor.
  • When anchor is firmly set, use reference points (landmarks) in relation to the boat to make sure you are not drifting. Check these points frequently.
Do not anchor by the Stern!!

Anchoring a small boat by the stern has caused many to capsize and sink. The transom is usually squared off and has less freeboard than the bow. In a current, the force of the water can pull the stern under. The boat is also vulnerable to swamping by wave action. The weight of a motor, fuel tank, or other gear in the stern increases the risk.

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