SAME DAY QUOTES | NEXT DAY SHIPMENT ON IN-STOCK PRODUCTS

Facebook Linkedin Youtube
Made-In-USA-Walsh-New
Get a Quote
  • 800-558-5515

Category Archives: Boating

Walsh Marine News

Boating, Boating Safety, Navigation Lights

Boat Navigation Lights: What Each Color Represents

Posted on by Walsh Marine
A large lake on a clear, sunny day with orange regulatory buoys floating in the distance.
28
Aug

Understanding boat navigation lights is a basic safety requirement when you take to the water in your vessel. As a boat owner, it’s up to you to have the correct lights installed on your boat and have them colored and calibrated in the correct way. When all boat owners use their lights properly and understand the lights of other boats that they see, the safety of everyone on the water is protected. White Boat Navigation Lights White lights give you an overview of the vessel since they are either all around, mast or stern. All around lights. As the name implies, all around lights project a full 360º circle of light. They would be projected from the center of the boat and need to be visible for 2 miles. Masthead lights. They shine from 112.5º on the port side of the boat through dead ahead to 112.5º on the starboard side. Therefore, the arc of illumination is 225º. Masthead lights must always be located above side lights (which are colored). For boats less than 39.4 feet, visibility range is 2 miles; for those over 39.4 feet, it is 3 miles. Stern lights. These lights shine aft 135º (67.5º on each side). The visible range of illumination should be 2 miles. Red/Green/Bicolor Navigation Lights Colored lights are always sidelights and the different color indicates the side. Red lights are located portside, and green are starboard. The lights shine from dead ahead to 112.5º aft on either side of the vessel. On some boats, sidelights can be combined into one bicolor light. For boats less than 39.4 feet, the visible range should be 1 mile; for those over 39.4 feet, it is 2 miles. Sailboat Navigation Lights For sailboats that are less than 7 meters long, the general boat navigation lights apply. If, however, regular marine lights cannot be used or installed practically, there is another option. Your sailboat must have an electric torch or lantern that emits a highly visible white light that you can deploy in time to prevent collisions. Powerboat Navigation Lights Powerboats need to have a masthead light forward, sidelights and a stern light. Vessels less than 12 meters in length can have an all around white light and sidelights. Powerboats on the Great Lakes may carry an all around white light instead of a second masthead light and stern light combination. Sidelights may be combined into a single bicolor light fixed at the centerline of the boat. Boat navigation lights are required between sunset and sunrise, and at any other times of reduced visibility. These lights can indicate the size of the boat, what it’s doing, and what direction it’s going. Boat lights are an essential way for vessels to communicate with one another.

Continue reading →
Boating, Boating Safety

Boating Safety Tips: 3 Ways to Stay Safe This Summer

Posted on by Walsh Marine

Getting out on the water is one of the best possible ways to relax and enjoy nature. Whether you’re fishing on a peaceful lake, kayaking through white water, or sailing from Maine to Georgia, your goal is enjoyment. And in order for that to happen, there are certain safety precautions that you need to know and follow. This summer, because of COVID-19, there may be additional safety strategies in place as well. In this post, we’ll examine 3 ways for you, your family, and friends to stay safe while boating this summer. Individual Actions for Boating Safety The single most important safety measure that you can take on the water is wearing your life jacket. Everyone on your boat should have a properly-fitting, US Coast Guard approved life jacket, and everyone should wear it. Simply having the life jacket on board doesn’t guarantee safety. When something goes wrong, it happens fast, and 84% of those who drowned on US waterways in 2018 were not wearing life jackets. If you’re the operator of the vessel, it’s crucial that you don’t drink alcohol. Alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents. Other ways to ensure the safety of all aboard is to maintain a reasonable speed, pay attention to other vessels and people on the water, and know and follow boating rules, particularly those relating to meeting and maneuvering around other boats, and interpreting buoys. Vessel Safety Your boat needs to be in top-notch condition before you take it on the water. You should check that all lights are functional and correctly positioned. And make sure you have your boat’s registration clearly visible. Do you have an appropriate emergency kit on board? It should contain first aid supplies, 2 forms of communication that will work even if wet (like satellite phones), flares (and water if you are going to be in the ocean). If you have any concerns at all, you could schedule a Vessel Safety Check with your local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadrons before you hit the water. Every Vessel Safety Check is conducted 100 percent free of charge. Special COVID-19 Precautions The COVID-19 pandemic has required a lot of changes to ordinary life. Now that lockdown is easing and we are learning what our new normal might be, you’re probably anxious to get out onto the water. Before towing your boat to your favorite boat ramp, look up your local regulations. They’ll let you know the regulations particular to the COVID-19 situation. Most ramps or boat docks are open, though you can anticipate the whole process taking longer than usual because of the social distancing. You’ll almost certainly need to stay at least 6 feet away from other boats on the water as well; no multiple boat tie-ups! Many places have restrictions on the number of people allowed on board a boat. In Maine, it’s 10. Be sure to wash your hands or use a high-alcohol sanitizer after fueling, and don’t share equipment. When you observe the special precautions put in place because of COVID-19, you make boating safer for everyone. When your boat is in good working order and equipped with all necessary safety supplies, you minimize the risk to everyone on board. And when you behave responsibly by staying alert and assuring everyone wears a life jacket, you create an atmosphere where your family and friends can enjoy their time on the water. After the lockdown, we’ll all be delighted to be back on our beautiful waterways; following these 3 tips will increase your pleasure by decreasing your worry.

Continue reading →
Boating

Boat Light Requirements: Which Do I Need?

Posted on by Walsh Marine

Everybody wants to enjoy their time on the water, and safety regulations are in place to help achieve that. Just as important as having a life jacket for every passenger, your boat needs to be equipped with the proper lighting. Boat navigation lights are required between sunset and sunrise, and at any other times of reduced visibility. These lights can indicate the size of the boat, what it’s doing, and what direction it’s going. Boat lights are an essential way for vessels to communicate with one another. General Navigational Boat Lighting Rules Boat navigation lights communicate through color, location, range of visibility, and arc of illumination. The basic rules for boats under 65.6 feet are as follows: All around lights. As the name implies, all around lights project a full circle of light. They are white and provide 360º of white light. They would be projected from the center of the boat and need to be visible for 2 miles. Masthead lights. These are also white. They shine from 112.5º on the port side of the boat through dead ahead to 112.5º on the starboard side. Therefore, the arc of illumination is 225º. Masthead lights must always be located above side lights. For boats less than 39.4 feet, visibility range is 2 miles; for those over 39.4 feet, it is 3 miles. Sidelights. Sidelights are red and green, and the color matters. Red lights are located portside, and green are starboard. The lights shine from dead ahead to 112.5º aft on either side of the vessel. On some boats, sidelights can be combined into one bicolor light. For boats less than 39.4 feet, the visible range should be 1 mile; for those over 39.4 feet, it is 2 miles. Stern lights. These are white lights that shine aft 135º (67.5º on each side). The visible range of illumination should be 2 miles. Sailboats For sailboats that are less than 7 meters long, the general boat navigation lights apply. If, however, regular marine lights cannot be used or installed practically, there is another option. Your sailboat must have an electric torch or lantern that emits a highly visible white light that you can deploy in time to prevent collisions. Powerboats Powerboats need to have a masthead light forward, sidelights and a stern light. Vessels less than 12 meters in length can have an all around white light and sidelights. Powerboats on the Great Lakes may carry an all around white light instead of a second masthead light and stern light combination. Sidelights may be combined into a single bicolor light fixed at the centerline of the boat. You’re Responsible As the boat operator, you need to know how to interpret the lights that you see, as well as display the boat lights you are required to have. Remember that boat lights are the sole responsibility of the owner/operator, nobody else. When you buy a boat, the lights that come with it may not meet legal requirements and it’s up to you to make sure that they do. It’s also important to remember that the rules around angles of visibility must be met when the boat is underway, and you may need to adjust your lights accordingly.

Continue reading →
Boating, Fishing

Fishing and Boating During COVID-19: What to Expect

Posted on by Walsh Marine

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically changed the way we are living. There are restrictions everywhere, with restaurants, schools, and nonessential businesses closed; most states have stay-at-home orders in place, too. Does that mean that you’re not allowed to get out on the water and enjoy some fishing or boating? In these particularly stressful times, it would seem that time in nature, on the water, is more important than ever. The good news is that fishing and boating are still activities you can enjoy! Though there are some extra safety precautions that you need to take. Check Guidelines Before you get too excited about going fishing or boating, check with your state’s US Department of Fish and Wildlife or Department of Environmental Management. Their websites should give you current information. Counties also have information online and by phone, and it’s a good idea to look there too. You want to be sure you can launch your boat before you leave home. Go Local Our country has amazing waterways, and chances are, you live near to a river, lake, or seashore. In this time of COVID-19, keep your boating and fishing excursions close to home. Check with your state’s Department of Natural Resources or Department of Environmental Management to see what boat launches are open, and abide by the information given. These sites are generally updated daily. Even states with stay-at-home orders in place allow you to leave your home for exercise and time in nature; if you are traveling to your local waterway to enjoy some fishing or boating, you’re getting your daily dose of nature. It is also advised that you pack your gear and supplies and go directly to the water. Household Members Only The people in your boat must be the same people that are in your house. No guests, no exceptions. You can’t include your adult son who lives on his own. You can, however, choose to go fishing without your spouse and children who share your home. Maintain Social Distancing On Land Fortunately, if you’re fishing, you don’t need to guess how long six feet actually is; you have a fishing pole! Just keep everyone a fishing pole away and you’ll be practicing perfect social distancing. Seriously, it’s important to remember to keep far apart at the marina, on piers or docks, and when you’re fueling your boat. Docks and piers are especially problematic because they’re so narrow. You may find yourself in a situation where you are one of several people on or near a dock. Just communicate. If everyone has a clear understanding, you’ll be able to figure out a way to maintain a safe distance from each other. When touching surfaces (like a fuel pump or marine gate), be sure to wash your hands thoroughly or use sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol afterwards. On Water During this time of COVID-19, you are not allowed to raft up with other boats. You can shout greetings to one another, but you cannot come into contact. Likewise, you cannot pull your boat up to a beach close beside another boat. If there is room to pull up to the beach without getting too close to another boat, you may do so. But remember that you must maintain social distancing with the other people once you are out of the boat as well. Sharing Is NOT Caring Many places are not allowing boat rentals, and even if they are available, it would not be wise to rent a boat. Use your own boat and your own boating and fishing equipment. Now is not the time to borrow that fancy fly from your fishing buddy (even if he leaves it outside his garage for you). It’s the time to use the ones in your tackle box, or learn to tie a new one of your own. Being on the water is one of the best ways to relax and enjoy nature. During this unprecedented pandemic, it’s more important than ever that we have the opportunity to fish and boat. Thankfully, that’s still open to us.

Continue reading →