Boating Season has Almost Ended

Boating Safety Committee
By: Bruce C. Bower

We are almost done with the boating season, but here is a major topic to think about over the winter. The STATE REQUIRES anyone born on or after Jan 1, 1982 to have a boating license in order to operate a watercraft ON OUR LAKE or any other waters in the State of Ohio. You must take a Safe Boating class that is certified by ODNR, pass the test, apply and receive a boating license that will be carried while you are driving a watercraft. Jet-skis are watercraft. There will be added efforts to enforce this law next season. Be advised. There have been reports by the Boat Patrol that people think this is a PRIVATE LAKE. It is NOT! The State owns the water, therefore you must follow State Laws.

We are still kicking around ways to get people interested enough to read and understand the boating rules of our lake. This also implies informing your guests of the same. You the owner are responsible for the actions of anyone driving your watercraft. Just think of the consequences of an accident and injuries or worse.

These next few lines have nothing to do with safety, but may help you to avoid boat engine problems. With the ubiquitous use of ethanol in the gas we all use, it’s wise to minimize the amount of fuel you store and certainly add additives to the fuel in your gas tank. The alcohol in the fuel can separate in 30 to 60 days, causing problems because the alcohol attracts water. Use a stabilizer that also has additives to counteract ethanol. Water and alcohol with no gasoline (because of separation) will create chaos with your engine. Another suggestion that I have gathered is to bump up the octane level (go up from 87 to 89) of the fuel you use in boats, small engines and “old” engines. This added octane boast will help if fuel separation does begin to happen.

Think Safety, Bower out!
Cell 216.906.2301