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Top Five Tips For Trailer Boaters
Source: Boat U.S. http://www.BoatUS.com/trailerclub
You've seen the abandoned boat sitting along the side of the highway, or maybe you've had the unfortunate opportunity to have a break-down on the way too or from your favorite fishing hole. Here are some tips to help keep you from becoming a roadside statistic:
1Make sure your trailer tires were made for trailering. A "ST" designation on the sidewall indicates "special trailer" used for boat trailers. These tires have stronger sidewalls than "P" (passenger) and "LT" (light truck tires). Also, never mix bias ply (commonly used for short trips or when a trailer is parked for long periods) with radial tires (preferred for high-mileage trips).
2Inflation is the most basic tire maintenance issue. Tires should be inflated while cold, before the trip -- not during. Buy a spare tire but be sure to bring a tire and rim combo when shopping for your spare as not all are alike. Ensure your jack can handle the trailer as well.
3A tire's worst enemy is dry rot caused by the sun's UV rays. If you store your boat and trailer outside during the winter, remove the tires and keep inside if possible. Tire covers can also help.
4Moisture can also doom a tire, especially if the trailer sits idle for a long time on grassy, damp ground. Again, removing the tire is best but parking on plywood can also help. If parking on a hard surface such as concrete, ensure that water freely drains away from the trailer after a rainstorm.
5Lastly, ensure that you know your boat and trailer weight, as overloading can lead to premature wear and potentially dangerous blowouts.
Of the thousands of requests for roadside assistance made last year, the most common call for assistance was for flat tires. The percentages for all trailer breakdowns were: Flats: 47%; Bearings: 26%; Axle: 13%; Tow Vehicle: 9%; Miscellaneous: 5%. 
Has Your Boat Been Recalled?
Free Recall Alert Registry
Helps Boat Manufacturers And Owners
With the fishing and boating seasons just around the corner and used boats now accounting for over 70% of annual boat sales, boat owners should know about a free service which provides invaluable information on U.S. Coast Guard boat recalls.
For a period of ten years after a boat is built, federal law requires boat builders to recall and repair any vessel found to be in non-compliance with Coast Guard regulations or which contains a safety defect. But, the law only requires that these defect recall notices be sent to original owners. With most vessels changing ownership at least once during their first ten years of life, manufacturers often have difficulty reaching subsequent owners to let them know they have a fix available to remedy a safety problem.
The existing system is deficient because a considerable number of new boat purchasers don't return warranty cards and there is no consistent way for manufacturers to reach them. Even if a new boat owner does return a warranty card, when the boat is sold a second or third time the manufacturer still has no way to communicate to those used-boat buyers.
Now there is an online National Recall Alert Registry located at http://www.BoatUS.com/recall The system allows boaters to register their less than ten-year old vessel so a manufacturer can contact them directly in the event of a recall action. Consumers can also view a list of current recalls as well as visit the U.S. Coast Guard's Recall Database.
The online system is also a plus for manufacturers in that it can help a difficult situation get better because it demonstrates that the manufacturer is being proactive and helps reinforce the positive image of a company and its product. The system is also secure - each manufacturer can only view the database of owners having their product.
Quick Catches in B.C
w There are over 650,000 licensed anglers in British Columbia
w Sportfishing is responsible for over 9,000 jobs (plus thousands of volunteers)
w B.C. sportfishing generates over $1.2 billion in B.C.s economy each year. (That's greater than all the beer and wine sold in B.C. each year.)
w Sportfishing isn't expensive. For around $50 an angler can get outfitted and go fishing!
Did You Know...
w It was recently passed and established in legislation that the excise tax to fishing rod manufacturers is 10% for each rod, not to exceed $10 per rod.
w The Smithsonian Institution's Museum of Natural History is planning to establish an Ocean Hall as a new exhibit. It has been emphasized the need for a focus on recreational uses for the ocean, especially sportfishing as part of our cultural heritage.
Boat Liability
The Coast Guard has expanded the conditions that states may require of boat owners seeking state numbering certificates.
Before the rule making, states could only impose two conditions before issuing state numbering certificates: proof of tax payment and proof of ownership. In the March 2005 Federal Register, the Coast Guard proposed to expand permissible state prerequisites to also include liability insurance.
This rule making does not require states to impose the condition of proof of insurance, it just allows states to impose the requirements if they wish.
The rule became effective on April 18, 2005.
Fishing Rules of Conduct
1. Handle all fish with care.
2. Limit your catch to ensure fish in the future.
3. Leave your fishing spot cleaner than you found it.
4. Respect the rights of property owners and other outdoor enthusiasts.
5. Use the proper tackle and methods for the species being fished..
6. Promote the sport by teaching children and new participants how to fish.
7. Become informed about your fishery and participate in its management.
8. Report all illegal fishing activities to the proper authorities.
9. Respect space of others and leave enough room for everyone to fish.
10. Learn the fishing and boating laws and abide by them.
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