Fun And Safe Houseboating Reunions At Lake Powell Bullfrog

Perhaps you're thinking of a new kind of vacation this year-a floating reunion-onboard a houseboat rented from a Bullfrog Marina at Lake Powell. If you've had zip for boat-navigation experience-no problem. You'll get all you need for orientation, on-hands instruction, and information so you can have a magical, memorable vacation. If you want, you can start brushing up on some basic houseboat safety tips. Here they are.

Some dos and don'ts of navigation: do have a good time, chill out, and relax at it; but don't have such a good time that you operate under the influence-even a bit; do designate an assistant navigator who goes through orientation with you; do remember that turning the houseboat's wheel makes the stern (back of the boat) react first (if you turn the wheel left-the stern swings right); do keep alert; do remember that houseboats, which could weigh a massive five tons and travel 20 mph or more, have NO brakes (unless you're counting reverse gear), so take lots of time and space to maneuver yours with utmost care, approaching things like docks at one mph maximum speed-but only after you're practiced in using just enough oomph to maintain steerageway (or minimum speed with control).

Some more navigation dos and don'ts: do check out the regulations and rules for your waterway and the marking and signaling systems used (e.g. when approaching, keep to the right); do turn your engine and generator off whenever approaching swimmers, keeping them safe from carbon monoxide and propeller dangers; do NOT reverse anywhere near a person overboard because of potential propeller injury-have someone throw floatables and keep the victim in sight, and while keeping the victim upwind, bring the boat around and cut the engine; and do remember your legal responsibility to cause no wake damage, so MAKE NO WAKE (this means waterskiing from your houseboat is strictly taboo!)

Some safety dos and don'ts: do make sure every passenger has a properly fitting life jacket, every child and their parent knows the rules, and low-level adult swimmers are encouraged to wear theirs even when it isn't mandated; do review all of the operating and safety procedures and the locations of safety equipment with all passengers; do demonstrate emergency person-overboard procedures to your entire party; do check fire extinguishers for functionality and ensure that everyone knows how to use them; do have your most medical-savvy passenger designated as a first-aid attendant; do keep kitchen curtains tied back from the stove; and do keep food and oil levels low in the pans when traveling on the water.

Do get adequate fueling instructions before tackling it on your own. Do remember that fueling should be done without the nearby use of appliances, lights, pilot lights, or cigarettes. Do keep all doors and windows closed while refueling so the gas vapors can't get inside. Do use the blower to ventilate before you restart the engine. Don't tinker with the mechanical aspects of your houseboat. Do give your phone number, float plan, and itinerary to a land-based person. Do enjoy!

Article Source: TravelFreeGuides.com

About the Author

Want to find out more about houseboating at lake powell bullfrog marina, then visit Offshore Marina's site for information about lake powell boat rentals bullfrog for your pleasure.

by: Tom Richardson

Total views: 5 Word Count: 515 Date: Sun, 7 Mar 2010 Time: 2:03 PM - 0 comments

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