View Full Version : Great Lakes Boating
Just need to know what all you need on board to be legal boating on the great lakes. About all I know is you need a life jacket for each person and a throwable life preserver. Does a seat cushion preserver count, Or is it better to get the round style?
Also is there anything else required or anything else that you regulars may deem as "don't leave the dock without".
Thanks, Mark
RickT
04-10-2001, 05:05 AM
Your best bet is to get a copy of federal boating regulatioYou can get these from the Coast Guard or a boat store or some bait stores. I fish Lake Michigan out of Waukegan regularly. I'll give you a rundown of what I can think of. Some may not sound important but remember how fast the weather changes on the great lakes.
(1) vhf radio. To call for help or to monitor weather
(2) compass. fog comes in quick
(3) gps- nothing fancy. I started with handheld Lowrance unit
(4) some kind of signaling device. I use hand held smoke flares
and aerial flares. required by coast guard.
(5) Marine whistle. remember if battery goes dead boat horn doesnt work.
(6) heavy blanket. Lake Michigan is very cold and hypothermia sets in fast.
(7) throwable device. I like round one with hole in center
(8) anchor- Not required but recommended by Coast Guard.
Boatnut
04-10-2001, 05:15 AM
Most "seat cushion" pfd's are legal as a "throwable" device, if they have a coast guard approved label on them.
What size boat do you have? I'd highly recommend a safe boating course before venturing out on the big pond. RickT pretty much summed up the other "must haves". A good, high capacity bilge pump is a good idea.
A good, quality anchor with 4-6' of chain on it and at least a 150' of rode is a must. Remeber, your anchor is your "emergency brake" and you want something that will grab and hold in order to prevent your boat from being washed up on the rocks in case of engine failure.
my 2 cents.
Mike(boatnut)
My wife and I are just completing the Coast Guard Auxiliary couse on Boating Safety. I cannot stress enough the importance of taking such a course if you consider boating the Great Lakes. I've boated for many years on smaller lakes/rivers and there is no comparison to these bodies of water. I might add that the course is excellent - very informative and enjoyable as well. If nothing else - call the Coast Guard Auxiliary and have them do a free boat inspection. They are very pleasant folks and their philosophy is to "assist" in safe boating. Much success in your boating ventures. ET
cisco
04-10-2001, 07:32 AM
Besides the obvious advantages, the boating safety courses will also result in reduced insurance premiums with most companies. Why not save some money in the process of becoming a better boatsman?
One added item about the Great Lakes -- you should not fear them, but you must certainly respect them. No one fights the big water and wins. This is important to know.
Safe boating -- have some fun -- catch some fish.
Denied
04-10-2001, 09:45 AM
Check the following link. It give you an idea as to the USCG requirements.
http://www.uscgboating.org/reg/reg_fr_equipReq_quickref.asp
Fishing Western Lake Erie aboard "DENIED"
web page; http://www.cliftond.com
I have been boating on the Great Lakes for 20 years and bought a new boat last year so I decided to take a boating coarse. I have to admit that I learned a great deal. You also get a discount on boating insurance. One thing everyone failed to mention was a fire extinguisher.
There are others that are required.
a hand held horn, or whistle.
a distress flag is mandatory
100 ft of anchor rope
Flairs or mirror for a signal
Fire extinquisher fot the bigger boats
full first aid kit.
jumper cables
What is the best way to contact the Coast Guard regarding these classes? I called the biggest local boat shop and they refered me to the Sherriff and they told me to call back later (this was last winter). Sounds like this class is a good idea, Also thanks for all the responses.
,Mark