[OSMB-News] News Release -Now is the Perfect Time to De-Winterize the Boat

[Ashley Massey]

For Immediate Release	Date: Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Now is the Perfect Time to De-Winterize the Boat 

The sun is starting to shine and the days are getting longer, which means its time to de-winterize your boat.  With the spectacular forecast for this weekend, the Oregon State Marine Board offers some reminders and suggestions for getting your boat ready for the first excursion this season.
	
First, make sure you have your boater education card.  “All boaters who operate a motorboat over 10 horse power will need to take a boating safety course and carry their boater education card with them out on the water,” says Ashley Massey, Public Affairs Specialist for the Marine Board.  “Youth ranging from 12 to 15 years of age will need a card to operate a boat on their own, if the motor is under 10 hp.  If the boat is over 10 hp, the youth must be supervised directly by a card-holding adult (16 or older).  When operating a personal watercraft (PWC), youth 12 to 15 will need a card and be directly supervised by a card-holding adult over 18.”  For more information about mandatory education, Massey says you can log onto www.boatoregon.com/OSMB/BoatEd/questions.shtml to learn more about the program. 
	
Second, make sure your boat registration is current.  “Renewal reminders will be mailed to boaters toward the end of April.  The renewal notification has a special identification number on it allowing boaters to renew their registration online.  It’s simple and there’s no online processing fee.  The best part is you can print a temporary permit after ordering online, so you can go boating right away,”   Massey says.  “For folks new to boating or who didn’t renew for a few years, you can contact the Marine Board and speak with a registration specialist who can help you or simply send in your payment to us,” Massey adds.  The cost for registering your boat is a flat, $3 per foot fee, rounded to the nearest foot.

Third, make sure your boat is good shape before you get to the water.  “Prepare ahead of time to ensure a stress-free excursion.  There are some excellent de-winterizing, do-it-yourself instructions online, like www.basspro.com that give details about how to take care of the exterior, interior, motor and trailer.  Mercury Mariner has detailed information about engine maintenance and blended fuels at www.algonacharbourclub.com/images/mer_bul.pdf,” says Massey.  For the not-so-mechanically inclined, many marine centers and boat dealers can de-winterize your boat for you.

Fourth, be sure to carry an aquatic invasive species prevention permit if you’re operating a paddle craft.  The new law went into effect January 1 requiring operators of boats 10 feet long and longer to purchase and carry an aquatic invasive species prevention permit when the boat is in use.  These paper permits cost $7 and can be purchased through ODFW license agents, field offices and online at www.dfw.state.or.us.  Motorized boats with current decals do not need to purchase a permit.  The permit fee is rolled into the cost of registering your boat with the Marine Board.  For more information about this program, visit www.boatoregon.com/OSMB/programs/09LawsFAQs.shtml.  
	
Finally, be sure to check your equipment.  “Safety is paramount,” Massey emphatically states.  “Make sure your life jackets are in good condition (no mold, tears, etc.) and that there are enough to properly fit everyone on board.  It’s strongly recommended to wear it because even though the air temperature is warm, the water is cold.  Also be sure to have fire extinguishers, a sound producing device, and visual distress signals.  If you are going out to fish, be sure to have a good anchor with plenty of line and a buoy.  Another reminder is to anchor from the bow, not the stern, which can be extremely dangerous and easily cause a boat to swamp and capsize.
	
The Coast Guard Auxiliary and U.S. Power Squadrons conduct free vessel safety checks around the state and alert the boater if any safety equipment is needed.
	
“One last reminder is to watch the weather and be ready to head in if the wind picks up.  There’s also a lot of debris in the water, so keep a sharp lookout any hazards.”
	
Boaters can get all this information and more by visiting www.boatoregon.com or calling 503-378-8587.  Registration payments can be mailed to OSMB, P.O. Box 14145, Salem, OR 97309.
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Ashley A. Massey
Public Information Officer
Oregon State Marine Board
503-378-2623
503-378-8587 ext. 82623
ashley.massey at state.or.us
www.boatoregon.com
www.twitter.com/marineboard

Oregonians have the right to use the waterways -and the responsibility to keep them clean.  Never launch a Dirty Boat.