Page 172 - Cityview_Jan_Feb_2014

2014 Downtown Knoxville boatshow

How to Care For Your Brand-New Boat (Continued)

“They have an option called Skyhook self with the kind of people who do the

that uses the gPS system, and it will kind of boating you want to do.”
hold you in the position you’re in, and Before choosing a marina, says Court-

you won’t move,” says Metcalfe.
ney, it’s important to visit. Introduce
yourself to the dockmaster and the
Before You Launch
general manager—and ask questions.
The marina is most likely to be- “It’s important to consider your

come a family hangout and a reliable overall feeling of safety while you’re on
place to launch and dock your boat.
the premises,” he says. “Does it look like

At Aquaknox Marine, located at the things are in good repair? If things aren’t throwable—a preserver or a cushion.
Shanghai Resort & Marina in LaFol- looking the greatest, you’ve got to consid- You can use a pro ring like you see on

lette, boaters can find a restaurant, er the electrical and fire safety situation TV, or they have square cushions that
equipment shop, boat dealership, slips, and the storm preparation plans.”
you can throw to someone in the water.”

and docks. Every marina is different, Boaters also must have life jackets
says managing partner Bryan Courtney, On the Water
and a signaling device, either a horn

so it’s important to know your needs.
The little things are easy to take for or a whistle. For intracoastal boating,
“Certain marinas are going to have granted. Emergency equipment, for ex- Metcalfe also recommends an EPIRB

more fishing-type boats, or maybe sail- ample, is essential before leaving port.
(Emergency Position-Indicating Radio
boats or maybe house boats or cruis- “In the State of Tennessee, you must Beacon), a Coast guard-monitored

ers, or personal watercraft,” he says. have a fire extinguisher, and that’s a distress beacon. on local waters, a
“usually you’re going to find yourself in must anywhere you are,” says Sea Ray’s handheld, walkie-talkie style radio

a marina where you can associate your-
Metcalfe. “And you must have one
does just as well. It, too, is monitored
by the Coast guard.

one of the biggest water hazards is
floating debris, something that the Fort

Loudon Lake Association (FLLAKE) is
dedicated to removing. Jake Hudson,

FLLAKE lake captain and manager,
removes debris and trash daily, from

the beginnings of the Tennessee River
to the Fort Loudoun Dam.

He’s especially concerned with
partially submerged logs, the type that

poke just a few inches out of the water.
If impact occurs, those logs can seri-

ously maul a boat.
“When the water’s real calm, you can

go maybe 30 to 35 mph and still notice
debris,” says Hudson. “But when it’s

choppy, you need to slow down and look
hard for debris, because those waves can

really disguise submerged trees.”
For more information on safe boating

in Tennessee, explore the Tennes-
see Wildlife Resources Agency. A full

boater’s guide is available online at
www.tn.gov/twra.

26 DowntownKnoxvilleboatshow.com march 6-9, 2014