Harkening back to my Coast Guard days, I always do these two things before I get underway on a boat: check the tides and check the marine forecast with NOAA's National Weather Service. Armed with this valuable information, I can make decisions that could prevent a boating accident before I even step foot on the boat or during my outing.

For instance, if I checked the marine forecast today and it reads "SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY," I will opt to postpone my trip for a more opportune time.

What is a SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY? Small craft advisories are issued to alert mariners to sustained (more than two hours) weather or sea conditions, either present or forecast, that might be hazardous to small boats. The threshold conditions for the Small Craft Advisory are usually 18 knots of wind (less than 18 knots in some dangerous waters) or hazardous wave conditions, usually waves 4 feet or higher.

When a small craft advisory is issued, obviously the warning states that sea conditions could be dangerous for small craft. But what is a small craft exactly? Well, unless you own a yacht larger than 60 ft., your boat classifies as a small craft. Regardless of whether your boat is on the larger end of the size spectrum, a small craft advisory is meant to warn boaters that weather conditions are forecasted to be uncomfortable at best, and dangerous at worst. Boaters should heed the warning.

Related Articles:

Marine Weather Advisories, Watches, and Warnings

Small Craft Advisory - A Boater's Best Friend originally appeared on About.com Powerboating on Friday, March 12th, 2010 at 05:00:11.

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Boating is completely dependent upon the weather, and because of this, smart boaters are continuously aware of the marine environment, particularly the weather forecast. Before they go out for the day and while they are out, boaters need to know the marine weather forecasts because nothing can ruin a day of boating quicker than changing weather.

Spring is a particularly volatile time of year for marine weather. Generally windy and sporadically rainy, sometimes warm and other times chilly, spring is perhaps the most crucial time for knowing the marine weather forecast. Before getting underway, boaters should know that day's forecast including wind speed, wave height, whether rain is predicted and most importantly - are any of these supposed to change during the outing? Many boaters have been surprised to go out on a sunny, calm day only to return fighting small craft conditions. Boaters can obtain a marine forecast through NOAA's National Weather Service.  Once at the site, click your location on the U.S. map, one the left choose"Marine Forecast," and then click  your coastal area.

The result should look like this:

GMZ870-873-876-182300- TARPON SPRINGS TO SUWANNEE RIVER OUT 20 TO 60 NM- ENGLEWOOD TO TARPON SPRINGS OUT 20 TO 60 NM- BONITA BEACH TO ENGLEWOOD OUT 20 TO 60 NM-

1003 AM EST THU FEB 18 2010

SMALL CRAFT EXERCISE CAUTION THIS AFTERNOON

NORTH WINDS 15 TO 20 KNOTS. SEAS 4 TO 6 FEET.

TONIGHT NORTH WINDS AROUND 15 KNOTS. SEAS SUBSIDING TO 2 TO 4 FEET.

Forecasts are updated four times a day and can be received by cell phone or mobile device.  NOAA Weather Radio also broadcasts in the VHF public service band at these seven frequencies (MHz):

Boating Lessons: Weather Forecasts originally appeared on About.com Powerboating on Wednesday, March 10th, 2010 at 05:25:46.

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This week my blogs are focused on weather. With spring just around the corner, boaters are eager to get back on the water, but the weather just now can be cantankerous. Get familiar with the marine forecast through the National Weather Service, an office of NOAA, which issues weather advisories, watches and warning throughout the U.S. to warn citizens of impending foul weather so they can take appropriate measures.

As mariners, several of these marine weather advisories, watches and warnings apply to boating activities. Before boating, obtain a marine weather forecast to know if one of these conditions is forecasted so you can make the best safe boating decision possible.

Here are a few to be aware of:

Small Craft Advisory
Small craft advisories are issued to alert mariners to sustained (more than two hours) weather or sea conditions, either present or forecast, that might be hazardous to small boats. The threshold conditions for the Small Craft Advisory are usually 18 knots of wind (less than 18 knots in some dangerous waters) or hazardous wave conditions, usually waves 4 feet or higher.

Wind Advisory
A wind advisory is issued when sustained winds of 31 to 39 mph or gusts of 46 - 57 mph are expected for 3 hours or longer.

Gale Warning
Gale warnings are issued when winds within 39 - 54 mph (34 - 47 knots) are expected within 24 hours, or frequent gusts between 35 knots and 49 knots are expected. Gale warnings may precede or accompany a hurricane watch.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch/Warning
A severe thunderstorm warning is issued when winds of 58 mph or higher and/or hail at least 3/4 of an inch in diameter are occurring or imminent in the warning area. At severe thunderstorm watch is issued if the conditions are possible in and near the watch area, but the watch doesn't necessarily mean they will occur.

Dense Fog Advisory
A dense fog advisory is issued when widespread fog is expected to reduce visibility to 1/4 mile or less over a large area for an extended period of time (more than 3 hours).

Related Articles:

Before Boating, Obtain a Marine Weather Forecast

The Beaufort Scale of Wind Force

Spring Marine Weather Advisories originally appeared on About.com Powerboating on Monday, March 8th, 2010 at 05:22:37.

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It's never too early to begin thinking about spring maintenance and getting your boat ready for the summer season. Even if the ground is still frozen, your boat is under a layer of snow, or it's too cold to perform de-winterizing tasks, you can still make a spring commissioning to-do list for your boat. By gathering all the materials now, on that first nice day of spring, you'll be ready to take advantage of the warmer weather and be able to get your boat in the water that much faster.

What things should go on the to-do list and the shopping list? Well, first, think about the de-winterizing activities of engine maintenance. If you didn't winterize your engine before the cold weather, or perform and oil and filter change, you will want to do that now. You'll also want to flush the cooling system and test the batteries.

Inspecting the hull, vinyl, and brightwork will also be a priority. You will want to stock up on cleaners, waxes and repair materials. If your hull is dull, follow a gelcoat repair or maintenance plan to get the shine back.

Don't forget to inspect your lines and your safety gear such as lifejackets, electronics, etc. You may need to replace your flares if they are expired or have your fire extinguisher re-charged.

By thinking through the details now, you will be organized and ready when the warm weather hits with a shiny, well-maintained boat.

Get Your Boat Ready For Spring originally appeared on About.com Powerboating on Friday, March 5th, 2010 at 05:00:12.

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The spring boat show season continues with over 40 March boat shows that you can attend including: 53rd Annual Colorado RV, Sports, Boat & Travel Show, the Long Island Boat Show, the Greater Philadelphia Boat Show, and the Central Florida Boat Show.

Don't miss out on the boat shows going on around the country, check out the 2010 March Show Calendar and these other boat show resources:

Boat Show Tips
Best Time to Buy a Boat
2010 Boat Show Calendar

March Boat Shows originally appeared on About.com Powerboating on Monday, March 1st, 2010 at 05:24:21.

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Have you cruised or do you boat on the Gulf Coast? If so, I want to hear from you about your favorite Gulf Coast boating destination!

A new About.com Powerboating feature allows readers to share their stories of their favorite boating destinations with fellow boaters. You can even upload up to two photos to show your favorite places, people or things in the destination of your choosing.

If you have boated on the Gulf Coast, you can be the first to add your experience to the Powerboating site. You will be able to share where you went, what you saw and give advice based upon your experiences to other boater who may be interested in traveling to this beautiful part of our country. Interested? Follow the link to begin telling us about your Gulf Coast boating destinations! If you are reading this and don't boat on the Gulf Coast, no worries, you can add your boating destination to any one of the links below:

Gulf Coast (excluding Florida) Boating Destinations

California Boating Destinations

Florida Boating Destinations

Pacific Northwest Boating Destinations

Hawaiian Boating Destinations

Great Lakes Boating Destinations

Southeastern Coast Boating Destinations

New England Boating Destinations

Best Gulf Coast Boating Destinations originally appeared on About.com Powerboating on Friday, February 26th, 2010 at 05:27:46.

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Have you cruised or do you boat in California? If so, I want to hear from you about your favorite California boating destination!

A new About.com Powerboating feature allows readers to share their stories of their favorite boating destinations with fellow boaters. You can even upload up to two photos to show your favorite places, people or things in the destination of your choosing.

If you have boated on the inland lakes or the coast of California, you can be the first to add your experience to the Powerboating site. You will be able to share where you went, what you saw and give advice based upon your experiences to other boater who may be interested in traveling to this beautiful part of our country. Interested? Follow the link to begin telling us about your California boating destinations! If you are reading this and don't boat in California, no worries, you can add your boating destination to any one of the links below:

California Boating Destinations

Florida Boating Destinations

Pacific Northwest Boating Destinations

Hawaiian Boating Destinations

Great Lakes Boating Destinations

Gulf Coast (excluding Florida) Boating Destinations

Southeastern Coast Boating Destinations

New England Boating Destinations

Favorite California Boating Destination originally appeared on About.com Powerboating on Wednesday, February 24th, 2010 at 05:24:59.

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Have you cruised or do you boat in Florida? If so, I want to hear from you about your favorite Florida boating destination!

A new About.com Powerboating feature allows readers to share their stories of their favorite boating destinations with fellow boaters. You can even upload up to two photos to show your favorite places, people or things in the destination of your choosing.

If you have boated on the east or west coast of Florida, you can be the first to add your experience to the Powerboating site. You will be able to share where you went, what you saw and give advice based upon your experiences to other boater who may be interested in traveling to this beautiful part of our country. Interested? Follow the link to begin telling us about your Florida boating destinations! If you are reading this and don't boat in Florida, no worries, you can add your boating destination to any one of the links below:

Florida Boating Destinations

Pacific Northwest Boating Destinations

Hawaiian Boating Destinations

California Boating Destinations

Great Lakes Boating Destinations

Gulf Coast (excluding Florida) Boating Destinations

Southeastern Coast Boating Destinations

New England Boating Destinations

Florida Boating Destinations originally appeared on About.com Powerboating on Monday, February 22nd, 2010 at 12:22:41.

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Have you cruised or do you boat in the Pacific Northwest? If so, I want to hear from you!

A new About.com Powerboating feature allows readers to share their stories of their favorite boating destinations with fellow boaters. You can even upload up to two photos to show your favorite places, people or things in the destination of your choosing.

If you have boated in the Pacific Northwest - Washington, Oregon, Idaho or Montana - you can be the first to add your experience to the Powerboating site (future boating destinations will follow soon). You will be able to share where you went, what you saw and give advice based upon your experiences to other boater who may be interested in traveling to this beautiful part of our country. Interested? Follow the link below to begin telling us about your Pacific Northwest boating destinations!

Pacific Northwest Boating Destinations

Pacific Northwest Boating Destinations originally appeared on About.com Powerboating on Friday, February 19th, 2010 at 18:04:56.

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If the love of your life is a boater (or would-be boater) great Valentine's Day ideas are easy to come by. Think water and boats, and you will have the perfect recipe for a romantic date or the perfect gift idea. Here are a few ideas to get your thoughts motoring in the right direction:

1. A romantic seaside dinner, even if the weather outside is frigid, will warm your loved one's heart. Want it to be really special? Make arrangements to travel to a never visited coastal or lakeside restaurant, bed and breakfast or hotel.

2. If you have a boater in your life, it is easy to give great boating gifts that every boater will value and love. Fortunately, boating gifts are available in every price range to suit any budget. Find the best gifts for the boater in the your life - whether it's books or DVDs, tech and gadgets, or simply fun or personalized gifts for the extra special touch.

3. Attend a boat show with the boater in your life. Since Valentine's Day falls on a Sunday this year, an extra special surprise might include a day trip to a local boat show where you can browse and dream together.

Related Articles:

Boating Gifts
2010 Boat Shows

Valentine's Day Ideas originally appeared on About.com Powerboating on Thursday, February 11th, 2010 at 08:30:09.

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