Hurricane Season Tips For Boat Owners
Hurricane Season Tips For Boat Owners
The hurricane season in Miami runs from June 1st – November 30th. There is no better time than now to prepare your boat!
Hurricane Season in officially started June first and runs through November 30th. 2016 was the most active season since 2012. For the 2017 Hurricane Season, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts an active year, with up 17 named storms and 9 hurricanes. No matter how many storms we see this season; it only takes one to cause major destruction to your vessel. We are especially reminded of this as we mark the 25th anniversary of Hurricane Andrew on August 24th. With the 2017 Hurricane Season here, there’s no better time than now to prepare your boat to make sure it is ready to withstand a major storm.
Hurricane Season Boat Preparation Tips
The first step in preparing for a hurricane is to create a hurricane plan. When formulating a hurricane plan, you must always keep in mind that “life comes before property”. At North Beach Marina, we strongly encourage that you heed all evacuation notices issued by your local county emergency management office regardless of the vulnerability of your boat.
REVIEW BOAT INSURANCE
It is wise to make sure that you have all of your boat documents in an easily accessible location and that the insurance is up to date. Also, to help with insurance claims, take photos and video of your boat before and after to show proof of damages.
Dry Boat Storage Tips
REMOVE BOAT FROM THE WATER
If you have a smaller boat, somewhere under 35’ feet, it is safest for the boat (and for your mental well-being) to get it out of the water completely. Whether the boat is on a trailer, next to your house, or at a dry storage marina, the boats that are stored dry typically see less damage than those left in the water during a hurricane.
REMOVE COVER
If you leave the boat outside during a storm it is best to leave the cover off of the boat, especially if it is expensive or custom-made. The cover on the boat will collect rainwater and strain the cover, tearing it in the process. If the cover comes loose during a storm, it will fall victim to the wind, and more than likely get ruined. Your boat was made to get wet, so let it, leave it uncovered during a storm.
REMOVE NONWATERPROOF ITEMS
We recommend that you take anything off the boat that’s not supposed to get wet, or that is light enough to fly away in a heavy wind. This includes (but is not limited to) cushions, dock lines, flags, Bimini tops, and GPS/radios. Make sure to secure anything else that cannot be removed from the boat.
SEAL OPENINGS
Seal all openings on the boat to keep it watertight (hatches, cabinets, doors, etc.). To help keep things secure during a storm, use duct tape for an easy remedy.
REMOVE DRAIN PLUGS
If you are storing your boat on dry land, remove the drain plugs out of your boat can be a good idea. If the boat fills up with water, the added weight can negatively affect the way it sits on your trailer or dry-rack. Marinas typically keep the drain plugs out, however, if your boat is on a trailer, it’s a good practice to keep the drain plug out. Just remember to put the plug back in before using the boat next!
Boat Storage Tips for the Water
FIND A SAFE HARBOR
If you have no choice but to leave your boat in the water during a hurricane, try to find a safe harbor to anchor. Once you find a safe place, hopefully, off of the deep water, look around. Are there rocks? Are you near a seawall? Is your boat anchored on a sandy bottom or a rocky ledge? What obstacles can the boat come into contact with during violent winds, storm surges, or if the boat breaks loose from its anchor?
INSPECT THE BILGE PUMPS & FLOAT SWITCHES
Make sure your bilge pumps and bilge float switches are working and are hard wired to your batteries. If your boat is on a lift, make sure the lift is in good working order and lift your boat higher than then normal.
INSPECT DOCK/ BOAT LIFT
If you are docking your boat make sure your dock is in good shape -make any needed improvements to ensure the dock holds up during the storm.
ADJUST BOAT LINES
As crunch time approaches, double tie or triple tie your boat to the dock. Also, adjust all lines for the tide surges, the wind, and rain. Also use buoys to protect from impact against floating debris, the dock, and seawall.
Final Tips for Hurricane Season
DON’T WAIT
Most importantly, don’t wait until 3 days before the storm to make your hurricane plan. Call your local marinas and Happy Trailer Rentals to see how we can help before the hurricane season hits
You can take all the precautions in the world to secure your boat, but Mother Nature sometimes gets the best of us. Make sure you to prepare and stay safe.
Should you need assistance preparing your boat for hurricane season call us at (786) 728-9988.
2017 Miami Boat Show Tips
Miami Boat Show Tips
The 2017 Miami International Boat Show returns to Marine Stadium Park & Basin on Virginia Beach Key over President’s Day Weekend, Thursday, February 16 through – Monday the 20th. See boats of all sizes, makes, and models while shopping for the latest in marine accessories and clothing. Tickets are $25 for adults and admission is free for ages 15 and younger.
There are several options for getting to this year’s show including the water taxi and shuttles buses. Water taxis operate from 9 am to 7 pm during the event. Downtown lots are located at Marlins Park and American Airlines Arena. Pick-up and drop-off locations are Bayfront Park, American Airlines Arena, the Hyatt Hotel and the W Miami.
Learn more click here
Winterfest Boat Parade Tips
Winterfest Boat Parade Tips
The Winterfest Boat Parade heats up South Florida on December 10th
Happy Holidays! One of South Florida’s biggest events of the year is coming up in December: The 45th Annual Winterfest Boat Parade. On December 10, 2016, boats will line up in the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale a parade up the intercoastal waterways. Boats of all sizes will adorn their decks with lights and decorations, blast holiday music, entertainment, and even some celebrity guests as the holiday season heating up the holidays in true South Florida style.
Winterfest Boat Parade Schedule
During the parade, you’ll see this year’s theme unfold: “Comics and Cartoons Rockin’ the Night Away”, and you’ll be able to see this year’s Grand Marshall, Pitbull. There are many places to watch the parade along the intercoastal. To find out more about it, you can visit the website at https://winterfestparade.com/
Boat Parade Entry Application
https://winterfestparade.com/parade-application
Virtual Parade Route
Bridge Closure Schedule
https://winterfestparade.com/when-are-the-bridges-up
Watch from the Water
We have the perfect place to launch your boat to watch the boat parade in Fort Lauderdale. Our sister company, Riverfront Marina & Pirate Bar is located along the New River at 20 SW 3rd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, 33315. Contact us to schedule your boat launch at 954-527-1829.
North Beach Miami Boat Parade December 17th
Although not as big and extravagant as Winterfest, North Miami Beach has a wonderful boat parade of its own! The North Beach Boat Parade is on December 17, 2016, starting at 86th Street. What started as a small neighborhood parade is growing into a fun community event that gives our local community something to both enjoy and participate in. For information on this fun family, event visit http://www.northbeachboatparade.com/.
Happy Holidays from our family to yours!
Hurricane Season Predications & Boat Preparation Tips
Is Your Boat Ready for the 2016 Hurricane Season in South Florida?
South Florida is no stranger to devastating hurricanes. However, the Sunshine State has gone a record ten years without a major storm touching the land of a category 3 or higher —the last hurricane being Wilma in October 2005. Have we become too complacent with our decade-long good fortune of near misses? Possibly! That’s why we have compiled a list of hurricane preparation tips and resources for you to consider this year that can help mitigate damage to your boat caused by these storms.
2016 Hurricane Season Predictions
The 2016 Atlantic hurricane season started June 1st and will run until November 30th, with the peak period between early August through the end of October.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has said 2016 will be a “near-normal” hurricane season with 10 to 16 storms that could come hurtling toward the US coast this year. “This is a more challenging hurricane season outlook than most because it’s difficult to determine whether there will be reinforcing or competing climate influences on tropical storm development,” said Gerry Bell, Ph.D., lead seasonal hurricane forecaster with NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center. “However, a near-normal prediction for this season suggests we could see more hurricane activity than we’ve seen in the last three years, which were below normal.
Hurricane Season Boat Preparation Tips
The first step in preparing for a hurricane is to create a hurricane plan. When formulating a hurricane plan, you must always keep in mind that “life comes before property”. Riverfront Marina Fort Lauderdale strongly encourages that you heed all evacuation notices issued by your local county emergency management office regardless of the vulnerability of your boat.
Boat Storage & Trailer Tips for Hurricane Season:
- If you have a smaller boat, somewhere under 35’ feet, it is safest for the boat (and for your mental well-being) to get it out of the water completely. Whether the boat is on a trailer, next to your house, or at a dry storage marina, the boats that are stored dry typically see less damage than those left in the water during a hurricane.
- Leave the cover off of the boat, especially if it is expensive or custom-made. The cover on the boat will collect rainwater and strain the cover, tearing it in the process. If the cover comes loose during a storm, it will fall victim to the wind, and more than likely get ruined. Your boat was made to get wet, so let it, leave it uncovered during a storm.
- We recommend that you take anything off the boat that’s not supposed to get wet, or that is light enough to fly away in a heavy wind. This includes (but is not limited to) cushions, dock lines, flags, Bimini tops, and GPS/radios. Make sure to secure anything else that cannot be removed from the boat.
- Seal all openings on the boat to keep it watertight (hatches, cabinets, doors, etc.). To help keep things secure during a storm, use duct tape for an easy remedy.
- Keep the drain plugs out of your boat is also a good idea. If the boat fills up with water, the added weight can negatively affect the way it sits on your trailer or dry-rack. Marinas typically keep the drain plugs out, however, if your boat is on a trailer, it’s a good practice to keep the drain plug out. Just remember to put the plug back in before using the boat next!
Boat in the Water
If you have no choice but to leave your boat in the water during a hurricane, try to find a safe harbor to anchor. Once you find a safe place, hopefully, off of the deep water, look around. Are there rocks? Are you near a seawall? Is your boat anchored on a sandy bottom or a rocky ledge? What obstacles can the boat come into contact with during violent winds, storm surges, or if the boat breaks loose from its anchor?
If you are docking your boat make sure your dock is in good shape -make any needed improvements to ensure the dock holds up during the storm. As crunch time approaches, double tie or triple tie your boat to the dock.
Final Tips For This Year’s Hurricane Season
Finally, it is wise to make sure that you have all of your boat documents in an easily accessible location and that the insurance is up to date. Also, to help with insurance claims, keep receipts and take photos or video of your boat.
You can take all the precautions in the world to secure your boat, but Mother Nature sometimes can get the best of us. Make sure you prepare and stay safe.
Important Hurricane Resources for Boaters:
NOAA – National Hurricane Center
Spaghetti Models – Hurricane Tracking
If you have any questions or need help preparing your boat for this year’s hurricane season to contact us at (786) 728-9988.
A Guide To Fishing Season in South Florida
South Florida Fishing Season Guide
The winds are starting to lie down and it’s a wonderful time for fishing in South Florida. With lobster season and stone crab season coming to its end, there are many other opportunities to go fishing as we come out of Spring. From the deep sea to Biscayne Bay there are plenty of opportunities to catch your next dinner or wall mount. It’s all fun until you get a fine, so whether you’re hunting for Wahoo or Mahi or grouper, we want you to be safe when it comes to size and season regulations. View our guide below to a successful 2016 Fishing Season in Miami and all of South Florida. And remember; to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), size and timing do matter. So pay attention to what’s in season and the size of your catch or be prepared to pay.
What’s in Season Now?
The big question everyone is asking us is when is Grouper Season in Miami? Offshore, the grouper are biting because they know that they’re untouchable! Grouper is off-limits until May 1st, in which the season will run until December 31. Learn more about Grouper Season in Miami at myfwc.com. Now is the season for Wahoo and for Blackfin Tuna as well. May through July is the peak season for Mahi and Amberjack.
Fishing Biscayne Bay and the Flats
If you’re not in the mood to be out in open water, fishing Biscayne Bay and the flats are great choices. If you’re fishing the bay make sure to have some live shrimp and get ready to catch the ravenous speckled trout that are chowing down this time of year. April through July is also a very good time to sharpen up on your fly fishing skills in the bay The tarpon are here in great abundance, and if you’re looking for the Slam (tarpon, permit, bonefish), it can happen during these next few months.
Fishing Regulations Cheat Sheet
There are many rules and regulations to be aware of when it comes to fishing in South Florida. Below is a rule and regulation cheat sheet for Saltwater Fishing from mywfc.com. It’s a great document to keep on your boat.
Download Cheat Sheet
What do you think? What are your thoughts about Fishing Season in South Florida? What tips would you add? Leave your questions and comments in the box below. Also, if you have a story about catching the Slam, please share!
For more information about Fishing Season contact our facility at 786-728-9988.
Super El Niño Bad Weather Boating Tips
Bad Weather Boating Tips for a Wet Winter in South Florida
As hurricane season winds down in Miami, boat owners have another weather phenomenon to worry about this year, “Super El Niño.” This year’s Super El Niño has so far protected us from menacing hurricanes. However, experts are predicting a much different story for 2016, making boat safety and maintenance essential as we welcome in the New Year.
In Miami, El Niño can bring more rain and cooler weather this winter than we’re used to — which can have a big effect on fishing and diving activities. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center gives Florida a 70 percent chance of above-normal rainfall, which is on-par with what we’ve been experiencing this fall.
As a result of the increased storms, boaters can experience poor water conditions and low visibility without warning. Review out boating tips below about preparing yourself for bad weather during this Super El Nino year. The following tips were collected from various resources and our friends in the Marine and Boating Industry.
El Nino Boating Tips
1. Monitor the weather channel on your VHF radio.
2. Get a good fix of your position and plot it on your chart to safer waters or shore.
3. Talk to your passengers and make sure when that when bad weather arrives to keep low in the boat, don’t move around excessively and don’t go out on deck unless necessary.
4. Break out your storm gear and put it on before the weather gets poor.
5. Secure all hatches; close all ports and windows.
6. Pump bilges dry and repeat as required.
7. Secure all loose items above decks and below.
8. Ready emergency equipment like hand pumps, bailers, first aid kit, signaling device, and flare gun etc.
9. Make sure the life raft is in good condition and properly equipped with food and water.
10. Turn on navigation lights.
11. Keep away from metal objects.
12. Keep a lookout for floating debris and other boats.
13. Don’t operate your vessel from the tower.
14. Have semi-annual boat maintenance.
If you have questions about our Niño Boating Tips or want to know about the weather at our Miami Marina give us a call today at 786-728-9988.
2015 Lobster Season Tips
Lobster Season Tips for South Florida
Mini Season in South Florida runs from June 29-30, 2015. It’s always a great time to get your fill of lobster (and to share some of the lobster with your friendly boat rental staff, of course), but we want you to come back safe and sound. Here are some tips to keep you safe this season:
- Make sure you have your Fishing License and a Lobster Permit. If you haven’t gotten yours yet, visit www.myfwc.com.
- Know your limits: Legal Limit is 12 lobster per person, per day in South Florida except in Monroe County and Biscayne National Park where the limit is 6 lobster per person per day. Please help our ecosystem thrive and don’t take more than you’re allowed.
- Legal Size limit is 3” or larger than the carapace (the upper part of the lobster from where the tail meets the head).
- You are required to have a measuring device at all times no matter what.
- Make sure your dive gear is up to date and that you have it serviced. Also, make sure that your SCUBA tanks have been visually inspected within the last year.
- When scuba diving, please be mindful of your air consumption. Lobster is delicious, but not worth getting decompression sickness or worse.
- Use a diver down flag always!
- When boating, be mindful of diver down flags. Know that there are people in the water and be extra cautious during the lobster season.
- Make sure to plan out your dive locations and check the weather.
- Bring plenty of ice and a cooler to keep you catch fresh until you get back to the docks.
Main Lobster Season Miami
If you can’t make it out for Lobster Mini-Season, not to worry. The regular lobster season opens on August 6th and runs through March 31st. The same safety rules apply, so please boat and dive safely all season long. The only thing that really changes is your limit of catch. Legal Limit during the regular lobster season is 6 lobsters per person per day vs. 12 during mini-season.
If you need a boat trailer for rent in Miami or have questions about the 2015 lobster season in South Florida call us at (786) 728-9988. Also, don’t forget to stop by our sister company Northbeach Marina this season to launch your boat and fill up on supplies before head out on the water.
Top 10 Winter Boating Tips for South Florida
Top 10 Winter Boating Tips for South Florida
If you are fortunate enough to be in South Florida during the winter months you’ll notice the weather is sublime. With average temperatures in the 70’s, there is no stopping the fun due to cold weather like our friends up north.
There is no place like South Florida for boating during the winter months. While here you can see everything from boat parades and seawall fishing rodeos to manatees and billfish tournaments. South Florida is a boater’s dream during the winter months.
Below we have compiled our list winter boating tips for Fort Lauderdale
- Hurricane Season ends November 30th
- Bill Fishing Season Begins December 1st
- Lobster season runs until March 31st
- Be flexible when planning your day on the water, as winter storms tend to move in fast and sit for days.
- Palm Beach Holiday Boat Show and Fireworks Dec 6th (more info)
- Fort Lauderdale Winter Fest Boat Parade: Dec 13th (more info)
- Miami International Boat Show: Feb 12-16 (more info)
- Manatee Migration: Watch the gentle giants make their way south for the winter. You can see them at a number of locations around the state. (more info)
- Christmas Light Boat Tour: Enjoy a boat tour through the intercostal waterways to see the eclectic assortment of Christmas lights and decorations.
- Water Taxi: Instead of sitting in holiday traffic from all the snowbirds, take the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi to navigate around our illustrious city. (more inf0)
Bonus Tip
- Get Mobile: Rent a boat trailer and go to the Florida Keys or West Coast to enjoy the warm weather and calmer waters. Not to mention the vast amounts of fishing and marine life you can see while there. (more info)
If you have any suggestions for our winter boating tips please let us know by calling (786) 728-9988. We’re always looking for more fun ideas to be out on the water.
How to Keep Your Boat Trailer Safe During a Hurricane
How to Keep Your Boat Trailer Safe During a Hurricane in Florida
Happy Trailer Rentals Miami would like to remind boaters that just because we’re halfway through the 2014 Hurricane Season doesn’t mean we’re out of the choppy waters yet. Hurricane Season runs from June 1st through November 30th with most of the activity happening in the month of September.
In the last few decades, South Floridians have seen our share of storms, from Hurricane Andrew to Hurricane Wilma and every Hurricane, Tropical Storm and Depression in between. There has been major damage and sometimes just inconveniences, but we all know that no matter what Mother Nature throws at us, it’s best to be prepared.
During Hurricane Season, you stock up on canned food, bottled water, batteries, flashlights, and other supplies to keep you and your home safe, but, what about your boat? How will your boat weather a storm?
Hurricanes are inevitable when you live in South Florida but there are strategies to help mitigate the damage caused to your boat during a hurricane. Below we have compiled a list of tips that can help you protect your boat this Hurricane Season and also included some resources for more thorough information.
Small Boat Trailer Storage Tips for Hurricane Season:
If you have a smaller boat, under 35’ feet, it is safest for the boat (and for your mental well-being) to get it out of the water completely. Whether the boat is on a trailer next to your house or at a dry storage marina, the boats that are stored dry typically see less damage than those left in the water during a hurricane.
- Leave the cover off of the boat, especially if it is expensive or custom made. The cover on the boat will collect rainwater and strain the cover, tearing it in the process. If the cover comes loose during a storm, it will fall victim to the wind, and more than likely get ruined. Your boat was made to get wet, so let it, leave it uncovered during a storm.
- We recommend that you take anything off the boat that’s not supposed to get wet, or that is light enough to fly away in a heavy wind. This includes (but is definitely not limited to) cushions, dock lines, flags, Bimini tops, and GPS/Radios. Make sure to secure anything else that cannot be removed from the boat.
- Seal all openings on the boat to keep it watertight (hatches, cabinets, doors, etc.). To help keep things secure during a storm, use duct tape for an easy remedy.
- Keeping the drain plugs out of your boat is also a good idea. If the boat fills up with water, the added weight can negatively affect the way it sits on your trailer or dry-rack. Marinas typically keep the drain plugs out, however, if your boat is on a trailer, it’s a good practice to keep the drain plug out. Just remember to put the plug back in before using the boat next!
Keeping Your Boat in the Water
If you have no choice but to leave your boat in the water during a hurricane, try to find a safe harbor to anchor. Once you find a safe place, hopefully, off of the wide water, look around. Are there rocks? Are you near a seawall? Is your boat anchored on a sandy bottom or a rocky ledge? What obstacles can the boat come into contact with during violent winds, storm surges, or in the event that the boat breaks loose from its anchor?
Final Tips For Keeping Your Boat and Trailer Safe During Hurricane Season
Finally, it is wise to make sure that you have all of your boat documents in an easily accessible location and that the insurance is up to date. Also, to help with insurance claims, keep receipts and take photos or video of your boat and trailer.
You can take all the precautions in the world to secure your boat, however, Mother Nature sometimes gets the best of us. Make sure you are prepared and stay safe.
Important Hurricane Resources for Boaters:
To learn more about hurricane preparedness tips for boats and dry boat storage in Miami, Florida call us at 786-728-9988.
2014 Mini-Lobster Season Miami Florida
Lobster Season News and Updates for 2014
The 2014 mini lobster season begins at 12:01 am on Wednesday, July 30th and ends at 12:00 midnight on Thursday, July 31st. The regular 8 month lobster season will start August 6th and run through March 31, 2015.
During the mini-season, recreational divers and snorkelers can take up to six lobsters per person daily in Monroe County and Biscayne National Park waters and 12 lobsters per person daily in other Florida waters otherwise face fines from Florida.
Learn all about the 2014 Florida Lobster Season, click here.
New Laws for the 2014 Florida Lobster Season, click here.
For more information about the 2014 Florida Lobster Season call us today at (786) 728-9988