Pelican Harbor Marina Beautification Project
Pelican Harbor Marina Beautification Project
Boat Ramp Parking Lot Get’s a Much Needed Overhaul
We are excited to announce the Pelican Harbor Boat Ramp and Marina is getting a much-needed overhaul this fall. Located at 1275 NE 79th St., Miami, on Biscayne Bay and the Intracoastal Waterway, Pelican Harbor Marina is near our boat storage facility and offers nearby ocean access to the Haulover Inlet and Government Cut.
The city of Miami-Dade has implemented the “Pelican Harbor Marina Boat Ramp Parking Lot Beautification Project,” valued at $2.6 million, to modernize, upgrade and improve the overall facility. Construction started this September and expected to be completed in the fall of 2019. The boat ramp will remain open during the project with limited parking spaces available.
Beautification Project Highlights:
- Reconfiguring traffic flow to reduce congestion.
- Reconfiguring parking spaces to accommodate 150 trailers and 24 vehicles.
- Replace and resurface asphalt
- Installing new signs
- Installing a new eight-foot-wide pedestrian concrete walkway
- Improving parking lot stormwater drainage
- Installing new landscaping
- Making lighting improvements
- Installing new fire hydrant.
Learn more about the Pelican Harbor Marina Beautification Project, click here.
Top Lobstering Equipment for South Florida
Top Lobstering Equipment
See our list of lobster catching gear for the Florida Spinney Lobster Season
The 2018 Florida Lobster Season started off with much success for local divers in Miami with plenty of lobster for everyone. Personally, we limited out in the first few hours of mini-season opening and most recently scored 11 bugs off the beach in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea using our Airline hookah system.
With the first few dives under our belt for the season, we noticed some of our gear breaking down and in need of replacement. Now that it’s time to purchase new lobstering equipment we want to share with you our list of top lobster catching gear for 2018.
Low Volume Dive Mask
- Omer Alien Spear-Fishing Mask – $60.00
- Automatic Subframe Scuba Mask – $114.95
Dive Fins
- Cressi Pro Light Fits -$51.95
- Cressi Gara Modular Full Heal – $149.95
Kevlar Dive Gloves
- Akona Bug Hunter 1mm – $20.95
- Evo 3mm Dive Glove – $34.99
Lobster Bag
- Lobster Inn -$47.99
- Deluxe One Hand – $73.99
Lobster Snare
- Economy Lobster Snare – $24.99
- Equalizer Lobster Snare – $64.99
Lobster Tickle Stick
- Aluminum Curved Tick Stick – $4.99
- Pro Teaser 2 Telescopic Lobster Tickle Stick – $29.99
Lobster Net
- Tear Drop Net https – $14.99
- Lobster Net and Snare Combo Snet – $39.99
Lobster Guage
- Yellow Plastic – $1.00
- Aluminum – $2.99
Lobster Deveiner Tool
- D Vein https – $14.99
Third Lung
5 Tips for the 2018 Lobster Season
5 Tips for the 2018 Lobster Season
Happy Trailer Storage welcomes the 2018-19 Lobster Season
The Lobster Mini Season in Miami will officially begin at 12:01 am on Wednesday, July 25th, and ends at midnight on Thursday, July 26th. The regular 8-month lobster season will start on August 6th and runs through March 31, 2019. Before you head out on the water review our tips below to ensure a safe and successful hunt!
- SAFETY FIRST
There is always a risk associated with scuba diving, especially during the lobster mini-season. With thousands of recreational boaters on the water at one time, make sure to have your dive flag visible, bring a spotter, and keep your eyes and ears open. Also, as tempting, as is it may seem to reach into a hole or under coral to grab a bug, do not. You can get stuck or injured by an unknown fish lurking below.
- KNOW YOUR LIMITS
During the mini-season, recreational divers and snorkelers can take a maximum of twelve lobsters per person per day in Broward and Miami Dade Counties except for Biscayne National Park. In the primary season, one can take a maximum of 6 lobsters per person per day.
See the official Lobster Season rules
- SIZE MATTERS
It is important to remember the body of the lobster excluding the tail should be larger than 3″, measured in the water. One should carry a measuring device at all times. Possession limits are strictly enforced on and off the water.
- BUY A “LICENSE” OR GET FINED
You must have a recreational saltwater fishing license and a spiny lobster permit to participate in Lobster Season. To acquire these items, one can easily pick them up from a local Publix Supermarket or online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.
- PURCHASE THE CORRECT EQUIPMENT
There is nothing more frustrating than malfunctioning equipment during a dive. From a leaking mask to a broken regulator, make sure to have your gear tested and prepped for this season.
Where to Watch Fourth of July Fireworks
Where to Watch Fourth of July Fireworks
Top 6 Places to Watch Independence Day Fireworks by boat in Miami
Happy Independence Day from everyone at Happy Trailer Storage. The Fourth of July holiday is on Wednesday this year. There are many independence day celebrations in Miami that will feature fantastic fireworks displays you can see by boat. Below we have compiled a list of the top six destinations to watch the fireworks in Miami by boat.
1. Bal Harbour
Fireworks: 9 p.m. fireworks display at the jetty on the beach
Address: located on the north end of Bal Harbour Beach at 101st Street, overlooking Haulover Inlet.
2. North Miami Celebration by the Bay
Fireworks: sundown
Address: 3000 NE 151st St. North Miami Beach, FL 33181
3. Key Biscayne’s Fourth of July Parade
Fireworks: 9 p.m.
Address: view the event from the Atlantic Ocean Crandon Boulevard from Harbor Drive to West Enid Drive, Key Biscayne.
4. Americas Birthday Bash in Bayfront Park
Fireworks: 9 p.m.
Address: view from Biscayne Bay, 301 N. Biscayne Blvd., Miami
5. Miami Beach Fire on the Fourth Festival
Fireworks: 9 p.m
Address: View the event from the Atlantic Ocean near the North Beach Bandshell on Collins Avenue and 73 Street
6. South Pointe Park
Fireworks: 9 p.m
Address: View the event from the South Jetty. 1 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
How to Prepare Your Boat for a Hurricane
How to Prepare Your Boat for a Hurricane
The Hurricane Season in Miami runs from June 1st through November 30th. Make sure your boat is prepared to weather a storm.
The Hurricane Season is from June 1st through November 30th. Last year was one of the most destructive seasons on record with six major hurricanes, including Hurricane Irma that caused destruction throughout the entire state of Florida. Keeping this in mind, we strongly recommend having a hurricane plan in place for your boat to help prevent damages that can be caused by these storms.
For the 2018 Hurricane Season, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting an average year, with up to 16 named storms, and four major hurricanes. No matter how many storms we see this season; it only takes one to cause significant destruction to your vessel. With the 2018 Hurricane Season officially here, there’s no better time than now to prepare your boat to withstand a major storm.
CREATE A HURRICANE PLAN
The first step to prepare your boat for the hurricane season is to have a plan and know where you will keep it during a significant storm. The safest place to keep your boat during a hurricane is at a dry storage facility like North Beach Marina. Our in-door facility securely holds many vessels all keeping them dry and away from the hurricane force winds. You can also store your boat and trailer on dry land at your home or a boat storage facility like Happy Trailer Storage. We recommend selecting a location with minimal exposure to the wind. You can also reinforce your boat with straps for additional safety measures.
REVIEW YOUR BOAT INSURANCE
It is wise to make sure that you have all of your boat documents up to date and in an easily accessible location. Also, make sure to call your insurance company to make sure the policy is current. To help facilitate a timely insurance claim, take photos and video of your boat before and after to show proof of damages.
SECURE LOSE ITEMS
You will want to remove everything lose on the boat and remove equipment that could be damaged by a storm. These items include antennas, radios, life jackets, fishing equipment and canvas tops. If you cannot remove the electronic equipment from your boat, you can use shrink-wrap tape to protect it.
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 it. Once you locate a safe place, preferably on a canal with tall pilings that can allow your boat to rise and fall with the storm surge. You should use long ropes with fray protection and can use pilings from other dock slips to create more distance. When your boat is secure in the water, it should look like a spider in the middle of a web. You can also use buoys to protect the vessel from impact against floating debris, the dock, and seawall.
DON’T WAIT
Most importantly, don’t wait until three days before a storm strikes to prepare your boat. Should you need assistance preparing your boat for hurricane season call us at 786-728-9988.
Holiday Hours & Closures
Happy Trailer Rentals Hours & Holiday Closures
Happy Trailer Rentals would like to wish everyone a wonderful holiday season and happy New Year. Please make a note that we will have special marina operating hours during the holidays. Be sure to review the details below so that you are not inconvenienced. If you have any questions, please call us at 786-728-9988 or click here.
Christmas: Sunday, December 24, 2017
- Closed at 1:00 PM
Christmas Day: Monday, December 25, 2017
- Closed/ No Access
New Year’s Eve: Sunday, December 31, 2017
- Closed at 1:00 PM
New Year’s Day: Monday, January 1, 2018
- Closed/ No Access
Miami Boat Parade Schedule 2017
Boat Parade Schedule Miami 2017
Happy Holidays from everyone at Happy Trailer Rentals!
As the Holiday Season ramps up in Miami, be sure to check out the unique holiday boat parades lighting up the canals of South Florida.
North Beach Boat Parade
North Miami Beach has a shining boat parade of its own! Celebrating its fifth year, the North Beach Boat Parade is set to sail on December 16, 2017, starting at 7 PM from 86th Street and will travel to Brittany Bay Park. What began as a small neighborhood parade is quickly expanding into a fun community event that gives our locals something to both enjoy and participate in. For information or to participate in this fun family event, you can visit the website at http://www.northbeachboatparade.com.
Miami Outboard Club Holiday Boat Parade
The 20th Annual Miami Outboard Club Holiday Boat Parade will take place on Saturday, December 16, 2017. This family-friendly event will showcase more than 50 boats decked out in holiday lights. The parade begins at 7:00 pm and can be watched from the official viewing site at Bayfront Park. There will be Food Vendors, Bounce House, DJ and Firework Show at 9:00 pm.
Seminole Hardrock Winterfest Boat Parade
The Seminole Hardrock Winterfest Boat Parade is among the most prominent boat parades in the country and will take place along the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale, Saturday, December 9, starting at 6:30 PM. This year’s boat parade theme is “Broadway”, and the grand marshals will be country music stars Big & Rich. The best way to see the parade is from the Riverwalk in downtown or the Grandstand area inside of the Birch State Park just north of Sunrise Boulevard.
Boat Trailer Towing Tips
Boat Trailer Towing Tips
Before you hit the highway check out our 7 must know boat trailer towing tips
Do you need to tow a boat trailer in Miami? We have the largest selection of Jet Ski and fishing boat trailers for rent by the day or week- at the best prices in town. Before you hit the road, be sure to review our boat trailer towing tips for a successful ride.
If you’re new hauling a boat, these tips can help get you comfortable with towing a boat trailer on the busy roads of South Florida. If you’re an experienced captain, these tips can help serve as a reminder.
- Hitch size matters: Hitches are rated by class, and depending on how heavy your boat and trailer are, you may need a Class I, II, III, IV or V hitch. Ask you trailer rental professional what hitch size is needed for your vessel.
- Practice your back up: find an empty parking lot and spend time practicing how to back the boat up so you can feel comfortable when at the boat ramp.
- Adjust your mirrors: be sure to adjust your mirrors to compensate for blind spots due to the boat trailer. An attachable side-view mirror can be a big help.
- Take turns extra-wide: avoid hitting curbs and vehicles by taking turns extra-wide.
- Maintain your distance between vehicles: keep at least two-car lengths distance to avoid slamming on the breaks, which could lead to the trailer jackknifing.
- Trailer Sway: IF you notice swaying in the boat trailer, take your foot off the gas to minimize it. If it continues, stop and inspect the trailer.
- Purchase a Sun Pass: the roads in South Florida, especially in Miami, can have heavy traffic around the clock Look to purchase a Sun Pass and use the toll-roads.
For more information on renting a boat trailer in Miami, contact us today at 786-728-9988.
Labor Day Boat Safety Tips
10 Boat Safety Tips to Help You Keep Safe on the Water this Labor Day Weekend in Miami
Happy Labor Day from everyone at Happy Trailer Rentals!
Established by the Labor Movement in 1894, Labor Day is one of the most time-honored traditions in America celebrating the contributions we’ve made to the strength, prosperity, and well being of our country. As boaters and party-goers from around the world flock to Fort Lauderdale for the last major holiday before the fall, we would like to remind you of a few safety tips as you plan to head out on the water for Labor Day Weekend in Miami, Florida.
Top 10 Boating Tips for Labor Day
1. Don’t Drink and Operate a Boat: In 2016, alcohol use was the top reason why fatal boating accidents occur in America according to the US Coast Guard’s annual report. Operator inattention, operator inexperience, improper lookout, excessive speed, and machinery failure rank as the top five primary contributing factors in accidents.
2. Always Have Life Jackets: Everyone on board should be wearing a life jacket while the boat is in operation. 80% of fatal boating accident victims drowned. Of those drowning victims with reported life jacket usage, 83% were not wearing a life jacket. Make sure that you have an appropriately sized life jacket for every person on board.
3. Communicate Emergency Plan: Communicate your plan with the people on your boat and at least one person on shore in case something should go wrong. Also, it is recommended to inform the persons on shore when you will be departing and arriving back at the dock and to call to confirm your safe voyage.
4. Don’t Break the Rules: Boater education courses can help you understand laws, navigation rules, emergency situations, and other useful tips. The top five contributing factors in boating accidents include operator inattention, operator inexperience, improper lookout, excessive speed, and machinery failure.
5. Use the Kill-Switch: Many accidents involve boaters who fall overboard without having been clipped to the engine kill switch. This important piece of equipment can help protect you by stopping the engines should you get ejected overboard.
6. Follow the Weather: Check weather conditions often and be aware of storm warnings before you head out on the water. In Miami, the weather can change drastically within minutes. Be prepared for sun or storm.
7. Wear Sunscreen: The Florida Sun is brutal. Be sure to bring a minimum of a 50 proof sunscreen and apply every few hours to avoid sunburn. It is also recommended to wear a hat, sunglasses, and cover up when in direct sunlight for extended periods of time. If you should get burned, Tylenol and Aloe Vera gel can help alleviate the pain.
8. Drink Water: Sun poisoning is not something we made up to scare the snowbirds. Make sure to drink plenty of water and to stay shaded to avoid becoming dehydrated when on the water for extended periods of time. Especially when indulging in alcohol, do not forget to hydrate!
9. Avoid the Propellers. Many accidents involve non-boaters near the engine propellers. Be sure the area is clear when starting and stopping the boat engines. There were 171 accidents in 2016 which a propeller struck at least one person. Collectively, these accidents resulted in 24 deaths and 175 injuries.
10. Be Courteous: Realize that you are sharing the water with other people so please make sure to be courteous to other boats. Wave, keep your music at a low roar when anchored/beached next to someone, and make sure to leave with everything you came with (take your garbage with you).
Have a safe and fun Labor Day! If you have any questions feel free to contact us at 786-728-9988 or click here.
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.