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.
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.
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
How to Choose the Right Boat Trailer
Learn How to choose the right style of boat trailer for your boating needs in South Florida
How can you tell what is the best style of the boat trailer to rent that will fit your boating needs for South Florida?
Boat trailers are not difficult to understand. These three styles of the boat trailer to rent: Bunk, Roller and Combination Bunk-Roller.
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- Bunk Trailer: the trailer’s float-on, the float-off configuration is an ideal trailer for those who frequently load and unload in deep water. You will need to back the trailer fairly far into the water. Bunk trailers are typically the least expensive trailer option
- Roller Trailer: preferred if you mostly load and unload in shallow water. The drive-on, drive-off configuration makes it unnecessary to back deep into the water.
- Combination Bunk-Roller Trailer: combines the best of both technologies.
Wash the boat trailer with fresh water after every use to extend its life. With proper maintenance, a boat trailer can last a long time. However, there are many external elements like the sun, salt and crazy hurricanes that can affect the life of a boat trailer, especially in South Florida. In order to avoid wasting money on repair bills and storage, we suggest you rent a boat trailer.
When it comes to renting a boat trailer in Miami there is no better place than Happy Trailer Rentals. We carry a wide selection of boat trailers for rent at the lowest prices in town.
Have questions about which style of boat trailer is best for your boating needs? Call us at 786-728-9988 or email at happytrailerrentals@gmail.com.
Miami Boat Show 2014
Miami International Boat Show 2014
The 73rd Annual Miami International Boat Show will take place February 13 – 17 in Miami, Florida. See the latest and greatest in powerboats, sailboats and engines to cutting-edge marine electronics and accessories. The show will take place at three venues: the Miami Beach Convention Center, Sea Isle Marina and Miamarina at Bayside.
After you purchase your dream boat from the Miami Boat Show, rent a boat trailer from us. We have the wide selection of boat trailers for rent at the lowest rates in town.
For more info about the Miami Boat Show call us today at 786-728-9988
Miami Boat Show Resources:
Miami Boat Show Website
List of Exhibitors
CBS Guide to Miami Boat Show
Lobster Mini Season in Miami Starts July 24th
Lobster Mini Season in Miami, Florida Starts Wednesday, July 25th at 12:01 AM! Is Your Boat’s Trailer Ready!
Lobster mini-season in Florida begins at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday and ends at 12:00 midnight on Thursday, July 25th, 2013. Is your boat ready to go? If you happen to need a boat trailer for rent in Miami, we have a great selection for rent in stock ready for your lobster mini-season hunt, click here.
Every July the Miami Florida oceans are taken over with lobster hunters looking for their share of this year’s gift from the sea. There are two Florida Lobster Seasons, the 2-day mini-season and the 8 months regular lobster season that begins August 6th and lasts through March 31st.
The mini lobster season in Miami is always the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in July. This year the mini-season falls on July 24th and 25th.
Make sure to check with local Fish and Wildlife Department for lobster mini-season in Fort Lauderdale dates and times, click here.
How to Catch a Lobster
Watch and Learn all about how to catch a Lobster by visiting our friends at Sun-Sentinel, click here.