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.
Lobster Season Tips 2017
Lobster Season Tips
Everything you need to know about the Lobster Season in Miami, Florida
North Beach Marina welcomes the 2017-18 Lobster Season. The Mini Season in Miami, Florida is the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday of July each year. For 2017, the Lobster Mini Season will begin at 12:01 am on Wednesday, July 26th, and ends at midnight on Thursday. The regular 8-month lobster season will start August 6th and runs through March 31, 2018. Before you head out on the water review our tips below to ensure a safe and successful hunt!
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 Carapace or 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. Furthermore, 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.
FINAL TIPS FOR LOBSTER SEASON
- Schedule your boat launch in advance
- Get out on the water early to hit your limit
- Bring friends for safety
- Get Scuba Certified
- Rent a boat trailer and head to the Keys
- Have Fun!
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
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.
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
Welcome to Happy Trailer Storage
Happy Trailer Rentals
Boat and trailer storage Miami, Florida
Thank you for visiting the Happy Trailer Storage website. Are you looking to store your boat or trailer in Miami, Florida? Look no further. We offer monthly and yearly dry-storage at the lowest rates in town.
Call us today 786-728-9988.