Boats & Boating Guide: February 2014

Friday, February 28, 2014

Salter Crusader RX 320 & RX 360 Inflatable Boats

Salter Crusader RX 320 & RX 360 Inflatable Boats

Special Sales Offer - Save $300 on your dream boat* (Limited time offer)

Salter Crusader RX 320

Available with three floor options as below:

Salter Crusader RX 320 Aluminum floor – Regular $1149 / Sale Price $849
Salter Crusader RX 320 Airmat floor – Regular $1175 / Sale Price $875
Salter Crusader RX 320 Fiber foam (honeycomb floor) – Regular $1199 / Sale Price $899

Salter Crusader RX 360

Available with three floor options as below:

Salter Crusader RX 360 Aluminum floor - Regular $1249 / Sale Price $949
Salter Crusader RX 360 Airmat floor - Regular $1275 / Sale Price $975
Salter Crusader RX 360 Fiber foam (honeycomb floor) – Regular $1299 / Sale Price $999

Description:

Salter Crusader RX Boat is a round-nose (bow) inflatable boat. With its wider round body, the boat is roomier for passengers and goods. Improved buoyancy, stability and operation, this kind of boat is multifunctional. Not only is the inflated structure easy to be handled, but also compatible with a marine engine to achieve the speed. Salter Crusader RX Boat is made by 0.9 mm thickness Mirasol PVC, keel and bottom are 1.2 mm, with Aluminum floor boards or Fiber foam (honeycomb floor). Transom is made of marine plywood and fiberglass wrapped.

Features

16.2mm thickness aluminum bench seat
All around, 80 mm width durable rubber strake on tube protection
Top Trim Guard with grab rope
Stainless steel D-rings for easy towing with 8mm towing rope
Built-in oarlock for easy rowing and Oar holder
One-way drain valve with plug
Motor mount plates on the both sides of transom
Additional PVC, Rusty-Free screws against Transom De-lamination
16mm thickness aluminum seat
12.5mm thickness aluminum floor boards
More rigid and durable than plywood

Accessories Included:

Lightweight aluminum seat benches
Repair kit
Air pump
Locking oar's
Floor
Foot air pump with adapter for H-R valve
Storage/Carrying bag
Towing rope
All around, durable rubber strike
5 bottom rub strips

Specifications

Overall Length:320cm / 125.9in
Pressure Release Valve:Yes
Overall Width:151cm / 59.4in
Vessel Category:“A”
Inside Length:230cm / 90.55
Person Capacity:4 Adult + 1 Child
Inside Width:65cm / 25.5in
Max Passenger Weight:375kg / 827lbs
Tube Diameter:41cm / 16.1in
Max Loading:566kg / 1248lbs
Mid Transom Height:41cm / 16.1in
Max Motor Size:11kw / 15hp
Transom Width:88cm / 34.6in
Max Motor Weight:92kg /203lbs
Transom Thickness:5.7cm / 2.25in
Outboard Shaft Size:38.1cm / 15in Short
Bow Design: Round Nose
Boat Weight:59kg/130lbs - 51/112
Total Chambers:3 + 1
Air Valves:3 + 1
Pontoon Chambers:3
Floor Type:Aluminum
Chamber Pressure:25kpa / 3.6psi
Material & Thickness:0.9 mm PVC
Other Chambers:Inflatable Keel
Seams:Overlapping 4 X
Shipping Weight:66kg / 145

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Stay Clear, Stay Safe Hydroelectric Dams and Stations are NOT Safe Places for Recreation

Stay Clear, Stay Safe

Hydroelectric Dams and Stations are NOT Safe Places for Recreation

There are dangers in coming too close to hydroelectric dams and stations. A spot that looks calm and safe one moment can become dangerous within a few seconds as water levels and flows change, often without warning. Calm waters or a dry riverbed could change quickly into one with rapidly moving, dangerous waters.

Most hydroelectric dams and stations are remotely controlled by operators stationed many kilometers away. Throughout the day and night, as demand for electricity rises and falls operators open and close dams, and start and stop generating units. This results in frequent and rapid changes in water levels and flows around dams and generating stations, changes that can affect the safety of those who venture too close.

Waters in the headponds above hydroelectric dams and stations and the waters below them are particularly dangerous. At a generation station, water from the headpond rushes into the station, turning large turbines that produce electricity. The water rushes out of the station, to join the main stream of the river. At dams excess water can be released through gates into formerly calm or dry riverbeds below. At both dams and stations, the fast-moving water creates dangerous turbulence and strong undercurrents.

Even if you can't see a generating station or dam, waterways upstream and downstream can still be affected by their operations. It's important to be aware of the potential dangers caused by changing water flows, and to stay clear of the waters near stations and dams.

Hydroelectric dams and stations, and the areas around them are:

NOT parks
NOT fishing holes
NOT boating areas
NOT swimming areas
NOT camping sites or picnic areas
NOT snowmobile or X-Country Ski areas
NOT safe places for recreation

Obey all warning signs. Symbols show the consequences of not staying clear.

EXTREME DANGER - Dam Upstream - Keep Out - This Reiverbed Floods Without Warning

For your own safety near a hydroelectric dam or station, make sure that you:

Obey all warning signs, fences, buoys, booms and barriers. They are put there to protect you. The areas inside are dangerous, stay clear of them.
Stay a safe distance outside of warning signs, buoys, booms and barriers when fishing, boating or swimming.
Stay well back from the edge of waters above and below hydroelectric dams and stations
Never stand below a dam, or anchor or tie your boat there. Rapidly changing water levels and flows can take you by surprise and could swamp your boat or put you in the grip of an undertow.
Stay off hydroelectric dams or station structures, unless OPG has clearly indicated walkways, or observation points.
Stay well back of dry riverbeds below dams. They can quickly change into rapidly flowing waterways.
Stay well back from the edge of a waterway where footing may be slippery.
Don’t wade into moving water.
When swimming, fishing, boating or paddling in a river, be aware of the water level and check upstream frequently for any sign of increasing currents or rising water levels. If the water level is rising or the flow is speeding up, get out of the water or move your boat downstream. Even when the hydroelectric dam or station is out of sight, changing water levels and flows can take you by surprise, pulling you into an undertow, leaving you stranded away from shore or swamping your boat.
Set an example for children, who may not be aware of the dangers, even if they can read. State explicitly where they can and cannot go and make sure you are close to them and can see them at all times.

Winter poses additional dangers

Hydroelectric dams and stations operate all year round, 24 hours a day. Their operation affects water flows and ice conditions. Ice that forms near a hydroelectric dam or station can be thinner and more inconsistent than in other locations because of the changing water flows beneath it.

Avoid snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, skating or ice fishing on rivers or lakes near dams and generating stations.
Don’t risk walking onto a river or lake where the ice may be thin due to the current or where changing water levels have pushed water on top of the ice.

We take pride in operating our facilities safely and in a manner that respects the environment and the rights of other users of the waterways. Your safety is important to us. Please respect the hazards near our dams and stations, and heed warning signs, booms buoys and barriers. They are there for your protection.

For more information about safety around hydroelectric dams and stations, to obtain a free video, or freeinteractive CD-ROM for children, visit www.opg.com

When opened, remotely operated dam gates can quickly turn a calm or dry riverbed into one with dangerous flows.

These anglers are in a dangerous spot and should not be there. Areas inside warning signs, buoys and booms are dangerous, stay clear of them

The same spot just minutes later. Remotely operated dam gates release large volumes of water that could swamp your boat or put you in the grip of an undertow

The area between booms and dams is very dangerous. Stay clear–obey all warning booms, buoys, signs and barriers.

Boaters, Protect yourselves from this Silent Killer: Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide can collect
within, along side or behind
a boat in minutes and in a
variety of ways.

Blockage of exhaust outlets can cause carbon monoxide to accumulate in the cabin and cockpit area -even when hatches, windows, portholes, and doors are closed.

Exhaust from another vessel that is docked, beached, or anchored alongside your boat can emit poisonous carbon monoxide gas into the
cabin and cockpit of your boat. Even with properly vented exhaust, your
boat should be a minimum of 20 feet from the nearest boat that is running
a generator or engine.

Slow speeds or idling in the water can cause carbon monoxide gas to accumulate in the cabin, cockpit, bridge, and aft deck,even in an open area. A tailwind (force of wind entering from aft section of the motorboat) can also increase accumulation.

The "station wagon effect," or backdrafting can cause carbon monoxide to accumulate inside the cabin, cockpit and bridge when operating the boat at a high bow angle, with improper or heavy loading or if there is an opening which draws in exhaust.

This effect can also cause carbon monoxide to accumulate inside the cabin, cockpit, aft deck, and bridge when protective coverings are used and the boat is underway.

Teak surfing, dragging and water skiing within 20 feet of a moving watercraft can be fatal.

Avoid these Death Zones!

Swimming near or under the back deck or swim platform. Carbon monoxide from exhaust pipes of inboard engines, outboard engines and generators build up inside and outside the boat in areas near exhaust vents. STAY AWAY from these exhaust vent areas and DO NOT swim in these areas when the motor or generator is operating. On calm days, wait at least 15 minutes after the motor or generator has been shut off before entering these areas. NEVER enter an enclosed area under a swim platform where exhaust is vented, not even for a second. It only takes one or two breaths of the air in this "death chamber" for it to be fatal.

What to do

The best precaution against carbon monoxide poisoning is to keep air flowing through the vessel
Educate family and friends about carbon monoxide so they are aware of what the early poisoning signs are
If your boat has rear-vented generator exhaust, check with the boat manufacturer for possible recall or reroute the exhaust to a safe area.
Assign an adult to watch when anyone is swimming or playing in the water.
Schedule regular engine and exhaust system maintenance inspections by experienced and trained technicians.
Keep forward-facing hatches open, even in inclement weather, to allow fresh air circulation in living spaces. When possible, run the boat so that prevailing winds will help dissipate the exhaust.
Do not confuse carbon monoxide poisoning with seasickness, intoxication or heat stress. If someone on board complains of irritated eyes, headache, nausea, weakness or dizziness, immediately move the person to fresh air, investigate the cause and take corrective action. Seek medical attention, if necessary.
Install a carbon monoxide detector in each accommodation space on your boat. Check detectors before each trip to be sure they are functioning properly. If the detector goes off, believe it!

Facts

Carbon monoxide is a potentially deadly gas produced any time a carbon-based fuel, such as gasoline, propane, charcoal or oil, burns. Sources on your boat include gasoline engines, generators, cooking ranges, and space and water heaters. Cold or poorly tuned engines produce more carbon monoxide than warm, properly tuned engines.

Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless and tasteless and mixes evenly with the air. It enters your bloodstream through the lungs and displaces the oxygen your body needs. Early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning - irritated eyes, headache, nausea, weakness, and dizziness - are often confused with seasickness or intoxication. Prolonged exposure to low concentrations or very short exposure to high concentrations can lead to death.

Each year, boaters are injured or killed by carbon monoxide. Most incidents occur on older boats and within the cabin or other enclosed areas. Exhaust leaks, the leading cause of death by carbon monoxide, can allow carbon monoxide to migrate throughout the boat and into enclosed areas. New areas of concern are the rear deck near the swim platform with the generator or engines running and teak surfing or dragging behind a slow moving boat. Regular maintenance and proper boat operation can reduce the risk of injury from carbon monoxide.

All carbon monoxide poisonings are preventable!

Checklist - Each Trip

Educate all passengers about carbon monoxide poisoning.
Make sure all exhaust clamps are in place and secure.
Look for exhaust leaking from exhaust system components, indicated by rust and/or black streaking, water leaks, or corroded or cracked fittings.
Inspect rubber exhaust hoses for burned or cracked sections. All rubber hoses should be pliable and free of kinks.
Confirm that water flows from the exhaust outlet when the engines and generator are started.
Listen for any change in exhaust sound that could indicate an exhaust component failure.
Test the operation of each carbon monoxide detector by pressing the test button. Make sure the battery is installed properly and is in good condition. Never remove the battery unless replacing it with a new battery

Checklist - At Least Annually

Replace exhaust hoses if any evidence of cracking, charring or deterioration is found.
Inspect each water pump impeller and the water pump housing, and replace if worn. Make sure cooling systems are in proper working condition to prevent overheating and burn through the exhaust system. (Refer to the engine and generator manuals for further information.)
Inspect each of the metallic exhaust components for cracking, rusting, leaking or loosening. Pay particular attention to the cylinder head, exhaust manifold, water injection elbow, and the threaded adapter nipple between the manifold and the elbow.
Clean, inspect, and confirm proper operation of the generator cooling water anti-siphon valve (if equipped).

Annual Checklist must be performed by a qualified marine technician.

Pleasure Craft Terminology

Range Beacons:
A set of at least two markers placed a distance apart at various intervals permanently installed to form a transit and used to indicatea recommended track through dangerous or narrow waters.

Small craft warning:
Sustained wind speeds in the range of 20 to 33 knots inclusive as defined by Atmospheric Environment Service, Environment Canada.

Gale warning:
Sustained wind speeds in the range of 34 to 47 knots inclusive as defined by Atmospheric Environment Service, Environment Canada.

Storm warning:
Sustained wind speeds in the range of 48 to 63 knots inclusive as defined by Atmospheric Environment Service, Environment Canada.

Port:
The left side of a pleasure craft looking forward.

Hull:
The body of a pleasure craft exclusive of masts, sails, rigging, machinery and equipment.

Fenders:
Various devices serving to cushion the shocks and protect the side of a pleasure craft.

Pleasure craft:
A boat, a ship, a vessel, or any other description of water craft that is used exclusively for pleasure and does not carry passengers or goods for hire, reward, remuneration or any object of profit.

Ahead:
Direction or position pointing forward of a pleasure craft

Bow:
The forward part of a pleasure craft.

Underway:
A pleasure craft that is not at anchor or made fast to the shore.

Beam:
The width of a pleasure craft.

Power driven vessel:
Any vessel propelled by machinery as described in the Collision Regulations, rule 3.

Sailing vessel:
Any vessel under sail provided that propelling machinery, if fitted, is not being used.

Windward side:
The side opposite to that on which the mainsail is carried or, in the case of a square-rigged vessel, the side opposite to that on which the largest fore-and-aft sail is carried.

Code of signals Flag A:
The international diving flag (usually blue and white in colour) must be displayed by any vessel engaged in diving. A red and white flag carried on a buoy is used to mark areas where diving is in progress, although divers may stray from the boundaries of the marked areas. The Code of signals Flag A is regulated under the Private Buoy Regulations. When encountered the operator of a pleasure craft must keep well clear at slow speed.

Passive Radar Reflector:
Pleasure craft that are under 20 metres in length or a craft which is constructed primarily of non-metallic materials (wood or fiberglass), must be equipped with a passive radar reflector. The radar reflector must be mounted or suspended at a height of not less than 4 metres above the water if practicable. Unless: You only operate in limited traffic conditions, daylight, favourable environmental conditions and where compliance is not essential for the safety of the craft. OR: Unless the small size of the craft or operation of the craft away from radar navigation make compliance impracticable.

Wake:
The disturbed column of water around and behind a moving pleasure craft which is set into motion by the passage of a pleasure craft.

Wash:
The loose or broken water left behind a pleasure craft as it moves along and includes the water thrown aft by the propeller.

Abaft:
A direction toward the stern.

Astern:
A direction or position pointing behind a pleasure craft.

Draft:
The depth of water which a pleasure craft requires to float freely.

Light Winds:
Winds with speeds less than 12 knots as defined by Environment Canada.

Moderate Winds:
Wind speeds in the range of 12 to 19 knots as defined by Environment Canada.

Operator:
The person in effective charge and control of a pleasure craft and who is responsible for the pleasure craft.

Starboard:
The right side of a pleasure craft looking forward.

Stern:
The after part of a pleasure craft.

Strong Winds:
Sustained wind speeds in the range of 20 to 33 knots as defined by Environment Canada.

The Nautical Chart

The Different Types of Chart

A simple visit to a map store will quickly convince you of the vast range of products available. Outdoor enthusiasts can find topographical maps for mountain excursions, or guide maps to lakes and rivers to plan their canoe expeditions.

Naturally, travelers can plan their trips with a land, tourist or road map, and farmers can see the boundaries of their fields on a farm map. For boaters, the nautical chart is vital tool.

Main Features of a Nautical Chart

Nautical charts provide information on waterways. They give useful information to boaters, especially on water depth, the type of bottom, the type of shoreline, current direction, coastal altitude, easily identifiable landmarks and aids to navigation.

The Canadian Hydrographic Service publishes all nautical charts. For pleasure craft, large scale maps (i.e., covering a small portion of the region) are often the most useful because of all the detail they contain.

To know which regional chart is most appropriate for your activity, consult the Nautical Chart Catalogue. This catalogue is a large map showing the area covered by each available chart. For information on how to obtain charts, contact the Canadian Hydrographic Service.

Importance of the Nautical Chart to Boaters

Charts provide a host of information to boaters that only detailed knowledge and experience of the waterway could replace.

Using a nautical chart makes the boaters task in a rescue situation easier in many ways. It:

identifies a launch site
shows the best route in light of currents, rapids, obstacles, etc.
shows the location of waterway
allows for an assessment of distances
shows location on the water.

On receiving a distress call, the time may not seem right to carefully study a nautical chart. However, if the chart is available, the knowledge gained could mean the difference between locating and successfully helping out at a water accident or a tragedy.

Topographical maps are maps of the land areas depicting natural and artificial features of the land, including elevation contours, shoreline, rocks, land features above water, and cultural features:

They are intended primarily for the use of the general public on the land;
They are published by Natural Resources Canada and some provincial authorities;
3 They are sometimes used when navigational maps (charts) are not available, but they usually do not depict: underwater hazards, marine aids to navigation, channels, anchorage areas etc.

Other Navigation Aids

A magnetic compass can be used to help the operator of a pleasure craft find directions. It must be remembered however that a magnetic compass is influenced by the proximity of metallic and/or electrical devices. In order to avoid false information, make certain that the compass is mounted in an area free of magnetic and electrical interference.

Light Characteristics of Cardinal Buoys

The lights on all cardinal buoys will be white in colour, (if the buoy is so equipped). In order to identify these buoys in darkness or reduced visibility, each one can be distinguished by different light flash characteristics.

The flash characteristics are based on the same numbering principle as an ordinary time clock.

The number of flashes coincides with the position of the face of the clock.

	North buoys flash at the rate of 1 per second or 60 per minute. A very quick flash can also be used — 10 flashes every 5 seconds.
West buoys flash at the rate of 9 times in 15 seconds. A very quick flash can also be used — 9 flashes every 10 seconds.		East buoys flash at the rate of 3 times every 10 seconds. A very quick flash can also be used — 3 flashes every 5 seconds
	South buoys flash at the rate of 6 times in 15 seconds followed by a single long flash. A very quick flash can also be used — 6 flashes every 10 seconds plus 1 longer flash at the end of each group to mark the end of 1 flash cycle.

Special Buoys

Finally, special buoys serve a variety of purposes. They are not primarily aids to navigation, but rather provide the boat operator with a host of information. Some are cautionary buoys to mark firing range or seaplane bases, while others gather weather information, locate prohibited areas or mark designated mooring areas. The shape of the special buoys is not significant; they are identified by their symbols, drawings and colours.

Cautionary Buoy

they mark an area where mariners are to be warned of dangers such as firing ranges, racing courses, seaplane bases, underwater structures or areas where no safe through channel exists and of traffic separations.
they are coloured yellow
they display identification letters
if it carries a top mark it shall be a single yellow ‘X’ shape
if it carries a light, the light shall be yellow and flash once every 4 seconds

Anchorage Buoy

it is used to indicate areas which are favourable
for overnight anchoring • they are yellow in colour
they usually have an anchor symbol clearly visible
if it carries a light the light is yellow and it will flash once every 4 seconds.

Mooring Buoy

used to moor or secure vessels
it is the ONLY buoy that you may legally tie your vessel to
usually found in designated anchorage areas
when in reduced visibility, be aware that other vessels may be present and tied up

Control Buoy

it is used to mark an area where boating is restricted
it is coloured white
it has an orange, open-faced circle on two opposite sides and two orange horizontal bands, one above and one below the circle
a black figure or symbol inside the orange circle indicates the nature of the restriction.
if it carries a light is shall be yellow and flash once every 4 seconds

Hazard Buoy

it is a buoy which marks random hazards such as rocks and shoals
it is white in colour
it has an orange diamond on two opposite sides and two orange horizontal bands, one above and one below the diamond symbols
if it carries a light the light is yellow and flashes once every 4 seconds

Information Buoy

it displays information of interest to boaters. The message can either be displayed using lettering or symbols.
it is white in colour
it can be distinguished by the orange open-faced square symbol on opposite sides and the two horizontal bands, one above and one below the square.
if it carries a light it shall be yellow and it will flash once every 4 seconds

Swimming Buoy

it is used to mark the perimeter of a swimming area
it is white in colour
if it carries a light, the light is yellow and it will flash once every 4 seconds.

Diving Buoy

it is used to mark an area where scuba or other such diving activity is in progress
it is coloured white and it carries a red flag not less than 50 centimetres square with a white diagonal stripe extending from the tip of the hoist to the bottom of the fly
if it carries a light the light shall be yellow and flash once every 4 seconds

Particular care must be taken when boating in waters where there are divers. A vessel engaged in diving must display a blue and white flag (International Code A Flag, see left). A red and white flag carried on a buoy is used to mark areas where diving is in progress, although divers may stray from the boundaries of the marked areas.

Be sure you know what the ‘diver down’ flags look like. If you see either flag, keep well clear of the vessel and diving site, and move at slow speed.

Keep Out Buoy

A keep out buoy marks an area in which boats are prohibited
it is white in colour
it has an orange diamond containing an orange cross on two opposite sides and two orange horizontal bands...one above and one below the diamond symbols
if it carries a light the light is yellow...flashing once every 4 seconds.

Scientific Buoys (O.D.A.S.)

An ocean data acquisition system buoy collects meteorological and other scientific data

Fairway Buoy

usually found at the entrances to channels or used to mark the center of a channel
it may be passed on either side but should be kept on the port (left) side of your vessel when proceeding in either direction

Isolated Danger Buoy

it is used to mark an isolated hazard in waters which are otherwise navigable.
it is usually moored directly on or above the danger
it is used to mark a large rock, shoal or sunken ship

In addition to the above mentioned special buoys, you could also encounter posted command signs or warning signs. These can be used to relay a host of information or provide warnings of impending danger. Some of these are:

no wake zones
no anchorage area signs
speed limit zone signs
low head dam hazard signs
overhead or underwater power line hazard signs
pipe line hazards signs

It cannot be stressed enough that every time you encounter a sign or buoy you should reference your nautical charts to ensure that you correctly interpret the information.