Safety should be on the forefront of every boater’s mind. If you’re like most boaters, you go to great lengths to equip yourself and your boat with gear like PFDs, navigation aids, signal flares and fire extinguishers to be prepared for (and to avoid) dangerous situations. So, the last thing you need is a boat that lacks safety features — or one that’s maintained in an unsafe manner —o o so that instead of being a refuge, it becomes a dangerous place.
Thankfully, more boat manufacturers are applying for National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) certification in an effort to assure buyers that their boats meet basic construction and safety requirements. This can be an important consideration when buying a new boat, but ensuring the safety of everyone aboard involves more than just robust construction and properly installed systems. The rest lies in how the boat is equipped and how it’s run and maintained. As the owner, you bear most of that responsibility. Here are several quick and easy ways to help make your boat a safer place:
Install Grab Rails
Many boating-related injuries are the result of falls caused by slipping, tripping or losing balance while boarding or moving around while underway. Fortunately, they’re among the easiest to prevent. Rails or handles are a necessity at boarding points, beside passageways into cabins, or near forward walkways. Even people who are safely seated will be more comfortable if they have a handhold, especially in rough waters.
Adding handles or grab rails is an easy task that can be accomplished with simple hand tools. There are many types, sizes and materials to choose from. Stainless steel is among the strongest and longest-lasting of these materials. Chrome-plated brass or zinc alloys are the next best, with plastic bringing up the rear. Avoid the temptation to save a few bucks by buying bright-plated steel items, which will quickly deteriorate on the water. Shape also matters. Handholds should be large enough so you can get your fingers through or under them for a good grip. And avoid sharp edges, which can cause injuries when you’re in rough water. One popular type of grab rail suited for heavy loads is a tubular rail, which is shaped like an arc and has ends that “disappear” into the mounting surface. Tubular rails can only be mounted where you have access to the back of the panel, but they’re strong, smooth and use hidden hardware.
Another place in which grab rails are sorely needed is the transom, where they can aid in boarding and prevent falls on slippery swim platforms. Grips in this area are indispensable aids in getting a disabled or distressed person safely on board, and can also be used to tether the kids’ water toys when at anchor or beached. The grab rails should be solidly attached here to bear the considerable weight that may be placed on them.
Various handles and rails can be attached using self-tapping screws. The secret to successfully mounting them is using the largest-diameter screw possible (for strength) and drilling a properly sized pilot hole. This is especially important when screwing into fiberglass, which can be damaged by forcing an oversized screw into an undersized hole. Heavily used grab rails should be mounted using through bolts and backing washers whenever possible. In any case, always be sure to check for wires or other obstructions behind the panel before you start drilling, and remember to seal the resulting hole with a dab of marine sealant as you put the screw in.
A great way to get loose lines off the deck and keep them untangled is to mount a line storage hook or rack such as this one in a hidden but convenient spot.
Corrall Loose Items
Clutter on the deck is a potential source
of injury, but also one that’s easy to eliminate. Loose lines are particularly
dangerous, since they can cause someone
to trip and can even result in man-overboard situations if not corrected. If finding
a place for them is a problem, consider mounting a line storage hook or rack in an out-of-the-way
spot. The lines will always be handy when needed, and more importantly, they won’t be under foot.
You can also enhance safety by making sure other gear and items you bring on board are secured or
stowed where they won’t become a hazard. And make your crew and passengers aware of the need to
keep decks and passageways clear.
Short pieces of stretch cord work well to keep hatches and doors open.
Secure Open Doors
Another problematic issue can be hatches, covers or doors that won’t stay reliably open. Doors (especially the bi-fold variety) can be difficult to secure, and hardware that manufacturers supply is often not up to the task. Deck hatches or baitwell covers that unexpectedly slam shut can cause painful injuries to your fingers or feet. There are aftermarket hardware products designed to prevent such problems, but the best and most reliable solution is stilla lanyard, chain or strap that will hold the hatch or door open. Short pieces of stretch cord work best. Marine supply stores carry bulk stretch cord and easy-to-use end fittings that allows you to make up the appropriate-length cords. Usually, the only boat modification necessary is to mount a hook or eye where you can attach the cord in a place that’s tucked away.
Although it may not seem like a safety precaution at first, mounting cup holders in convenient places can cut down on the movement of crew or passengers on your boat. There’s an infinite number of cup holders that mount on flat surfaces, rails and chairs. You can even mount them to the ends of your cooler so they’re near the area where people congregate.
Applying a self-adhesive, non-skid tape to slick surfaces like swim platforms will keep people from slipping.
Fix Slippery Surfaces
An additional problem you can alleviate with a quick fix is slippery surfaces underfoot. The danger from swim platform edges, tops of gunwales and rounded places that haven’t been equipped with a gripping surface can be eliminated by applying self-adhesive, non-skid tape. This sandpaper-like material is available in strips and sheets at marine and hardware stores, and is an inexpensive way to prevent painful accidents. It’s easy to install, but be sure to thoroughly clean the surface before application with the strongest solvent you can find to remove grease, polish and wax. An alternative to solvents would be a product like Soft Scrub, which contains both bleach and a mild abrasive.
After you’ve finished equipping and preparing your boat with safety in mind, there’s one more thing you can do to ensure that it’s safer. Your responsibility as the “captain” includes making sure everyone on board is aware of unavoidable hazards like props or outdrives, as well as the need to follow a different set of rules from those on shore. At least one person besides the captain should know how to call for help on the radio. Everyone should know where the PFDs are if they’re not already wearing one and how to use them. Remember, it’s up to you to help keep the “ pleasure” in pleasure boating.
Quick Tips
1. Install handles and grab rails where necessary.
2. Put loose items up, or mount them in an out-of-the-way place.
3. Keep the deck and passageways clear of clutter.
4. Secure covers and doors with a cord.
5. Mount additional cup holders for convenience.
6. Apply a non-skid material to slippery surfaces.