The Right Life Jacket For You!

 

Where would you think most drownings occur? Most likely at sea, right? That's actually not the case! Nine out of ten drownings occur in inland waters and most involve boats that are less than 20-feet long. Almost 85% of victims of drowning are not wearing a life jacket! In just 60 seconds an adult can drown and a child can drown in just 20 seconds. Most victims chose not to wear a life jacket that was available to them. It's not only important to wear a life jacket, it's important to wear the right life jacket for you.

In Pennsylvania, children 13 years and younger are required by Federal Regulations to wear a life jacket when not in an enclosed cabin or below deck. There must be a wearable life jacket for each person on board your vessel. There are many different types of life jackets depending on your boating activities.

To ensure you have the right life jacket for you, try it on and make sure it fits snugly. It should keep your chin above water and should not ride up on the body. Care for your life jacket correctly to keep it in good condition.

A life jacket will only work if you wear it! For more information on care, maintenance, and finding the right life jacket for you, here is a great guide!

Shop Tips: Sacrificial Anodes

Do you know the importance of replacing your outdrive anodes? 

It's very important and often overlooked service needed to prevent corrosion. Why do we need to change anodes and what is the importance of doing so? Plain and simple...corrosion. When dissimilar metals are in contact with one another and immersed in water, this destructive process begins. The type of water in which they operate can accelerate this process. That white, crusty build-up you may see developing on your outdrive, gimbal housing or prop is galvanic corrosion eating your outdrive. Changing anodes when needed can drastically slow this process.

Anodes come in different types of metal such as magnesium for freshwater or aluminum and zinc for salt water. They "sacrifice" themselves because they are more active, or easily consumed by this type of corrosion. In some more severe cases, sanding, priming, and repainting becomes necessary to prevent the eventual replacement of damaged areas. If an issue is present during the summerizing process of your boat, we will call you with an estimate.