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Good advise from SeaTow regarding the dangers of entering an inlet with high tides.Check on the sea conditions before you go out and, if there is any doubt in your mind that the sea conditions might be too
rough or that there is a storm coming, DON’T try to go out the inlet. Stay in the ICW and save your offshore trip for
another day. An important tip...WATCH YOUR TIDES! Even on what appears to be an otherwise perfect
day, an outgoing tide can raise sea conditions. Especially in some of the smaller inlets, the last quarter of an outgoing
tide creates a “washboard effect” that can easily capsize a small boat! Some of these tides can run as fast as
4 – 5 knots.
Once you commit to going through a rough inlet, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO
TURN AROUND! You will increase the chances of taking a wave broadside to your vessel and capsizing. Keep going and wait until
after you are outside “the break” before you try to turn around and head back in the inlet. Before attempting
to exit or enter a rough inlet, have everyone on board put on life jackets! Many drownings could have been prevented and lives
saved had the passengers on board a “vessel in distress” been wearing a life jacket! Numerous boaters who have
been thrown from their vessels during heavy sea conditions owe their lives to the fact that they were wearing their life jackets.
Always keep your bow pointed into the seas to avoid taking waves over the stern of your
boat. Many a vessel has sunk when an unexpected wave came over the stern, stalled the motor, killed the battery and began
filling the boat up too quickly for bailing by hand to overcome the water. If you decide to anchor your vessel during a storm,
make sure you’re not too close to the beach and that you have plenty of rode out. An improperly anchored boat or one
that is too close to the beach when the sea conditions pick up is very likely to wind up ON the beach. The beach is a great
place to be with a chaise lounge and an ice tea...NOT with your boat!
If you feel that
you are in immediate peril, get on your VHF radio and hail “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday”. Give your location, the nature
of your distress and how many people you have on board. Remain calm, have all of your passengers don life jackets immediately
and answer the questions the Coast Guard asks you in a clear, concise manner. For more information on getting assistance during
an emergency, please feel free to give us a call or e-mail seatowamy@aol.com.
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THE MAN BEHIND THE SERVICE: William
Slattum is an Accredited Marine Surveyor (AMS) recognized by the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS). He
has been in the Florida marine service industry for over 25 years and holds a United States Coast Guard Masters License.
Previous certificates include Yamaha Outboard Repair, U.S. Army Electric Generator Repair. He holds and honors degree
in Underwater Technology from the Florida Institute of Technology. SERVICES OFFERED: Slattum Marine Surveyor will tailor to your survey needs,
whether it is a sail or power vessel, hovercraft or submersible. Purchase, Condition and
Valuation Survey, Damage or Finance Surveys are available. Oversee repairs being made to your vessel if you are
out of town.
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THE PRE-PURCHASE or BUYERS SURVEY This survey provides a thorough inspection of the vessel, to include the hull
structure, finish, hardware, AC & DC electrical, water, waste, electronics, propulsion systems and safety equipment.
Special attention is paid to areas of damage or potential failure or safety hazards. This inspection attempts to verify previous damage or deficiencies in order to determine
the condition of the vessel. Current valuation is determined.
A deficiency list is provided at the time
of the inspection to allow for purchase or repair considerations. . SPECIAL SERVICES OFFERED Engine, gear oil, fuel quality,
and coolant analysis Sea-trial with performance evaluation Moisture and Osmosis Blister Analysis VALUATION SURVEY
This survey includes a general overall condition inspection
of the vessel listing options and equipment and is specifically designed to determine and document the actual cash value
and or replacement cost for insurance, finance companies, estate or legal settlements.
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This survey is for the owner and insurance carrier providing information about the risks and hazards
associated with the vessel, equipment and mooring location. Deficiencies are reported and requirements are
noted in report form. Fair market and replacement values are e-mailed along with overall photos. E-mail
direct to your insurance company at no additional charge.
DAMAGE SURVEY The survey includes reconstructing and determining the cause of loss and the cost to return the vessel
to its pre-casualty condition. Research is performed to establish the chain of events which lead to
the loss. Documentation by photographs, police report and statements are collected and provided in the report.
A marine repair estimate is prepared or an invoice review is performed for the loss.
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YACHT DELIVERY Captain
Bill provides a safe professional delivery of your vessel throughout Florida or the Bahamas. Captain, crew and associates
availaible.
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