Safety Inspection

Hello all,

Most of you out there know all the rules like the back of your hand. I was visited by the ODNR when loading my boat yesterday eve at Catabwa. No big deal. At any rate, I found out my flares were expired. (Older than 4 years/3 boating seasons) Like I said, I am sure most of you out there know this, and consider this routine, but I bet there is a couple boaters out there who - pardon the pun- are in the same Boat as I.

So, now I am going to buy some new ones, if I can find some that are fresh "hopefully". I asked the officer if there is something else that is permitted. He mentioned an SOS light. Does anyone have any input on these? I know they would be for night time only so a flag would be required for day.

Fish -ON

Kent

Quote:

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Originally Posted by pimplepounder

Hello all,

Most of you out there know all the rules like the back of your hand. I was visited by the ODNR when loading my boat yesterday eve at Catabwa. No big deal. At any rate, I found out my flares were expired. (Older than 4 years/3 boating seasons) Like I said, I am sure most of you out there know this, and consider this routine, but I bet there is a couple boaters out there who - pardon the pun- are in the same Boat as I.

So, now I am going to buy some new ones, if I can find some that are fresh "hopefully". I asked the officer if there is something else that is permitted. He mentioned an SOS light. Does anyone have any input on these? I know they would be for night time only so a flag would be required for day.

Fish -ON

Kent

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They are on sale this weekend at West Marine for $69, normally $99. They are USCG approved and do not expire.

Thanks, sounds like a good thing to buy and not a bad price for something that is going to last some valuable time.

Read some reviews on these I seen a few that were not so good it's been a while though. 4 flares are about 20 bucks for 3 years ×3 is 60 bucks for nine years almost enough to pay for the power unit and eventually u need batteries. But safety comes before money of course so it depends on which is most reliable.

Yes, that is not a bad deal. I paid a lot more than $20.00 for the last flares I purchased. I am sure it was because of HazMat shipping I paid for mail order. Plus I doubt if they were "new" date wise, when I bought them. Cost doesn't bother me so much as does the expiration and that I will likely forget. I usually have some batteries stowed away so I ordered one from West Marine.

I will keep my old outdated flares for my next inspection and pull out my SOS light once they frown at my old flares. :)

Thanks

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by pimplepounder

Hello all,

Most of you out there know all the rules like the back of your hand. I was visited by the ODNR when loading my boat yesterday eve at Catabwa. No big deal. At any rate, I found out my flares were expired. (Older than 4 years/3 boating seasons) Like I said, I am sure most of you out there know this, and consider this routine, but I bet there is a couple boaters out there who - pardon the pun- are in the same Boat as I.

So, now I am going to buy some new ones, if I can find some that are fresh "hopefully". I asked the officer if there is something else that is permitted. He mentioned an SOS light. Does anyone have any input on these? I know they would be for night time only so a flag would be required for day.

Fish -ON

Kent

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Picked up a fresh 4 pack last month at Cabelas for around $30.

Thanks Dr. Ed!

I bought the SOS light a couple years ago, based on advice from a USCG officer I know. I do like it and this is what I was told. You have to buy new batteries for it every year and keep the receipt with you to prove they are new. Also, make sure not to leave it in the on position and run through your battery power.

I have never had to use a regular flare, but I'm told they make quite a mess on the deck and can even burn upholstery, so you have to hold them over the boat side when lit.

I already had a flag so to me the light is the best.
Rickerd

Would a flare gun pass inspection?

Yes I think so, but flares also would have an expiration date too I would think.

i wonder if they would buy my bow spotlight. It has an SOS setting. I keep fresh flares anyway but curious.

My light should be on my porch when I get home today. Gee wiz remembering to keep a fresh receipt every year new batteries is going to be even harder on my Old-timers disease than the flares. :) I will just put it on my list when I get my trailer tags I guess.

Just buy batteries thatr have dates on them most are good for 10 years now.