Author Topic: Invasive Species Sticker (Read 18372 times)

Jason · « **Reply #20 on:** May 02, 2012, 09:04:17 PM »

I stopes at the wakota bridge ramp after work to check out the landing. A mn dnr dude was there checking boats for invasives and stickers. I talked to him a bit. You don't need to stick it anywhere. You just need it in the boat someplace. He said since I am from gods country that I don't need it.

V153 · « **Reply #21 on:** May 02, 2012, 09:13:23 PM »

Y'know I used to be first in line to get my 'safety check' sticker(s). 'Round these parts you can get one from the Coast Guard and/or a different one from the Sherrifs Dept. Believe both of these programs are sponsored by insurance companies btw. But the inspection is voluntary and relatively painless from my experience. The boys just wanna make sure you got all yer gear'n safety equipment, etc in order. Then try to sell you insurance. I've changed my mind'n no longer participate in the program(s). Heck all the cops know me anyway?

re Your invasive species sticker: Believe I just read in the case of antique or unique boats (old Glastrons being both) there is an exception? Me I'd laminate the sob'n keep it onboard, somewhere. Be damned if'n I stuck that thing where anybody could see it. Clashes with my interior, or lack thereof.

For what it's worth Zebra Mussels, etc were a problem in Buffalo/Lake Erie far back as the early 80s. Govt said they were gonna take care of it. Just needed a lil more of our money ...

badgercarlson · « **Reply #22 on:** May 02, 2012, 11:42:14 PM »

All the Great Lakes are patrolled by the Coast Guard and you must comply with federal boating laws, not the laws of the states that boarder the lakes. In general these laws are stricter. If you get stopped by the CG out on the water, the fines can be excessive. Make sure you have the following on board: "marine" flares (check the expiration date stamped on them), a marine radio or cell phone, a working horn, something to bail water even if you have a bilge pump (a small pail is OK), an anchor and rope, working lights, a battery box, life jackets and a throwable cushion, a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher.

The safety inspection is voluntary. It is not a requirement for boating the Great Lakes. If you have an inspection and fail, you can still go boating, but you will be warned that if you are stopped out on the water, you will pay a fine for each item not in compliance.

If you go to the CG's website, you can get contact information for inspectors. I just contact the inspector in my area and he comes over to my house and inspects the boat in my garage.

76bayflite · « **Reply #23 on:** May 03, 2012, 12:04:25 PM »

Co-worker of mine got stopped on lake superior and got a 2,500.00 dollar fine cause his outboard exceeded the capacity on the plate on his boat. Believe he said he had to get towed back also. Sheesh, talk about fun haters.

Jason · « **Reply #24 on:** May 03, 2012, 12:22:33 PM »

Quote from: 76bayflite on May 03, 2012, 12:04:25 PM

........................ 2,500.00 dollar fine cause his outboard exceeded the capacity on the plate on his boat.................

WOW

I was out on Lake superior a couple years ago. I just assumed the rules were the same and never looked into it. Luckily no one stopped me! Sounds like maybe the flares were all I was missing.

Burnin Daylight · « **Reply #25 on:** May 03, 2012, 01:43:22 PM »

Quote from: Jerry on May 02, 2012, 08:59:42 PM

I don't think so, but I would ask the C/G in Duluth, or you would love Bayfield WS.

Jerry I have already been thinking about that. We went over to Bayfield after last years meet and caught the ferry to Madeline Island, and back to Bayfield and spent the night there in one of the little hotels right on the waterfront. I thought it was a great little place, and that it would be fun to explore the islands with the CV23. Little freaky thinking about getting on Superior with the boat. I have never navigated a body of water that large.

badgercarlson · « **Reply #26 on:** May 03, 2012, 02:20:49 PM »

The flares requirement is where most boaters fail the inspection. The cheapest places I've seen for "marine" flares are Fleet Farm and Walmart. Look at the expiration date stamped on the flares when buying. They only are good for a couple years. Make sure to buy the freshest flares. Retailers will move the older stuff up front so I always do a little digging at the store.

Jerry · « **Reply #27 on:** May 03, 2012, 02:47:53 PM »

You can stay right on the boat. get a slip at the city marina. There's so much to do exploring the Apostle Islands. We had friends that had a sailboat there and stayed in the motorhome there. http://bayfield.org/

Jason · « **Reply #28 on:** May 03, 2012, 02:57:00 PM »

Just south of Bayfield is Washburn. They have a nice campground if your into that. Also, a really nice boat ramp in the city of Washburn. That area is one of my favorite places and the best boating for me so far. Just try to catch it on a calm day. The islands help with the wind and waves.

V153 · « **Reply #29 on:** May 03, 2012, 05:35:20 PM »

Quote from: badgercarlson on May 02, 2012, 11:42:14 PM

If you go to the CG's website, you can get contact information for inspectors. I just contact the inspector in my area and he comes over to my house and inspects the boat in my garage

Funny you mention that BC. Just bumped in to our local boy Sunday. Patrick Wheeler is his name, friendly gent with a thick Scottish accent. Ole Pat's a real piece of work. Has a high dollar Honda pwc (boat with handlebars) rigged like a CG Cutter. He also has a hard on to inspect'n plaster a sticker on each'n every boat in Venice ... If I didn't really like the guy I'd say he was a lil 'overzealous'. But he means well'n folks should have at least the basic safety equipment.

Good point about making sure your flares are up to date. The one's from china mart are only good for a couple years, I dunno bout you but a couple years go by purty fast for me these days ... Easy to overlook the expiration date.

Burnin Daylight · « **Reply #30 on:** May 03, 2012, 06:24:59 PM »

So....flares are flammable....where in the vessel is the best place to store them?

badgercarlson · « **Reply #31 on:** May 03, 2012, 06:44:07 PM »

I know what you mean about the inspectors seeming to be overzealous. When they do inspections at the Milwaukee launches for Lake Michigan it's like they don't want to let anyone launch without a sticker. But just listen to their stories about rescuing boaters and you realize why they do it. Like you say, it's for safety.

Although a cell phone is acceptable as a communication device, the CG inspectors really encourage using a marine radio. I got a "floating" handheld model last year. Call for help using a cell phone and you're dealing with a 911 operator. Call for help with a marine radio and you get the Coast Guard.

I keep my flares in an inexpensive plastic tool box along with the first aid kit, a few tools, etc which I take along each time I go out.

V153 · « **Reply #32 on:** May 03, 2012, 07:14:56 PM »

Quote from: badgercarlson on May 03, 2012, 06:44:07 PM

I keep my flares in an inexpensive plastic tool box

Good idea. Don't trust the chinamart packaging. Big Zip Loc freezer bag works for me nowadays.

Ya I have an old Icom handheld inherited from my Dad. Works fine. Reckon I oughta carry it onboard more often but it's so dang heavy ...

V153 · « **Reply #33 on:** May 03, 2012, 07:41:39 PM »

Quote from: Burnin Daylight on May 03, 2012, 06:24:59 PM

So....flares are flammable....where in the vessel is the best place to store them?

Being a big fan of chaos'n mayhem I'd wire 'em directly between the fuel tank'n batry? Kidding!! Just put 'em somewhere dry'n check the expiration date occasionally.

Seriously. I got pulled by FWC down near Boca Grande awhile back. Everything was in order 'til he asked if I had any flares. I answered of course I do. Then proceeded to retrieve a soggy package fromunda the dash. He was not impressed. Btw FWC officers are not known for their sense of humor ...

Rosscoe · « **Reply #34 on:** May 05, 2012, 06:28:29 AM »

We are talking Federal law/CG when requiring flares, right? I dont carry them.

Hyperacme · « **Reply #35 on:** May 05, 2012, 06:36:15 AM »

Hummmm ...

Q. Is there a penalty if I launch a boat without one?

A. Currently, there is no penalty in effect, but a warning can be issued. Now that the decals are available, it is expected that boaters will be obtaining the new decals and conservation officers will be providing the decals to boaters who have not obtained one. After August 1, 2014, it will be a petty misdemeanor for boaters who don't display the decal on their watercraft

badgercarlson · « **Reply #36 on:** May 05, 2012, 09:47:18 AM »

Yes, the flares requirement is federal law. You only need them for boating the Great Lakes or the oceans.

V153 · « **Reply #37 on:** May 05, 2012, 12:48:59 PM »

Quote from: badgercarlson on May 05, 2012, 09:47:18 AM

Yes, the flares requirement is federal law. You only need them for boating the Great Lakes or the oceans.

Or if operating between sunset to sunrise.

badgercarlson · « **Reply #38 on:** May 05, 2012, 01:50:57 PM »

That's interesting about flares only being required at night. Makes sense as flares would have more visibility at night. People here have to show their flares to the CG inspectors even during the day. Maybe it's because sometimes it takes several hours to locate stranded boaters and it gets dark before they find them. Personally I never go so far out in Lake Michigan that I can't see the shore off in the distance. I'll admit it, I get scared in my CVX 16 if I can't see shore.

V153 · « **Reply #39 on:** May 05, 2012, 07:50:52 PM »

Quote from: badgercarlson on May 05, 2012, 01:50:57 PM

I get scared in my CVX 16 if I can't see shore

Ah that's nuthin' to be skeert of. Just getcha a compass'n a cheap handheld GPS'n retrace yer path. Ain't no thang.

I agree it can be a lil unnerving to be outa sight of land, but ya get over it.