Tag: law

Pontoon Boat Safety Tips

Pontoon Boat Safety Tips

A pontoon or party boat can be a fun and relaxing way to travel out on the water.  These spacious boats hold as many as 15 or so people and can allow for sunbathing, music and partying!  Several months ago after searching through various listings of used Pontoon boats for sale, we found a great deal on one for just under $5500.  The boat can hold up to ten passengers, includes a built-in radio, fish finder, and spacious storage for all sorts of items underneath the seat cushions.  We’ve found the pontoon boat to be a lot of fun to take out on the lake for journeys to explore different areas and enjoy the relaxation of being on the water.

While pontoon boats are a lot of fun to take on the water, safety should always be a priority.  The last thing you want is your partying to get in the way of safety and cause a hazard to other boaters or even worse an accident on the dock or water.  This article will outline several safety precautions to keep in mind while you’re using your pontoon boat.  Safety tips for driving the boat are better learned via a safe boating course, so these will be general safety tips for storing your boat and what to do before taking it out.

On board the pontoon boat it’s essential to have a flotation device.  This is in case of a sudden crash or impact, or if the boat flipped.  The flotation device should always be kept out in the open when your boating, just in case of an accident.  Also, make sure to include a number of lifevests, which can be stored underneath the seat cushions on the boat.  Err on the side of caution by having 8-10 of these just in case you have a lot of passengers.  You never know when they will be needed, or if certain passengers are unable to swim.

If your pontoon boat is stored at a dock, it is necessary for it to be tied up to the dock.  At our dock there are four cleats, two in front and two in back of the boat.  It is essential that you properly cleat the lines and that the pontoon boat is fastened securely near the dock.  Otherwise, if it is loose or becomes unattached, your boat may float away and hit something!  When leaving for an outing on the boat, we always make sure one person is on board while one or more passengers are on the dock to untie the ropes from the cleats.  Then the people on the dock safely board as the pontoon boat motor has been switched on.

With many new and used pontoon boats, the key also includes a special clip for the “killswitch” or “dead man’s switch” attached by a cord on the keyring.  This clip-on switch provides an important safety function to shut off the boat’s motor.  It’s very important before even starting the boat that you have this clip in place, so that if your key becomes dislodged or you have to pull it out for an emergency, the motor will shut down automatically.

While out on the water, there are several safety rules to keep in mind.  While I could cover them here, it is generally advised that you have completed a boating or boater’s safety course for your area.  Different states have different laws or regulations regarding who is required to have passed a boater safety course before being allowed to even drive a boat on the water.  You can find out more about your particular state’s laws and regulations at the appropriate Game and Inland Fisheries website for your state, or your state’s gov site.

Traveling to Maui on a Budget

Traveling to Maui on a Budget

A FEW WORDS ABOUT MAUI

Just say the word “Maui” and images of tropical breezes, blue ocean waters, sandy beaches and lush foliage come to mind.  All of this is true, and then some.

You will find Maui to be a welcoming, world class vacation destination.  The locals are friendly and helpful and willing to give visitors assistance in getting around their Island.  However, one caution, remember that Hawaii is the 50th state in the United States and the local people do not take kindly to remarks such as “back in the States” and the like.

Travel around Maui is almost all by personal automobile.  There is virtually no public transportation on the island, so renting a car is a must when visiting Maui.  Most of the major car rental companies have operations on Maui with locations at the main airport.  You should be sure to make advance reservations before you get to the island as there are a limited number of cars on the island and if they are all reserved previously you could have a supply problem if you don’t have a reservation.  This is particularly true during the “high” season.  The key to economical car rental is to reserve your car is to shop for a car on line considerably before your trip is scheduled.  Rental rates change frequently, and can vary widely so do your homework.

Maui has a good network of roads covering most of the island.  They are paved and well maintained with traffic control markings and  driving rules as you would have on the mainland.  One thing that you will notice are the street names, which are mainly in Hawiian.  That means that the names will be long and somewhat strange at first.

WHERE TO STAY

A major concern when visiting Maui is deciding where to stay on the Island.  In general you will find that the western side of the island is relatively dry and sunny and is where most of the major resorts and condominimum buildings are located.  Even then, you must also think about if you want to stay “ocean side” or somewhat removed from the shore.  As you would think, Ocean side will be more expensive.  At that you will find accomodations which are “ocean front”, ocean side, ocean view and a lot of more imaginativly described sub divisions.  All that means is that you need to ask, and be sure that you fully understand where your accomodations are relative to the ocean, so you won’t be disappointed when you find that in order to see the ocean from your “ocean view” room, that you have to stick your head out of the window to see it two blocks away.

There are definate tourist seasons on Maui.  In general the “high season” is from December 15th through April 15th.  The rest of the year is the “regular season”.  You will find that during the high season the island is more crowded and some things are from somewhat to very much more expensive.  Lodging is one thing that can sometimes double in price during the high season.

One other option is to reserve accomodations “upcountry”.  That means locating on the side of the extinct volcano, which is in the center of the Island.  This volcano is name Haleakla.  It is about 10,000 feet above sea level and it provides a distintively different experience on Maui.  There is a national park there which, if you enjoy hiking and other outdoor activities could be very enjoyable, and quite economical.

ACTIVITIES

Maui offers all of the world class vacation activities that you can imagine, and some that you never heard about.  You will find no end of activity brochures easily available throughout the island.  Again, to get the most economical actilitys for your travel group you must shop aroung.  There are travel agencies that will gladly recommend and book your reservations for everything from sailing adventures, through submarine rides, through dinner and sunset cruises and luaus.  Here, you can be economical, or you can be extravagant.

Of course, ocean activities play an important part of Island activities.  Maui has many world class beaches, and by law, all are public beaches.  Here you can do everything from simply sun bathing to snorkeling (free stuff) to scuba diving, kayaking, parasailing and much, much more.

SUMMARY

In short, you will find that Maui has something for everyone.  It is called “Magical Maui”, and I am sure that you will be enchanted with your Maui experience and if you are like so many other visitors to the “Valley Island” you will be planning your return visit as soon as you get home from your vacation.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT  Traveling to Maui on a Budget

Toronto Restaurants, Hotels in the Beach District

Toronto Restaurants, Hotels in the Beach District

Toronto restaurants are internationally renowned for their diversity of offerings, culinary mastery, and unparalleled cuisine. Owing to a rich multicultural heritage, Toronto boasts restaurants serving food from all walks of life and atmosphere to suit any style. Toronto restaurants cater to a vibrant, growing community and host some of the most innovative menus available, whether fine gourmet dining or fast fare. MenuPalace.com maintains close relationships with Toronto’s finest restaurants, clubs, bars and catering services to provide you with the latest information and service to help you choose the ideal restaurant for your purpose. Whether a romantic dinner is sought, or a venue for large corporate functions, Toronto has a restaurant that will match and exceed your requirements, and MenuPalace.com provides the resources to find and make the most of your experience.

One of the most tourist friendly locations in Toronto, the Beach district is also a welcoming spot for anyone interested in purchasing real estate. Part of the allure of this stretch along Queen Street East is convenient access to many entertainment amenities, which includes over 60 different restaurants.

Whatever your particular taste, there is guaranteed to be a restaurant in the Beach district to suit your mood. In the mood for a casual dinner of pizza or subs? There are several restaurants waiting to fill that empty spot in your stomach, including established chains like Pizza Hut and Mr. Sub as well as independent and well reviewed establishments like Pizza Nova.

Those in the mood for different fare can try out some of the casual dining rooms specializing in western fare that dot the area. Pubs like Murphy’s Law and Kitty O’Sheas are guaranteed to quench the burger and fries craving that naturally occurs in everyone from time to time, with the option of washing it down with a pint or two in a traditional Irish style pub besides. Those looking for a slightly more formal or family friendly environment can try out the Sunset Grill, Stoney’s Bar and Grill, or Whitlock Restaurant.

Being at the beach often puts one in a seafood frame of mind, and the restaurants in the Beach district are guaranteed to please in this area too. Again, diners can choose from the casual, home feel of restaurants like Lakeview Fish & Chips or a more formal setting such as White Bros. Fish Co.

Exotic fish tastes are also evident in the area, with several Japanese restaurants present including Yumei Sushi, Otabe, and Akane-Ya offering both hugely popular traditional sushi such as nigiri and maki as well as cooked Japanese fare like donburi and tempura. There are restaurants, in fact, made to suit almost any ethnic food taste you may encounter, including Middle Eastern (Aida’s Falafel), Thai (Bow Thai, Urban Thai Bistro), Chinese (Ho Lee Chow) and Greek.

And for those who want dessert after their meals, there are ice cram parlors and bakeries all over the Beaches.

The Beach has something to offer anyone in the area in terms of food fare; there are bakeries for a quick bite before heading to work, bistros and faster food for quick lunches, and both elegant and casual restaurants for long, relaxed dinners at the end of the day. The only thing that will hold you back is the difficulty you may experience when it comes to deciding where to go.

Staying Safe on a Wild Spring Break

Staying Safe on a Wild Spring Break

You’ve spend the last few months cramming for exams and saving up  your cash by avoiding unnecessary purchases like those Honda motorcycle parts, so you deserve a crazy, fun spring break. Whether you’re heading off to Cancun or you’ll be in the South of France for a week or two, you’ve got to take some safety precautions if you want to keep safe. Follow my tips and suggestions for a safe and healthy spring break vacation.

  1. Don’t over drink. Many people associate fun and crazy with alcohol, and while that may be true, make sure you are smart about drinking. Follow local drinking laws and make sure that you have your identification with you at all times. If you do decide to drink, make sure that you don’t overindulge. It will not only put a damper on the rest of the trip, but it could make you vulnerable as a result of your lowered inhibitions. Never go to a bar and drink alone, always make sure you’ve got a friend or two out with you and look out for each other.
  2. Don’t get sunburned. We all no the dangers presented by the sun, so be careful. You don’t want to overexpose your skin to the sun because it will certainly ruin the trip and it is incredibly unhealthy. Always wear sunscreen while out on the beach. You should apply it at least 30 minutes before you go out and you should really lather it on. You can still a tan with sunscreen, so don’t let that affect your decision to wear it.
  3. Don’t invite strangers over to your hotel. This may be tempting to do while out on vacation, but it’s incredibly dangerous. Unless you know someone well, you shouldn’t invite them in. It leaves you and your belongings vulnerable. If you aren’t expecting someone and you hear a knock at the door, don’t answer it without verbal or visual confirmation of their identity.