On May 1, a new boater law goes into effect on Lake Wylie. North Carolina boaters under the age of 25 will be required to take a boat safety course prior to operating a boat on lakes in the state. Lake Wylie is a bit unique, as it is situated in both NC and SC.
South Carolina boaters will not be required to take the courses (yet) unless the boater does not have a valid drivers license. Currently, teens age 13 and up can take the safety course and then operate a boat regardless of drivers license status.
When I was at the boat show this February, I had a conversation with a member of the Charlotte Power Squadron about the new boating law. He felt that SC would soon follow suit with the safety class requirement.
Lake Wylie is patrolled by York, Meckenburg, and Gaston County police. Each force has jurisdiction over the whole lake, whether the section falls in North or South Carolina. So a boater can be stopped by any one of the patrollers, regardless of where they are in the lake.
There are a few exceptions to the requirement: New boat owners have 90 days from the change in ownership to comply. In an emergency situation, when the original boat captain is unable to operate the boat, another may step in.
There has been very little publicity about the change in boating law, so many may be caught unaware. Anyone under the age of 25 caught without proof of a safe boating course may be ticketed, facing a lost day on the lake and court costs. So spread the word!
For more information on Lake Wylie waterfront issues, visit my site TheLakeWylieMan.com. Thanks!
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Lake Wylie Dock & Boat Lift Service Recommendations
Have you had experience with local Lake Wylie dock building or boat lift services? Please leave your feedback and recommendations on this site.
For more Lake Wylie Waterfront Resources, please visit my website!
For more Lake Wylie Waterfront Resources, please visit my website!
Lake Wylie Boat Repair & Service Recommendations
Have you had experience with local boat repair services in Lake Wylie? Leave feedback & recommendations on this site!
For more Lake Wylie Waterfront resources, please visit my website.
For more Lake Wylie Waterfront resources, please visit my website.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Age Requirements for Operating a Boat on Lake Wylie
I'm often asked the minimun age to operate a boat on Lake Wylie. Some assume that the boater must have a driver's license, but that is not the case. To legally operate a boat or PWC (personal water craft) without restrictions, the minimum age is 16. However, a person 14-15 years old may operate a PWC or boat if he has completed an approved boater safety course. These courses are 8-hour classes taught by certified instructors. A test is given at the end of the course.
The course is classroom instruction only; no actual "behind the helm" instruction takes place. It goes without saying that parental responsibility is critical to make sure the young person receives enough practice before being turned loose on the lake!
The boater safety course, while not required for adults, is highly recommended. In many cases, it can even reduce boat insurance premiums. Particularly as boat traffic continues to increase on Lake Wylie, it is important that all who operate watercraft understand legal requirements as well as safety rules. There are some excellent online resources for those unable to schedule one of the classes offered regularly in the Lake Wylie area.
For upcoming classes, visit my Lake Wylie Events and Activities calendar. Visit my website for other Lake Wylie Waterfront resources, as well as Lake Wylie waterfront real estate resources.
The course is classroom instruction only; no actual "behind the helm" instruction takes place. It goes without saying that parental responsibility is critical to make sure the young person receives enough practice before being turned loose on the lake!
The boater safety course, while not required for adults, is highly recommended. In many cases, it can even reduce boat insurance premiums. Particularly as boat traffic continues to increase on Lake Wylie, it is important that all who operate watercraft understand legal requirements as well as safety rules. There are some excellent online resources for those unable to schedule one of the classes offered regularly in the Lake Wylie area.
For upcoming classes, visit my Lake Wylie Events and Activities calendar. Visit my website for other Lake Wylie Waterfront resources, as well as Lake Wylie waterfront real estate resources.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Tram systems on Lake Wylie
I was riding by Tega Cay on the lake the other day and spotted the tram system one of the waterfront property owners has installed on his steep lakefront lot. Wow! From what I understand, this is the first such system on Lake Wylie, and is revolutionary for folks with ultra-steep lots.
The tram has tracks that lead from the house down to the waterfront area. The tram car holds up to 1000 pounds (about 4 adults, plus gear). American Recreational Tram Systems is one supplier of these systems.
The tram can be installed on a lot with as much as a 55 degree slope, and can be customized for special needs or requests. They are environmentally friendly, causing very little disturbance on the terrain. Track poles are anchored into the ground, and no dirt needs to be removed from the site.
The trams look like they might provide the thrill of a roller coaster, but they have three independent cables, and multiple independent brake systems. They glide along at a safe and comfortable speed, similar to an elevator. They are much safer than the steep staircases that are currently in use on many steep lots.
The tram systems are not cheap - - they may cost up to $40,000 (depending on length and steepness), but they could very well add that much value to a waterfront lot. A steep lot that may not have been considered by buyers may become marketable, even desirable. Many steep lots have phenomenal views, plus more privacy than lots close to lakeside.
We're likely to see more of these trams around Lake Wylie in the near future. For more information about issues that affect Lake Wylie Waterfront Real Estate, visit my website! You'll find Waterfront Property Searches, Resources for Lake Wylie Waterfront Property Owners, Lake Wylie Activities and Events, and more.
http://www.thelakewylieman.com/
The tram has tracks that lead from the house down to the waterfront area. The tram car holds up to 1000 pounds (about 4 adults, plus gear). American Recreational Tram Systems is one supplier of these systems.
The tram can be installed on a lot with as much as a 55 degree slope, and can be customized for special needs or requests. They are environmentally friendly, causing very little disturbance on the terrain. Track poles are anchored into the ground, and no dirt needs to be removed from the site.
The trams look like they might provide the thrill of a roller coaster, but they have three independent cables, and multiple independent brake systems. They glide along at a safe and comfortable speed, similar to an elevator. They are much safer than the steep staircases that are currently in use on many steep lots.
The tram systems are not cheap - - they may cost up to $40,000 (depending on length and steepness), but they could very well add that much value to a waterfront lot. A steep lot that may not have been considered by buyers may become marketable, even desirable. Many steep lots have phenomenal views, plus more privacy than lots close to lakeside.
We're likely to see more of these trams around Lake Wylie in the near future. For more information about issues that affect Lake Wylie Waterfront Real Estate, visit my website! You'll find Waterfront Property Searches, Resources for Lake Wylie Waterfront Property Owners, Lake Wylie Activities and Events, and more.
http://www.thelakewylieman.com/
Friday, November 30, 2007
Workshop on Lake Wylie River Buffer
Did you miss the workshop? Visit my website to read more about this issue and other topics that affect Lake Wylie waterfront property owners.
The York County Planning & Development Services Department has invited all of the Lake Wylie community to a workshop regarding the river buffer. The staff will facilitate a discussion to obtain input on recommendations for future ordinances, and to develop a Best Management Practices Manual. The manual will provide guidelines for the protection of the waters of Lake Wylie and tributaries of the Catawba River.
This is a hot topic among property owners, developers, and environmental organizations such as the Catawba Riverkeepers Foundation. Some want all construction prohibited within the buffer zone, others want limited construction permitted, and some want no buffer regulations at all.
The purpose of the buffer is to protect water quality by keeping construction runoff from entering the lake. However, some man-made improvements can actually help in these efforts. The proposed changes in the ordinance will define what is allowed, and whether or not variances are permitted.
If you'd like to become involved, call Dave Pettine, the zoning administrator, at 803-909-7234.
Plan to be involved in the workshop - scheduled Dec. 12 6-8pm, at Crowders Creek Elementary on Hwy 49 in Lake Wylie.
Visit my website for Lake Wylie waterfront real estate property searches, helpful information for waterfront residents, Lake Wylie links and community information.
The York County Planning & Development Services Department has invited all of the Lake Wylie community to a workshop regarding the river buffer. The staff will facilitate a discussion to obtain input on recommendations for future ordinances, and to develop a Best Management Practices Manual. The manual will provide guidelines for the protection of the waters of Lake Wylie and tributaries of the Catawba River.
This is a hot topic among property owners, developers, and environmental organizations such as the Catawba Riverkeepers Foundation. Some want all construction prohibited within the buffer zone, others want limited construction permitted, and some want no buffer regulations at all.
The purpose of the buffer is to protect water quality by keeping construction runoff from entering the lake. However, some man-made improvements can actually help in these efforts. The proposed changes in the ordinance will define what is allowed, and whether or not variances are permitted.
If you'd like to become involved, call Dave Pettine, the zoning administrator, at 803-909-7234.
Plan to be involved in the workshop - scheduled Dec. 12 6-8pm, at Crowders Creek Elementary on Hwy 49 in Lake Wylie.
Visit my website for Lake Wylie waterfront real estate property searches, helpful information for waterfront residents, Lake Wylie links and community information.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Time to Winterize!
The frost is on the pumpkin, so guess what? Time to winterize! If you're a new boat owner and have never had to winterize your boat, don't panic. It isn't that difficult. But don't put it off too long, either! The time and effort you spend now will save you boatloads in the spring.
The best place for your boat during the winter is out of the water, under cover. Whether on a lift or on a trailer on your driveway, make sure your boat is covered with a tarp or fitted boat cover. If you must leave your boat in the water over the winter, be sure to close all seacocks and gate valves in order to protect the thru-hulls.
You should check your owner's manual of your boat for information on winterizing, but here is some basic information:
Inboard Engine: First, change the oil (best done when the engine is warm, so that impurities in the oil are drained away.) Change the oil filters. Then flush the engine with fresh water. Circulate antifreeze through the manifold by using a pickup hose from the waterpump to a bucket of antifreeze. Check the fluid in the tranmission.
When an engine is not being used, oil tends to settle at the bottom, exposing pistons and valves to air and humidity, which can cause corrosion. To avoid this, remove the spark plugs and spray "fogging oil" inside the carburetor. Then, clean and replace the spark plugs.
Replace ethe engine's old gear oil with fresh oil. You can dispose of any used oil at an authorized recycling center.
Outboard Engines: Flush the engine with fresh water. Let all water drain from the engine. Disconnect the fuel hose and run the engine until it stops. Make sure all fuel is drained from the carburetor. Use fogging oil in the cylinders. Change the gear oil in the lower unit.
Interior: Open all drawers and bins and clean thoroughly. Leave refrigerators, hatches, etc. open so that air can circulate. Of course, make sure to remove any food, valuables, and flammables. If possible, bring cushions and life jackets inside. At the very least, turn cushions up on ends to prevent growth of mildew. You can also use moister absorber products such as "Damp Away" to absorb excess moisture while your boat is under wraps for the winter.
If this all sounds intimidating to you, you can take your boat to a marine service center and and they'll do it all for you. Visit my website for a list of local Lake Wylie Boat Service and Repair.
Whatever option you choose, do not neglect this maintenance chore. When that first beautiful spring day arrives, you want to be enjoying your boat on the lake. You don't want to spend that gorgeous day joining the long waiting list who need boat repairs because they didn't get around to properly winterizing their boats!
Disclaimer: The author is not responsible for damage or injuries that may occur as a result of this information.
Visit my website for Lake Wylie waterfront real estate property searches, helpful information for waterfront residents, Lake Wylie links and community information.
The best place for your boat during the winter is out of the water, under cover. Whether on a lift or on a trailer on your driveway, make sure your boat is covered with a tarp or fitted boat cover. If you must leave your boat in the water over the winter, be sure to close all seacocks and gate valves in order to protect the thru-hulls.
You should check your owner's manual of your boat for information on winterizing, but here is some basic information:
Fuel: Fill your fuel tank to avoid a build up of condensation over the winter months. (Condensation can lead to corrosion and clogging.) Add a fuel stabilizer. Change the fuel filter and water separators.
Inboard Engine: First, change the oil (best done when the engine is warm, so that impurities in the oil are drained away.) Change the oil filters. Then flush the engine with fresh water. Circulate antifreeze through the manifold by using a pickup hose from the waterpump to a bucket of antifreeze. Check the fluid in the tranmission.
When an engine is not being used, oil tends to settle at the bottom, exposing pistons and valves to air and humidity, which can cause corrosion. To avoid this, remove the spark plugs and spray "fogging oil" inside the carburetor. Then, clean and replace the spark plugs.
Replace ethe engine's old gear oil with fresh oil. You can dispose of any used oil at an authorized recycling center.
Outboard Engines: Flush the engine with fresh water. Let all water drain from the engine. Disconnect the fuel hose and run the engine until it stops. Make sure all fuel is drained from the carburetor. Use fogging oil in the cylinders. Change the gear oil in the lower unit.
Interior: Open all drawers and bins and clean thoroughly. Leave refrigerators, hatches, etc. open so that air can circulate. Of course, make sure to remove any food, valuables, and flammables. If possible, bring cushions and life jackets inside. At the very least, turn cushions up on ends to prevent growth of mildew. You can also use moister absorber products such as "Damp Away" to absorb excess moisture while your boat is under wraps for the winter.
If this all sounds intimidating to you, you can take your boat to a marine service center and and they'll do it all for you. Visit my website for a list of local Lake Wylie Boat Service and Repair.
Whatever option you choose, do not neglect this maintenance chore. When that first beautiful spring day arrives, you want to be enjoying your boat on the lake. You don't want to spend that gorgeous day joining the long waiting list who need boat repairs because they didn't get around to properly winterizing their boats!
Disclaimer: The author is not responsible for damage or injuries that may occur as a result of this information.
Visit my website for Lake Wylie waterfront real estate property searches, helpful information for waterfront residents, Lake Wylie links and community information.
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