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.
Friday, February 29, 2008
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/
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