Episode 16:  In this episode, Molley and Chad talk with their children, Tristin and Alayna about time on the lake.  Tristin made a guest appearance on the episode about  The Types of Boat Food to Bring or Avoid.  Today is Alayna’s first time behind the microphone with us.  If you’re a boater, you already know how time out on the water can be special for you and your family.  Let’s get the kids’ perspectives on those experiences. What’s the First Thing that Comes to Mind? Tristin shares his thoughts about time on the lake.  First, he describes his memory of jumping into the water and landing on a rock.  The first-aid kit came in handy that day.  Remember to always back one on your boat, just in case.  Second, he talks about a getting some great air while tubing behind  his grandfather’s boat, which we heard about in Episode 14.  Alayna talks about the first time she got up while wake-boarding.  She’d tried a million times, but this time she figured it out.  First Lake Memories Tristin thinks his first memory was when he was about 4 and completely wrapped up in a towel and feeling perfectly comfortable and happy.  Alayna comments about the after-lunch naps.  It’s still her favorite thing about the lake. What Did They Dread about Coming to the Lake? While time on the lake is awesome, sometimes kiddos can see it differently, at least until they get down there.  Alayna mentions having to miss some random birthday parties, but other than that, lake life has been a lot of fun.  What Have They Learned about the Adults during a Day on the Lake?           Tristin laughs about some of the dance moves he’s seen.  Alayna jokes about Molley’s 40th birthday houseboat trip.  Molley explains there were at least 10-12 couples between the 2 boats. In  Episode 13, they explained how Travis put a hole in Molley’s new mat (“Don’t worry dude…”). What Is One of Their Favorite Memories? Tristin describes how it’s always been the water sports for him.  For Alayna, it was more swimming when she was younger.  Now that she’s grown up, it’s really the overall experience (including the naps). Who’s the Better Driver for Tubing? Tristin says it really depends on the mood of each parent.  If Chad’s being quiet in the morning, he wants Chad.  You have to listen to the episode for the rationale on this one. Which Job Would Each of Them Pick, if They Had to Do One? Molley and Chad have always  recommended picking a specific job to make the launch and trailering go smoothly.  Chad always drives the truck and Molley is in charge of launching or trailering the boat.  This system works for them.  However, if the kids had to pick a job, which would it be?  Alayna says it depends on the boat.  She says for a normal boat, not a pontoon or wake boat, she’d choose launching the boat.  Tristin is fine with trailering the boat.  Do They Think They’ll Own Their Own Boat? Tristin says yes.  He would really like a 2-seater Sea-Doo to start.  He’d move up to a wake boat.  Alayna also wants a wake boat.  Neither want the pontoon boat their parents have. What’s Their Favorite Summer Weekend on the Lake? Alayna says it definitely girls weekend.  For Tristin, it’s all about the poker run.  When they were younger, both agreed it was any weekend on the houseboat. Is There a Favorite Story about Lake Life? Tristin describes a houseboat weekend with an eclectic mix of guests, including a horse head mask.  They found a nice beach cove for a beach fire. Chad describes a great time he had fishing with Alayna off the dock.  Then, there was a tubing day with Tristin resulting in a great photo. Alayna describes a tubing adventure with a friend, behind on of their friend’s boat.  The boat definitely had some power to whip them around.  She also shares some memories about crowded time at the lake house.  The kiddos always ended up sleeping in the closets, because there were so many people. Speaking of adventures, the group talks about some trouble a boater ran into on the lake during a poker run.  The pictures received national coverage.  They may be available on Don’s Lake Cumberland Lake Assist website. Alayna joke about memories of when Molley was loading the boat, in the early years.  Concentration was everything! Safety First Chad comments about the importance of always having a sober driver.  Boating comes with a lot of responsibility, but if safe-boating rules are followed, everyone can have a great time of on the lake.  What’s the Right Number of Guest at the Lake House? Tristen explains that it depends on the weekend.  For him, if it’s poker run weekend, bring everyone.  However, if it’s Memorial Day weekend, having some family time is nice.  Chad admits that it’s a lot of work, but he really enjoys the time on the water with family and friends. Will Molley and Chad ever Say Good-Bye to the Lake Life? Molley opens up the conversation to let the kids ask questions.  This is Tristen’s first question.  Neither Molley or Chad ever see it going away.  This is a special part of their life together.  The boats may change, but not their love of being on the lake.  What Are some of Molley and Chad’s Favorite Memories on the Lake? Chad comments that there was more partying, before the kids came along.  But, they were never that rowdy to begin with.  For Molley, one of her favorite memories is when each of the kids jumped into the water by themselves for the first time.  Molley describes the first time Tristin tubed alone and got some air.  She knew they’d never get him out of the water.  For Alayna, it was the first time she actually wanted to join in the water sports.  It really got fun when the children began bringing their friends to the lake.  It gave Molley and Chad the opportunity to really get to know their friends and to watch everyone interact together. Chad’s favorite memory is every time the kids get super competitive on the wake boards.  He loves just relaxing and having fun, especially when they achieve something for the first time. If They Won the Lottery, What Kind of Boat Would each of the Kids Buy? Alayna would buy a super, decked-out Pavati wake boat. Tristin would land somewhere in between a yacht and a houseboat.  Basically, he’d pick a big cruiser.  Both would expect to keep their boats on Lake Cumberland. We’d like to thank Tristin and Alayna joining us for this episode.  It was a great, family episode.  Creating those lake life memories are what it’s all about for each of them. That’s a wrap for this episode.  We hope you found it helpful, insightful and maybe a little entertaining.  Thanks for Listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider sharing it with your social media friends.  We hope to see you out there soon.  Until next time, here’s to warm weather and calm waters! Don’t forget to subscribe!

Episode 16:  In this episode, Molley and Chad talk with their children, Tristin and Alayna about time on the lake.  Tristin made a guest appearance on the episode about <a href="https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/show/lakelifewithmolleyandchad/id/19427003" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> The Types of Boat Food to Bring or Avoid</a>.  Today is Alayna’s first time behind the microphone with us.  If you’re a boater, you already know how time out on the water can be special for you and your family.  Let’s get the kids’ perspectives on those experiences. What’s the First Thing that Comes to Mind? Tristin shares his thoughts about time on the lake.  First, he describes his memory of jumping into the water and landing on a rock.  The first-aid kit came in handy that day.  Remember to always back one on your boat, just in case.  Second, he talks about a getting some great air while tubing behind <a href="https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/show/lakelifewithmolleyandchad/id/23377019" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> his grandfather’s boat</a>, which we heard about in Episode 14.  Alayna talks about the first time she got up while wake-boarding.  She’d tried a million times, but this time she figured it out.  First Lake Memories Tristin thinks his first memory was when he was about 4 and completely wrapped up in a towel and feeling perfectly comfortable and happy.  Alayna comments about the after-lunch naps.  It’s still her favorite thing about the lake. What Did They Dread about Coming to the Lake? While time on the lake is awesome, sometimes kiddos can see it differently, at least until they get down there.  Alayna mentions having to miss some random birthday parties, but other than that, lake life has been a lot of fun.  What Have They Learned about the Adults during a Day on the Lake?           Tristin laughs about some of the dance moves he’s seen.  Alayna jokes about Molley’s 40th birthday houseboat trip.  Molley explains there were at least 10-12 couples between the 2 boats. In <a href="https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/show/lakelifewithmolleyandchad/id/23235752" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Episode 13</a>, they explained how Travis put a hole in Molley’s new mat (“Don’t worry dude…”). What Is One of Their Favorite Memories? Tristin describes how it’s always been the water sports for him.  For Alayna, it was more swimming when she was younger.  Now that she’s grown up, it’s really the overall experience (including the naps). Who’s the Better Driver for Tubing? Tristin says it really depends on the mood of each parent.  If Chad’s being quiet in the morning, he wants Chad.  You have to listen to the episode for the rationale on this one. Which Job Would Each of Them Pick, if They Had to Do One? Molley and Chad have always <a href="https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/show/lakelifewithmolleyandchad/id/19260554" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> recommended picking a specific job</a> to make the launch and trailering go smoothly.  Chad always drives the truck and Molley is in charge of launching or trailering the boat.  This system works for them.  However, if the kids had to pick a job, which would it be?  Alayna says it depends on the boat.  She says for a normal boat, not a pontoon or wake boat, she’d choose launching the boat.  Tristin is fine with trailering the boat.  Do They Think They’ll Own Their Own Boat? Tristin says yes.  He would really like a 2-seater Sea-Doo to start.  He’d move up to a wake boat.  Alayna also wants a wake boat.  Neither want the pontoon boat their parents have. What’s Their Favorite Summer Weekend on the Lake? Alayna says it definitely girls weekend.  For Tristin, it’s all about the poker run.  When they were younger, both agreed it was any weekend on the houseboat. Is There a Favorite Story about Lake Life? Tristin describes a houseboat weekend with an eclectic mix of guests, including a horse head mask.  They found a nice beach cove for a beach fire. Chad describes a great time he had fishing with Alayna off the dock.  Then, there was a tubing day with Tristin resulting in a great photo. Alayna describes a tubing adventure with a friend, behind on of their friend’s boat.  The boat definitely had some power to whip them around.  She also shares some memories about crowded time at the lake house.  The kiddos always ended up sleeping in the closets, because there were so many people. Speaking of adventures, the group talks about some trouble a boater ran into on the lake during a poker run.  The pictures received national coverage.  They may be available on <a href="http://www.cumberlandtowboat.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Don’s Lake Cumberland Lake Assist</a> website. Alayna joke about memories of when Molley was loading the boat, in the early years.  Concentration was everything! Safety First Chad comments about the importance of always having a sober driver.  Boating comes with a lot of responsibility, but if safe-boating rules are followed, everyone can have a great time of on the lake.  What’s the Right Number of Guest at the Lake House? Tristen explains that it depends on the weekend.  For him, if it’s poker run weekend, bring everyone.  However, if it’s Memorial Day weekend, having some family time is nice.  Chad admits that it’s a lot of work, but he really enjoys the time on the water with family and friends. Will Molley and Chad ever Say Good-Bye to the Lake Life? Molley opens up the conversation to let the kids ask questions.  This is Tristen’s first question.  Neither Molley or Chad ever see it going away.  This is a special part of their life together.  The boats may change, but not their love of being on the lake.  What Are some of Molley and Chad’s Favorite Memories on the Lake? Chad comments that there was more partying, before the kids came along.  But, they were never that rowdy to begin with.  For Molley, one of her favorite memories is when each of the kids jumped into the water by themselves for the first time.  Molley describes the first time Tristin tubed alone and got some air.  She knew they’d never get him out of the water.  For Alayna, it was the first time she actually wanted to join in the water sports.  It really got fun when the children began bringing their friends to the lake.  It gave Molley and Chad the opportunity to really get to know their friends and to watch everyone interact together. Chad’s favorite memory is every time the kids get super competitive on the wake boards.  He loves just relaxing and having fun, especially when they achieve something for the first time. If They Won the Lottery, What Kind of Boat Would each of the Kids Buy? Alayna would buy a super, decked-out <a href="https://pavati.com/wake-boats/al26-wake-boat/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pavati</a> wake boat. Tristin would land somewhere in between a yacht and a houseboat.  Basically, he’d pick a big cruiser.  Both would expect to keep their boats on Lake Cumberland. We’d like to thank Tristin and Alayna joining us for this episode.  It was a great, family episode.  Creating those lake life memories are what it’s all about for each of them. That’s a wrap for this episode.  We hope you found it helpful, insightful and maybe a little entertaining.  Thanks for Listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider sharing it with your social media friends.  We hope to see you out there soon.  Until next time, here’s to warm weather and calm waters! Don’t forget to subscribe!

Interview with Our Children about Lake Life

Dock

Episode 15:  In this episode, Molley and Chad talk with their friends Mandy and Travis.  These friends have “the dock life” figured out.  They are basically live on their boat full-time.  Today’s discussion will focus on what it’s like to practically live on a boat and some tips they can offer to people considering doing the same. What Started the Dock Life for Mandy and Travis? Mandy explains that they started coming to Lake Cumberland about 15 years ago.  She worked with a lady who had houseboat at State Dock.  After a weekend event, Mandy took Travis back and they began spending a lot of time there.  They eventually bought their first boat, a Chaparral. Mandy and Travis were convinced that they wanted to buy a houseboat.  A few years ago, they decided to buy a cruiser Travis found for sale at the dock.  It took Travis a little time to convince Mandy to go this way, but the setup and amenities at their State Dock slip made the decision easier. When Did They Start Boating? Travis explains that his dad had a boat and he grew up boating on the river.  When he met Mandy, they started going to  Nolin.  They quickly knew they liked the lake life.  Even after they bought their boat, they still continued staying with their friends on the houseboat.  Every Friday turned into a race to get back to the lake.  In previous episodes, Molley and Chad recommended  picking a job to do.  Travis chose to drive the truck and Mandy got used to launching the boat off the trailer.  Mandy quickly became very good at handling the launch and getting it back onto the trailer. Molley recounts how her family had ski boats when she was growing up.  She and Chad bought a tri-toon, as their first boat.  Molley comments how difficult it was to get used to getting it back onto the trailer.  The first time she loaded it was a disaster.  Luckily, she got better with practice. Mandy, Travis and their Cruiser Their cruiser is a 34’ Sea Ray.  It’s sleeps 6 downstairs, with 2 more up top, if the canopy is up.  The dock is full of boats and boat owners.  It’s a second family.  They enjoy it when they can spend time by themselves, before the crowd returns for the weekend.  Chad enjoys the early season because a lot of people aren’t coming down yet.  The water’s cold, but there’s less of a crowd.  It can be very relaxing. Typically, Mandy and Travis are weekend warriors, when it comes to boating.  They tie up every Saturday, but they return to the dock at the end of the day or evening.  Mandy comments how the dock can be its own little city. Why Did They Decide to Keep the Boat at Lake Cumberland? For Mandy, it’s because the lake is so beautiful and full of new places to explore.  At the same time, the people down there have become like family.  It’s their happy place. Travis really enjoys early mornings on the lake.  It’s such a big lake that there’s always something to do.  He mentions the night trips to the dam are always fun.  Molley describes how they like to launch the boat later in the day, when the full moon is out.  It’s a different experience when the moon lights up the lake.  Other Lakes Offer Different Experiences Mandy lists a few of the other lakes they’ve visited including Nolin, Rough River, Lake of the Ozarks.  She mentions that Lake of the Ozarks isn’t really a tie-up place.  It’s more about the local bars.  They’ve also visited Kentucky Lake.  None of them felt like are “home.” Pitfalls to the Dock Life Molley asks Mandy and Travis about some of the downsides living on a houseboat or fully embracing the Dock Life.  What should people consider. Travis jokingly comments that if you like to go to sleep early, consider which slip to buy because the people around the dock tend to be very social, especially on the weekends.  Chad talks about how some slips can be seriously customized for a good time.  Mandy explains there is a curfew for the music.  However, if you’re not a people-person, the Dock Life may not be for you.  Chad recalls how people tend to pitch in to help others out, especially when they’re docking boats or getting things ready.  It’s about “family.” If They Won the Lottery, What Boat Would They Buy? Couples usually have 2 different answers.  Mandy says it would be houseboat and a Sunsation or Nor-Tech center-console to go with it.  Travis says he’d buy a 50’ Sea Ray with a closed cockpit.  Chad and Molley recommend visiting the Miami Boat Show, if you’d like to dream.  Chad describes the trend of converting tugboats to upscale, live-abort boats.  What’s the Best Thing about the Dock Life? For Travis, it’s all about the people, combined with the chance to get away from reality and the stress.  The dock is its own community.  Mandy agrees, but also talks about the memories.  The lake is just a terrific place, regardless of the boat you may have.  Chad explains how he and Molley love just being out on the water.  There’s plenty of sights to see, like waterfalls.  Winter Planning for Summer Activities Molley talks about how people like to start planning for the summer, as a way to help get through the winter months.  They try to take a January trip somewhere warm just to get the feeling back.  The group discusses how the have to transition between their winter and summer friends.  Catching back up with their summer friends is always fun.  Everyone is looking forward to returning to a normal summer, after the pandemic last year.  Final Thoughts about the Dock Life Experience Travis explains how he helps to transport the bags and luggage to the boat.  Having a good routine makes things much easier.  He comments that being together on the lake has actually brought them closer, as a couple. Mandy comments about the advice she received from someone named Poppy.  “You can always make more money, but you can’t make more memories.”  The couple recently sold their houseboat, so Mandy really considers these words to live by.  We’d like to thank Mandy and Travis joining us for this episode.  It was a great episode. Maybe they’ll plan a dock-side episode, in the future.  That’s a wrap for this episode.  We hope you found it helpful, insightful and maybe a little entertaining.  Thanks for Listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider sharing it with your social media friends.  We hope to see you out there soon.  Until next time, here’s to warm weather and calm waters! Don’t forget to subscribe!

Episode 15:  In this episode, Molley and Chad talk with their friends Mandy and Travis.  These friends have “the dock life” figured out.  They are basically live on their boat full-time.  Today’s discussion will focus on what it’s like to practically live on a boat and some tips they can offer to people considering doing the same. What Started the Dock Life for Mandy and Travis? Mandy explains that they started coming to Lake Cumberland about 15 years ago.  She worked with a lady who had houseboat at <a href="https://statedock.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">State Dock</a>.  After a weekend event, Mandy took Travis back and they began spending a lot of time there.  They eventually bought their first boat, a <a href="https://www.chaparralboats.com/Chaparral-Boats.php?country=226" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chaparral</a>. Mandy and Travis were convinced that they wanted to buy a houseboat.  A few years ago, they decided to buy a cruiser Travis found for sale at the dock.  It took Travis a little time to convince Mandy to go this way, but the setup and amenities at their State Dock slip made the decision easier. When Did They Start Boating? Travis explains that his dad had a boat and he grew up boating on the river.  When he met Mandy, they started going to <a href="https://parks.ky.gov/mammoth-cave/parks/recreation/nolin-lake-state-park" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Nolin</a>.  They quickly knew they liked the lake life.  Even after they bought their boat, they still continued staying with their friends on the houseboat.  Every Friday turned into a race to get back to the lake.  In previous episodes, Molley and Chad recommended <a href="https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/show/lakelifewithmolleyandchad/id/19260554" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> picking a job to do</a>.  Travis chose to drive the truck and Mandy got used to launching the boat off the trailer.  Mandy quickly became very good at handling the launch and getting it back onto the trailer. Molley recounts how her family had ski boats when she was growing up.  She and Chad bought a tri-toon, as their first boat.  Molley comments how difficult it was to get used to getting it back onto the trailer.  The first time she loaded it was a disaster.  Luckily, she got better with practice. Mandy, Travis and their Cruiser Their cruiser is a 34’ Sea Ray.  It’s sleeps 6 downstairs, with 2 more up top, if the canopy is up.  The dock is full of boats and boat owners.  It’s a second family.  They enjoy it when they can spend time by themselves, before the crowd returns for the weekend.  Chad enjoys the early season because a lot of people aren’t coming down yet.  The water’s cold, but there’s less of a crowd.  It can be very relaxing. Typically, Mandy and Travis are weekend warriors, when it comes to boating.  They tie up every Saturday, but they return to the dock at the end of the day or evening.  Mandy comments how the dock can be its own little city. Why Did They Decide to Keep the Boat at Lake Cumberland? For Mandy, it’s because the lake is so beautiful and full of new places to explore.  At the same time, the people down there have become like family.  It’s their happy place. Travis really enjoys early mornings on the lake.  It’s such a big lake that there’s always something to do.  He mentions the night trips to the dam are always fun.  Molley describes how they like to launch the boat later in the day, when the full moon is out.  It’s a different experience when the moon lights up the lake.  Other Lakes Offer Different Experiences Mandy lists a few of the other lakes they’ve visited including Nolin, Rough River, Lake of the Ozarks.  She mentions that Lake of the Ozarks isn’t really a tie-up place.  It’s more about the local bars.  They’ve also visited Kentucky Lake.  None of them felt like are “home.” Pitfalls to the Dock Life Molley asks Mandy and Travis about some of the downsides living on a houseboat or fully embracing the Dock Life.  What should people consider. Travis jokingly comments that if you like to go to sleep early, consider which slip to buy because the people around the dock tend to be very social, especially on the weekends.  Chad talks about how some slips can be seriously customized for a good time.  Mandy explains there is a curfew for the music.  However, if you’re not a people-person, the Dock Life may not be for you.  Chad recalls how people tend to pitch in to help others out, especially when they’re docking boats or getting things ready.  It’s about “family.” If They Won the Lottery, What Boat Would They Buy? Couples usually have 2 different answers.  Mandy says it would be houseboat and a <a href="https://www.sunsationboats.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sunsation</a> or <a href="https://www.nor-techboats.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nor-Tech</a> center-console to go with it.  Travis says he’d buy a <a href="https://www.miamiyachtingcompany.com/50-sea-ray-sundancer" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">50’ Sea Ray</a> with a closed cockpit.  Chad and Molley recommend visiting the <a href="https://www.miamiboatshow.com/en/home.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Miami Boat Show</a>, if you’d like to dream.  Chad describes the trend of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jh7JkTJA6G0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">converting tugboats</a> to upscale, live-abort boats.  What’s the Best Thing about the Dock Life? For Travis, it’s all about the people, combined with the chance to get away from reality and the stress.  The dock is its own community.  Mandy agrees, but also talks about the memories.  The lake is just a terrific place, regardless of the boat you may have.  Chad explains how he and Molley love just being out on the water.  There’s plenty of sights to see, like waterfalls.  Winter Planning for Summer Activities Molley talks about how people like to start planning for the summer, as a way to help get through the winter months.  They try to take a January trip somewhere warm just to get the feeling back.  The group discusses how the have to transition between their winter and summer friends.  Catching back up with their summer friends is always fun.  Everyone is looking forward to returning to a normal summer, after the pandemic last year.  Final Thoughts about the Dock Life Experience Travis explains how he helps to transport the bags and luggage to the boat.  Having a good routine makes things much easier.  He comments that being together on the lake has actually brought them closer, as a couple. Mandy comments about the advice she received from someone named Poppy.  “You can always make more money, but you can’t make more memories.”  The couple recently sold their houseboat, so Mandy really considers these words to live by.  We’d like to thank Mandy and Travis joining us for this episode.  It was a great episode. Maybe they’ll plan a dock-side episode, in the future.  That’s a wrap for this episode.  We hope you found it helpful, insightful and maybe a little entertaining.  Thanks for Listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider sharing it with your social media friends.  We hope to see you out there soon.  Until next time, here’s to warm weather and calm waters! Don’t forget to subscribe!

Dock Life - An Interview with Our Friends Mandy and Travis

Episode 14:  In this episode, Molley and Chad interview Molley’s parents, Roonie and Bo Bowling, who got them involved in boating. They’ll share memories, advice and perspectives for anyone who’s interested in boating. Roonie recounts that her boating experience began with a friend and her parents, during high school.  They used to go to the Land Between the Lakes area for a couple of weeks.  Bo got started early with a buddy at a camp near Rough River.  Bo and his friend were fishing when a boater offered to take them skiing.  That experience eventually lead to Bo’s first boat purchase.  It was a 16-foot Mark Twain with a Hunter-Johnson and an electric choke. Bo talks about taking the boat out on Taylorsville Lake back in the 1980’s.  Roonie and Bo became avid Kentucky lake hoppers.  They’ve boated on Taylorsville, Green River Lake, Nolin, Rough River, Barron, Dale, Lake Cumberland, Laurel River Lake and Center Hill Lake (TN). Roonie and Bo Share Advice for New Boaters Bo suggests setting a budget and getting what you can afford, at this time.  Being around friends with a common interest is what life is all about.  You’ll make new friends and create some great memories.  Chad adds some comments about this advice. Roonie comments that you just need to start.  Consider it your starter boat and maybe a starter tent.  The tent can eventually become a starter condo and maybe, eventually you’ll move up to a lake house.  Regardless, just start the journey. Favorite Lake Memories for Roonie and Bo Roonie recalls the time the kids learned to get up on their water skis.  She also has memories of a run-in with a water snake.  Bo describes how the water reminds him of kind people who have bonded by working through a situation.  It’s a big reason they’ve been in it so long. The group also talks about Bo and Roonie’s first houseboat adventure, which was full of memories. What’s Something You Wish You Would Have Known about Boating in the Beginning Bo discusses the importance of communicating with your spouse when you’re  launching a boat, together.  Patience is a virtue in these situations.  Chad comments that “teamwork makes the dream work.”  Everyone agrees that assigning specific duties is a very good idea.  It’ll make launching the boat easier and with much less drama. Roonie adds that confidence will come with experience.  Trailering the boat can be tricky, but shifting to neutral will often help (especially when things don’t look quite right).  If Roonie and Bo Win the Lottery, What Boat Would They Buy? Roonie would choose a big cabin cruiser.  Bo would prefer to get a Nordic high-performance boat.  Evidently, he’s more of the Don Johnson type.  Molley wants a 46’, center console, open bow Sunsation with 4-600HP Mercury motors.  Remember, she just came back from the boat show!  What’s Your Least Favorite Thing about Boating? Chad says it’s the ramp.  Bo adds that he always anticipates rude or angry people around the ramp.  There’s always going to be  That Guy.  Bo plans for it and takes it all in stride.  Roonie says the least favorite thing is the lack of consideration by people on the ramp.  It’s not the place to empty the boat and equipment.  When you’re on the ramp, hurry up and get out of the way.  You can pull into the parking area and unload.  Bo also discusses mistakes new guests make.  What’s One of the Biggest Changes They’ve Seen over the Years Roonie discusses how years ago, people just seemed to be more considerate.  These days, people are all about themselves.  Bo reminds people that going to the lake is an opportunity to let go of the stress and pressures of life.  It’s what’s it’s all about.  People should keep that in mind when they get out on the water.  The group closes out the episode with a discussion of some to the boats Roonie and Bo have owned over the years.  They recount some terrific memories. We’d like to thank Roonie and Bo for all of their advice, guidance and help over the years (especially during the storm of the century).  They’ve been great mentors for us.  Bo adds that the best thing people can do is to surround themselves with positive people and just share what you have.  It’ll pay dividends you can’t imagine.  This is how the best memories are made. That’s a wrap for this episode.  We hope you found it helpful, insightful and maybe a little entertaining.  Thanks for Listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider sharing it with your social media friends.  We hope to see you out there soon.  Until next time, here’s to warm weather and calm waters! Don’t forget to subscribe!

Episode 14:  In this episode, Molley and Chad interview Molley’s parents, Roonie and Bo Bowling, who got them involved in boating. They’ll share memories, advice and perspectives for anyone who’s interested in boating. Roonie recounts that her boating experience began with a friend and her parents, during high school.  They used to go to the Land Between the Lakes area for a couple of weeks.  Bo got started early with a buddy at a camp near Rough River.  Bo and his friend were fishing when a boater offered to take them skiing.  That experience eventually lead to Bo’s first boat purchase.  It was a 16-foot Mark Twain with a Hunter-Johnson and an electric choke. Bo talks about taking the boat out on Taylorsville Lake back in the 1980’s.  Roonie and Bo became avid <a href="https://www.genuinekentucky.com/kentuckys-lakes/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kentucky lake hoppers</a>.  They’ve boated on Taylorsville, Green River Lake, Nolin, Rough River, Barron, Dale, Lake Cumberland, Laurel River Lake and Center Hill Lake (TN). Roonie and Bo Share Advice for New Boaters Bo suggests setting a budget and getting what you can afford, at this time.  Being around friends with a common interest is what life is all about.  You’ll make new friends and create some great memories.  Chad adds some comments about this advice. Roonie comments that you just need to start.  Consider it your starter boat and maybe a starter tent.  The tent can eventually become a starter condo and maybe, eventually you’ll move up to a lake house.  Regardless, just start the journey. Favorite Lake Memories for Roonie and Bo Roonie recalls the time the kids learned to get up on their water skis.  She also has memories of a run-in with a water snake.  Bo describes how the water reminds him of kind people who have bonded by working through a situation.  It’s a big reason they’ve been in it so long. The group also talks about Bo and Roonie’s first houseboat adventure, which was full of memories. What’s Something You Wish You Would Have Known about Boating in the Beginning Bo discusses the importance of communicating with your spouse when you’re <a href="https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/show/lakelifewithmolleyandchad/id/20346899" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> launching a boat</a>, together.  Patience is a virtue in these situations.  Chad comments that “teamwork makes the dream work.”  Everyone agrees that assigning specific duties is a very good idea.  It’ll make launching the boat easier and with much less drama. Roonie adds that confidence will come with experience.  Trailering the boat can be tricky, but shifting to neutral will often help (especially when things don’t look quite right).  If Roonie and Bo Win the Lottery, What Boat Would They Buy? Roonie would choose a big cabin cruiser.  Bo would prefer to get a <a href="https://www.nordicboatsusa.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nordic high-performance boat</a>.  Evidently, he’s more of the Don Johnson type.  Molley wants a 46’, center console, open bow <a href="https://www.sunsationboats.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sunsation</a> with 4-600HP Mercury motors.  Remember, she just came back from the boat show!  What’s Your Least Favorite Thing about Boating? Chad says it’s the ramp.  Bo adds that he always anticipates rude or angry people around the ramp.  There’s always going to be <a href="https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/show/lakelifewithmolleyandchad/id/20193782" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> That Guy</a>.  Bo plans for it and takes it all in stride.  Roonie says the least favorite thing is the lack of consideration by people on the ramp.  It’s not the place to empty the boat and equipment.  When you’re on the ramp, hurry up and get out of the way.  You can pull into the parking area and unload.  Bo also discusses mistakes new guests make.  What’s One of the Biggest Changes They’ve Seen over the Years Roonie discusses how years ago, people just seemed to be more considerate.  These days, people are all about themselves.  Bo reminds people that going to the lake is an opportunity to let go of the stress and pressures of life.  It’s what’s it’s all about.  People should keep that in mind when they get out on the water.  The group closes out the episode with a discussion of some to the boats Roonie and Bo have owned over the years.  They recount some terrific memories. We’d like to thank Roonie and Bo for all of their advice, guidance and help over the years (especially during the storm of the century).  They’ve been great mentors for us.  Bo adds that the best thing people can do is to surround themselves with positive people and just share what you have.  It’ll pay dividends you can’t imagine.  This is how the best memories are made. That’s a wrap for this episode.  We hope you found it helpful, insightful and maybe a little entertaining.  Thanks for Listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider sharing it with your social media friends.  We hope to see you out there soon.  Until next time, here’s to warm weather and calm waters! Don’t forget to subscribe!

The Bigs - An Interview with Molley's Parents

Episode 13:  In this episode, Molley and Chad are joined by a group of their friends’ kids to talk about boating on the lake.  Today’s guests include Macy (8 years old), Ella (11 years old), Gabrielle (9 years old), Bradon (9 years old), Brody (13 years old) and a brief cameo appearance by Addison (6 years old).  If you’ve ever tried to have a 30-minute conversation with a group of kids, you know how “organized” this interview will probably sound.  We hope you’ll enjoy it! Tubing seems to be one of the most favorite activities at the lake, “especially when he goes super-duper fast.”  Eating is high on the list.  Swimming and fishing was also mentioned.  Chad asks each of the kids why they need to wear their life jackets on the boat.  In the state of Kentucky, the Coast Guard mandates that anyone under 12 years old, in Kentucky, must wear their life jackets at all times. They talk about which of the kids want to own a boat and what type of boat they’d like to have. Chad and Molley ask each of them to name the one thing they need when they go to the lake.  These answers might make you chuckle.  Molley talks with them about their favorite activities at the lake.  She also asks them to describe their  favorite lake sandwiches and drinks. Everyone likes floats for the coves.  The kids had a lot to say about their favorite floats. Chad talks with the kids about their favorite music.  The  boat music their parents pick aren’t always their favorites.  Molley asks about the kids’ favorite after-boating activities at the lake.  S’mores seemed to top the list. Favorite meals are a popular topic.  As you might expect, there was a general consensus among the guests.  When Molley asks them about their favorite thing to do to get ready for the boat trip.  There was a little deviousness in the answers we’ll hear. Chad digs for some stories about when the kids saw their dads struggle at the lake.  I’m sure this will be used as leverage, later this summer. They wrap up the today’s episode with a challenge.  Several of the kids claim Chad can’t knock them off of the inner tube.  Sounds like it’s going to be a fun summer on the lake this year. That’s a wrap for this episode.  We hope you found it helpful, insightful and maybe a little entertaining.  Thanks for Listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider sharing it with your friends.  We hope to see you out there soon.  Until next time, here’s to warm weather and calm waters! Don’t forget to subscribe!

Episode 13:  In this episode, Molley and Chad are joined by a group of their friends’ kids to talk about boating on the lake.  Today’s guests include Macy (8 years old), Ella (11 years old), Gabrielle (9 years old), Bradon (9 years old), Brody (13 years old) and a brief cameo appearance by Addison (6 years old).  If you’ve ever tried to have a 30-minute conversation with a group of kids, you know how “organized” this interview will probably sound.  We hope you’ll enjoy it! Tubing seems to be one of the most favorite activities at the lake, “especially when he goes super-duper fast.”  Eating is high on the list.  Swimming and fishing was also mentioned.  Chad asks each of the kids why they need to wear their life jackets on the boat.  In the state of Kentucky, the Coast Guard mandates that anyone under 12 years old, in Kentucky, must wear their life jackets at all times. They talk about which of the kids want to own a boat and what type of boat they’d like to have. Chad and Molley ask each of them to name the one thing they need when they go to the lake.  These answers might make you chuckle.  Molley talks with them about their favorite activities at the lake.  She also asks them to describe their <a href="https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/show/lakelifewithmolleyandchad/id/19427003" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> favorite lake sandwiches and drinks</a>. Everyone likes floats for the coves.  The kids had a lot to say about their favorite floats. Chad talks with the kids about their favorite music.  The <a href="https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/show/lakelifewithmolleyandchad/id/19897787" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> boat music their parents pick</a> aren’t always their favorites.  Molley asks about the kids’ favorite after-boating activities at the lake.  S’mores seemed to top the list. Favorite meals are a popular topic.  As you might expect, there was a general consensus among the guests.  When Molley asks them about their favorite thing to do to get ready for the boat trip.  There was a little deviousness in the answers we’ll hear. Chad digs for some stories about when the kids saw their dads struggle at the lake.  I’m sure this will be used as leverage, later this summer. They wrap up the today’s episode with a challenge.  Several of the kids claim Chad can’t knock them off of the inner tube.  Sounds like it’s going to be a fun summer on the lake this year. That’s a wrap for this episode.  We hope you found it helpful, insightful and maybe a little entertaining.  Thanks for Listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider sharing it with your friends.  We hope to see you out there soon.  Until next time, here’s to warm weather and calm waters! Don’t forget to subscribe!

The Littles - An Interview with Kids about Boating

Episode 12:  In this episode, Molley and Chad are joined again by their friends Nancy and Steve Bailey.  They are going to talk about getting your boat ready for the winter.  It’s depressing, but extremely important. Each brand and type of boat is different, so this episode may not cover everything for your particular craft, but there are some common steps to be considered as you get ready for winter.  Today, well discuss inboard/outboard motors, v-hulls, inboard v-drives and pontoons. Molley recommends power washing the carpet/floor and putting a really good coat of vinyl conditioner on all of the seats.  The conditioner will add a good layer of protection during the cold months.  You should also wash and wax the outside of the boat to get rid of any stains or water lines.  Again, waxing it is just another way of protecting your investment until the Spring. DIY or Pay a Guy There are some things you may be able to handle on your own.  But if you’re new to boating, don’t be afraid to pay a mechanic to properly winterize your boat.  Chad comments that his old Evinrude 150, 2-stroke motor was pretty simple to handle.  The lower unit didn’t really need maintenance until you hit roughly 300 hours.  The dealer generally handles the lower unit maintenance. Molley discusses how the risk to an outboard motor is not running the motor for long periods of time.  It’s not the cold temperature that’s dangerous to it.  Periodic running, even during the winter, can help to maintain the motor and prolong its life.  Steve mentions how his son uses his bass boat all year long, so the only thing he does to winterize the boat is to lower the engine all the way down to let the water drain out.  Chad mentions it’s the same for his Mercury. Chad’s 6.2 wake boat is big enough that they take it to a  marine mechanic in Jamestown and they service the boat for him.  Steve handle the winterization on their current boat.  The newer motor is a closed cooling system which doesn’t use water to inside the engine block itself.  This style has several, drain plugs that can be easily removed.  For the most part, you’re good to go.  Older motors have a different system and may require a mechanic. The spark plugs should be removed and the cylinders should be spray fogged to avoid rusting.  Pro-Tip:  If you have ballast tanks, those also need to be drained.  This is especially important with wake boats.  Steve recommends using a shop-vac to remove the water via the drain holes. Pro-Tip:  Many boater change the oil each season.  If you change it at the beginning of the season, you’ll be able to pull out the fogging oil from the winterization process.  Changing the oil during winterization really just contaminates the new oil. A previous podcast episode dealt with  personalizing your boat.  When you are getting ready to put away the boat, there may be some other maintenance to address.  Chad recommends checking the lights on your boat and trailer.  This is also a good time to check the tires, wheels and hubs.  Pro-Tip:  Steve recommends keeping a laser thermometer in the glove box, so you can check to see if one of your trailer hubs is getting hotter than the others.  This could be a sign of a pending failure.  If you can deal with it before it happens, you’re in much better shape. Bearings tend to blow up in the Spring because the water may stay inside the hubs and expand during the cold winter months, or early in the season.  Failing to Properly Winterize Your Boat Molley asks what could happen if you don’t take the time to prepare your boat for winter storage?  It’s a roll of the dice.  You might be okay if we have a mild winter, but if it snows and gets really code, you’re probably going to have problems with your engine block, the lower unit or some component or piece of equipment.  Chad recommends putting the battery on a trickle charge to extend the life of the battery.  It may take a charge, but it won’t last nearly as long. What about the Fuel? Steve always makes sure he fills the tank completely to avoid condensation.  Then he adds a little fuel-stabilizer.  Be sure to remember to run the engine so the stabilizer can disperse throughout the engine. Chad advises that if you’re using  Muffs to service your boat, the hose doesn’t have enough PSI to protect you motor.  You’ll probably burn it up at higher RPMs.  You should let it idle for a while. End of the Season Well, as the boating season comes to a close, so does Season 1 of our podcast.  However, this doesn’t mean we’re done for the winter.  We’ve already planned some trips to warmer climates and even the Miami boat show for a little podcast material research! One Final Question Before We Go What’s first thing you start to miss once you’ve put the boat away for the season?  Chad says it’s watching the sunset over the dam.  Nancy misses the sun and all the fun summer brings.  Steve misses getting away from normal life or that early morning wake boat run on glass water.  For Molley, it’s getting away and letting the decompression start for the weekend or the time they’re going to spend at the lake.  That’s a wrap for this episode.  We hope you found it helpful, insightful and maybe a little entertaining.  Thanks for Listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider sharing it with your friends.  We hope to see you out there soon.  Until next time, here’s to warm weather and calm waters! Don’t forget to subscribe!

Episode 12:  In this episode, Molley and Chad are joined again by their friends Nancy and Steve Bailey.  They are going to talk about getting your boat ready for the winter.  It’s depressing, but extremely important. Each brand and type of boat is different, so this episode may not cover everything for your particular craft, but there are some common steps to be considered as you get ready for winter.  Today, well discuss inboard/outboard motors, v-hulls, inboard v-drives and pontoons. Molley recommends power washing the carpet/floor and putting a really good coat of vinyl conditioner on all of the seats.  The conditioner will add a good layer of protection during the cold months.  You should also wash and wax the outside of the boat to get rid of any stains or water lines.  Again, waxing it is just another way of protecting your investment until the Spring. DIY or Pay a Guy There are some things you may be able to handle on your own.  But if you’re new to boating, don’t be afraid to pay a mechanic to properly winterize your boat.  Chad comments that his old Evinrude 150, 2-stroke motor was pretty simple to handle.  The lower unit didn’t really need maintenance until you hit roughly 300 hours.  The dealer generally handles the lower unit maintenance. Molley discusses how the risk to an outboard motor is not running the motor for long periods of time.  It’s not the cold temperature that’s dangerous to it.  Periodic running, even during the winter, can help to maintain the motor and prolong its life.  Steve mentions how his son uses his bass boat all year long, so the only thing he does to winterize the boat is to lower the engine all the way down to let the water drain out.  Chad mentions it’s the same for his Mercury. Chad’s 6.2 wake boat is big enough that they take it to a <a href="https://www.loc8nearme.com/kentucky/jamestown/anchorage-marine-inc/4202776/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> marine mechanic in Jamestown</a> and they service the boat for him.  Steve handle the winterization on their current boat.  The newer motor is a closed cooling system which doesn’t use water to inside the engine block itself.  This style has several, drain plugs that can be easily removed.  For the most part, you’re good to go.  Older motors have a different system and may require a mechanic. The spark plugs should be removed and the cylinders should be spray fogged to avoid rusting.  Pro-Tip:  If you have ballast tanks, those also need to be drained.  This is especially important with wake boats.  Steve recommends using a shop-vac to remove the water via the drain holes. Pro-Tip:  Many boater change the oil each season.  If you change it at the beginning of the season, you’ll be able to pull out the fogging oil from the winterization process.  Changing the oil during winterization really just contaminates the new oil. A previous podcast episode dealt with <a href="https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/show/lakelifewithmolleyandchad/id/19592507" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> personalizing your boat</a>.  When you are getting ready to put away the boat, there may be some other maintenance to address.  Chad recommends checking the lights on your boat and trailer.  This is also a good time to check the tires, wheels and hubs.  Pro-Tip:  Steve recommends keeping a laser thermometer in the glove box, so you can check to see if one of your trailer hubs is getting hotter than the others.  This could be a sign of a pending failure.  If you can deal with it before it happens, you’re in much better shape. Bearings tend to blow up in the Spring because the water may stay inside the hubs and expand during the cold winter months, or early in the season.  Failing to Properly Winterize Your Boat Molley asks what could happen if you don’t take the time to prepare your boat for winter storage?  It’s a roll of the dice.  You might be okay if we have a mild winter, but if it snows and gets really code, you’re probably going to have problems with your engine block, the lower unit or some component or piece of equipment.  Chad recommends putting the battery on a trickle charge to extend the life of the battery.  It may take a charge, but it won’t last nearly as long. What about the Fuel? Steve always makes sure he fills the tank completely to avoid condensation.  Then he adds a little fuel-stabilizer.  Be sure to remember to run the engine so the stabilizer can disperse throughout the engine. Chad advises that if you’re using <a href="https://www.boatus.com/expert-advice/expert-advice-archive/2014/may/outboard-flushing-the-right-way" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Muffs</a> to service your boat, the hose doesn’t have enough PSI to protect you motor.  You’ll probably burn it up at higher RPMs.  You should let it idle for a while. End of the Season Well, as the boating season comes to a close, so does Season 1 of our podcast.  However, this doesn’t mean we’re done for the winter.  We’ve already planned some trips to warmer climates and even the Miami boat show for a little podcast material research! One Final Question Before We Go What’s first thing you start to miss once you’ve put the boat away for the season?  Chad says it’s watching the sunset over the dam.  Nancy misses the sun and all the fun summer brings.  Steve misses getting away from normal life or that early morning wake boat run on glass water.  For Molley, it’s getting away and letting the decompression start for the weekend or the time they’re going to spend at the lake.  That’s a wrap for this episode.  We hope you found it helpful, insightful and maybe a little entertaining.  Thanks for Listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider sharing it with your friends.  We hope to see you out there soon.  Until next time, here’s to warm weather and calm waters! Don’t forget to subscribe!

Winterizing Your Boat

Episode 11:  Today, Molley and Chad are joined by their friends Nancy and Steve Bailey.  They are going to talk about pulling skiers, inner tubes and other items.  Respect the No Wake Zone It’s easy to simply leave the tubes and the kiddos out there while you’re going through the no wake zone, but there are other issues to consider.  What happens if someone falls off the tube and you need to get back there quickly – but without making waves.  Other boaters may not see your tow line and could snag it.  Chad mentions it’s best to just pull it in until you get through the zone, for everyone’s safety. People often forget that the no wake zone is there for passage.  If you stop to take a potty break in the zone, it can really cause a traffic jam.  There’s also the safety issues involved in having people bobbing in the water while boaters are coming in and out of the zone.  It’s better to do this in a cove or open water, if you have to go. Finally, slowdown in these areas.  The no wake zone protects other boaters, the boats, docks and even the shoreline.  Wait until you clear the zone before you throttle up and get on with your trip. Towing Safety Tips It’s a good idea to have a large, wide-angle mirror.  The Coast Guard recommends that you should have 2 people in the boat so one of you can drive the boat and the other person can watch the person or people being towed.  It’s important that the “spotter” understands the importance of what they’re doing.  It’s not time to be on the phone or dealing with other distractions. Work out your hand signals so the person being towed can communicate with the spotter in the boat.  Steve explains some of the signals he uses:  Tapping Your Head – means you’re done for now. Thumbs Down – means you want to boat to slow down. Thumbs Up – means you want the boat to speed up. Cutting the Throat – used by the people in the boat to signal they are stopping.  Nancy recommends that if the person in the water is waiting, he/she should keep one or both hands up or raise up a piece of equipment (i.e. a ski) to make sure other boaters can see him/her.   It’s important to be sure everyone is on the same page, before getting in the water.  Communication is an important aspect of safe boating. Maintain a safe distance if you encounter another boat pulling someone.  It’s not uncommon to see another boater drive within 50 yards of a skier or people on a tube.  Jumping wakes are fun, but don’t do it so closely, when someone is pulling someone.  It’s not worth the dangerous risk. Molley describes the brightly colored sleeves you can wear if you’re being pulled by a boat.  The day-glow colors make it very easy to be spotted when you’re in the water.  If you’re the skier, remember to look before you decide to go outside of the wake.  You might have a jet ski or another boat coming up from behind you.  It’s the same as watching out for cars in your blind spot when you’re driving. Finally, make sure you wear a properly fitting, Coast Guard approved personal floatation device (PFD).  Not every floatation device is Coast Guard approved.  You can get a ticket if you’re stopped and you don’t have a Coast Guard approved PFD for everyone in the craft.  Properly Fitting a Life Jacket Check for any weight limits, which may be printed on the PDF.  For kids, you can have them put on a ski vest and tighten it as much as possible.  Then, have an adult pull up on the vest to make sure it doesn’t ride up.  The shoulders should not float at the top of the person’s head.  That’s an indication the vest is too big for that individual.  Make sure any buckles are attached properly.  Don’t sacrifice safety for comfort.  The PFD is designed to be worn safely. Don’t Use Damaged Tow Ropes Finally, make sure to inspect the condition of your tow ropes.  If they’re aged or fraying, use a different rope or go buy a new one.   That’s a wrap for this episode.  We hope you found it helpful, insightful and maybe a little entertaining.  Thanks for Listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider sharing it with your friends.  We hope to see you out there soon.  Until next time, here’s to warm weather and calm waters! Don’t forget to subscribe!

Episode 11:  Today, Molley and Chad are joined by their friends Nancy and Steve Bailey.  They are going to talk about pulling skiers, inner tubes and other items.  Respect the No Wake Zone It’s easy to simply leave the tubes and the kiddos out there while you’re going through the no wake zone, but there are other issues to consider.  What happens if someone falls off the tube and you need to get back there quickly – but without making waves.  Other boaters may not see your tow line and could snag it.  Chad mentions it’s best to just pull it in until you get through the zone, for everyone’s safety. People often forget that the no wake zone is there for passage.  If you stop to take a potty break in the zone, it can really cause a traffic jam.  There’s also the safety issues involved in having people bobbing in the water while boaters are coming in and out of the zone.  It’s better to do this in a cove or open water, if you have to go. Finally, slowdown in these areas.  The no wake zone protects other boaters, the boats, docks and even the shoreline.  Wait until you clear the zone before you throttle up and get on with your trip. Towing Safety Tips It’s a good idea to have a large, wide-angle mirror.  The Coast Guard recommends that you should have 2 people in the boat so one of you can drive the boat and the other person can watch the person or people being towed.  It’s important that the “spotter” understands the importance of what they’re doing.  It’s not time to be on the phone or dealing with other distractions. Work out your hand signals so the person being towed can communicate with the spotter in the boat.  Steve explains some of the signals he uses: <ul> <li>Tapping Your Head – means you’re done for now.</li> <li>Thumbs Down – means you want to boat to slow down.</li> <li>Thumbs Up – means you want the boat to speed up.</li> <li>Cutting the Throat – used by the people in the boat to signal they are stopping.</li> </ul> Nancy recommends that if the person in the water is waiting, he/she should keep one or both hands up or raise up a piece of equipment (i.e. a ski) to make sure other boaters can see him/her.   It’s important to be sure everyone is on the same page, before getting in the water.  Communication is an important aspect of safe boating. Maintain a safe distance if you encounter another boat pulling someone.  It’s not uncommon to see another boater drive within 50 yards of a skier or people on a tube.  Jumping wakes are fun, but don’t do it so closely, when someone is pulling someone.  It’s not worth the dangerous risk. Molley describes the brightly colored sleeves you can wear if you’re being pulled by a boat.  The day-glow colors make it very easy to be spotted when you’re in the water.  If you’re the skier, remember to look before you decide to go outside of the wake.  You might have a jet ski or another boat coming up from behind you.  It’s the same as watching out for cars in your blind spot when you’re driving. Finally, make sure you wear a properly fitting, Coast Guard approved personal floatation device (PFD).  Not every floatation device is Coast Guard approved.  You can get a ticket if you’re stopped and you don’t have a Coast Guard approved PFD for everyone in the craft.  Properly Fitting a Life Jacket Check for any weight limits, which may be printed on the PDF.  For kids, you can have them put on a ski vest and tighten it as much as possible.  Then, have an adult pull up on the vest to make sure it doesn’t ride up.  The shoulders should not float at the top of the person’s head.  That’s an indication the vest is too big for that individual.  Make sure any buckles are attached properly.  Don’t sacrifice safety for comfort.  The PFD is designed to be worn safely. Don’t Use Damaged Tow Ropes Finally, make sure to inspect the condition of your tow ropes.  If they’re aged or fraying, use a different rope or go buy a new one. That’s a wrap for this episode.  We hope you found it helpful, insightful and maybe a little entertaining.  Thanks for Listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider sharing it with your friends.  We hope to see you out there soon.  Until next time, here’s to warm weather and calm waters! Don’t forget to subscribe!

Tips for Pulling Skiers and Tubes

Episode 10:  Today, Molley and Chad are going to discuss a fun topic for adult boaters.  Let’s join them to learn about party coves, poker runs and raft-ups!  Each of these are great adult-focused activities. Not Really for the Kids Chad explains that because these events are big party opportunities for adults, it’s not something to do with the kids.  People are letting loose and trying to have fun.  So, keep that in mind when planning your trip to the lake for these events. The 5 Best Party Lakes in the USA Chad reviews a list for anyone who doesn’t mind a little travelling.  Here we go: #1:  Lake Havasu (AZ) - https://www.golakehavasu.com/ #2:  Lake Washington (WA) - https://www.seattleandsound.com/lake-washington/ #3:  Lake Travis (TX) - https://laketravis.com/ #4:  Lake St. Claire (MI) - https://www.lakestclairguide.com/ #5:  Cumberland Lake (KY) - https://lakecumberlandvacation.com/tourism/ Honorable Mentions for the List #6:  Lake Tahoe (CA/NV) - https://visitinglaketahoe.com/ #7:  Lake Minnetonka (MN) - https://lakeminnetonka.com/ #8:  Lake Norman (NC) - https://www.visitlakenorman.org/ #9:  Lake Martin (AL) - https://alabama.travel/places-to-go/lake-martin-2 #10: Lake of the Ozarks (MO) - https://www.margaritavilleresortlakeoftheozarks.com/ Pro-Tip:  Party coves are a lot of fun and you might find yourself anchored there for quite a while.  If your boat has a bathroom, please don’t discharge the waste into the cove.  You should find a pumping station.  Raft-Ups Raft-ups tend to be located in the open water.  There’s often a floating stage and a band.  Remember, the point is to hang out with other boaters.  It’s going to be a long day.  It may not be easy to disconnect from the raft-up.  If you’re worried about another boat tying up to yours, this might not be for you.  By the way, Lake Cumberland has the world-record for the largest raft-up! There’s usually a party lane between groups of boats.  If you can find the lane, it’ll be a party.  Check out this actual Lake Cumberland raft-up footage captured in a music video by Dustin Collins. Poker Runs There are different types of poker runs.  For boats, this is typically an organized event.  On Lake Cumberland, it’s usually held the weekend after Labor Day.  You have 5-7 check points.  When you arrive, you’ll get a playing card.  The object is to collect the best poker hand, at the end of the run.  It’s a matter of chance, not speed.  It a ton of fun and there’s usually a party at the end of the day.  Some poker runs take place over 2 days.  There are typically strictly enforced rules. Pro-Tip:  If you’re just heading out for a day or weekend on the lake, make sure you know if they are having a poker run in your area of the lake.  You can find yourself surrounded, before you know it.  It can make the outing a little dicey, if you’re not ready for it. Here’s a resource for poker runs across the country:  https://pokerrunsamerica.com/ Chad mentions that the number of boats and the speed can really make the water choppy.  It might not be the best weekend for young kids.  It’s loud and the waves are big.  However, you can see some boats going really fast!  If you do take them, again, stay away from the party covers. Thunder Runs are speed based and, at Lake Cumberland, it occurs at the beginning of summer.  Poker runs at Lake Cumberland are typically at the end of the summer.  The lake or docks may have a schedule posted online.  This could enable you to plan a day to hear and see the boats. For Your Consideration: Remember, it’s going to be a long day on the water.  Make sure you take beverages, including water.  Bringing along food and snacks is always a good idea.  You can click to listen to our episode on  food ideas for your boat outing.  As always, remember to bring plenty of sunscreen! The guy who fuels up the boats at the dock is a solid source of information about where to go, and where to avoid (if you have the kiddos with you).  Consider tipping the guy for his help. Party coves and Poker runs are a great time.  If you’re a new boater, this might not be a time for you to take out your boat.  It’s going to be a crowed time on the lake and people are going to be extremely distracted.  It might be a good time to take along a more experienced boater or have him/her take you out for the day. That’s a wrap for this episode.  We hope you found it helpful, insightful and maybe a little entertaining.  Thanks for Listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider sharing it with your friends.  We hope to see you out there soon.  Until next time, here’s to warm weather and calm waters! Don’t forget to subscribe!

Episode 10:  Today, Molley and Chad are going to discuss a fun topic for adult boaters.  Let’s join them to learn about party coves, poker runs and raft-ups!  Each of these are great adult-focused activities. Not Really for the Kids Chad explains that because these events are big party opportunities for adults, it’s not something to do with the kids.  People are letting loose and trying to have fun.  So, keep that in mind when planning your trip to the lake for these events. The 5 Best Party Lakes in the USA Chad reviews a list for anyone who doesn’t mind a little travelling.  Here we go: #1:  Lake Havasu (AZ) - <a href="https://www.golakehavasu.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.golakehavasu.com/</a> #2:  Lake Washington (WA) - <a href="https://www.seattleandsound.com/lake-washington/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.seattleandsound.com/lake-washington/</a> #3:  Lake Travis (TX) - <a href="https://laketravis.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://laketravis.com/</a> #4:  Lake St. Claire (MI) - <a href="https://www.lakestclairguide.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.lakestclairguide.com/</a> #5:  Cumberland Lake (KY) - <a href="https://lakecumberlandvacation.com/tourism/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://lakecumberlandvacation.com/tourism/</a> Honorable Mentions for the List #6:  Lake Tahoe (CA/NV) - <a href="https://visitinglaketahoe.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://visitinglaketahoe.com/</a> #7:  Lake Minnetonka (MN) - <a href="https://lakeminnetonka.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://lakeminnetonka.com/</a> #8:  Lake Norman (NC) - <a href="https://www.visitlakenorman.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.visitlakenorman.org/</a> #9:  Lake Martin (AL) - <a href="https://alabama.travel/places-to-go/lake-martin-2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://alabama.travel/places-to-go/lake-martin-2</a> #10: Lake of the Ozarks (MO) - <a href="https://www.margaritavilleresortlakeoftheozarks.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.margaritavilleresortlakeoftheozarks.com/</a> Pro-Tip:  Party coves are a lot of fun and you might find yourself anchored there for quite a while.  If your boat has a bathroom, please don’t discharge the waste into the cove.  You should find a pumping station.  Raft-Ups Raft-ups tend to be located in the open water.  There’s often a floating stage and a band.  Remember, the point is to hang out with other boaters.  It’s going to be a long day.  It may not be easy to disconnect from the raft-up.  If you’re worried about another boat tying up to yours, this might not be for you.  By the way, Lake Cumberland has the world-record for the largest raft-up! There’s usually a party lane between groups of boats.  If you can find the lane, it’ll be a party.  Check out this actual Lake Cumberland raft-up footage captured in a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-ZZk8kB7jI" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">music video by Dustin Collins</a>. Poker Runs There are different types of poker runs.  For boats, this is typically an organized event.  On Lake Cumberland, it’s usually held the weekend after Labor Day.  You have 5-7 check points.  When you arrive, you’ll get a playing card.  The object is to collect the best poker hand, at the end of the run.  It’s a matter of chance, not speed.  It a ton of fun and there’s usually a party at the end of the day.  Some poker runs take place over 2 days.  There are typically strictly enforced rules. Pro-Tip:  If you’re just heading out for a day or weekend on the lake, make sure you know if they are having a poker run in your area of the lake.  You can find yourself surrounded, before you know it.  It can make the outing a little dicey, if you’re not ready for it. Here’s a resource for poker runs across the country:  <a href="https://pokerrunsamerica.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://pokerrunsamerica.com/</a> Chad mentions that the number of boats and the speed can really make the water choppy.  It might not be the best weekend for young kids.  It’s loud and the waves are big.  However, you can see some boats going really fast!  If you do take them, again, stay away from the party covers. Thunder Runs are speed based and, at Lake Cumberland, it occurs at the beginning of summer.  Poker runs at Lake Cumberland are typically at the end of the summer.  The lake or docks may have a schedule posted online.  This could enable you to plan a day to hear and see the boats. For Your Consideration: Remember, it’s going to be a long day on the water.  Make sure you take beverages, including water.  Bringing along food and snacks is always a good idea.  You can click to listen to our episode on <a href="https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/show/lakelifewithmolleyandchad/id/19427003" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> food ideas for your boat outing</a>.  As always, remember to bring plenty of sunscreen! The guy who fuels up the boats at the dock is a solid source of information about where to go, and where to avoid (if you have the kiddos with you).  Consider tipping the guy for his help. Party coves and Poker runs are a great time.  If you’re a new boater, this might not be a time for you to take out your boat.  It’s going to be a crowed time on the lake and people are going to be extremely distracted.  It might be a good time to take along a more experienced boater or have him/her take you out for the day. That’s a wrap for this episode.  We hope you found it helpful, insightful and maybe a little entertaining.  Thanks for Listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider sharing it with your friends.  We hope to see you out there soon.  Until next time, here’s to warm weather and calm waters! Don’t forget to subscribe!

Party Coves, Poker Runs and Raft-Ups

Episode 9:  In today’s episode, Molley and Chad are going to talk about making the most of your special boat trip.  These events typically involve a lot of people.  This episode includes tips for guests to help out the hosts.  Let’s jump in! Memorial Day and the Fourth of July are big holiday weekends.  There are tons of boaters, lots of guests and plenty of kids.  It’s important that as a boat captain, you do your best to maintain boat safety.  This involves how you drive and how your guests cooperate.  The following will provide some helpful advice. Planning is a necessity.  Meals often take up a lot of time.  When there are extra people around, you have additional mouths, but also additional hands.  Don’t be afraid to ask your guests to put those hands to work to ease the burden on you.  The key is to make sure there’s a plan in place to ensure things run smoothly. We’ve all seen the TV shows that highlight the family stress brought on by relatives and related pressures.  That’s not too far from reality.  It doesn’t have to ruin the weekend.  Go into these weekends with the proper mindset.  You know issues are going to creep up.  They always do.  Just be ready to roll with those issues, as best as you can. Molley likes to have a plan and review it with her guests.  Everybody gets a small part of the overall effort and it generally makes it much easier.  Chad’s best advice is to simply relax.  The ramp is going to be a mess.  Expect it and sit back.  There’s not much you’ll be able to do until it’s your time to launch or load. It’s important that your guests understand your focus is on their safety.  Take time to explain issues to your guests.  There are times that take a lot of concentration for the captain, but once it’s over, it’s time to enjoy the outing.  Houseboats Depending upon your situation, you may decide to spend the trip on an actual houseboat (often a rental craft).  If you’re going to rent a boat, take time to understand the peak season and off-season pricing.  There can be a significant difference.  Early fall is a great time to rent a houseboat. Be mindful of your alcohol consumption.  When situations get stressful, this never helps.  Again, try to just roll with things as they come up.  Knowing your group is important.  Most of the time you’ll be out with people whom you know well and may have done previous trips together.  Often there are some others.  Just do your best to explain a few key issues and ask others to help out the rookies. The Chore List Molley has developed a pretty good system for big holiday outings.  The basic idea is organization.  There are any number of chores that have to be done.  She has every guest pick a slip of paper out of the hat.  This assigns them a simple job to do, but it’s something the captain and host know needs to get done.  It’s not necessary for the boat owners to have to do everything.  This process gets repeated each day. Make Sure You Have an Experienced Houseboat Driver The marina staff is helpful in getting you underway.  The issue is they are usually understaffed for the amount of boats they are launching. The staff will do a quick orientation with you, but there’s a lot to remember.  Make sure you know where the key electrical components are located.  Chad recommends doing a quick walkthrough to make sure you actually know where the components are. Pro-Tip:  You’re usually going to have to have a smaller boat to go along with your houseboat.  Use the smaller boat, to scout out a good location, rather than relying on the slow-moving houseboat.  This can save fuel and time. Find a place to tie-off that’s out of the wind.  Remember, you have to tie-off 4 points.  Knowing your knots and how to leave a little slack in the line to avoid snapping the lines, when you finally find the right cove. Prepping Your Meals This task can be handled relatively easily.  It’s something people can do while the boat’s moving, so when you get to your location, the meal is ready to be made.  Again, the key is simple organization and planning. Creating Some Space Houseboats seem big when you first board them.  However, with a lot of people the walls can feel like they’re closing in.  Try to create some space by locating a beach so people can get off of the boat and relax.  It might be that pressure-relief valve to keep the outing going smoothly.  Plan Your Route Know how to read the GPS coordinates on the radio.  It’s how you know your location on the water.  The next step is to get familiar with the general route you’re planning.  This can make your time more efficient.  You’ll want to make sure you have a map of the lake, before you leave the marina. Assign the Sleeping Areas It’s a good idea to take a look at the layout of the boat and to begin thinking about where people are going to sleep.  Labeling the bunks and beds make it much easier when people begin to arrive.  This can also ease the burden on the captain and/or host. The Big Board Molley recommends using a giant Post-It board with general information, including the daily menu plan.  It can really limit the ongoing questions and let everyone know what’s coming up and who’s responsible for specific activities. Expect to Take Kitchen Items for the Trip Most of the time, the kitchen utensils, pots/pans, knives, cutting boards and even the coffee maker are not exactly what you saw in the brochure or on the website.  Just pack some common items, but remember to take them with you when you leave.  Bed Linens and Pillows Don’t be afraid to take these items.  However, understand what you’ll have to lug from your car to the boat and back.  Take extra items, but don’t go overboard (see what we did there?). Chad recommends waiting to unpack until you get the houseboat underway.  It gives people time to get used to the new environment and to relax a bit. Understand Your Time Limits Make sure you plan your days, especially the first day and last ½ day.  There’s a lot going on and the more you can prepare for, the easier it’ll be.  There are many ways to expedite the effort.  There’s a lot you can store in the smaller boat.  It’ll save time when you load or off-load. Plan Your Meal Supplies People are going to graze during and after a day on the water.  Go ahead and bring more food than you think you’ll need.  No one wants to run out of food and have to disrupt the trip for a run back to the marina.  Also, if you have special dietary needs, communicate it and be prepared to have other items for everyone else. Time Management If you’ve been invited for a houseboat trip, communicate any potential scheduling issues.  If you have to leave earlier than everyone else, make sure you’ve made arrangements so it doesn’t ruin the time for everyone else.  Be flexible and make a plan so everyone’s on the same page. We know this sounds like a lot of work.  Actually, following a simple plan can make EVERYTHING go more smoothly for you and your guests.  Remember, this is supposed to be fun! That’s a wrap for this episode.  We hope you found it helpful, insightful and maybe a little entertaining. Thanks for Listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider sharing it with your friends.  We hope to see you out there soon.  Until next time, here’s to warm weather and calm waters! Don’t forget to subscribe!

Episode 9:  In today’s episode, Molley and Chad are going to talk about making the most of your special boat trip.  These events typically involve a lot of people.  This episode includes tips for guests to help out the hosts.  Let’s jump in! Memorial Day and the Fourth of July are big holiday weekends.  There are tons of boaters, lots of guests and plenty of kids.  It’s important that as a boat captain, you do your best to maintain boat safety.  This involves how you drive and how your guests cooperate.  The following will provide some helpful advice. Planning is a necessity.  Meals often take up a lot of time.  When there are extra people around, you have additional mouths, but also additional hands.  Don’t be afraid to ask your guests to put those hands to work to ease the burden on you.  The key is to make sure there’s a plan in place to ensure things run smoothly. We’ve all seen the TV shows that highlight the family stress brought on by relatives and related pressures.  That’s not too far from reality.  It doesn’t have to ruin the weekend.  Go into these weekends with the proper mindset.  You know issues are going to creep up.  They always do.  Just be ready to roll with those issues, as best as you can. Molley likes to have a plan and review it with her guests.  Everybody gets a small part of the overall effort and it generally makes it much easier.  Chad’s best advice is to simply relax.  The ramp is going to be a mess.  Expect it and sit back.  There’s not much you’ll be able to do until it’s your time to launch or load. It’s important that your guests understand your focus is on their safety.  Take time to explain issues to your guests.  There are times that take a lot of concentration for the captain, but once it’s over, it’s time to enjoy the outing.  Houseboats Depending upon your situation, you may decide to spend the trip on an actual houseboat (often a rental craft).  If you’re going to rent a boat, take time to understand the peak season and off-season pricing.  There can be a significant difference.  Early fall is a great time to rent a houseboat. Be mindful of your alcohol consumption.  When situations get stressful, this never helps.  Again, try to just roll with things as they come up.  Knowing your group is important.  Most of the time you’ll be out with people whom you know well and may have done previous trips together.  Often there are some others.  Just do your best to explain a few key issues and ask others to help out the rookies. The Chore List Molley has developed a pretty good system for big holiday outings.  The basic idea is organization.  There are any number of chores that have to be done.  She has every guest pick a slip of paper out of the hat.  This assigns them a simple job to do, but it’s something the captain and host know needs to get done.  It’s not necessary for the boat owners to have to do everything.  This process gets repeated each day. Make Sure You Have an Experienced Houseboat Driver The marina staff is helpful in getting you underway.  The issue is they are usually understaffed for the amount of boats they are launching. The staff will do a quick orientation with you, but there’s a lot to remember.  Make sure you know where the key electrical components are located.  Chad recommends doing a quick walkthrough to make sure you actually know where the components are. Pro-Tip:  You’re usually going to have to have a smaller boat to go along with your houseboat.  Use the smaller boat, to scout out a good location, rather than relying on the slow-moving houseboat.  This can save fuel and time. Find a place to tie-off that’s out of the wind.  Remember, you have to tie-off 4 points.  Knowing your knots and how to leave a little slack in the line to avoid snapping the lines, when you finally find the right cove. Prepping Your Meals This task can be handled relatively easily.  It’s something people can do while the boat’s moving, so when you get to your location, the meal is ready to be made.  Again, the key is simple organization and planning. Creating Some Space Houseboats seem big when you first board them.  However, with a lot of people the walls can feel like they’re closing in.  Try to create some space by locating a beach so people can get off of the boat and relax.  It might be that pressure-relief valve to keep the outing going smoothly.  Plan Your Route Know how to read the GPS coordinates on the radio.  It’s how you know your location on the water.  The next step is to get familiar with the general route you’re planning.  This can make your time more efficient.  You’ll want to make sure you have a map of the lake, before you leave the marina. Assign the Sleeping Areas It’s a good idea to take a look at the layout of the boat and to begin thinking about where people are going to sleep.  Labeling the bunks and beds make it much easier when people begin to arrive.  This can also ease the burden on the captain and/or host. The Big Board Molley recommends using a giant Post-It board with general information, including the daily menu plan.  It can really limit the ongoing questions and let everyone know what’s coming up and who’s responsible for specific activities. Expect to Take Kitchen Items for the Trip Most of the time, the kitchen utensils, pots/pans, knives, cutting boards and even the coffee maker are not exactly what you saw in the brochure or on the website.  Just pack some common items, but remember to take them with you when you leave.  Bed Linens and Pillows Don’t be afraid to take these items.  However, understand what you’ll have to lug from your car to the boat and back.  Take extra items, but don’t go overboard (see what we did there?). Chad recommends waiting to unpack until you get the houseboat underway.  It gives people time to get used to the new environment and to relax a bit. Understand Your Time Limits Make sure you plan your days, especially the first day and last ½ day.  There’s a lot going on and the more you can prepare for, the easier it’ll be.  There are many ways to expedite the effort.  There’s a lot you can store in the smaller boat.  It’ll save time when you load or off-load. Plan Your Meal Supplies People are going to graze during and after a day on the water.  Go ahead and bring more food than you think you’ll need.  No one wants to run out of food and have to disrupt the trip for a run back to the marina.  Also, if you have special dietary needs, communicate it and be prepared to have other items for everyone else. Time Management If you’ve been invited for a houseboat trip, communicate any potential scheduling issues.  If you have to leave earlier than everyone else, make sure you’ve made arrangements so it doesn’t ruin the time for everyone else.  Be flexible and make a plan so everyone’s on the same page. We know this sounds like a lot of work.  Actually, following a simple plan can make EVERYTHING go more smoothly for you and your guests.  Remember, this is supposed to be fun! That’s a wrap for this episode.  We hope you found it helpful, insightful and maybe a little entertaining. Thanks for Listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider sharing it with your friends.  We hope to see you out there soon.  Until next time, here’s to warm weather and calm waters! Don’t forget to subscribe!

Holiday Weekends and Houseboat Trips

Ramp

Episode 8:  In today’s episode, Molley and Chad are going to talk about two topics that can really determine how your day on the lake goes and how it ends.  Ramp rage is avoidable.  This discussion is important for new boaters, as well as experienced boaters.  Let’s listen to some good advice. Before You Leave the House with Your Boat In Episode 6, Chad explained his  pre-trip inspection routine.  You may want to go back and listen to it.  It’s important that you visually inspect your wheels, hubs and lights.  It doesn’t take long, but it could safe you some serious problems.  It’s easier to fix issues now, before you have to do it on the side of the road or near the dock. Make sure everything is tight and secure.  This includes hooking up your rear safety straps, especially if you have a few miles to go, or if you’re going to be traveling at highway speed. Completely secure and stow your Bimini top.  The wind can damage it if it’s not properly protected.  Make sure the car or truck you’re using is adequate for the weight of your boat.  This is critically important for pulling and more importantly, for safely stopping.  Knowing how to properly balance out the weight of the boat and trailer is a critical safety step.  It’s about power and weight distribution.  Molley recommends taking wider turns when you’re pulling your trailer.  The turn-angle is different based on the extra length.  Some boats can be longer than the car/truck pulling the boat.  If you’re not careful, you can cause significant damage to your boat, trailer, signs, etc. Trailering Your Boat Consider taking an extra safety strap (i.e. come-along).  Chad uses his to make sure the boat is securely locked in to protect the boat and anyone who may be in the boat.  Molley describes 2 examples of problems they’ve personally experienced. Know the vehicle and your various ratings (i.e. weigh rating, tow rating, tongue rating, etc.).  You have to be safe when you’re towing a boat.  These ratings are listed for a reason. ProTip:  Consider covering the boat windshield with  Press’n Seal food wrap.  When you get to your destination, you can rip it off and you’ll have one less item to clean. Ramp Etiquette This is a sensitive topic.  Plan your loading process.  Use the ramp wisely so you don’t unnecessarily impede the other boaters who are trying to get their boats in or out of the water.  This is especially important for new boaters.  You have to practice and make sure everyone involved has a specific job to make it go as efficiently as possible.  It always works better with 2 people or more. If you have new people going out on the water with you, take time to explain what’s going to happen during launch.  Explain how they can help or what might cause additional problems.  Remember, they’re new to this.  The easier it goes, the better your day on the water will go. Take advantage of “the gravel lot” to prep for launch.  Use this area, not the ramp, to load your coolers, tubes and other items.  Let people get seated before you get in line for the ramp.  Make sure your boat’s battery is charged.  Take time to turn on the blower for 5-6 minutes if the boat has been sitting for more than 24 hours.  Have your young children put on their PFDs.  Finally, make sure the boat’s plug is secure.  Now you’re ready to hit the ramp. ProTip:  If you’re new to the area, call ahead to the ramp.  Ask for the best launch times, based on your experience.  If a certain slot is typically crowded, you may want to wait until the majority of experienced boaters have launched.  The people working at the dock or ramp generally have a good feel for the volumes during the day. Avoid Power Loading Around the Ramp Revving your motor unnecessarily is actually bad for the ramp, your boat and more.  It tends to cause sediment to build up near the ramp, which will cause problems down the road.  This usually occurs when people are done for the day and are trying to load the boat back on the trailer. Using the Courtesy Dock There’s usually a dock near the ramp.  It’s for loading and unloading the items and people.  Be courteous to others and try to use it efficiently.  The more organized you are the better.  If you’re waiting for someone, float around somewhere further out in the water.  Remember, you might be impeding the approach or angle for someone else who is trying to launch or load their boat.  Patience here is a virtue.  As we detailed in  Episode 7, Don’t Be THAT GUY! Much of practicing ramp etiquette really comes down to organization, courtesy, practice and patience.  Stay focused and ask for help if you need it.  We’ve all been there.  Remember, this is supposed to be fun. That’s a wrap for this episode.  I hope you found it helpful, insightful and maybe a little entertaining. Thanks for Listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider sharing it with your friends.  We hope to see you out there soon.  Until next time, here’s to warm weather and calm waters! Don’t forget to subscribe!

Episode 8:  In today’s episode, Molley and Chad are going to talk about two topics that can really determine how your day on the lake goes and how it ends.  Ramp rage is avoidable.  This discussion is important for new boaters, as well as experienced boaters.  Let’s listen to some good advice. Before You Leave the House with Your Boat In Episode 6, Chad explained his <a href="https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/show/lakelifewithmolleyandchad/id/20051684" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> pre-trip inspection routine</a>.  You may want to go back and listen to it.  It’s important that you visually inspect your wheels, hubs and lights.  It doesn’t take long, but it could safe you some serious problems.  It’s easier to fix issues now, before you have to do it on the side of the road or near the dock. Make sure everything is tight and secure.  This includes hooking up your rear safety straps, especially if you have a few miles to go, or if you’re going to be traveling at highway speed. Completely secure and stow your Bimini top.  The wind can damage it if it’s not properly protected.  Make sure the car or truck you’re using is adequate for the weight of your boat.  This is critically important for pulling and more importantly, for safely stopping.  Knowing how to properly balance out the weight of the boat and trailer is a critical safety step.  It’s about power and weight distribution.  Molley recommends taking wider turns when you’re pulling your trailer.  The turn-angle is different based on the extra length.  Some boats can be longer than the car/truck pulling the boat.  If you’re not careful, you can cause significant damage to your boat, trailer, signs, etc. Trailering Your Boat Consider taking an extra safety strap (i.e. come-along).  Chad uses his to make sure the boat is securely locked in to protect the boat and anyone who may be in the boat.  Molley describes 2 examples of problems they’ve personally experienced. Know the vehicle and your various ratings (i.e. weigh rating, tow rating, tongue rating, etc.).  You have to be safe when you’re towing a boat.  These ratings are listed for a reason. ProTip:  Consider covering the boat windshield with <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Glad-Pressn-Seal-Plastic-Food/dp/B00KKC6C2I" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Press’n Seal food wrap</a>.  When you get to your destination, you can rip it off and you’ll have one less item to clean. Ramp Etiquette This is a sensitive topic.  Plan your loading process.  Use the ramp wisely so you don’t unnecessarily impede the other boaters who are trying to get their boats in or out of the water.  This is especially important for new boaters.  You have to practice and make sure everyone involved has a specific job to make it go as efficiently as possible.  It always works better with 2 people or more. If you have new people going out on the water with you, take time to explain what’s going to happen during launch.  Explain how they can help or what might cause additional problems.  Remember, they’re new to this.  The easier it goes, the better your day on the water will go. Take advantage of “the gravel lot” to prep for launch.  Use this area, not the ramp, to load your coolers, tubes and other items.  Let people get seated before you get in line for the ramp.  Make sure your boat’s battery is charged.  Take time to turn on the blower for 5-6 minutes if the boat has been sitting for more than 24 hours.  Have your young children put on their PFDs.  Finally, make sure the boat’s plug is secure.  Now you’re ready to hit the ramp. ProTip:  If you’re new to the area, call ahead to the ramp.  Ask for the best launch times, based on your experience.  If a certain slot is typically crowded, you may want to wait until the majority of experienced boaters have launched.  The people working at the dock or ramp generally have a good feel for the volumes during the day. Avoid Power Loading Around the Ramp Revving your motor unnecessarily is actually bad for the ramp, your boat and more.  It tends to cause sediment to build up near the ramp, which will cause problems down the road.  This usually occurs when people are done for the day and are trying to load the boat back on the trailer. Using the Courtesy Dock There’s usually a dock near the ramp.  It’s for loading and unloading the items and people.  Be courteous to others and try to use it efficiently.  The more organized you are the better.  If you’re waiting for someone, float around somewhere further out in the water.  Remember, you might be impeding the approach or angle for someone else who is trying to launch or load their boat.  Patience here is a virtue.  As we detailed in <a href="https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/show/lakelifewithmolleyandchad/id/20193782" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Episode 7</a>, Don’t Be THAT GUY! Much of practicing ramp etiquette really comes down to organization, courtesy, practice and patience.  Stay focused and ask for help if you need it.  We’ve all been there.  Remember, this is supposed to be fun. That’s a wrap for this episode.  I hope you found it helpful, insightful and maybe a little entertaining. Thanks for Listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider sharing it with your friends.  We hope to see you out there soon.  Until next time, here’s to warm weather and calm waters! Don’t forget to subscribe!

Ramp Etiquette and Trailer Safety

Episode 7:  In today’s episode, Molley and Chad discuss how Not to be “THAT GUY.”  We’ve all been there.  Whether it’s a scene at the boat ramp, an inconsiderate (or unsafe) boater and even a guest who becomes a problem, these situations can be avoided.  Here are some tips for all of us to review. ADVICE FOR GUESTS How to be the Best Guest If you’ve been invited to spend some time on a friend’s boat, there are things you should consider, especially if you’re new to boating.  If you’re  bringing lunch, prepare it before you get to the dock.  Make sure it’s secured in water-tight containers.  Remember lotion and towels.  Take some extra “supplies” for the lake house, as a courtesy.  Bring some extra cash for gassing up the boat.  They don’t run on “Thanks!” There’s not a lot of room on a typical boat, so if you’re bringing a bag of clothes or other items, try to use a small bag/backpack.  Bringing Drinks Let’s face it.  A six-pack of anything for a day on the water isn’t going to go very far.  Bring more that what you think you’re going to need and leave the extras at the lake house, again, as a courtesy.  Avoid bringing glass bottles and containers.  Everyone is walking around with bare feet and the risk of getting cut is high. Watch How Much You Drink Nothing can spoil a day on the lake faster than having a guest who drinks too much, while the group is still enjoying the outing.  Don’t be THAT GUY.  You’ll spoil it for everyone.  This is especially important if you’re bringing a friend and that friend starts to over-do it.  You’re responsible for your guest.  Assuming you’ve cleared it with the boat owner ahead of time. Listen to Your Captain There’s a lot of responsibility with having and operating a boat.  Your captain may have preference or rules.  Often, those are for your safety.  Even if you don’t understand them, listen to your captain, while you’re on his/her boat.  Be on Time Usually, the boat owner will tell you what time they want to hit the water.  Don’t make everyone wait.  Plan to get there an hour early to change clothes, to get organized, to help carry items down to the boat and to have time for a potty break before leaving.  Your captain is doing you a favor by inviting you.  There may be other activities happening.  He/she might appreciate an extra hand.  Don’t be THAT GUY! Help Clean Up at the End of the Day Jump in and help to  wipe down the boat.  Help gather the trash or collect other items left on the boat.  There are all sorts of thing that need to be done, so work together.  Your captain might be a little worn out as well.  Don’t Smoke on the Boat (without Permission) Always ask the captain if he/she minds.  Cigarette ashes and embers can be a problem.  They can cause damage that can cost significant money to repair.  Let your captain tell you when it’s okay to smoke.  ADVICE FOR FELLOW BOATERS Kentucky is considering implementing a boater’s license for people born after 1/01/75.  This isn’t official as of the recording of this episode.  Molley and Chad highly recommend it. Be Courteous Near the Ramp If you decide to idle your boat near the boat ramp, it’s better to do so off to the side rather than directly in front of the ramp.  This just makes it easier for people launching or loading.  Remember, not everyone is as experienced as you.  A clear path to the ramp can make it much easier for all boaters.  Don’t be THAT GUY. Load or Off-Load Your Boat in a Designated Area Don’t load or unload your boat while you’re on the ramp.  This takes time and can cause major delays for other boaters.  There’s usually ample space for this in a parking area.  Prepare before you get onto the ramp, if you’re launching. The same goes for the end of the day.  Use the courtesy dock to unload or wait until you get to a designated area. Keep Your Cool on the Ramp Chad sums it up, “We don’t get angry anymore.  Just shrug your shoulders and smile.  It’s another day on the ramp.”  Stress and ego can be dangerous on the ramp.  Everyone wants to have a good time.  You may need to take a deep breath and just get through it.  Honking your horn or causing a scene is rarely helpful.  Don’t be THAT GUY! Remember You’re in a No Wake Zone One of the best feelings is getting your boat launched, throttling up and heading out for open water.  But remember, you’re still in a no wake zone.  Other people are trying to launch or trailer their boats.  The wakes you create can be dangerous to them, their guests and even the life of the boat ramp itself.  There’s a lot on the line here.  We know you’re excited, but get beyond the markers before your throttle up.  This holds true for jets skis as well.  Don’t be THAT GUY! Use Teamwork As we’ve discussed in  Episode 1, pick a job.  If you have a partner, have one of you learn to drive the truck and the other learn to drive the boat.  It causes unnecessary delays if one person has to back the truck down the ramp.  Get out and then launch the boat.  Then, get back in the truck and park it.  The process would work much easier and efficiently if the work were divided between 2 people.  Even if you’re uncomfortable with things, you could probably manage to drive the truck up the ramp to the parking lot.  This is especially true on holiday weekends. That’s a wrap for this episode.  I hope you found it helpful, insightful and maybe a little entertaining.   Thanks for Listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider sharing it with your friends.  We hope to see you out there soon.  Until next time, here’s to warm weather and calm waters!   Don’t forget to subscribe!

Episode 7:  In today’s episode, Molley and Chad discuss how Not to be “THAT GUY.”  We’ve all been there.  Whether it’s a scene at the boat ramp, an inconsiderate (or unsafe) boater and even a guest who becomes a problem, these situations can be avoided.  Here are some tips for all of us to review. ADVICE FOR GUESTS How to be the Best Guest If you’ve been invited to spend some time on a friend’s boat, there are things you should consider, especially if you’re new to boating.  If you’re <a href="https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/show/lakelifewithmolleyandchad/id/19427003" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> bringing lunch</a>, prepare it before you get to the dock.  Make sure it’s secured in water-tight containers.  Remember lotion and towels.  Take some extra “supplies” for the lake house, as a courtesy.  Bring some extra cash for gassing up the boat.  They don’t run on “Thanks!” There’s not a lot of room on a typical boat, so if you’re bringing a bag of clothes or other items, try to use a small bag/backpack.  Bringing Drinks Let’s face it.  A six-pack of anything for a day on the water isn’t going to go very far.  Bring more that what you think you’re going to need and leave the extras at the lake house, again, as a courtesy.  Avoid bringing glass bottles and containers.  Everyone is walking around with bare feet and the risk of getting cut is high. Watch How Much You Drink Nothing can spoil a day on the lake faster than having a guest who drinks too much, while the group is still enjoying the outing.  Don’t be THAT GUY.  You’ll spoil it for everyone.  This is especially important if you’re bringing a friend and that friend starts to over-do it.  You’re responsible for your guest.  Assuming you’ve cleared it with the boat owner ahead of time. Listen to Your Captain There’s a lot of responsibility with having and operating a boat.  Your captain may have preference or rules.  Often, those are for your safety.  Even if you don’t understand them, listen to your captain, while you’re on his/her boat.  Be on Time Usually, the boat owner will tell you what time they want to hit the water.  Don’t make everyone wait.  Plan to get there an hour early to change clothes, to get organized, to help carry items down to the boat and to have time for a potty break before leaving.  Your captain is doing you a favor by inviting you.  There may be other activities happening.  He/she might appreciate an extra hand.  Don’t be THAT GUY! Help Clean Up at the End of the Day Jump in and help to <a href="https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/show/lakelifewithmolleyandchad/id/20051684" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> wipe down the boat</a>.  Help gather the trash or collect other items left on the boat.  There are all sorts of thing that need to be done, so work together.  Your captain might be a little worn out as well.  Don’t Smoke on the Boat (without Permission) Always ask the captain if he/she minds.  Cigarette ashes and embers can be a problem.  They can cause damage that can cost significant money to repair.  Let your captain tell you when it’s okay to smoke.  ADVICE FOR FELLOW BOATERS Kentucky is considering implementing a boater’s license for people born after 1/01/75.  This isn’t official as of the recording of this episode.  Molley and Chad highly recommend it. Be Courteous Near the Ramp If you decide to idle your boat near the boat ramp, it’s better to do so off to the side rather than directly in front of the ramp.  This just makes it easier for people launching or loading.  Remember, not everyone is as experienced as you.  A clear path to the ramp can make it much easier for all boaters.  Don’t be THAT GUY. Load or Off-Load Your Boat in a Designated Area Don’t load or unload your boat while you’re on the ramp.  This takes time and can cause major delays for other boaters.  There’s usually ample space for this in a parking area.  Prepare before you get onto the ramp, if you’re launching. The same goes for the end of the day.  Use the courtesy dock to unload or wait until you get to a designated area. Keep Your Cool on the Ramp Chad sums it up, “We don’t get angry anymore.  Just shrug your shoulders and smile.  It’s another day on the ramp.”  Stress and ego can be dangerous on the ramp.  Everyone wants to have a good time.  You may need to take a deep breath and just get through it.  Honking your horn or causing a scene is rarely helpful.  Don’t be THAT GUY! Remember You’re in a No Wake Zone One of the best feelings is getting your boat launched, throttling up and heading out for open water.  But remember, you’re still in a no wake zone.  Other people are trying to launch or trailer their boats.  The wakes you create can be dangerous to them, their guests and even the life of the boat ramp itself.  There’s a lot on the line here.  We know you’re excited, but get beyond the markers before your throttle up.  This holds true for jets skis as well.  Don’t be THAT GUY! Use Teamwork As we’ve discussed in <a href="https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/show/lakelifewithmolleyandchad/id/19260554" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Episode 1</a>, pick a job.  If you have a partner, have one of you learn to drive the truck and the other learn to drive the boat.  It causes unnecessary delays if one person has to back the truck down the ramp.  Get out and then launch the boat.  Then, get back in the truck and park it.  The process would work much easier and efficiently if the work were divided between 2 people.  Even if you’re uncomfortable with things, you could probably manage to drive the truck up the ramp to the parking lot.  This is especially true on holiday weekends. That’s a wrap for this episode.  I hope you found it helpful, insightful and maybe a little entertaining. Thanks for Listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider sharing it with your friends.  We hope to see you out there soon.  Until next time, here’s to warm weather and calm waters! Don’t forget to subscribe!

Don't Be THAT GUY!

Lake life with Molley and Chad is a podcast dedicated to Boating, Lake boating more specifically.  Our story begins when Molley's Dad purchased a 16ft Mark Twain tri-haul to spend weekends and days after work on the water with family and friends.  Thus begins the love/hate relationship with boating for her.  From days anchored out floating jamming on some Alabama (her Dad's favorite band) to slicing the glass-like water with a slalom ski as the sunsets over the dam.  Chad married into the lifestyle and now is either on the Heyday dragging their kids all over the lake every weekend or chilling on the pontoon.   Most of their friends own boats of all types. They are basically on the water all weekend in the summer.  This Husband and Wife team has seen a lot over their 20+ years boating together and would like to share some laughs, some stories, and hopefully some peace of mind about boat ownership from top to bottom.

Episode 6:  In today’s episode, Molley and Chad are going to talk about routine maintenance for your boat.  These are things you can take care of during the season to keep your boat clean and ready.  There are all sorts of stains and bleeds you’ll need to address.  Chad covers his system for getting the boat ready for the day. Pre-Outing Check Chad discusses his routine for making sure everything’s ready for the day.  His first step is to check the lights, wheels and bearings to make sure the trailer is functioning properly.  Then he’ll inspect the prop.  As a tip, Chad recommends taking your shoes off before getting into the boat.  This will protect the seats and stitching. Second, he inspects the battery compartments, connections, as well as the Bimini top.  It’s much easier to do this now, rather than waiting until the day is underway. This is also a good time to get the boat gassed up.  While everyone else is getting ready you can take care of this task and be back in time for the fun. New Bathing Suit Stains If you’ve had a boat for a while, you’re probably familiar with this issue.  New bathing suits can bleed after they get wet.  They can leave dark stains on your seats.  Molley recommends handing out towels as soon as you launch the boat.  Ask guests to sit on their towels.  When you need to remove the stains, there are various ways to do it.  Using a magic eraser will work but can often damage the stitching on your seats.  Condition the seats as soon as can!  You need to get the conditioner worked into the vinyl.  Hair Dye Molley provides tips on getting hair dye out of the seats.  These stains are worse than the bathing suit stains.  If you see a hair dye stain in one place, you can be sure there are more stains elsewhere on the boat.  Again, you can use the magic eraser, but IMMEDIATELY condition the seats!  You don’t want them to dry out.  Chad likes to use the Meguiar’s products.  PRO-TIP:  If you condition your boat seats after every other run, you’ll have some added protection and the seats will hold up well. After Your Day on the Lake Be sure to wipe down your boat.  Old towels are great for this task.  Fiberglass/gel-coated boats should be wiped down quickly to remove the water line from the surface.  You can also use a  Turtle Wax &amp; Dry product.  If you’re not doing similar activities, you could risk nullifying your gel-coat warranty. End of the Season Molley comments that they like to wash down the seats before putting the cover on the boat.  It’s a great time to put on another dose of conditioner to help preserve them through the winter.  Well-conditioned seats will resist the stains much better than neglected surfaces. Storing Trash It’s a good idea to hang up a bag for trash, wrappers, cans and other garbage.  You might designate a compartment to hold the bag.  Dealing with Sugary Drinks As we mentioned in  Episode 2, brightly colored, surgary drinks (i.e. Kool-Aid or Margaritas) are definitely going to stain the seats and carpet.  If you see a spill or drip, IMMEDIATELY flood the area with water to prevent it from setting-in.  While You’re Out on the Water Something you should consider is a battery switch that will let you change batteries, when you stop to listen to music or other activities.  This will ensure you’ll always have enough power to start the engine to get back home, safely. Safety Tip:  It’s a good idea to make sure you have the contact information for a towing service, should you ever get stranded on the lake.  Chad recommends Don Hunter’s Marine Assist on Lake Cumberland.  It’s cheap insurance to ensure the safety of you and your family or friends. Tools to Take Along Chad recommends a small jumper box, should your battery fail.  Black zip ties are a must.  They repel UV light and will hold up longer.  A sharp utility knife can always come in handy.  An adjustable wrench (10”-12”) can solve most of the problems you might encounter.  Buy a  11-in-1 screwdriver.  It will definitely be worth the price.  Chad also recommends a taking along a good, cheap volt meter.  Do You Need to Switch Out Your Prop? Many outboard motors come with aluminum props.  However, in the early season, submerged or partially-submerged logs become a risk.  A stainless-steel prop will take more punishment, should you hit one of those logs.  The aluminum prop will give more (i.e. bend), so it might cause less damage to the motor’s lower unit.  Molley recommends having a spare prop and a  floating prop wrench, in case you need to change the prop.   That’s a wrap for this episode.  I hope you found it helpful, insightful and maybe a little entertaining. Thanks for Listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider sharing it with your friends.  We hope to see you out there soon.  Until next time, here’s to warm weather and calm waters! Don’t forget to subscribe!

Episode 6:  In today’s episode, Molley and Chad are going to talk about routine maintenance for your boat.  These are things you can take care of during the season to keep your boat clean and ready.  There are all sorts of stains and bleeds you’ll need to address.  Chad covers his system for getting the boat ready for the day. Pre-Outing Check Chad discusses his routine for making sure everything’s ready for the day.  His first step is to check the lights, wheels and bearings to make sure the trailer is functioning properly.  Then he’ll inspect the prop.  As a tip, Chad recommends taking your shoes off before getting into the boat.  This will protect the seats and stitching. Second, he inspects the battery compartments, connections, as well as the Bimini top.  It’s much easier to do this now, rather than waiting until the day is underway. This is also a good time to get the boat gassed up.  While everyone else is getting ready you can take care of this task and be back in time for the fun. New Bathing Suit Stains If you’ve had a boat for a while, you’re probably familiar with this issue.  New bathing suits can bleed after they get wet.  They can leave dark stains on your seats.  Molley recommends handing out towels as soon as you launch the boat.  Ask guests to sit on their towels.  When you need to remove the stains, there are various ways to do it.  Using a magic eraser will work but can often damage the stitching on your seats.  Condition the seats as soon as can!  You need to get the conditioner worked into the vinyl.  Hair Dye Molley provides tips on getting hair dye out of the seats.  These stains are worse than the bathing suit stains.  If you see a hair dye stain in one place, you can be sure there are more stains elsewhere on the boat.  Again, you can use the magic eraser, but IMMEDIATELY condition the seats!  You don’t want them to dry out.  Chad likes to use the <a href="https://www.meguiars.com/marine/products" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Meguiar’s products</a>.  PRO-TIP:  If you condition your boat seats after every other run, you’ll have some added protection and the seats will hold up well. After Your Day on the Lake Be sure to wipe down your boat.  Old towels are great for this task.  Fiberglass/gel-coated boats should be wiped down quickly to remove the water line from the surface.  You can also use a <a href="https://www.target.com/p/turtle-wax-quick-easy-wax-dry-26-fl-oz/-/A-13727482#lnk=sametab" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Turtle Wax &amp; Dry</a> product.  If you’re not doing similar activities, you could risk nullifying your gel-coat warranty. End of the Season Molley comments that they like to wash down the seats before putting the cover on the boat.  It’s a great time to put on another dose of conditioner to help preserve them through the winter.  Well-conditioned seats will resist the stains much better than neglected surfaces. Storing Trash It’s a good idea to hang up a bag for trash, wrappers, cans and other garbage.  You might designate a compartment to hold the bag.  Dealing with Sugary Drinks As we mentioned in <a href="https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/show/lakelifewithmolleyandchad/id/19427003" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Episode 2</a>, brightly colored, surgary drinks (i.e. Kool-Aid or Margaritas) are definitely going to stain the seats and carpet.  If you see a spill or drip, IMMEDIATELY flood the area with water to prevent it from setting-in.  While You’re Out on the Water Something you should consider is a battery switch that will let you change batteries, when you stop to listen to music or other activities.  This will ensure you’ll always have enough power to start the engine to get back home, safely. Safety Tip:  It’s a good idea to make sure you have the contact information for a towing service, should you ever get stranded on the lake.  Chad recommends <a href="https://www.facebook.com/marineassist/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Don Hunter’s Marine Assist</a> on Lake Cumberland.  It’s cheap insurance to ensure the safety of you and your family or friends. Tools to Take Along Chad recommends a small jumper box, should your battery fail.  Black zip ties are a must.  They repel UV light and will hold up longer.  A sharp utility knife can always come in handy.  An adjustable wrench (10”-12”) can solve most of the problems you might encounter.  Buy a <a href="https://www.kleintools.com/catalog/multi-bit-nut-drivers/11-1-magnetic-screwdriver-nut-driver" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> 11-in-1 screwdriver</a>.  It will definitely be worth the price.  Chad also recommends a taking along a good, cheap volt meter.  Do You Need to Switch Out Your Prop? Many outboard motors come with aluminum props.  However, in the early season, submerged or partially-submerged logs become a risk.  A stainless-steel prop will take more punishment, should you hit one of those logs.  The aluminum prop will give more (i.e. bend), so it might cause less damage to the motor’s lower unit.  Molley recommends having a spare prop and a <a href="https://www.westmarine.com/buy/mercury-marine--yellow-floating-prop-wrench-1-1-16-model-q-4--4531471?cm_mmc=PS-_-MSN&amp;msclkid=8e67b504da6c185630cbd408de31c83c" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> floating prop wrench</a>, in case you need to change the prop. That’s a wrap for this episode.  I hope you found it helpful, insightful and maybe a little entertaining. Thanks for Listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider sharing it with your friends.  We hope to see you out there soon.  Until next time, here’s to warm weather and calm waters! Don’t forget to subscribe!

General Maintenance for Your Boat

Episode 5:  In today’s episode, Molley and Chad invite their friends Katie and Brian to the studio.  We’re going to discuss the all-important topic of Boat Music!  What type of music should you consider taking along for your day or weekend on the lake?  Let’s find out. Chad begins by basing the music on the activities planned for that particular outing.  Wake boarding and similar activities call for something more high-energy.  An evening cruise might call for something more mellow.  Everyone has a song they love.  Katie recommends classic rock for a day out on the lake.  Brian likes newer music.  Molley prefers to avoid slow music, although there’s always an exception when you’re out looking for driftwood. The group agrees that having a good stereo system on your boat is important.  However, if that’s not the case, you can always take along a really good Bluetooth speaker to blast your tunes. Molley recommends having a wide-variety of music and artists.  Older music and classic rock are usually good if kids are around, because the language is safer.  In fact, she used to create different CDs for lake weekends, depending upon the group.  Now, everyone has playlists that do the same.  Don’t miss the discussion about Chaka Kahn.  Do you agree or disagree? One of Katie’s all-time favorites for the lake is Paul Simon’s Queen of Corona (a.k.a. Me and Julio Down by the School Yard).  She also likes a cover of Dixieland Delight by Nappy Roots. Music can become a tradition for your outings.  Molley’s dad influenced some of the selections she and Chad have.  Around sunset, they like to breakout Hello Darlin’ by Conway Twitty.  Chad introduces a song he found on many of the boating playlists.  It’s Waves by Mr. Probz.  It’s pretty good.  Click the link to give it a shot. Do You Have a Go-To Song You Have to Hear on the Water? Chad:  He says he’ll sing along with all of yours. Molley:  Atomic Dog Brian:  Anything by  Kings of Leon Katie:  It’s got to include something by CCR They agree Yacht Rock and songs from Bob Marley work well.  Music Tip Chad recommends downloading at least 1 playlist with 100 songs or more.  If your cell phone loses its signal in the middle of the lake or your radio doesn’t pick up multiple stations, you’ll still have music to play. Introducing New Music The group agrees that finding new covers of older songs can make for a fun playlist.  Some of them are even better that the originals. Music Etiquette Katie comments that if multiple boats pull into a cove, it’s a good idea to take turns listening to the various playlists from each of the boats.  Don’t try to blow everyone else out or dominate it. Remember, you’re out there to have a good time. Part of the adventure is having the right tunes for the day.  Find some that work for you and create memories that you’ll take home with you.  The right songs will take you back to those outings and get you thinking about your next trip, so have fun with it We’ll leave you today with one of Katie’s recommendation, Redneck Yacht Club by Craig Morgan.   That’s a wrap for this episode.  I hope you found it helpful, insightful and maybe a little entertaining. Thanks for Listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider sharing it with your friends.  We hope to see you out there soon.  Until next time, here’s to warm weather and calm waters!   Don’t forget to subscribe!

Episode 5:  In today’s episode, Molley and Chad invite their friends Katie and Brian to the studio.  We’re going to discuss the all-important topic of Boat Music!  What type of music should you consider taking along for your day or weekend on the lake?  Let’s find out. Chad begins by basing the music on the activities planned for that particular outing.  Wake boarding and similar activities call for something more high-energy.  An evening cruise might call for something more mellow.  Everyone has a song they love.  Katie recommends classic rock for a day out on the lake.  Brian likes newer music.  Molley prefers to avoid slow music, although there’s always an exception when you’re out looking for driftwood. The group agrees that having a good stereo system on your boat is important.  However, if that’s not the case, you can always take along a really good Bluetooth speaker to blast your tunes. Molley recommends having a wide-variety of music and artists.  Older music and classic rock are usually good if kids are around, because the language is safer.  In fact, she used to create different CDs for lake weekends, depending upon the group.  Now, everyone has playlists that do the same.  Don’t miss the discussion about <a href="https://chakakhan.com/discography/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chaka Kahn</a>.  Do you agree or disagree? One of Katie’s all-time favorites for the lake is <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVdlpZ4M-Hw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Paul Simon’s Queen of Corona</a> (a.k.a. Me and Julio Down by the School Yard).  She also likes a cover of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0q2ybRffXi4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dixieland Delight by Nappy Roots</a>. Music can become a tradition for your outings.  Molley’s dad influenced some of the selections she and Chad have.  Around sunset, they like to breakout <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGWm6mkqmRo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hello Darlin’ by Conway Twitty</a>.  Chad introduces a song he found on many of the boating playlists.  It’s <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUjE9H8QlA4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Waves by Mr. Probz</a>.  It’s pretty good.  Click the link to give it a shot. Do You Have a Go-To Song You Have to Hear on the Water? Chad:  He says he’ll sing along with all of yours. Molley:  <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyAEUWJlk1Q" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Atomic Dog</a> Brian:  Anything by <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RF0HhrwIwp0&amp;list=RDEM09BowBGp66XKN_B_R0nDng&amp;start_radio=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Kings of Leon</a> Katie:  It’s got to include something by <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1V8YRJnr4Q" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CCR</a> They agree Yacht Rock and songs from Bob Marley work well.  Music Tip Chad recommends downloading at least 1 playlist with 100 songs or more.  If your cell phone loses its signal in the middle of the lake or your radio doesn’t pick up multiple stations, you’ll still have music to play. Introducing New Music The group agrees that finding new covers of older songs can make for a fun playlist.  Some of them are even better that the originals. Music Etiquette Katie comments that if multiple boats pull into a cove, it’s a good idea to take turns listening to the various playlists from each of the boats.  Don’t try to blow everyone else out or dominate it. Remember, you’re out there to have a good time. Part of the adventure is having the right tunes for the day.  Find some that work for you and create memories that you’ll take home with you.  The right songs will take you back to those outings and get you thinking about your next trip, so have fun with it We’ll leave you today with one of Katie’s recommendation, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uI7Ghu1FpnQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Redneck Yacht Club by Craig Morgan</a>. That’s a wrap for this episode.  I hope you found it helpful, insightful and maybe a little entertaining. Thanks for Listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider sharing it with your friends.  We hope to see you out there soon.  Until next time, here’s to warm weather and calm waters! Don’t forget to subscribe!

Choosing the Right Music for Your Boat Trip

Episode 4:  In today’s episode, Molley and Chad invite their friends Katie and Brian to the studio.  Molley and Katie are going to talk about Boating While Pregnant and Boating with Babies &amp; Toddlers.  They provide some important tips to help you to enjoy a fun and safe day on the lake. Molley begins by explaining how her pregnant boating experiences took place during different “seasons” in her pregnancies with the kids. Tips for Boating While Pregnant Tip #1 Make Sure You’re Aware of Your Balance The boat won’t be a stable on the water, so you want to take extra care to maintain your balance to avoid a fall.  Katie remembers a pregnant friend who wanted some photos standing on the bow.  Again, it’s not a good idea for the safety of the mother and baby.  Tip #2 Avoid Consuming Alcohol Many people assume you shouldn’t consume alcohol while pregnant.  However, it you decide to do so on a boat, the risks of a fall increase significantly.  There are already variables, including the hot sun which can have an impact on you. Molley recommends drinking sparkling or fruit-infused waters.  It’s important to remain hydrated. Tip #3 Make Sure Your Life Jacket Fits This can easily be overlooked.  As you get further into your term, your body obviously changes.  That personal flotation device will eventually fit differently, if at all.  Make sure you try it on before heading to the lake.  Ski belts or noodles can also help when you’re simply floating.  Being in the water is a great way to get some muscle relief. Tip #4 Be Aware of the Sun’s Impact Always apply plenty of sunscreen before and during your boating adventure.  Hydration is a key issue on a hot, sunny day.  The various activities and interactions may distract you from consuming your regular amount of water.  Be mindful of it for you and your baby.  Tip #5 Prepare to Deal with Nausea Make sure you speak with your doctor about various ways to cope with nausea, before your boat trip.  This is especially important if you or your pregnant guest is new to boating.  Sea sickness can ruin your experience.  Take a bag of crackers, sunscreen and waters. Tip #6 Talk to the Boat Owner It might be a good idea to remain fairly close to the dock or marina.  You might experience some discomfort or unfortunately an emergency.  Being 1.5 hours away from your dock can make for a miserable and very risky trip.  Tip #7 Know the Size of the Boat If you’re pregnant, it’s a good idea to avoid smaller crafts and speedboats.  There’s a lot of bouncing and bobbing.  Pontoons are perfect for cruising the lake. Tips for Boating with Babies and Toddlers Tip #1 Take Grandma with You! Grandmas are terrific babysitters and might enjoy the chance to get out on the lake.  Tip #2 Minimum Weight Limits Believe it or not, you’re supposed to be a minimum of 18lbs before you go out on the boat. They must also wear a life jacket.  This is a Coast Guard regulation.  The  puddle jumper PDFs are Coast Guard approved, but make sure you check your specific model.  Remember, to keep you child hydrated throughout the day.  Those life jackets can get hot.  Tip #3 Swim Shirts and Rashes It’s a good idea to have your children wear  swim shirts and other protective clothing, while boating.  The direct sun and the sunrays reflecting off the water are going to intensify the risk of sunburn and heat-related sickness. Tip #4 Have a Couple of Spare Life Jackets Boating is a great way to ensure your child get a good nap or even goes down for the night.  You might decide to leave them in their PFD until you can get back to the house, to avoid waking him/her up.  When that happens, that jacket can easily get left behind, the next time you head out.  Having a couple of spares enables you to remain in compliance with Coast Guard regulations and to have a safe time on the water. Tip #5 Avoid Sunscreen for Babies Under 6 Months Old This may come as a shock.  Shade is the best option.  Even then, it’s going to be a bit of a challenge.  Because the infant’s skin is so thin, the skin can absorb more chemicals that the average person.  Keeping your baby hydrated is going to be extremely important.  Remember, babies don’t sweat like older children and adults.  Hydration is a key way to keep them cool.  Tip #6 Make Sure Your Boat Owner is Comfortable Taking a baby or toddler on the boat may require some changes to the normal routine.  You should discuss the situation with the boat owner to make sure he/she is comfortable with the situation.  If you have specific concerns, talk them over with the captain.  Tip #7 Get Young Children Used to Wearing a Boat Hat This is another way to protect your child from the harmful rays of the sun.  We usually think about sunscreen on arms, shoulders and other areas, but the top of the head is easily exposed.  Tip #8 Plan the Day Before you go out, make sure you have set aside some nap time.  Plan to go to a cove or other area the enable babies and toddlers to rest and recharge.  Trust us, everyone else on the boat will appreciate it too! Tip #9 Pack Plenty of Extra Supplies Once you’re out on the water, it’s hard to restock.  Take a few extra diapers.  Pack some extra waters, juice, food and snacks (even goldfish – if you must).  If your baby is still nursing, make sure your breast milk is properly chilled and protected.  Molley recommends putting it in a separate cooler to avoid temperature changes.  Accessibility is key for the mom.  Yes, you can also pump on a boat or pontoon, as needed. Tip #10 Dealing with Dirty Diapers Okay, it’s going to happen.  Make sure you bring extra bags to deal with dirty diapers.  Ask the captain if he has a preference for where to stow it.  Also, be attentive.  Please don’t forget to take the dirty diapers with you when you get off the boat.  Be courteous to your captain.  It may not be something he/she is prepared to deal with at the end of a long day. Boating with Older Kids (2-5 Years of Age) Tip #1 Have a Plan of Attack It’s a good idea to plan out which toys and activities are going to be part of the boat outing for the day.  Tubes and floating toys are great ways to give them something to do.  Tip #2 Be Careful is Your Kid Is Afraid of the Water Don’t force the issue.  You want everyone to enjoy the experience.  If you child is apprehensive, it’s okay.  Let them get used to being on/in the water.  Once they feel more comfortable, it’ll be much easier.  Tip #3 Teach Your Child about the Boat This is an excellent time to begin teaching your child about the boat.  The horn and fire extinguishers are important safety equipment.  There may come a time when you’re glad he/she knew where to find and possibly even use them.  Make them part of the overall experience.  There are all types of simply jobs they can do.  It’ll give him/her a feeling of responsibility and accomplishment.  It’s important that the child learn to respect the water and understand how to enjoy it safely. Dealing with Adverse Weather Conditions During the summer, it’s not uncommon for a storm to pop up.  Remain calm and the children will come to trust you, even more.  That’s a wrap for this episode.  I hope you found it helpful, insightful and maybe a little entertaining. Thanks for Listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider sharing it with your friends.  We hope to see you out there soon.  Until next time, here’s to warm weather and calm waters! Don’t forget to subscribe!

Episode 4:  In today’s episode, Molley and Chad invite their friends Katie and Brian to the studio.  Molley and Katie are going to talk about Boating While Pregnant and Boating with Babies &amp; Toddlers.  They provide some important tips to help you to enjoy a fun and safe day on the lake. Molley begins by explaining how her pregnant boating experiences took place during different “seasons” in her pregnancies with the kids. Tips for Boating While Pregnant Tip #1 Make Sure You’re Aware of Your Balance The boat won’t be a stable on the water, so you want to take extra care to maintain your balance to avoid a fall.  Katie remembers a pregnant friend who wanted some photos standing on the bow.  Again, it’s not a good idea for the safety of the mother and baby.  Tip #2 Avoid Consuming Alcohol Many people assume you shouldn’t consume alcohol while pregnant.  However, it you decide to do so on a boat, the risks of a fall increase significantly.  There are already variables, including the hot sun which can have an impact on you. Molley recommends drinking sparkling or fruit-infused waters.  It’s important to remain hydrated. Tip #3 Make Sure Your Life Jacket Fits This can easily be overlooked.  As you get further into your term, your body obviously changes.  That personal flotation device will eventually fit differently, if at all.  Make sure you try it on before heading to the lake.  Ski belts or noodles can also help when you’re simply floating.  Being in the water is a great way to get some muscle relief. Tip #4 Be Aware of the Sun’s Impact Always apply plenty of sunscreen before and during your boating adventure.  Hydration is a key issue on a hot, sunny day.  The various activities and interactions may distract you from consuming your regular amount of water.  Be mindful of it for you and your baby.  Tip #5 Prepare to Deal with Nausea Make sure you speak with your doctor about various ways to cope with nausea, before your boat trip.  This is especially important if you or your pregnant guest is new to boating.  Sea sickness can ruin your experience.  Take a bag of crackers, sunscreen and waters. Tip #6 Talk to the Boat Owner It might be a good idea to remain fairly close to the dock or marina.  You might experience some discomfort or unfortunately an emergency.  Being 1.5 hours away from your dock can make for a miserable and very risky trip.  Tip #7 Know the Size of the Boat If you’re pregnant, it’s a good idea to avoid smaller crafts and speedboats.  There’s a lot of bouncing and bobbing.  Pontoons are perfect for cruising the lake. Tips for Boating with Babies and Toddlers Tip #1 Take Grandma with You! Grandmas are terrific babysitters and might enjoy the chance to get out on the lake.  Tip #2 Minimum Weight Limits Believe it or not, you’re supposed to be a minimum of 18lbs before you go out on the boat. They must also wear a life jacket.  This is a Coast Guard regulation.  The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s?k=puddle+jumper+coast+guard+approved&amp;crid=2MTUJU5FXCBSP&amp;sprefix=puddle+jumper%2Caps%2C191&amp;ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_12_13" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> puddle jumper PDFs</a> are Coast Guard approved, but make sure you check your specific model.  Remember, to keep you child hydrated throughout the day.  Those life jackets can get hot.  Tip #3 Swim Shirts and Rashes It’s a good idea to have your children wear <a href="https://www.kohls.com/catalog/rash-guard-kids-swimsuits-clothing.jsp?CN=Silhouette:Rash%20Guard+AgeAppropriate:Kids+Category:Swimsuits+Department:Clothing" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> swim shirts and other protective clothing</a>, while boating.  The direct sun and the sunrays reflecting off the water are going to intensify the risk of sunburn and heat-related sickness. Tip #4 Have a Couple of Spare Life Jackets Boating is a great way to ensure your child get a good nap or even goes down for the night.  You might decide to leave them in their PFD until you can get back to the house, to avoid waking him/her up.  When that happens, that jacket can easily get left behind, the next time you head out.  Having a couple of spares enables you to remain in compliance with Coast Guard regulations and to have a safe time on the water. Tip #5 Avoid Sunscreen for Babies Under 6 Months Old This may come as a shock.  Shade is the best option.  Even then, it’s going to be a bit of a challenge.  Because the infant’s skin is so thin, the skin can absorb more chemicals that the average person.  Keeping your baby hydrated is going to be extremely important.  Remember, babies don’t sweat like older children and adults.  Hydration is a key way to keep them cool.  Tip #6 Make Sure Your Boat Owner is Comfortable Taking a baby or toddler on the boat may require some changes to the normal routine.  You should discuss the situation with the boat owner to make sure he/she is comfortable with the situation.  If you have specific concerns, talk them over with the captain.  Tip #7 Get Young Children Used to Wearing a Boat Hat This is another way to protect your child from the harmful rays of the sun.  We usually think about sunscreen on arms, shoulders and other areas, but the top of the head is easily exposed.  Tip #8 Plan the Day Before you go out, make sure you have set aside some nap time.  Plan to go to a cove or other area the enable babies and toddlers to rest and recharge.  Trust us, everyone else on the boat will appreciate it too! Tip #9 Pack Plenty of Extra Supplies Once you’re out on the water, it’s hard to restock.  Take a few extra diapers.  Pack some extra waters, juice, food and snacks (even goldfish – if you must).  If your baby is still nursing, make sure your breast milk is properly chilled and protected.  Molley recommends putting it in a separate cooler to avoid temperature changes.  Accessibility is key for the mom.  Yes, you can also pump on a boat or pontoon, as needed. Tip #10 Dealing with Dirty Diapers Okay, it’s going to happen.  Make sure you bring extra bags to deal with dirty diapers.  Ask the captain if he has a preference for where to stow it.  Also, be attentive.  Please don’t forget to take the dirty diapers with you when you get off the boat.  Be courteous to your captain.  It may not be something he/she is prepared to deal with at the end of a long day. Boating with Older Kids (2-5 Years of Age) Tip #1 Have a Plan of Attack It’s a good idea to plan out which toys and activities are going to be part of the boat outing for the day.  Tubes and floating toys are great ways to give them something to do.  Tip #2 Be Careful is Your Kid Is Afraid of the Water Don’t force the issue.  You want everyone to enjoy the experience.  If you child is apprehensive, it’s okay.  Let them get used to being on/in the water.  Once they feel more comfortable, it’ll be much easier.  Tip #3 Teach Your Child about the Boat This is an excellent time to begin teaching your child about the boat.  The horn and fire extinguishers are important safety equipment.  There may come a time when you’re glad he/she knew where to find and possibly even use them.  Make them part of the overall experience.  There are all types of simply jobs they can do.  It’ll give him/her a feeling of responsibility and accomplishment.  It’s important that the child learn to respect the water and understand how to enjoy it safely. Dealing with Adverse Weather Conditions During the summer, it’s not uncommon for a storm to pop up.  Remain calm and the children will come to trust you, even more.  That’s a wrap for this episode.  I hope you found it helpful, insightful and maybe a little entertaining. Thanks for Listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider sharing it with your friends.  We hope to see you out there soon.  Until next time, here’s to warm weather and calm waters! Don’t forget to subscribe!

Tips for Boating While Pregnant and Boating with Babies & Toddlers

Episode 3:  In today’s episode, Molley and Chad talk about making that boat “your boat.”  They’ll discuss ways to personalize and customize your boat, so it’s more comfortable and reflects your personality on the water. Naming Your Boat Molley came across an article providing 7 Tips for Naming Your Boat.  She and Chad talk about things to consider.   Traditionally boats are named after a woman in one’s life.  Why?  They don’t know either!  Some boat names reflect a profession (Knot on Call for a doctor).  Puns and double meanings are always welcomed.  Naming them after references to movies and/or songs is always popular. Keeping Your Stuff Organized Finding a solution for your storage needs can be an issue.  Molley figured out several ways to keep items neat and compact, so they’re out of the way and safely stored.  A garbage can and plastic containers are life-savers.  Don’t forget to add an air-freshener to your garbage can.  In the hot sun, you’ll be glad you did. Molley and Chad discuss “the boat purse” and how it’s a great solution for keeping phones, wallets and keys dry during the day on the water.  Surprisingly, a bread box is also a vital component for your boating enjoyment. Choosing the Right Cooler You really don’t need to buy an expensive cooler.  You want to keep your ice from melting and the beverages cold, but don’t go overboard.  Regardless of how well the cooler is insulated, each time someone reaches into the cooler, the cold air escapes. Styrofoam coolers should be avoided.  The lids will blow away.  It’s worth the money to buy a regular cooler.  Also, remember to refrigerate your beverages before you put them into the cooler.  It helps to reduce the ice-melt. Remember, capacity is an issue.  Some of the expensive coolers may not actually store the same amount as a cheaper model.  This is a big factor if you have a lot of people on your pontoon. Floaties and other Floatation Devices There are tons of options for recreational, flotation devices such as noodles, inflatables, etc.  Always remember to make sure you have the proper number of  Coast Guard Approved safety devices.  Not all life-jackets and vest are actually approved.  You will get ticketed if they inspect your boat and you don’t have the proper personal floatation devices.  It’s also a good idea to make sure you have a number of various sized life-jackets. Ropes and Related Accessories You can find easy to use devices to keep your ropes from getting tangled and also enabling them to be simply stored.  You might also consider purchasing a large bungie for tying up with other boats or docks.  They come in various lengths, depending on your needs.  If you get caught in a wake, the bungies are better than regular ropes, which may not allow for adequate “give.” Anchor Selection Each boat is different, so you may need to experiment to find the best model for your particular situation.  Molley and Chad have found a box anchor to be a terrific type of anchor for their boat.  Theirs will hold a 24’ pontoon is a strong wind.  Other Coast Guard Must-Haves Always make sure you have a fire extinguisher on-board.  It’s important that everyone know where it is, in case of an emergency.  You need multiple signaling devices.  Back-up red and green lights (such as glow sticks) can be helpful to signal other boats when your batter fails or if you’re stranded after sundown.  Multi-packs of extra life-jackets can be very versatile.  You can use them as emergency bumpers.  It’s also a good idea to keep an extra bailer to get water out of the boat.  An old bleach bottle with the bottom cut out can be a terrific bailer. Bring a back-up battery jumping device.  The new lithium versions are terrific for cell phones and boat batteries. Make sure you have a fresh first-aid kit on board.  Remember to check the expiration dates, so you’ll always have the supplies ready, should you need them.  The Coast Guard also requires that you have a rescue paddle on board.  In a pinch, you can actually paddle your boat to shore. A ship-to-shore VHF radio is also a requirement.  Don’t rely on your cell phones.  You may not have a good signal when you need it. Tips and Tricks from Fellow Boaters  Keep extra towel clips to hang towels from the Bimini to create shade for babies and other passengers. Zip-Lock bags, in various sizes are extremely handy on the boat. Large zip-lock bags can also be used to keep extra towels and sweatshirts dry and fresh. A box filled with cheap sunglasses. A miscellaneous emergency kit, including dental floss. A clear tackle box for hair ties, nail clippers, a whistle, tweezers and Band-Aids. A blow horn and a Swiss Army knife. The extra knife is a great utility knife to get you out of a jam. A collection of dry-bags can be useful.  That’s a wrap for this episode.  I hope you found it helpful, insightful and maybe a little entertaining.  Thanks for Listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider sharing it with your friends.  We hope to see you out there soon.  Until next time, here’s to warm weather and calm waters! Don’t forget to subscribe!

Episode 3:  In today’s episode, Molley and Chad talk about making that boat “your boat.”  They’ll discuss ways to personalize and customize your boat, so it’s more comfortable and reflects your personality on the water. Naming Your Boat Molley came across an article providing <a href="https://www.discoverboating.com/resources/naming-a-boat" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">7 Tips for Naming Your Boat</a>.  She and Chad talk about things to consider.   Traditionally boats are named after a woman in one’s life.  Why?  They don’t know either!  Some boat names reflect a profession (Knot on Call for a doctor).  Puns and double meanings are always welcomed.  Naming them after references to movies and/or songs is always popular. Keeping Your Stuff Organized Finding a solution for your storage needs can be an issue.  Molley figured out several ways to keep items neat and compact, so they’re out of the way and safely stored.  A garbage can and plastic containers are life-savers.  Don’t forget to add an air-freshener to your garbage can.  In the hot sun, you’ll be glad you did. Molley and Chad discuss “the boat purse” and how it’s a great solution for keeping phones, wallets and keys dry during the day on the water.  Surprisingly, a bread box is also a vital component for your boating enjoyment. Choosing the Right Cooler You really don’t need to buy an expensive cooler.  You want to keep your ice from melting and the beverages cold, but don’t go overboard.  Regardless of how well the cooler is insulated, each time someone reaches into the cooler, the cold air escapes. Styrofoam coolers should be avoided.  The lids will blow away.  It’s worth the money to buy a regular cooler.  Also, remember to refrigerate your beverages before you put them into the cooler.  It helps to reduce the ice-melt. Remember, capacity is an issue.  Some of the expensive coolers may not actually store the same amount as a cheaper model.  This is a big factor if you have a lot of people on your pontoon. Floaties and other Floatation Devices There are tons of options for recreational, flotation devices such as noodles, inflatables, etc.  Always remember to make sure you have the proper number of <a href="https://uscgboating.org/recreational-boaters/life-jacket-wear-wearing-your-life-jacket.php" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Coast Guard Approved</a> safety devices.  Not all life-jackets and vest are actually approved.  You will get ticketed if they inspect your boat and you don’t have the proper personal floatation devices.  It’s also a good idea to make sure you have a number of various sized life-jackets. Ropes and Related Accessories You can find easy to use devices to keep your ropes from getting tangled and also enabling them to be simply stored.  You might also consider purchasing a large bungie for tying up with other boats or docks.  They come in various lengths, depending on your needs.  If you get caught in a wake, the bungies are better than regular ropes, which may not allow for adequate “give.” Anchor Selection Each boat is different, so you may need to experiment to find the best model for your particular situation.  Molley and Chad have found a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s?k=box+anchor&amp;ref=nb_sb_noss_2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">box anchor</a> to be a terrific type of anchor for their boat.  Theirs will hold a 24’ pontoon is a strong wind.  Other Coast Guard Must-Haves Always make sure you have a fire extinguisher on-board.  It’s important that everyone know where it is, in case of an emergency.  You need multiple signaling devices.  Back-up red and green lights (such as glow sticks) can be helpful to signal other boats when your batter fails or if you’re stranded after sundown.  Multi-packs of extra life-jackets can be very versatile.  You can use them as emergency bumpers.  It’s also a good idea to keep an extra bailer to get water out of the boat.  An old bleach bottle with the bottom cut out can be a terrific bailer. Bring a back-up battery jumping device.  The new lithium versions are terrific for cell phones and boat batteries. Make sure you have a fresh first-aid kit on board.  Remember to check the expiration dates, so you’ll always have the supplies ready, should you need them.  The Coast Guard also requires that you have a rescue paddle on board.  In a pinch, you can actually paddle your boat to shore. A ship-to-shore VHF radio is also a requirement.  Don’t rely on your cell phones.  You may not have a good signal when you need it. Tips and Tricks from Fellow Boaters <ul> <li>Keep extra towel clips to hang towels from the Bimini to create shade for babies and other passengers.</li> <li>Zip-Lock bags, in various sizes are extremely handy on the boat.</li> <li>Large zip-lock bags can also be used to keep extra towels and sweatshirts dry and fresh.</li> <li>A box filled with cheap sunglasses.</li> <li>A miscellaneous emergency kit, including dental floss.</li> <li>A clear tackle box for hair ties, nail clippers, a whistle, tweezers and Band-Aids.</li> <li>A blow horn and a Swiss Army knife. The extra knife is a great utility knife to get you out of a jam.</li> <li>A collection of dry-bags can be useful.</li> </ul> That’s a wrap for this episode.  I hope you found it helpful, insightful and maybe a little entertaining.  Thanks for Listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider sharing it with your friends.  We hope to see you out there soon.  Until next time, here’s to warm weather and calm waters! Don’t forget to subscribe!

Naming and Personalizing Your Boat

Episode 2:  Today, Molley and Chad discuss what types of food to bring on the boat, as well as what to avoid.  Everyone thinks about the beverages they want to bring, but there are reasons you should avoid certain foods.  Oh, and did you know there’s a superstition about having a banana on the boat?  They’re joined again by their son, Tristin, for this episode. Growing up, Molley’s parents typically brought some chicken tenders, but now that she’s older, Molley and Chad have come a long way. Foods You Want to Avoid on the Boat  Cheetos – The orange dust gets everywhere! This also applies to nacho cheese-flavored Doritos, cheesy puffs, etc.  The dust gets into the carpet and is very difficult to get out, especially after the dust or the chip itself has gotten wet.  The other issue is the orange handprints from kiddos and guests that get all over.     Anything Red – Kool-Aid and/or Cherry vodka, while not foods, can be problematic. Instead, consider a Capri-Sun.  Red dye can stain the seats and carpet if you can’t remove it.  We mention avoiding red pomegranates later in the conversation. Chocolate Chip Cookies – The chocolate will melt in the sun and make cleaning up very difficult. Bananas – There’s a legend that bananas on a fishing boat is considered unlucky. This is especially true for fishing boats.  Mustard – We’ll mention it in a minute, but it’s a stain-risk. Ranch Dip or Beer Cheese – If you spill it on the carpet and forget to clean it up, thoroughly, the next time you get ready to take out your boat, you’ll definitely smell what you had left behind. The beer cheese is also a stain-risk.  Foods to Bring on the Boat  Sandwiches – Lunch meats and cheese are fine for the cooler, but avoid mustard. Some people make them in advance, while we prefer to make them on the boat. Chicken Salad or Pimento Cheese Sandwiches – Always good with pita chips, but remember to keep them on ice. Snacks – Pretzels and fruit are good for tiding you over until lunch is served. Beef Jerky – Always a great idea. Wraps &amp; Pinwheels – Tortilla wrapped sandwiches are easy and clean. Smoked Sausage Slices in BBQ Sauce – Prepare before you leave the house/cabin. Hot Dogs, Burgers and BBQ – You can keep these warm in a wide-mouth thermos until you’re ready to serve them. 30-Piece Chicken Nuggets – Place groups of them in zip-lock bags and enjoy. Shrimp Ceviche – Put it in small containers and serve with Tostito Scoops. Veggies and Fresh Fruit – These are good for you and can hydrate you on the water. Remember to avoid the bananas!  Tips to Protect Your Food on the Boat  Buy tons of zip-lock bags or Rubbermaid-type containers. They can keep lake water, river water or melted ice from getting into the food and ruining your day (not to mention your meal). Make sure you bring plenty of ice or frozen cool-packs to keep your food chilled. Remember to pack some baby-wipes or other napkins to clean hands and containers. Slice your breads or rolls before you leave. Kings Hawaiian rolls are a great option. Bring a spoon! Trust us, you don’t want to have to use your fingers. Bring plenty of hand-sanitizer.  ProTip:  Before you leave the dock, don’t be afraid to go over the “rules of the boat” with family and friends.  Everyone is there to have a good time, but in the end, it’s your boat and you’ll be the ones who end up cleaning up the leftover mess. Thanks for Listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider sharing it with your friends.  We hope to see you out there soon.  Until next time, here’s to warm weather and calm waters! Don’t forget to subscribe!

Episode 2:  Today, Molley and Chad discuss what types of food to bring on the boat, as well as what to avoid.  Everyone thinks about the beverages they want to bring, but there are reasons you should avoid certain foods.  Oh, and did you know there’s a superstition about having a banana on the boat?  They’re joined again by their son, Tristin, for this episode. Growing up, Molley’s parents typically brought some chicken tenders, but now that she’s older, Molley and Chad have come a long way. Foods You Want to Avoid on the Boat <ul> <li>Cheetos – The orange dust gets everywhere! This also applies to nacho cheese-flavored Doritos, cheesy puffs, etc.  The dust gets into the carpet and is very difficult to get out, especially after the dust or the chip itself has gotten wet.  The other issue is the orange handprints from kiddos and guests that get all over.    </li> <li>Anything Red – Kool-Aid and/or Cherry vodka, while not foods, can be problematic. Instead, consider a Capri-Sun.  Red dye can stain the seats and carpet if you can’t remove it.  We mention avoiding red pomegranates later in the conversation.</li> <li>Chocolate Chip Cookies – The chocolate will melt in the sun and make cleaning up very difficult.</li> <li>Bananas – There’s a legend that bananas on a fishing boat is considered unlucky. This is especially true for fishing boats. </li> <li>Mustard – We’ll mention it in a minute, but it’s a stain-risk.</li> <li>Ranch Dip or Beer Cheese – If you spill it on the carpet and forget to clean it up, thoroughly, the next time you get ready to take out your boat, you’ll definitely smell what you had left behind. The beer cheese is also a stain-risk.</li> </ul> Foods to Bring on the Boat <ul> <li>Sandwiches – Lunch meats and cheese are fine for the cooler, but avoid mustard. Some people make them in advance, while we prefer to make them on the boat.</li> <li>Chicken Salad or Pimento Cheese Sandwiches – Always good with pita chips, but remember to keep them on ice.</li> <li>Snacks – Pretzels and fruit are good for tiding you over until lunch is served.</li> <li>Beef Jerky – Always a great idea.</li> <li>Wraps &amp; Pinwheels – Tortilla wrapped sandwiches are easy and clean.</li> <li>Smoked Sausage Slices in BBQ Sauce – Prepare before you leave the house/cabin.</li> <li>Hot Dogs, Burgers and BBQ – You can keep these warm in a wide-mouth thermos until you’re ready to serve them.</li> <li>30-Piece Chicken Nuggets – Place groups of them in zip-lock bags and enjoy.</li> <li>Shrimp Ceviche – Put it in small containers and serve with Tostito Scoops.</li> <li>Veggies and Fresh Fruit – These are good for you and can hydrate you on the water. Remember to avoid the bananas!</li> </ul> Tips to Protect Your Food on the Boat <ul> <li>Buy tons of zip-lock bags or Rubbermaid-type containers. They can keep lake water, river water or melted ice from getting into the food and ruining your day (not to mention your meal).</li> <li>Make sure you bring plenty of ice or frozen cool-packs to keep your food chilled.</li> <li>Remember to pack some baby-wipes or other napkins to clean hands and containers.</li> <li>Slice your breads or rolls before you leave. Kings Hawaiian rolls are a great option.</li> <li>Bring a spoon! Trust us, you don’t want to have to use your fingers.</li> <li>Bring plenty of hand-sanitizer.</li> </ul> ProTip:  Before you leave the dock, don’t be afraid to go over the “rules of the boat” with family and friends.  Everyone is there to have a good time, but in the end, it’s your boat and you’ll be the ones who end up cleaning up the leftover mess. Thanks for Listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider sharing it with your friends.  We hope to see you out there soon.  Until next time, here’s to warm weather and calm waters! Don’t forget to subscribe!

Types of Boat Food to Bring or Avoid

Episode 1: We’re excited to launch our podcast.  Our son, Tristin, joins us for this episode.  Today, we’re going to focus on Overconfidence.  This is a common issue for new boaters.  We’ll share some of stories from our experiences and mistakes.  Hopefully, this will help you to avoid some of them and enjoy your time on the water. We test drove our first boat during a December.  Molley grew up boating.  When it came time for us to buy our own, we discussed the various types of boats.  We spoke with other boat owners.  Generally, we did some solid research to prepare for this big purchase.  We decided to buy a pontoon.  It was a 24’ Sweetwater Triple-Toon with an Evinrude 150 motor. We met the dealer for the test drive on the Ohio river.  The sales rep launched the boat and we took a ride.  The weather was freezing, but we were in love with the boat.  As we watched the rep and his helper struggle to get the pontoon back on the trailer, we should have seen the red flag.  But again, all we could think about were the fun adventures to come. We went back to the dealership, signed the papers and then waited for spring to arrive.  We purchased safety and protective equipment.  We even took a  Coast Guard safety course.  Finally, in mid-March, the day came.  We loaded up a bunch of couples and headed out.  Unfortunately, we didn’t know what we didn’t know. During all of the excitement, we didn’t think about the depth of the ramp, speeds, hand-signals are all of those things you need to think about – especially with a new boat.  It was a disaster. Getting a V-hull boat back on the trailer is a completely different experience compared to a pontoon.  The angle and depth of the ramp makes a huge difference.  The speed of your approach is important.  Blowing wind can make it much more difficult.  The number of people on the pontoon when you’re trying to trailer it will change how high/low the boat is floating.  A Few Words of Wisdom for New Boaters  If you’re new to this whole experience, you’ll need to be prepared to leave your ego on the bank and focus on patience.  It’s just going to take time and repetition.  You’ll feel more comfortable with time, but you can’t rush it. If you’re a partner or spouse, it might be helpful if you each pick a specific job and learn everything you can.  For instance, one of you might be more inclined to drive the truck and trailer.  The other may be more skilled at getting the boat onto the trailer.  The key, as always, is good communication.  Give yourselves time to practice and to work out the kinks.  It’s all about the practice.  Try to pick days, like Mondays, that might not be as crowded in and around the ramp. We love our boat, but overconfidence really caused us some problems.  The Coast Guard course provided us with a safety checklist, which we pretty much ignored.  The point of the course was to help us to be better boaters.  Make sure you have enough life jackets for each person on the boat.  Test your electronics and mechanics on the boat before you hit the water. Take time to learn a few things, including how to tie proper knots.  It’ll make the experience much more smooth and enjoyable for you and your guests. Thanks for Listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider sharing it with your friends.  We hope to see you out there soon.  Until next time, here’s to warm weather and calm waters! Don’t forget to subscribe!

Episode 1: We’re excited to launch our podcast.  Our son, Tristin, joins us for this episode.  Today, we’re going to focus on Overconfidence.  This is a common issue for new boaters.  We’ll share some of stories from our experiences and mistakes.  Hopefully, this will help you to avoid some of them and enjoy your time on the water. We test drove our first boat during a December.  Molley grew up boating.  When it came time for us to buy our own, we discussed the various types of boats.  We spoke with other boat owners.  Generally, we did some solid research to prepare for this big purchase.  We decided to buy a pontoon.  It was a 24’ Sweetwater Triple-Toon with an Evinrude 150 motor. We met the dealer for the test drive on the Ohio river.  The sales rep launched the boat and we took a ride.  The weather was freezing, but we were in love with the boat.  As we watched the rep and his helper struggle to get the pontoon back on the trailer, we should have seen the red flag.  But again, all we could think about were the fun adventures to come. We went back to the dealership, signed the papers and then waited for spring to arrive.  We purchased safety and protective equipment.  We even took a <a href="https://uscgboating.org/recreational-boaters/boating-safety-courses.php" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Coast Guard safety course</a>.  Finally, in mid-March, the day came.  We loaded up a bunch of couples and headed out.  Unfortunately, we didn’t know what we didn’t know. During all of the excitement, we didn’t think about the depth of the ramp, speeds, hand-signals are all of those things you need to think about – especially with a new boat.  It was a disaster. Getting a V-hull boat back on the trailer is a completely different experience compared to a pontoon.  The angle and depth of the ramp makes a huge difference.  The speed of your approach is important.  Blowing wind can make it much more difficult.  The number of people on the pontoon when you’re trying to trailer it will change how high/low the boat is floating.  A Few Words of Wisdom for New Boaters  If you’re new to this whole experience, you’ll need to be prepared to leave your ego on the bank and focus on patience.  It’s just going to take time and repetition.  You’ll feel more comfortable with time, but you can’t rush it. If you’re a partner or spouse, it might be helpful if you each pick a specific job and learn everything you can.  For instance, one of you might be more inclined to drive the truck and trailer.  The other may be more skilled at getting the boat onto the trailer.  The key, as always, is good communication.  Give yourselves time to practice and to work out the kinks.  It’s all about the practice.  Try to pick days, like Mondays, that might not be as crowded in and around the ramp. We love our boat, but overconfidence really caused us some problems.  The Coast Guard course provided us with a safety checklist, which we pretty much ignored.  The point of the course was to help us to be better boaters.  Make sure you have enough life jackets for each person on the boat.  Test your electronics and mechanics on the boat before you hit the water. Take time to learn a few things, including how to tie proper knots.  It’ll make the experience much more smooth and enjoyable for you and your guests. Thanks for Listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider sharing it with your friends.  We hope to see you out there soon.  Until next time, here’s to warm weather and calm waters! Don’t forget to subscribe!

New to Boating? Learn from Our Mistakes

We're excited about the upcoming launch of our podcast!  We thought it'd be a good idea to give you a behind the scenes look (or listen) to what the podcast is about and what you can expect going forward.   The official launch is coming up soon, but we hope this brief bonus episode will "wet" your appetite.   Enjoy!   BSm5Gn9WkD0Vu1oYCwFd

We're excited about the upcoming launch of our podcast!  We thought it'd be a good idea to give you a behind the scenes look (or listen) to what the podcast is about and what you can expect going forward.   The official launch is coming up soon, but we hope this brief bonus episode will "wet" your appetite.   Enjoy! BSm5Gn9WkD0Vu1oYCwFd

Behind the Scenes at Lake Life with Molley and Chad

Lake life with Molley and Chad is a podcast dedicated to Boating, Lake boating more specifically. Our story begins when Molley's Dad purchased a 16ft Mark Twain tri-haul to spend weekends and days after work on the water with family and friends. Thus begins the love/hate relationship with boating for her. From days anchored out floating jamming on some Alabama (her Dad's favorite band) to slicing the glass-like water with a slalom ski as the sunsets over the dam. Chad married into the lifestyle and now is either on the Heyday dragging their kids all over the lake every weekend or chilling on the pontoon. Most of their friends own boats of all types. They are basically on the water all weekend in the summer. This Husband and Wife team has seen a lot over their 20+ years boating together and would like to share some laughs, some stories, and hopefully some peace of mind about boat ownership from top to bottom.

Lake Life With Molley And Chad Podcast

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