Tips

RELiON Battery launches new powerhouse lithium marine and RV Battery providing advanced off-grid freedom

RELiON Battery, a global leader in lithium batteries, announced the launch of its InSight Series™ 12V Battery, offering boat and RV owners the ability to power more appliances for longer while off-the-grid. Designed specifically for RV and marine deep cycle applications, the InSight 12V enables users to disconnect further by powering electronics longer and connecting to shore power less often. At 120 amp-hours and capable of providing 160 amps continuous current, one battery can power multiple appliances in an RV or marine vessel at the same time.

“We are thrilled to release the third battery in our game changing InSight Series™ line of products,” said RELiON Chief Operating Officer, Eric Lindquist. “The development of the InSight Series 12V Battery fills a critical need in the marketplace and was inspired by our customers who seek the utmost reliability and performance when they are on the road or on the water. We believe we are setting a new standard for the industry by providing a higher peak discharge, which will play an integral part in the customer experience and the power capabilities consumers will begin to expect going forward.”

Competitive advantages of the InSight 12V Battery include:

• Higher continuous capabilities offering 3200 watts for up to two minutes
• Low temperature performance for seamless and safe charging at temperatures down to -4°F
• Internal heat sink preventing overheating of critical components and extending the life of the battery
• SuperSmart BMS with intuitive software capable of calculating state of charge and state of health
• GC2 size and IP67 case to fit virtually anywhere while being waterproof

RELiON released its groundbreaking InSight Series™ line in 2019 with the InSight 48V, the first scalable lithium drop-in replacement battery for use in golf cars, LSVs, PTVs and utility vehicles. The company’s InSight Series™ features all the benefits of lithium batteries, but designed with more intelligent features built in. From its superior battery design to its one-of-a-kind Battery Management System (BMS) and intuitive software, InSight Series™ batteries offer exclusive advantages not available in competitor products.

“The success of our InSight Series™ line has been phenomenal, and we are excited to fulfill our customers’ desire for new models in the lineup,” added Lindquist. “At RELiON we look at the challenges our customers face and truly listen to their feedback. This enables our team to stay at the forefront of what our customers need and provide an intuitive experience with lithium, so they can focus on the journey ahead.”

To learn more about the InSight Series 12V Battery, visit relionbattery.com/insight

Safe and Best Practice Tips From the Pros

7 tips for safe boating

The warm weather is here, and many Ontarians are getting out on the water.

To make sure you have a fun – and safe — experience, we chatted with Ron Arnold, a Conservation Officer with the Southern Marine Enforcement Unit, and BOATsmart!‘s Lindsey Jeremiah, who shared seven tips for safe boating:

**1. Ensure all safety equipment is packed before you hit the water**

Check that all the safety equipment required by law for your vessel and its size is on board and in good working condition. (Pst: you might be surprised what you legally need in your canoe!)

These items include lifejackets/PFDs for every passenger, a First Aid kit, a buoyant heaving line, a sound signalling device (like a whistle*), a bail bucket, a watertight flashlight, and a paddle or anchor.

When packing up your boat, keep these items within reach. Emergencies happen fast.

Other items that could come in handy include: cellphone, extra sunscreen, water, snacks and clean dry clothes.

*Pro tip: attach your whistle to your lifejacket/PFD so you can signal for help in an emergency.

2. Always wear a properly fitted lifejacket/PFD and be sure everyone else on board is wearing one too

The risk of cold-water immersion is high this time of year. Within one minute of landing in the water, you can’t swim, so be smart and buckle up.

Whether you’re in a motorboat, kayak or SUP board, always wear an APPROVED lifejacket or PFD. Check the label: your lifejacket should be approved by Transport Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and/or the Canada Coast Guard. Don’t forget to check your lifejacket for wear, especially rips and tears.

Not sure what the difference is between a PFD and a lifejacket? The Canadian Red Cross has the scoop.

No PFD? Borrow one for free at 70 of our parks.

3. Follow the law and get your boating license (Motorized Pleasure Craft Operator Card)

Pleasure craft operators are required by Transport Canada to take and pass an accredited course before they get behind the wheel of a boat.

Want more info? Check out Transport Canada’s new Safe Boating Guide.

4. Don’t drink and drive (or paddle)

It’s illegal and dangerous. Have “water on the water” and save the “beer for the pier.” Drinking while boating incurs the same legal penalty as drinking while driving a car.

5. Plan your trip

Know your route, and use official nautical charts. It’s also a good idea to fill out a Trip Preparation Form, which provides information about your boat (make, year, name, colour) and outlines your destination, travel route, expected return time, the names of all the people in your party and instructions in case of emergency.

Leave one copy with someone responsible at home and another at the park office.

Don’t forget to keep a close eye on the weather. Have a plan for getting back to shore should the water turn rough.

6. Know your vessel and its capabilities

boater

Got a new boat? Don’t take it out for the first time on unknown waters. Each vessel is different from weight distribution to rough water performance.

7. Got questions? Check with Ontario Parks staff before you head out

If you’re not familiar with a lake, ask park staff for guidance. They’ll be able to clue you in to deadheads, sandbars and depth restrictions, as well as suggest interesting routes/landmarks.

They’ll also be able to answer park-specific questions like “Will my cellphone work on the water?” or “Where’s your PFD Lending booth?”

On behalf of Ontario Parks, Ontario Conservation Officers and BOATsmart!, we hope you have a safe and enjoyable time on the water!

3 Pro Tips for Proper Boat Handling

Boat Safety, Boating Safely

Have you ever noticed how relaxed the laws are for boating licenses? You may wonder why licensing laws for boaters are so different compared to motor vehicle licensing laws.

Simply put, boats are easier to control and the waterways host less traffic compared to the roads. A single-engine outboard boat can be controlled, almost completely, by the throttle and the wheel.

Also, boats are used for recreation, while cars are used for transportation. Drivers don’t need to worry about nearly as many twists and turns in a boat, especially in traffic, as a motor vehicle operator has to worry about.

While boats may be easier to control than motor vehicles, not everybody is qualified to drive a boat. In fact, if you become a member of Jax Boat Club you will go through extensive training to operate the boats.

If you’re considering buying a boat or joining Jax Boat Club, you’ll want to make sure you know how to properly operate a boat. From entering a slip at a marina to pulling alongside a pier, proper boat handling mattes. Let’s look at three of pro tips to help you with proper boat handling.

1. Know Your Environment

Proper boat handling may be different from one day to another. If you’re out on the water and the wind picks up, it can become treacherous in a hurry. Knowing your environment and the current conditions will help you to better handle your boat.

When you’re new to boating, it’s best to practice only in the most ideal conditions. Clear, calm days are best on the open water, especially when there are fewer obstacles for you to worry about.

As you get better and more comfortable with boat handling, you can attempt to head out on the water in more challenging conditions. It’s best to be sensible and avoid boating in a storm or high winds. Even the most skilled seaman will struggle in the toughest of conditions.

The same can also be said for docking, but there are simple rules you can follow to help in that situation. When docking, always remember – only go as fast as you are willing to hit the dock!

2. Know Your Vessel

Each boat you take out from Jax Boat Club will be a bit different. It’s vital to know the vessel you’ll be controlling. The boat will react to your commands and not all boats are going to react the same.

While the principles of boat handling may be the same from one boat to another, the size, weight, maneuverability, and power will be different from one vessel to another.

Take a little time to get to know your vessel before heading out for the day. Start with a few practice exercises, such as controlling stoppage and orbiting objects, such as buoys, to get used to the vessel.

3. Understand Your Limits

If you’re a beginner to boating, you have to learn to crawl before you walk and learn to walk before you run. Understanding your boat handling limits will help to keep you safe out on the water.

Even the most advanced boater needs to understand what they are comfortable with and what they simply cannot handle. It’s important to avoid crossing the line into uncomfortable territory and practice new maneuvers before putting yourself in a situation where you may need the maneuver.

Proper boat handling may be a bit easier and safer than driving a car, but training is still vital to your overall success. Practice makes it easier to control your boat. Take time to proper boat handling on the most ideal days and you’ll be well on your way to becoming an advanced boater.

What the Best Boat Safety Pros Do (and You Should Too)

We get it. Once you set foot on a boat, you’re overcome with an uncontrollable urge to belt out A Pirate’s Life For Me in its entirety and you think that you’ve suddenly entered the lawless frontier of “international waters.” Well, sorry to be a buzzkill but that’s not how it works. Our lakes and rivers aren’t marked with clear traffic lanes and stop signs like you’d find on the road, and most boats don’t come equipped with seatbelts or airbags, so it’s crucial that everyone learns, understands, and practices proper boat safety every time they head out on the water.

Pre-departure check

Spend a few minutes making sure your boat is ready for action before you set out. Otherwise, you might find yourself in a situation where you’re drifting helplessly, unprepared for an injury or illness, or forced to abandon ship.

Make sure you have one life jacket or flotation device per person, plus an additional throwable, that’s certified by the U.S. Coast Guard or equivalent authority in your country. Competition vests might get you more style points but they DO NOT count as approved flotation devices.
Test your horn and lights, and inspect your signal devices (whistle, flares, colored flags, etc.)
Gas up and check your fluids
Test your bilge pump
Check your ropes for cuts, fraying, or damage
Inspect your fire extinguisher to make sure it hasn’t expired and is in working condition
Make sure your first-aid kit is stocked with essential items
Pack some additional tools and gear that might come in handy during emergencies like a flashlight, bucket, and duct tape.

Watch the weather

Getting caught out in the rain, wind, and rough waters of a storm is a bummer at best and incredibly dangerous in most cases. Take a peek at the weather before you depart, check the weather app on your phone regularly, or consider picking up a marine weather station to keep you posted on what the future has in store.

Review the boating laws and regulations for your lake, river, state, or province.

There’s general boating etiquette (like waving at your fellow nautical navigators) and then there’s the law. Understanding what’s allowed and what’s not allowed on each body of water is crucial to keeping yourself, your passengers, and other boaters safe.

We recommend starting with your local Department of Natural Resources or the United States Coast Guard to learn more about the laws and regulations in your state.

Create a float plan

A float plan is a document that contains all of the important information about an upcoming boat trip including boat identification information, passenger names and contact information, destination and expected duration of the trip, and more.

Here’s the recommended float plan document created by the United States Coast Guard.

If you’re not traveling far or for very long, at the very least inform someone of where you’re going and when you plan to come back so they can alert the authorities if you don’t return in a reasonable amount of time

Boating and boozing

Many of the same laws that apply to drinking on land or drinking and driving a car apply to boating environments and, in many cases, the laws are enforced more strictly. If you’re found to be operating a boat under the influence of alcohol, you could face huge fines, loss of operating privileges, seizure of your boat, or even jail time.

According to the United States Coast Guard, drinking in a boating environment is even more dangerous than on land thanks to the motion and vibration of the boat, and the effects of the wind and sun. That’s why you should NEVER drink while operating a boat, your passengers ALWAYS should drink responsibly, and your boat should be stocked with plenty of food, water, and non-alcoholic beverages every time you’re out on the water.

Life jackets and flotation devices

This should go without saying but we’ll say it anyway: you’re not too cool to wear a life jacket. It’s OK to want to soak up as much of the sun as possible while the boat is stationary, docked, or tied up with another boat. But when the boat is in motion, you should always wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket that’s the right size for you.

Know your (and your boat’s) limits

Nobody likes a showoff, especially the passengers you’re holding captive while you struggle to find your way back home. Stick to the rivers and lakes that you’re used to. Don’t take your boat somewhere that doesn’t feel safe or that you’ve never been without a plan for how to get back. Also, don’t load your boat with more weight than it’s rated to carry. This can significantly impact the boat’s performance and lead to unpredictable behavior.

Take a boat safety course

There’s no such thing as being too educated. Even if you’re a lifelong boater, it’s important to stay up to date on the latest boating trends, laws, and safety protocols. Because things vary from state to state and from one body of water to the next, we recommend contacting your local DNR or check out the resources provided by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators.

Be smart and practice proper boat safety every time you hit the waves. You’ll have more fun in the long run and be able to enjoy more good times with your friends and family.

12 Safety Tips for Recreational Boaters

As the weather warms up, many of us head to lakes, rivers, or the ocean to fish, waterski, cruise, and relax onboard a boat, yacht or other personal watercraft. With nearly 12 million registered recreational boats in the U.S.*, it’s no wonder the waterways are a popular place to go. But, before you head out with friends and family, take note of a few important safety tips.

Make sure everyone wears a life jacket.
Victims drowned in approximately 80% of fatal boating accidents. Of those, 83% were not wearing a life jacket. Insist that your crew and guests all wear a life jacket that fits them well. This can help them stay afloat in rough waters, protect them against hypothermia, and in some cases, can keep their head above water.
Use the right kind of life jackets for the situation.
Boats 16 feet and longer must be equipped with one Type I, II, III, or V personal floatation device (PFD) plus one Type IV throwable device. Boats that are 16 feet or less must have one Type I, II, III or V PFD for each person aboard. All boats must be equipped with one Type I, II, III, or V personal floatation device for each person aboard. Boats 16 feet and longer must also be equipped with a Type IV throwable device. All PFDs should be in good condition and have a Coast Guard Approval Number.
- Type I PFDs are often called off-shore life jackets. They provide the most buoyancy and are effective in all waters, especially open, rough, or remote waters where rescue may be delayed. They are designed to turn most unconscious wearers to a face-up position in the water.
- Type II PFDs are near-shore buoyancy vests. They are intended for calm, inland water or waters where there is a good chance of quick rescue.
- Type III PFDs are also called floatation aids. They are good for calm, inland water, similar to Type II.
- Type IV PFDs are designed to be thrown to a person in the water and grasped and held by the user until rescued.
- Type V PFDs are special use devices. They may be carried instead of other PFDs if used in accordance with the approved conditions designated on the label. They may be inflatable vests, deck suits, work vests, board sailing vests or hybrid PFDs.
Never drink alcohol and go boating.

Alcohol use is a leading contributor to fatal boating accidents, causing approximately 15% of the deaths each year. Stay sharp when you’re on the water by leaving the alcohol on dry land.
Take a boating safety course.
Only 13% of the boating deaths occurred on vessels where the operator had received a nationally approved boating safety education certificate. You may even qualify for a reduced insurance rate if you complete a safety course. Contact your local Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadron chapter or visit uscgboating.org for details.
Put down the cell phone.

One of the top five contributing factors to boating accidents is inattention. Just like distracted driving on our highways, talking, texting, and other use of cell phones while boating is a growing problem on the water. Don’t contribute to this problem. Keep your eyes on the water ahead and around you.
Drive at a safe speed and follow all boating safety and navigational rules.

Excessive speed and improper lookout are two of the top contributing factors to boating accidents. Make sure you understand the local rules and laws of the waterway and follow them closely. Take note of visibility, traffic density, and proximity to navigational hazards such as shoals, rocks, or floating objects.
Check the weather forecast and be prepared for it to change.
A calm day can quickly turn ugly on the water. There were 41 deaths in 2016 attributed to weather conditions. Keep an eye out for changing weather conditions and stay on top of the forecast while boating.
Take action before a storm hits.
Storm and hurricane forecasts and warnings are issued by the National Hurricane Center. Boaters can get information from VHF marine radios, commercial radios and television stations and newspapers. As a boater, you need to be aware of the types of advisories and take action before a storm hits. Warnings range from small craft advisories, with winds of 18 knots or less, up to hurricane warnings with winds of 74 miles per hour (64 knots) or greater.
Register for a free Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number and have a VHF radio equipped with Digital Selective Calling (DSC) installed and connected to your GPS.
When in coastal and inshore waters, these preparations can help take the search out of search and rescue. DSC allows the VHF radio to transfer information digitally, and to instantly send a digital distress alert, which includes your exact position, to the Coast Guard upon activation of the emergency button. Part of the alert is the MMSI number, which will identify your vessel automatically.
Use a carbon monoxide detector.

All internal combustion engines emit carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas that can make you sick in seconds and kill in minutes. Remember, you cannot see, smell, or taste CO, so know the symptoms (similar to seasickness or alcohol intoxication).
File a float plan.

The U.S. Coast Guard recommends that you always tell a friend or family member where you plan to go and when you’ll be back. That way, the proper officials can be notified if you don’t return when expected.
Get a free Vessel Safety Check.

Boats are complex machines and need regular maintenance to stay running smoothly and safely. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and U.S. Power Squadron offer Vessel Safety Checks at no cost, so let their certified vessel examiners check your boat’s equipment and provide you with safety information before you go out on the water. Check with your marina or yacht club to find one in your area.

Source of stats: 2016 Recreational Boating Statistics, U.S Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety
Source of stats: 2016 Recreational Boating Statistics, U.S Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety