Weather is always a concern to a boater.
Heavy winds (more than 15 miles per hour) or a forecast of rain makes for a poor boating day.
Listen to the weather forecast before you leave the dock and remember small craft warning applies to all vessels less than 65 feet.
Summer storms can come up without notice so keep an eye on the sky.
If you see clouds developing and the wind increases or changes direction, these are indicators of a weather change.
If you hear thunder in the distance, it is time to head to a safe port.
When you encounter fog, slow down to a safe speed. Post lookouts, bow and stern, and have them look and listen.
Put on your navigation lights. If you encounter another vessel, sound the danger signal (five short blasts).
Watch your depth finder and stay out of the shipping channels.
Remember, you must be able to make the sound signals. You need a working horn or whistle to make the proper fog signals. Powerboats must sound one prolonged blast (four to six seconds) every two minutes.
Sailing vessels must sound one prolonged blast and two short blasts (one to two seconds) every two minutes.
If the weather or fog is really bad, make sure all onboard are wearing PFDs (life jackets).
Decide if you can make it back to your homeport, a safe port or anchor. If you decide to anchor and wait out the weather, move to shallow water out of the channel.
Put out sufficient line (10 times the depth of the water) and put your canvas up to stay as dry as possible.
Look for landmarks and note your latitude and longitude to make sure your anchor is holding you in place. Lower your antennas to prevent a lightning strike. When the weather passes, pull up your anchor and proceed safely back to your homeport.