Boating is a fun and exciting activity that many people enjoy, especially during the summer months. However, before you can hit the water, it’s important to make sure your boat is ready for inspection. If you plan on boating in Donner, (Tahoe, or Angora Lake) in Nevada County, Ca, you’ll need to have your boat inspected by the appropriate authorities to prevent the spread of invasive species. We’ll go over some important tips for getting your boat ready for inspection.
Getting your boat ready for inspection
Clean your boat Before heading to the inspection station
Give your boat a thorough cleaning. This includes removing any debris, plants, or animals that may be attached to your boat or trailer. Use a high-pressure washer or a scrub brush and soap to clean the boat and trailer. Make sure to clean every nook and cranny, including the motor, propeller, and hull.
Drain your boat after cleaning your boat.
Make sure to drain any standing water. This includes draining the bilge, live wells, and any other compartments that may contain water. It’s important to do this before you leave your property to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Inspect your boat after cleaning and draining your boat
Give it a thorough inspection. Check for any cracks or leaks in the hull, propeller, or motor. Make sure all safety equipment, including PFDs, flares, and fire extinguishers, are in good working order and easily accessible.
Prepare for inspection
Before you head to the inspection station, make sure you have all the necessary paperwork and equipment. This includes your boat registration, proof of insurance, and any required permits. You’ll also need to have your boat plug removed and your drain plug in the open position to show that your boat has been drained.
Follow the rules when you arrive at the inspection station
Follow the instructions of the inspectors. They’ll likely ask you to remove any boat covers or straps, so they can get a better look at your boat. They may also ask you to answer some questions about where you’ve been boating recently and if you’ve taken any precautions to prevent the spread of invasive species. It’s important to be honest and forthcoming with your answers.
If your boat passes inspection
You’ll be given a sticker or seal that shows your boat has been inspected and is approved for use on the lake. If your boat does not pass inspection, the inspectors will let you know what needs to be fixed or cleaned before you can launch your boat. It’s important to follow their instructions to prevent the spread of invasive species and to keep our lakes and waterways healthy.
Let your boat have ample time to dry before heading to the inspection location as in the event they find water they will need to pressure wash the location. There is a fee for decontaminating your boat. If the outboard motor, or inboard motor, has any sign of water they will need to flush the hot water through your motor.
If you have jet skis look into local ordinance about what is allowed as some are not on donner, (Tahoe, and especially Angora). Make sure to check the storage compartment for water as the location that holds the PFD often is found full of water. They do have a drain that should really be unplugged when leaving the body of water, as we will talk about next.
When the inspector connects your boat to your trailer make sure to not cut the wire as you will be sent back again for another inspection. Make sure the wire they place is loose enough to account for some jiggling as these are seasonal positions, there could be some human error.
If you have a wake boat make sure that your ballasts are empty though unfortunately many boats ballast drains never fully drain out these ballasts just due to drainage placement. So many times there will not be a fee for rinsing them though take note that it does take a moment to rinse them with the hot water.
Leaving your desired body of water
Once you’re done enjoying your day on the lake, it’s important to properly remove your boat from the water to prevent the spread of invasive species. Before leaving the lake, make sure to remove your drain plug to drain any water that may have collected during your boating trip. This will help ensure that you’re not transporting any invasive species or pathogens to other waterways.
Additionally, it’s important to inspect your boat and trailer for any signs of debris or plants that may have attached during your time on the water. If you do notice any hitchhiking species, make sure to remove them before leaving the lake.
Finally, be sure to dispose of any bait, water, or other materials that may contain invasive species in a trash receptacle or disposal station before leaving the lake. By taking these steps, you can help protect our waterways from invasive species and ensure that future generations can enjoy boating on our beautiful lakes.
How to self inspect non motorized boats
If you own a non-motorized boat, such as a kayak, canoe, or paddle board, you may not be required to go through an inspection station before launching into a lake or waterway. However, it’s still important to inspect your boat regularly to prevent the spread of invasive species. Here are some steps you can take to self-inspect your non-motorized boat:
Inspect the hull:
Look for any signs of debris or plants attached to the bottom of your boat. Remove any visible hitchhikers by hand or using a scrub brush.
Inspect the gear:
Check your paddles, PFDs, and any other gear you’ll be using on the water. Make sure they’re clean and free of any hitchhiking plants or animals.
Drain any water:
Before launching your boat, turn it upside down or tilt it to drain any water that may have collected inside. This will help prevent the spread of invasive species that may be lurking in the water.
Clean your boat:
After you’re done boating, give your boat a thorough cleaning to remove any debris or hitchhikers that may have attached during your time on the water. Use a scrub brush or hose to clean every nook and cranny, including the bottom of the boat and any gear you used.
By regularly inspecting and cleaning your non-motorized boat, you can help prevent the spread of invasive species and protect our lakes and waterways.
In conclusion, getting your boat ready for inspection is an important step in preventing the spread of invasive species in Donner, (Tahoe, and Angora Lake) in Nevada County, Ca. By cleaning, draining, and inspecting your boat before heading to the inspection station, you can ensure that your boat is ready for a safe and fun day on the water. Remember to follow the rules and instructions of the inspectors to keep our lakes and waterways healthy for generations to come.