Be a safe griller on board this Fourth of July

MIKE WHITEHEAD

Ahoy.

This weekend will be extremely busy on America’s waterways as

boaters across the nation untie their docklines for cruising during

the Fourth of July weekend. Whenever the Fourth falls on a weekend,

the numbers increase and make it one of the busiest boating days of

the year. Boating organizations, harbor patrols and the Coast Guard

are asking boaters to boat safely and be courteous to fellow boaters.

Locally in Newport Harbor, there will be two events that annually

attract boaters. The first event is the American Legion’s Boat

Parade; then after dark comes the popular Newport Dunes fireworks

display.

“Sharing American Spirit” is the theme of this year’s 53rd annual

American Legion’s Fourth of July Boat Parade beginning at 1 p.m.

“Every year, you are in for a patriotic surprise as all kinds of

boats try to outshine each other, waiting for the loudest ovations

from onlookers,” parade Chairman Jon Reynolds said.

The lead boat is a Newport Harbor Patrol fireboat that starts the

parade by shooting a huge stream of water out a fire monitor. The

brightly decorated boats then follow the fireboat throughout the

harbor as spectators onshore and aboard boats cheer the procession.

Earlier that morning, the American Legion post invites everyone to

a pancake breakfast from 7 a.m. to noon, which costs $6 per person

and includes a harbor cruise on the Tiki. Contact the post at (949)

673-5070 or stop by at 215 15th St.

After dark, boaters can watch the Newport Dunes’ 45th annual

pyrotechnic display. (I always thought it was called fireworks.) The

Dunes is saying this will be the largest patriotic-themed fireworks

extravaganza ever. The Fourth of July fireworks display starts at 9

p.m. and lasts for 21 minutes.

Boaters entering the Back Bay at night are cautioned, as you must

follow the unlit channel markers or risk grounding. Also, boaters

need to know the tide levels for clearance under the Coast Highway

bridge.

Actually, my favorite spot to watch from a boat is in the large

turning by the anchorage area.

TIP OF THE WEEK

Barbecuing is one of my favorite ways to cook aboard a boat,

whether I’m throwing a freshly caught yellowfin tuna or a nice, thick

steak on the grill. Many of the larger yachts are equipped with an

electric grill on the flybridge, and many boaters mount a portable

grill on their gunwales. Gas is becoming the choice for many boaters,

thus eliminating the smoldering coals, and a safer choice when the

boat is swaying. However, the debate goes on -- what makes the food

tastes better, gas or charcoal?

I want you to enjoy barbecuing by using a few precautions and

common sense. I saw the aftermath of a sailboat’s foredeck after the

owner had set the hibachi on the deck. The fiberglass had melted away

and luckily didn’t catch fire before the hibachi was extinguished.

Hint No. 1: You must have adequate distance and protection from the

radiant heat that the barbecue will emit when cooking.

I have seen cockpit decks pitted after burning charcoal was

flipped out and I have seen grills flipped on their sides -- both

caused by the wakes of passing boats. Hint No. 2: Secure your grill.

I have read countless articles of people dying after lighting a

barbecue in an enclosed space, like the main salon of a boat. Hint

No. 3: Carbon monoxide is a deadly, silent killer, so only grill

outside in a well-ventilated area.

Hint No. 4: There are several excellent marine grills to fit your

boat, but don’t buy one so big that it’s dangerous. I have mounted

two smaller grills on opposite stanchions in lieu of one huge unit.

Lastly, Hint No. 5: Watch out for the sea gulls, as I have seen

them scoop food directly off the grill. You also might have an

unexpected visitor -- me -- to officially sample your barbecuing

skills.

Recognized as the No. 1 boating talk radio show in the nation,

“Capt. Mike Whitehead’s Boathouse Radio Show” airs every Saturday

from noon to 1 p.m. on KCBQ-AM (1170). You can join me, Chandler Bell

and Eric Hovland on my radio show by calling the listener line at

(888) 344-1170, and you can listen worldwide at https://www

.boathouseradio.com.

* MIKE WHITEHEAD is the Pilot’s boating and harbor columnist. Send

him your harbor and marine-related thoughts and story suggestions by

e-mail to mike@boathousetv.com or visit https://www.boathousetv.com.