Working with an air boat in the snow and ice creates many challenging and safety issues that need to be addressed so that one can stay safe. Work in winter river ice in locations that another air boat can get to you if you have an emergency. NOTE: They may be the only type of vessel to be able to get to you. Keep an eye on the other operators around you.
Boat Trailer Considerations
It will be wet unloading and loading. Taillights and trailer brakes will freeze up. Trailer bunks will be slippery with ice and snow on them.
Boat Ramps with Ice and Snow
Small or steep – every time a boat is pulled out of the water and loaded onto a trailer, the water dripped goes onto the ground and freezes.
Dry Unloading
Anti-lock brakes on today’s vehicles make it difficult to slide the air boat back off the trailer. You may have to strap the transom to a solid object and pull the air boat off the trailer
Dry Loading on Snow
There is no friction drag, so go slow. Air boat going down a bank and into the river may not just be water, but also ice, a much more solid force than water.
Air boat Winter Preparation / Maintenance
Gas Tank – Keep it full – condensation can form in a tank that is not full. Water filter – Keep it clean.
Cables – Push / Pull for Gas and Steering
Moisture forms inside the cables and they can freeze up. Fill the cables with Try Flow oil or equivalent. Do not use the antifreeze as it is corrosive and will ruin the cables. To do this, remove the rubber caps from the cables. Remove one end of the cable from its mounting clamps. Use a piece of hose that fits over the cable (hose clamp it to the cable). In the other end, have a plug with a tire valve so after inserting the oil into the hose, plug the top with the plug that has the tire valve in it. Now add 3 to 5 pounds of air pressure and work the cable back and forth. When the oil comes out the other end, it is full of oil.
この記事は Airboating Magazine の January - February 2017 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Airboating Magazine の January - February 2017 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
Poker Run to Help a Friend
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OSCEOLA AIRBOAT ASSOCIATION 2024 STOMP THE SWAMP
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The Beauty After the Storm
We all know in Florida it is too often a battle of not enough water so can't ride areas or they are closed or too much water and areas and/or boat ramps are closed. Well after two back-to-back hurricanes (Helene and Milton), there is certainly no shortage of water.
Stepping Up to Help Those in Need
Normally, Capt. Joshua Mattson owner of Airboat and Gator Charters out of Tedder's Fish Camp in DeLeon Springs, Florida, would have been doing tours all last month on the St. Johns River on his Diamondback airboat. They do eco airboat tours and provide gator hunts, fishing and bowfishing charters.
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Several years ago my lifelong and good friend Robert and I were having a conversation when the topic of hunting came up.
Three Generations Hunting Together
It took three years for this hunt to finally happen, as things in life sometimes can change our plans.
Nothing Beats a Good Challenge
Each year I lead guided trips in some of the most pressured gator waters in southern Georgia and use only archery equipment and my airboat to accomplish it. I love all things archery and a good challenge. I have owned airboats all my adult life and travel across the U.S. competing in bowfishing tournaments.
We've Come A Long Way Since Our First Gator Hunting Adventure
When I first met Amanda, she had never been on an airboat before, and I had never even driven one.
Tagged Out for 2024 Gator Hunting Season in Florida
Along with being a professional photographer for weddings, graduations, family portraits and more, I am also a mother of a great family. Together, we enjoy boating, fishing, airboating and hunting.
