Coastie Setup Page

Coastie's Signs. Coastie has several signs that must be made for each new Coastie. These signs and general information applicable to all signes are discussed below.

Attaching Signs: To attach the bow, name and logo signs use precut white velcro squares. These are available at most hardware stores. Attach the pile or soft side to the back of the sign in groups of four or six depending on the length of the sign. Click here to see a diagram of velcro attachment. The bow and name signs take six velcro pieces while the Auxiliary logo signs take four. Do not put the velcro too close to the edge of the sign as the velcro may show. Once the velcro is attached to the sign, attach the loop side to the pile side and carefully remove the backing tape. Now you can attach the sign to the boat in the proper location. Remember, know exactly where you are going to position the signs as you only get one chance.

Cleaning Signs. The laminated signs can be cleaned with a soft cloth and a minimal amount of Windex cleaner.

Making Signs. You can make any of the Coastie signs using a standard computer, color printer, and laminating paper. You can see a better view of each sign by clicking on the title of the sign in the paragraphs following this section. To download a Microsoft PowerPoint file with copies of each sign that you can modify, e.g. change the hull number on the bow sign, click here and then click "Download Presentation Source". Once the file opens, choose "File, save as". Some of the signs can be printed on your color printer and then covered, both front and back, with clear laminiating paper. Unless you have a large printer, some of the the signs will need to be enlarged on a high quality, color copy machine.

Coastie Name Sign. This is the National uniform layout and SHOULD NOT be modified. The sign should be printed using the best quality color printer available to maintain a solid, deep, vivid color. Once printed they should be taken to a copy store and copied on a color printer to a finished size of 9 3/8 inches wide by 3 1/2 inches high so that it will fit centered just above Coastie's eyes. Once copied, the sign should be cut out and laminated 3 mil thick for protection. There should be a 1/8 inch overhang of the lamination.

Auxiliary Logo. The Auxiliary Logos are placed in the windows on each side of the cabin. This logo is used specifically in support of the Coastie program. The Auxiliary logos are graphically complex and should not be modified. They should only be printed using the best quality color printer available to maintain a solid, deep, vivid color. Once printed they should be taken to a copy store and copied on a color printer to a finished size of 5 1/4 inches wide by 4 2/3 inches high. Once copied, the sign should be cut out and laminated 3 mil thick for protection. There should be a 1/8 inch overhang of the lamination.

Bow Signs. The bow signs should be equally spaced three (3) inches from the center of the bow and slightly down towards the stern to accommodate for the curvature of the hull. Do not go below the bottom edge of the black rub rail. Remember, there is a port and a starboard bow sign and the numbers will be towards the bow. Like all the other signs, the bow signs should only be printed using the best quality color printer available to maintain a solid, deep, vivid color. Once printed they should be taken to a copy store and copied on a color printer to a finished size of 11 1/2 inches wide by 3 1/8 inches high. Proportional copying is a must. Once copied, the sign should be cut out and laminated 3 mil thick for protection. There should be a 1/8 inch overhang of the lamination.

Stern Signs. A stern sign is used to give recognition to an agency or organization that has helped sponsore Coastie. These signs can easily be modified to meet your requirements. The signs are mounted below the stern light. The signs are 13 inches long and 4 1/2 inches high. Mount the sign using six velcro squares.

Flags. Coastie uses several different flags depending on what he is doing. Some of these flags, such as the American flag and the Auxiliary ensign, should be purchased from commercial sources, trimmed to the appropriate size (none of the flags should be larger than the American flag), and sewn around a metal frame to keep them "flying" at all times. Other flags are complex to make and will take you some time. Flags can be made by printing the design on an iron-on transfer and then tranfering the design to fabric. When making flags using this method you will need to make one copy with normal printing and a second copy using reverse printing (for the back side of the flag). Since opposite sides of the flag may not be a mirror image, it is wise to place a flat foam sheet between the two pieces of cloth before sewing them together. When sewing the two halves together, insert a metal rod bent in an L-shape to keep the flag "flying" at all times. Position the wire on the flag pole and attach it using white plastic tape wrapped downward in a spiral manner. These flags can be washed with warm water and laundry detergent and air dried. Here are some of Coastie's flags:

Public Address Systems. The Public address system has become a necessary accessory for various aspects of the Coastie Program. Although Coastie has his own amplification system we have found that the system has some inadequacies. The system is fine in the classroom environment as the basic speakers under Coastie which point to the floor, can be heard without much difficulty. The problems arise when Coastie is on carpet or in a large room such as a gymnasium, cafeteria, auditorium, outside, or a parade event. One of the first things we did to improve sound projection was to install two 40 watt speakers behind his life rings on each side of his cabin. This improved his amplification a great deal, although in the large open areas it was still not enough.

We looked into the portable PA concept with two wireless microphones. This accommodated Coastie having a microphone clipped to one of his life ring speakers and allowed for the amplification of his voice or music through the PA system. The second microphone is used by the Instructor. This microphone is a neck model that actually raps around the Instructors neck and leaves his hands free. Both the Instructor and Coastie can talk simultaneous through two separate wireless systems. The 40 watts of amplification is sufficient for any outside event or Parade.

The first unit we used was an Anchor Liberty, model, MPB-4500, Battery and 110 operated $2,130 with numerous accessories. The fact that the unit is also battery operated allows for much more flexibility. Other makes and models will work equally as well. Remember, the key is portability and the use of multiple microphones through the same speakers.

This is without question a large expenditure to support Coastie although without this unit, or a similar one possibly less expensive, you're limited to the classroom setting. As we have stated, Coastie's own amplification system is marginal at best in open areas.

During parades we mount the PA on top of the vehicle pulling Coastie on a flatbed trailer or following him while he marches down the parade route. With the wireless system everyone can hear Coastie speaking and also hear his music. If you're looking for a way to attract attention to an outside booth the PA comes in very handy at projecting voice or music that may bring a crowd to your area.

This system is certainly not mandatory although with two years of experience with Coastie we found the PA to be a very worthwhile investment to his line of accessory’s.

Transportation. The Transportation issue for Coastie can be somewhat of a problem at times and hopefully our experience with this issue will make it much easier for your Coastie Team.

Coastie is designed to be dismantled in two sections: the upper cabin and the hull. This was necessary so he could easily fit in a station wagon or any low profile vehicle other then a sedan. In Coastie's stern on both sides just under his rear deck there are upper cabin retaining pins. These pins attach the cabin to the hull and are very difficult to disengage. There are also two pins in the front on the port and starboard sides, which are almost in alignment with his eyes. These are especially hard to pull out and re-lock. To access the forward pins you must run your arm up through the rear hatch and over some of his electronics to get to the pins.

Here's a little modification tip that will help. The first thing you need to do is take Coastie apart and drill small holes in the ends of the pins. Insert some strong line to create a pull lanyard, preferably nylon that is similar to parachute line about a 16th inch in thickness. This easily allows for pulling the pins out, as the ends are small and hard to grasp. In some Coasties they may have a very tight fit until they are cycled in and out a number of times. Of course pushing them in is much easier.

The best type of vehicle to transport Coastie in is one that has the rear or side door height, such as a full-size or mini-van, capable of loading him in his assembled, versus disassemble mode. We have transported ours in a full size van for the last four years without very much difficulty. Keep in mind that Coastie is very heavy, especially the upgraded version as the more we added the heavier he became. Lifting him straight up from the ground to the van is difficult at best. He fits through the back doors and clears the door top very well. This is while he is on his transport cart, which adds another 3 1/2 to 4 inches in height. His transport cart is the safest and best way to carry him, especially up stairs.

He also will fit through the side door of some older mini vans with the seats removed, although the clearance is extremely low and you must be very careful that you don't damage the search light, which is the highest point. The style of the searchlight has been changed since Coastie 001 was launched, and there is a good possibility that you will have "no choice" but to disassemble the search light to clear the top of the side door even for the older mini vans.

This leads us to the best way we have found to transport Coastie and all his support equipment such as, cargo box, remote control case, spare battery's, boxes of coloring books, bunk boat trailer, public address system, flags, dolly cart, bag with teaching aids like PFDs and other items that float. Those are just a few of the support items that are needed for Coastie. How do we do all this? We purchased a 6 X 10, completely enclosed cargo trailer with a rear ramp and side door, internal lighting, numerous tie down rings and cargo straps for securing Coastie and all his equipment.

The trailer is extra high so you can stand up. The trailer is single axle and has independent torsion ride suspension, with radial tires for an easy ride as Coastie is primarily electronic and can't be bounced around too much. The trailer has two tongue jacks, flat and wheel, although one is all that is truly necessary. We suggest the wheel for maneuverability. The trailer requires a class two hitch with a two-inch ball, and a standard flat four pin light connector. The best part about having the ramp is no more lifting during loading and unloading.

We felt that almost all our Auxiliary members that had a towable boat would have the capability to hook up and tow this trailer. This way Coastie is always ready to go and does not require lifting in and out of a vehicle or disassembly. These types of cargo trailers are made by numerous companies.

Now if funds are a problem then you can do what the Flotilla in Marietta Ohio did -- they built there own. They received some assistance from the local Industrial Technical School, which made the cost very reasonable. Another thought is a used trailer or used U-Haul in fair condition that might just need a little TLC and paint. There is always the possibility of getting a sponsor for purchase or donation from a local trailer dealer, as many companies will willingly contribute to the local Safety City programs.

Insurance, of course! The trailer should be insured along with Coastie and all his support equipment. You will have too much invested not to have insurance, especially liability and collision. Each Auxiliarist who tows the trailer should have personal auto insurance and check with their company to see if the trailer would fall under their policy since it is attached to their vehicle. This is a requirement that will require research on the part of the organization and individuals working with your Coastie.

Remember that when the community observes what you're doing with Coastie, they will want to support your effort of teaching children about boating and water safety. But most of all they see the value of "Saving Lives Through Education".

Need help, you know where to Call or E-mail, Coastie Operations!

captmike@bellsouth.net or 504-289-3562

Coast Guard Ensign

	Team Coastie Flag

National Safe Boating Week Flag

	NACON Flag

Coastie the Safety Boat image	Team Coast Guard Bar	Coast Guard Auxiliary emblem
Coast Guard racing stripe	Small Coastie Image	US Coast Guard logo
Medium Coastie Image	Large Animated Coastie Image	Small Animated Coastie Image
Small Coastie Across Screen	Large Animated Christmas Coastie	Large Animated Coastie Without Water
Summer Rotating CGAUX Emblem	Winter Rotating CGAUX Emblem	Animated United States Ensign
U.S. & CGAUX Ensigns	U.S. Ensign on Pole	CGAUX Ensign on Pole