Boating is a wonderful and very popular activity, as it instils a sense of freedom and relaxation in people when they are out on the water. As enjoyable as this activity is, boaters must always keep the safety of themselves and their passengers at the forefront of their minds. There are a few guidelines to follow to ensure that everybody on the boat remains safe and is able to enjoy themselves.

Boating Safety Equipment

Before even setting foot on the boat, you must see to it that both yourself and all your passengers are provided with life jackets. Each and every passenger must be wearing a securely fitted life jacket whether they are strong swimmers or not. In addition, as there is no protection from the sun when out on the water, everybody should be wearing sunblock, sunglasses, and a hat to prevent sunburn and sunstroke.

Be Prepared

Before setting sail in any type of vessel, it is important to ensure that there are necessities on board such as fresh water and a first aid kit. You might not be planning to sail very far, but you should be prepared for any eventuality. For this reason it would also be advisable to have a flare gun on board, a fire extinguisher, and if possible, a working marine radio. Another item that boaters should have is some type of GPS boat navigation system. The Marine GPS unit can provide you with directional informational, water depth, tides, and sunrise/sunset times.

The Condition Of The Boat

Much in the same way as a car should be checked out before a journey, a boat must also be examined to make sure that it is fit to sail and be on the water. Depending on the type of vessel, you will need to check that it has enough fuel or that its sails are in good working order. Ensure that there are no tripping hazards on deck. You must also check the bilge pump to make sure that it is pumping the bilge water effectively, as a defective bilge pump could result in a sinking boat.

Know Your Capacity and Limitations

Overloading your boat’s capacity by even one person could result in it sinking. You must know the recommended capacity for your vessel, and never exceed it. Also, while it may not be against the law for people to drink alcohol on board a boat, it is not advised. Alcohol will impair the senses, increasing the chances of delayed response to any item needing immediate action. Obviously, it is illegal for anybody operating a boat to drink alcohol at all.

Know The Area

You should have a good plan of where you want to travel to and any obstacles which might be in your way. It is a good idea to carry a few different sailing maps of the surrounding area, as well as a compass. Also, it goes without saying that the weather forecast must be checked before setting out as well. This is another use for a Marine GPS system, which can be installed on the boat, or be portable GPS navigator.

The safety tips for boating listed here are just a few examples of how to take caution when boating. They are not difficult to follow, and will in no way prevent anybody from enjoying their boating experience. In fact, the opposite is true, since by ensuring that everybody on board a boat is safe and secure, your guests will be much more likely to relax and enjoy being on the water.

About the Author

Jane Warren is a boater and water sport enthusiast. Because of her love for boating and water activities, Jane publishes a website with reviews of water towable tubes, and other high quality boating and water sports equipment. She also blogs on various aspects of water sports, including safety tips for boating and other water sports.

Boat Trailer, Life Jackets, and GPS for Your Boat

If you’re a person that loves to go boating, there may be a few things you’ll want to make your life with a boat a whole lot easier.

When boating, it’s always an excellent idea to bring along the right type of safety equipment that could help you in case of an emergency, in regards to yourself or someone that is traveling with you. You will also want to bring along some equipment that will make things a little bit easier for you while getting your boat to the water, on the water, and back home safely.

Properly fit life jackets for children

There are many different items that are used for boating. However, in this article we will talk about 3 items for your boating wish list that will enable you to have a safe and fun trip.

1. Having a good Boat Trailer:

You will need an good boat trailer for transporting your boat to and from the water. An excellent boat trailer will also prevent your boat from being damaged while not in the water, as well as enabling you to get your boat safely to the water. Depending on the size of your boat, this will determine the type of trailer you’ll need. When picking out your trailer, you don’t necessarily need something that is more expensive than your boat. But you want something that can transport your boat comfortably as well as protecting it.

2. Life Jackets are an Excellent Investment:

Although life jackets have saved many lives, people today still don’t pay enough attention to the importance of having the correct type of boating life jacket on board your boat. Life jackets, or personal flotation devices, are critical to have on board, and when boating, you will surely want to have a couple of different sizes available. If you’re the type that likes to boat alone, you may not have the need to have more than one or two life jackets. On the other hand, if you like to entertain, you’ll definitely want to have a couple of different sizes available that will fit your passengers properly.

This may sound a little extreme; however, life jackets save lives when they are worn, and worn correctly. If an accident were to occur, a person will not need to know how to swim to stay afloat until help arrives. The other very important factor is making sure that all of your passengers, including yourself, wear life jackets at all times when on the water. This makes a life jacket one of your most important investments when it comes to boating.

3.) GPS Navigational System:

A properly enabled GPS device will help you get to and from any location when you are traveling on the water. A GPS device is a navigational tool that can help you find different locations with the push of a button. If you’ve been to a certain area and you would like to return, simply type in the coordinates and your marine GPS device will guide you there effortlessly. Some boat GPS systems are equipped with tracking, which is also an added benefit, if you are ever taken off course. Also, Simply by activating this device, you can be found by search and rescue, making this unit a must-have.

If you are adding items to your boating wish list, there are many more items to choose from such as Fishfinders with GPS, Drypak for iPhone or iPad, Airhead G-Force towable boat tubes, water proof binoculars, and the list goes on. Just keep in mind your safety and the safety of others, and the rest will all be fun.

About the Author

Jane Warren is a boater and water sport enthusiast. Because of her involvement in boating and water activities, Jane publishes a website with reviews of water towable tubes, and other high quality boating gear and water sports equipment.

Scuba diving is the best way to experience the underwater world. Snorkelling and glass-bottom boat tours might let you look down into the sea, but only by getting down there yourself can you really meet marine life face to face. With a tank on your back it’s possible to move independently and explore reefs, rocky caves, wrecks and more, and see fish, anemones, rays, sea turtles, and sharks going about their business- if you look in the right place, that is.

Dives are divided into two categories. On a shore dive, participants either walk into the sea across a beach or get in off rocks. On a boat dive (as the name suggests) they just drop straight into deep water from a boat. Of the two, boat diving is usually considered more challenging. Navigation is often less straightforward and the water is more likely to be deep, which brings additional hazards. However, there is no reason why qualified divers can’t dive from their own boats as long as they take appropriate precautions and choose their dive site well.

First of all, consider the depth. 30m/100ft is usually about the limit for recreational diving. Any deeper and the risk of nitrogen narcosis rises sharply. The further down you go, the more decompression time you’ll need, and when boat diving you can’t simply find an interesting patch of ocean floor at the right depth and decompress there, because there may not be one. Deep water is also darker, and beyond 30m there is usually less to see. Currents and tidal rips should also be considered.

The best thing to do is consult the nearest dive shop. Get your tanks filled and ask about the best boat dive sites. That way you’re more likely to stay safe and see interesting things down there. There may also be local regulations that apply in some harbors and inlets. Divers to the left, boat traffic to the right, for example. The dive shop will also be able to give you all that information.

Other boats can also be a major hazard to divers, and if you do plan to dive from your own boat, you’ll need to make sure you’ve got a ‘diver down’ flag to fly when divers are in the water. There are two that will do the job- the red square with a white diagonal bar and the blue and white Alpha flag, which can also indicate a more general risk of collision.

Getting in and out can be a little trickier off a boat. Some divers go for the classic fall backwards, others step in and get someone remaining on the boat to hand down their fins. If you’re tired on exit and having trouble getting back out onto a moving boat, a good tip is to hand up your fins and get someone on board to grab your tank and give you a hand.

If you’re already a qualified diver, taking your own boat out can be tremendously rewarding. You can visit offshore islands, try deeper dives, or go looking for seals, sharks, manta rays, or particularly interesting patches of reef. If you haven’t dived before, it’s very easy to find an instructor and get started. It’ll let you experience the sea in a whole new way, and almost anyone who can swim can learn to dive.

Jess Spate has been a qualified diver for many years. When not in the water, she works as a consultant for a company that sells underwater cameras and writes extensively about travel and outdoor sports.

Image credit: Mozaik Underwater Cameras, www.housingcamera.com

Boating is one summer activity that millions of Americans look forward to. There’s no greater feeling than being out on the open water, free to enjoy the wind, the waves and the scenery with friends and loved ones. The one challenge with boating is that, until recently, the ability to power your watercraft was limited to what you could fit and carry on board. This is what makes marine solar panels a “game changer.”

When taking your boat out unto the water, it is always recommended to have at least one backup power source. With many gas-powered boats, this means an extra gas tank and/or another battery-powered motor. But what if one or both of these systems fail? This is where marine solar panels can be a life saver. They provide watercraft with a power source that is free and unlimited; the sun.

With marine solar panels, the only cost is the purchase and install of the equipment. After that, they provide a continual and ongoing supplement to the other onboard power sources. They allow you to save fuel costs by powering many of the systems on the boat such as the lights, pumps, fans and appliances. They can also keep your batteries topped off and fully charged even while the boat is docked and sitting in the sun. This assures that you’re always prepared for your next journey.

The potential benefits of enhanced safety and cost savings provided by marine solar panels cannot be understated. If all other systems fail while you’re out on the water, the solar power may be the one thing that helps you get back home safely. The energy generated costs you nothing, saving you significantly on the rising cost of fuel. These panels pay for themselves in a relatively short period of time, making them a wise addition to any type of watercraft.

About the Author:

Mike Maloney is a writer and consultant at Just4Boats.com, an online boating and marine supply ecommerce site.  Just4Boats.com is your one stop shop for all things boating, including marine solar panels and a complete line of solar boating products.

How Boat GPS Systems Work

If you’re trying to find out how a boat GPS system works, and if all GPS systems can be considered the same, you’ll want to keep reading this article because you’ll find some very valuable information. Understanding exactly how a GPS system works is probably the most important thing when it comes to selecting the proper GPS system for your boat, or any other mode of transport for that matter.

GPS devices get their information from satellites that are controlled by the United States Air Force. There are approximately 24 satellites in orbit around the Earth and will typically be in the same area at least twice a day. These satellites are constantly accumulating and transmitting data to GPS enabled devices on a daily basis. Each of the 24 satellites are equipped with an atomic clock. Each and every time one of these satellites transmits data it also reveals the time as well as the satellites location.

The speed in which the signal is received to any one GPS enabled device can be compared to the speed of light. Boat GPS devices are unlike any other GPS device, because they require 4 different types of transmissions. What many aren’t aware of is that in order for a device to work properly, it’s very important that it has an unobstructed view of the sky. Many GPS units today will store information until the next time it can receive information that is made available without any interference.

This means you may be driving along in the heart of the city, in an area with deep canyons, a forest, or through tunnels, and this will prevent your GPS unit from updating itself until the next time it has a clear unobstructed view. Unlike an automobile, a boat GPS works a little different because instead of all the obstructions you are traveling by the sea. Because the sea is so wide-open you will receive an unlimited number of efficient readings to your GPS unit allowing it to update quite frequently.

Garmin GPSMAP 60CSX Handheld GPS Navigator

When traveling on the ocean or a large body of water your GPS device is updating information such as longitude, latitude, current, and wind. All of this information is needed for a boat GPS unit, such as the portable Garmin 60CSX Navigator, to be effective while traveling by sea. This type of information is extremely vital and cannot be compared in any way to simply using a map or a compass. The other important fact about a boat GPS is the fact that many of them are equipped with locating devices which will allow you to be found if for some reason you’ve steered off course.

The newest GPS systems made for boats are extremely accurate and up to the minute. They are specifically designed for large bodies of water or sea conditions. With these units you can find such locations as fishing grounds, marina entrances, or locations that have been stored in your GPS unit for further investigation. There are even a couple of GPS units available, made by Garmin, which can also track ship wreckage, shallow water, and even large rocks. If you’ve been searching for a good quality GPS device, find something that offers everything you need, all in one device.

About the Author

Jane Warren is a boater and water sport enthusiast. Because of her involvement in boating and water activities, Jane publishes a website with reviews of water towable tubes, such as the popular O’Brien Delta Double towable tube, and other high quality boating and water sports equipment. The site also provides instructional videos on different aspects of boating, such as how to use boating navigational aids.

When asked of the most relaxing setting possible, most people dream of places in or on the sea. Many enjoy the soft sand of the beach. Some, however, describe the lapping waves of a small tide against the hull of a comfortable boat. Few places in the world could be more naturally comfortable than sitting in the gentle breeze of a soft sea. But, before one heads out to the open waters, there is some work to be done. These most important boating checks must be undertaken before setting sail, or even the saltiest sea-dog risks being left stranded or sinking.

Navigation has forever been an essential part of riding the waves. Thankfully, sailors have come great strides from the astrolabes and sextants of the past. For shorter trips, a compass is an effective tool. Sailing too far out of the harbor, however, makes GPS an essential technology. With a navigation system onboard trips are sure to be smooth sailing.

Another boating check that cannot be ignored is the engine. Good captains crack the motor up and put an ear to any odd sounds or vibration. After a few trips, even the most negligent of boaters can notice major mechanical problems looming. Most of the common issues require only a quick fix. Disregarding these noises, however, can lead to an outing much longer than initially intended.

When checking the engine, it doesn’t take long to confirm that all the lights are good to go. When unexpected problems or pleasures arise, day excursions can turn into nighttime adventures. A quick light check can ensure one less problem to worry about. Boaters should also ensure they have plenty of flashlights. This makes certain they are prepared for the worst of situations.

Problems can still overcome preparations, regardless of even the most rigorous boating checks. These are times when it is best to call in some friendly assistance from area boaters or coast guard. A working radio should always be on board before taking a trip into deeper waters. This may be the most important boating check before setting sail.

Waiting on help, however, can be a dangerous situation if proper safety equipment is not available. It is essential that every member have a life vest on board. It’s not a bad idea to keep some spare engine parts as well, for emergency situations. A good captain will have a backup battery, plenty of tools, extra lights, and tape to maintain the boat out on the water. He will also, of course, keep a good flare gun.

Ensuring equipment and supplies are available on board can make an outing much more pleasant for captain and passengers alike. In dire circumstances a well prepared boater can even save lives. These simple procedures are not only the most important boating checks before setting sail, but also the easiest ways to experience the enjoyment that landlocked men and women dream about.

Nicole Rodgers has been blogging for three years; she also encourages people to document their boating adventures and build a website to blog themselves about their sailing experiences.

Whenever people hear the term ‘inflatable boats’, a lot of them start thinking about basic types of rafts that just float on water. Well, there happens to be more to inflatable boats than just that.

Read on.

Inflatable boats have air cavities that give them buoyancy once they are full of air. Due to this buoyancy, these boats tend to be more stable than most people think. The fact that they get filled with air makes them even more popular. To fill them up, all you have to do is blow the air in manually or use an automatic air pump.

After the air is taken out and the boat is deflated, it can then be neatly folded into a pile and carried in a bag. This is what makes inflatable boats so convenient: they are easy to transport and easy to put away when they aren’t in use.

It is true that inflatable boats are generally meant to be transportable and lightweight, but they are always made with strong and long-lasting materials to ensure that their users get the most out of them. Inflatable boats can be used for different boating purposes, as well – like fishing and sailing – and they also happen to be very resourceful.

Depending on the user, inflatable boats can have a wide variety of uses. They can be very handy lifeboats for other boats, for example, such as houseboats, yachts, fishing boats and pontoons. Some special versions of them are even made for evacuation purposes in aircrafts.

A lot of other types of inflatable boats also exist in today’s day and age, all of which have special designs that can provide a great boating experience for their users. These special boats include zodiac boats, sailing boats, kayaks, pontoon boats and sailing boats.

Depending on which kind of inflatable raft you are interested in, different materials will be used depending on what would be more compatible for your design of choice. Pontoon boats, for example, are meant to be easy to maneuver so they can stay steady when in water. Since they are also meant to travel quickly, they have to be able to fully support an outer motor, as well.
Zodiac boats, on the other hand, have to feature flat bottoms and flexible tubing on the sides and at the bow. As with pontoons, their platforms have to be firm, so that an outer motor can be attached to them for faster travel on water. It would also be vital to ensure that your zodiac boat uses the right air pressure. This will ensure that your boat gets the ideal buoyancy and guarantee the safety of anybody who uses your zodiac boat on water.

Most of the time, however, inflatable boats are merely seen as highly convenient options because they are easy to carry around and are lightweight at the same time. In fact, if you have to, you would be able to handle an inflatable boat all on your own. How convenient is that?

Patrick Jones is a writer for Brookside Patio Furniture which specializes in resin wicker patio furniture which can be stored in this recommended Toledo storage facility.