Boating Course On Buying Your First Boat Accessories
Boating can be fun. However, it can also be a nightmare if you don’t have the right accessories with you and your life depends on it. Imagine when you are in the middle of an ocean or a lake, and suddenly your boat stops and you have no idea what is wrong with your boat. What do you do? What’s worse, it is pitch black and you cannot see a thing.
Boat accessories are necessary as it deals with the safety of your boat, your family and friends. Your boat or sailboat can be worth hundreds of thousands but it will not mean a thing if you don’t have the right boating accessories on board. After all, you don’t want to be caught out on the water without the right boat accessories.
When you are looking for boat accessories, you cannot just simply buy everything without deciding what accessories are necessary and what accessories you can do without for the time being. This is because different types of accessories simply depend on the type of boat you have. That means if you are into sailboats, there are sailboat accessories and for canoes, there are canoe accessories.
Not all boat accessories are necessary for you to buy but it will help up the value of your boat if they are included. The best thing to do is be patient, sit down and list out all boating accessories and decide on the ones that are necessary first.
In order to help make your boating experience more safe and fun, you have to know what boat accessories are needed.
Essential Boat Accessories
To know what the most essential boating accessories are, you’d want to think along the lines of safety. Whatever it is, think of safety first. That means it is very important that we have all the right accessories on board at all times. Below are some of the most essential boat accessories that you need before heading out to the oceans, rivers or lakes.
- Life jackets
- Fire extinguishers
- Flares
- GPS or a compass
- Throwable rings
- Radios
- Safety equipment
- Flashlights with spare batteries
- Paddles
- Anchor and lines
- Ladders
- Stabilizers
- Mirrors
- Buoy
- Maintenance equipment
- Registration and lettering kits
- Life boat
The accessories above are important to ensure your safety every time you are out boating with your family and friends. You also need to make sure that everyone wears their life jackets when they are on board. Or at least keep the life jackets some place where they will be easily accessible. You just don’t know exactly when you are going to be needing them.
Non-essential Boat Accessories
Non-essential boat accessories refer to those items that are not safety oriented. Meaning that, without it, you can still survive should things go awry when you are out boating. However, it helps make the boat look more fun and attractive. Below are the accessories that you can also include on your boat.
- Water skis
- Boat fenders
- Swim platforms
- Boat heaters
- Fish finders
- Wakeboards
- Wetsuits
By no means that the above list is a complete list as there are many more accessories that are not included here. You will be surprised with all the options available out there. All you have to do is judge for yourself whether they are essential or not. A good rule of thumb to follow is essential boat accessories are the ones that concern your safety and the non-essential accessories are the ones that are not safety oriented.
In conclusion, boat accessories are important to the appearance of your boat as it will increase the value of your boat should you one day decide to sell or trade your boat. Everything that you add to your boat will make a huge difference in the appearance of your boat. Don’t think that just because an item is considered non-essential, it is not that important. If you have extra money, buy them, if not, by following the rule of thumb, you’ll do just fine.
Juzaily Ramli and his best friend Tommy Lehmann love to go out boating with families and friends. They own boating course websites which can be found at: http://www.boating-course.com and http://www.boating-course.com/accessories
Boating Course - How To Choose The Right Type of Boat To Do Things You Love
Boating is a fun thing to do and an expensive one too, especially if you want to own your own boat. The most common trap that most first time boat buyers fall into is to buy the one that attracts their eyes first. Kind of like love at first sight. Friendly advice: do not fall into this trap!
Before you decide to buy your first boat, you have to be aware that there are a lot of different types of boats available out there in the market. Buying the most beautiful boat does not mean you are going to be satisfied with it especially after you find out that it does not allow you to do the things that you want it to do.
Choosing the right boat for you is not something that can be done in a matter of seconds. One of the best tips to know beforehand is to determine what you are planning to use the boat for, whether you are going to use it for pure enjoyment such as cruising the lake, oceans or rivers or just going to use the boat for fishing trip with your friends.
At the moment we are not going to discuss whether you can afford the boat or not, or whether you should buy a second hand boat or a new one. We are discussing more on the types of available boats that will be suitable for the types of actitivies that you are going to utilize it for.
Fishing Boats
So, in order for you to choose the right boat, you have to take your time and decide the purpose of your purchase. Even if you decide that you want to use the boat for fishing, it might surprise you that there are different types of fishing boat designs out there. Choosing the wrong boat will have quite an impact on your fishing experience.
Choosing a bass boat allows you to fish from several different angles. If large fish is what you are after, then you might want to choose a boat designed especially for sports fishing.
However, there are also all-purpose fishing boats which are great for saltwater or freshwater fishing. These boats are suitable for different types of fishing and perform wonderfully in rough waters. Another type of boat is called air boats. These types of boats are designed specifically to get you to swampy waters or locations that other types of boats are not able to reach.
Leisure Boats and Cruising Boats
Some of us would like to have a boat that only allows us to do nothing but cruise along the river or lake and enjoy the beautiful view and nature. If your idea of a great day consists of spending time with your friends and families cruising around the lake or river, then you’d have to find a boat designed for this need.
Below are some of the boats available out there and its purpose.
Bowriders - due to its open deck design, there are plenty of family rooms that come with plenty of seating area for everyone and for sunbathers to work on perfecting their tan. Designed for comfort and convenience for family fun and relaxation. Also ideal for water activities such as fishing, skiing or swimming and also for cruising. Plenty of storage rooms.
Closed bow runabout - an excellent choice if you are participating in a lot of water sport activities.
Sailboats - uses wind to navigate. This one is perfect for cruising down the lakes and oceans while at the same time enjoying your favourite drinks and the beautiful nature with the company of your loved ones.
Fish and ski boats - as the name implies, you are able to enjoy the best of both worlds if you are into fishing and water skiing.
Deck boats - can carry up to twelve passengers at one time. Perfect for bringing your close friends and family on this one.
Yachts or Houseboats - considered to be the most expensive of all boats as it has this sense of power and luxury, though some might disagree. Perfect for those who are planning to spend most of their time on the water as it provides comfort.
Pontoon boats - this is a flat bottom boat which is more like a raft, simply constructed from cylinders. Suitable for short family boat rides cruising by the lakes and rivers as they are slower to run.
Above are just a few examples of the different types of boats available. Therefore, it is very important for you to spend some time in deciding what type of boat that will be suitable for you and the type of activities that you are planning to use the boat for. There is no use in buying a boat for water skiing, when all you want to do is go fishing with your friends. Choosing the right boat means getting the full benefits from your investment.
Juzaily Ramli and his friend Tommy Lehmann are crazy about boats and owners of Boating Course website. Find out more at http://www.boating-course.com/boat and http://www.boating-course.com/building
Boating Tips - Steps To Follow Before Approaching A Boat Dealer
Looking for a new boat are you? If so, then you should know that buying a new boat is not like buying a bicycle for your son. The decision to buy a boat is a major one as it is considered as a luxury purchase. It’s not a matter of finding the one that looks good, whip out your cash and then off you go boating. It’s a matter of finding everything you can about the type of boat that you have in mind before approaching a boat dealer.
Though there are many honest boat dealers out there, you should be aware that there are boat dealers who are purely business men and out to make money off of you. These kinds of boat dealers are everywhere, though not commonly found in developed countries. If you live near the water, chances are there are dozens of them to choose from. So, how do you find the right boat dealer for you and forget about the rest of the bunch.
Before you go searching for a boat dealer, you should do research of your own. The Internet is one of the best places for that. Another one is boating magazines. You might also want to study brochures and sales materials carefully. If you’re using the Internet, you’d want to find a forum that discusses boats. In here, you’ll find boat owners who are willing to share with you their experiences of owning boats of their own. Who knows, you might get a few tips from them either about boating in general or about what it is like to deal with a particular boat dealer.
You’d want to ask around about the types of boats that are out there, the brands, the prices and only then, should you be able to find out about the most reputable boat dealers in your area. We will be discussing each of the points below.
The kind of boat you want - Decide on the type of boat you want. What sorts of activities are you planning to do with your boat? Are you planning to go fishing with it? Or just cruising around the lake? Or water skiing and other water sports activities? Only you can make this decision. Take note that not all boat dealers sell all types of boats. For example, if you are looking for a jon boat, most likely you won’t be purchasing it from a bass boat dealer. By knowing the type of boat you want, you are able to narrow down the dealers easily.
Boat brand of your choice - To further narrow down your choices, you should also decide on the brand name. Choose at least two or three different brands and find a boat dealer that sells both brands. This way you’ll be able to get a solid opinion from that dealer and he might be able to give you the feedbacks that he’s received previously from his customers who had made a purchase.
Size of your boat - Knowing how big you want your boat to be is also important. Boats come in different sizes. Big boats are expensive, smaller boats cost less. Decide whether a certain size fits the type of activities that you want to do, the number of friends or family members your boat might want to cater.
Name your price - As with cars, the prices for boats can vary from one another. Once you know the type and brand of the boat you want, you might want to compare the prices of these boats. You will not know how much money you can save by comparing the different boat dealers available. In some parts of the world, the prices of the boat depend on the boating season. Usually most boats are marked down significantly when the boating season is over, usually in fall. You might want to buy it and keep it until the next boating season starts. Last but not least, decide on the comfortable price, know exactly how much you want to spend before you walk in.
Now that you know exactly what you want, it is time for you to find the right boat dealer.
Finding the most reputable boat dealers in your area - Before that, we have to bear in mind that boat dealers are businessmen and very good ones at that. They will try their best to get you to make an impulse purchase. They will also try in their best ability to nail you on boat accessories. In the end you might end up purchasing more than what you initially had budgeted for. One tip that should be shared is: Don’t bring a checkbook with you to prevent from impulse purchases.
With that in mind, how do you go about finding a boat dealer? Ask around, either from your neighbours, your friends or those who know about boating if they could recommend you a boat dealer that they did business previously with. You can also find dealers in the phone book and the Internet by typing “boat dealer + your location” without the quotes in the search box. You can also make a call to Better Business Bureau in your area to find out whether there are any customer complaints registered to a certain dealer.
Once you find a boat dealer, ask questions and negotiate for a good price. Don’t worry about it. If you’re armed with all the knowledge everything will come to you naturally. If not, just act like you know everything about boats.
You should ask if the boat purchase comes with registration fees. If not, register the boat yourself with the state. It depends on where you live. In the states, you can do so through your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles.
You should also ask whether the boat has been used before. If it has, ask about the year of the boat and the problems that you should look for.
As mentioned in the beginning, a boat is a luxury purchase and a big investment. As with most investments, you might want to take your time to evaluate the offer and compare it to other available offers.
It is natural for a boat dealer to push you to make your purchase. It’s their job! Your job is to take your time and compare, find out everything you can before making that purchase.
Juzaily Ramli and his friend Tommy Lehmann are crazy about boats and owners of http://www.boating-course.com/sales website. For more information on boat dealers, discover the right steps on finding the right one at http://www.boating-course.com/dealers
Why is it Important To Have More Than One Boat Insurance Quote?
Boat insurance? Do you need one? The answer to this question is simple. Obviously, if you don’t own a boat, then you won’t be needing one. However, if you own a boat of your own or thinking of buying one, then having boat insurance is something you should not take lightly.
Boat insurance is necessary as it safeguards your boat against unwanted incidents from happening to it, such as fire and other hazards. Different types of boats have different types of insurance coverage.
Now that we know that insurance is very important, then how do you go about getting one? There are many insurance companies out there that offer boat insurance and in order to help you make an informed decision when it comes to this type of thing, you should try to get at least two to three different quotes from the many insurance companies for comparison.
Boat insurance can be very expensive and it is very wise if you find out which policies are available beforehand. The quotes have different types of coverage which can be found through an auto insurance company. For example, your insurance will depend on where you live and also the age of your boat.
In order to find the best boat insurance policy you need to determine the type of boat you own and what you plan on using it for. You could purchase boat insurance from brokers and dealers. However, before a policy is offered to you, you’d have to have your boat inspected first.
Usually, it takes a long time for you to get the quotes if you are doing it offline, usually a few days, and sometimes it could take weeks. However, doing it online takes less time, usually in a matter of one or two days and because of this, you’re able to get different quotes from different boat insurance brokers. This might prove to be beneficial to you as now you’re able to compare the different quotes.
To get online quotes, you should fill out a form provided to you on boat insurance websites. The form would require you to include the age of your boat and also the type of coverage you are looking for. This is very important as the quote will be based on what type of information you include inside the form. However, the information can be changed as you see fit.
To know how much having a boat will cost you so that you’ll have an idea what the monthly cost is going to be like, you should include the insurance costs in your budget. Having a boat insurance quote before everything else will help you to plan your budget better.
Now that you know the advantages of having more than one boat insurance quote, you should know that it’s important that you review them one by one to see if they meet your criteria. These quotes should include the terms of policy, coverage and premiums. Take note that certain policies only cover your boat under certain conditions and it will not be covered if you do not meet the conditions. Therefore, it is very important that the policy has all the coverage needed for your boat.
Older boats will not need that much coverage as new ones. That means if you are an owner of a new boat or a boat that is not too old, you should choose a boat insurance with a policy that offers more coverage.
Having said that, it does not mean that you should look for other quotes immediately. Instead, you can also ask them to add additional coverage if the quote is missing some coverage options or you can also cut some of the options should you decide to spend less on your boat insurance. However, before doing so, you should weigh all of the options in order to see how much coverage is needed for your boat.
If you think that nothing is going to happen to your boat, you’d better think again. If you are an owner, then you have to have insurance coverage for it. There’s no question about it. With the power of the Internet you can have different quotes for you to choose from within a day or two. Once you have made up your mind, discuss with the boat insurance agent to determine the right coverage for you and your boat.
Not having boat insurance is like walking in the middle of the road, against traffic blind folded. Anything may happen. Go ahead, if you are a boat owner and have not had boat insurance yet, then log in to the Internet and start searching for your quotes now.
Juzaily Ramli and his friend Tommy Lehmann are crazy about boats and owners of sail boats website at http://www.boating-course.com/sail and if you are at all serious about boating, then you should find out more about boat insurance at http://www.boating-course.com/insurance
Best Boating Destinations You Ought To Go To Now
If you are really into boating, then you’d always want to find the best boating destinations out there in order for you to get the best of your boating experience. What better way than to spend the time with your family at these great boating destinations doing the things that you love such as water sports or fishing.
Below are two of the best boating destinations and the reasons as to why you will love these places.
1. South Puget Sound, Olympia, Washington
The first boating destination is South Puget Sound. This waterfront capital is a place worth going to. There are a lot of interesting places and activities that can keep you and your family occupied. Your family will love you for it.
The 30-Mile Cruise - If you love to glide along calm waters while at the same time enjoying marvelous scenery, then it is ideal for you to take a cruise to the Seattle - Tacoma metropolitan route.
Salmons Haven - Calling all salmon lovers and bottom fishers. If you love salmon, you will enjoy South Puget Sound as there are a lot of fishing sites to last you a lifetime.
Spacious Marinas - If you are not into crowded places, then this is the best place for you as the marinas are spacious. Here you can have the privacy and space that you need.
Wonderful Sceneries - What more can be said here when you have alpine-like sceneries and snowcapped peaks as the backdrop for everyone to enjoy. Be sure to bring your digital cameras and camcorder. You don’t want to miss a shot here.
Holidays - Due to the bodies of water, you can bet there are a lot of boat related festivities and also water activities such as:
- Olympia Wooden Boat Festival
- Oyster Festival
Beautiful Sunset - To some recreational boaters, watching the sun set in the Olympic Mountain is all the satisfaction they need.
2. Deer Harbor, Orcas Island
It is located in the middle part of San Juan Island Cruising Grounds, and because of its location which does not form the mainstream cruise path the Deer Harbor has maintained its carefree and relaxing atmosphere.
Boater’s Paradise - There is no way that you are not going to love this place, which can only be described as paradise on earth. The scenery will leave you satisfied and its relaxing atmosphere will surely make you feel like you don’t want to be anywhere else.
Amenities For Your Convenience - The main attraction in Deer Harbor would be the Deer Harbor Marina and The Resort. The facilities provided are so complete that you will definitely find everything you want without having to go far. The marina itself has 110 slips that come complete with water and electricity.
Wonderful Dining Experience - If you love to eat, then look no further than the Deer Harbor Inn. You’ll get a taste of native delicacies while at the same time enjoy the beautiful scenery that overlooks the harbor. You’ll find all kinds of menu and they vary depending on the season.
Wildlife - If you enjoy what nature has to offer, you don’t want to miss Frank Richardson’s Wildlife Reserve. Get off your boat and explore nature.
The two best boating destination above are not the only destinations that are recommended for boaters. There are other beautiful boating destinations around the world that are just waiting to be discovered by you.
So, what are you still doing here? Pack up your bags, bring everybody in the family and just enjoy yourself!
Juzaily Ramli and his friend Tommy Lehmann are crazy about boats and owners of boat rental website at http://www.boating-course.com/rentals and discover some of the best boating destinations all over the world at http://www.boating-course.com/tours
Boating Safety Course: What to Expect From the Different Classes Involved
Boating is one of the great ways to relax yourself. This activity is also one of the best ways to spend time with your family. Just imagine you and your family spending time together and having fun in the middle of the lake. Or, it can also be a great way to hang out with your friends.
Fun and exciting boating may seem, but you still need to consider that safety should be your number one priority. Like cars, boats are also vehicles that you need to be careful of when driving. It is a fact that there had been a lot of accidents related to boating.
You should consider that the most common and also the most preventable boating accident is a man or woman falling of the boat and drown. This is why you should first know all about boating safety before you set sail.
Even the experienced boater encounters unexpected and unwanted accidents like this. So, before you set sail alone or with passengers, you should first take a boating safety course. This is where you will learn all about the different boating precautions that every boater should know.
Even if you are already and experienced boater, you should remember that there is always time to learn. Be a better boater by taking a boat safety class.
Every state in the US has different boating safety courses. All you have to do is choose one that is in your state. A boating safety course will be comprised of different classes that you have to complete and an exam that you have to pass in order to get your certification.
In some states, you have to complete a certain boating safety course in order to be allowed to operate a personal watercraft. If you do not take the course and if you don’t have a boating license, you will not be allowed to go boating.
The boating safety course will have classes for basic boating safety, first aid and CPR, navigation and about boating safety equipments. In some courses, you should expect more classes about boating safety.
By going through all of these classes, you will know all about the different safety precautions onboard a boat. You will not only protect yourself and your boat, but you will also protect your passengers.
Always remember that if you are the operator of the boat, you will be responsible for the safety of your passengers and also for the safety of other boaters. By being a responsible boater, you will see that everyone will have fun.
Basic boating safety will teach you all about your boat and how to be safe when onboard the boat. You will learn that you will be the one to instruct your passengers not to move around when the boat is moving in order to avoid someone falling off the boat and into the water.
You will also be instructed on how to deal with accidents in order to prevent someone from drowning or prevent some accident to become much worse than it already is.
You will also learn all about the safety equipments that a specific boat should have and also how to use them. By knowing what kind of safety equipments you should bring aboard, you will be prepared for everything that may happen while you and your passengers are out on the open water.
Always remember that by taking this course and completing the classes, you will be a more responsible and safe boater.
Learn more about boating safety courses. Please visit http://www.boatsafetysite.com for the best information on boat safety.
Do You Have What It Takes To Go White Water Rafting?
Adventure sports are very much the in thing today and one of them is river rafting. The thrill and sense of adventure adds to the fun of this sport. Although the professional and reliable guides are at times flummoxed at the way guests or tourists conduct themselves, they are well trained to handle even the most timid ones. It’s certainly not like simple boating where after having paid for the boatman and the ride, you can sit back in the boat and relax while enjoying the serenity of the lake or river. In fact, rafting is totally the opposite with the river churning and the guides read the waters and their turns and twists and everybody in the kayak is expected to paddle and pitch in. That is where the fun lies in rafting!
Some of the prerequisites of river rafting are that the attire must be according to the season. During the rains, it will have to be a wet suit and during spring, warm woolen clothing will be required to keep you warm and retain body heat. In summer, however, apart from using a good waterproof sunscreen, shorts and tank tops are quite comfortable. As for footwear, it should certainly be the ones you are most comfortable in.
Apart from the attire, it is very important to pay close attention to the instructions given by the guides and abide by them religiously. You must have team spirit as you will be expected to work as one in order to avoid any accidents. The guides must also be informed about the condition of your health, that is, if you are suffering from any illness or if you are taking some kind of medication so that necessary precautions can be taken.
It is not necessary to take any sort of training before you go river rafting as the guides are very professional and competent. It is extremely important that the guides insist on the guests being sober before undertaking the trip as an intoxicated member can be hazardous to the whole team.
Although the guides are very capable and cautious, you must be prepared in case of emergencies. The first and foremost golden rule during an emergency is never to panic as it is the only thing that can lead to drowning or death. Moreover, the guides are well prepared and have all the necessary equipment in a kayak which is ahead and has the lead guide in it. You are made to wear a life saving jacket or vest compulsorily. Even if you happen to tumble out of the raft, it’s best to float on your back till the guide tows you to the shore and they are well trained in first aid just in case you need mouth to mouth resuscitation.
River rafting can be an enjoyable and thrilling experience if you want to make it one. It may begin with obvious trepidation but the sense of achievement at its end makes you feel as if nothing can touch you and that now you’re ready to perform any feat as you feel that you have learnt to overcome and control your fear of the unknown!
Nowadays, it is possible to record all these moments live with your video cameras and the photographs taken at those places that were full of danger, thrill and fun are capable of refreshing your memory and your sense of achievement.
For more information on white water rafting, visit:
http://www.whitewaterraftingguides.com
Boat Safety Course: A Class That You Should Take To Ensure Proper Operation of Your Boat
Boating is fun. It is an activity that you can do alone or with your friends. With today’s hectic lifestyle, many people are taking up hobbies, such as boating, to relieve stress. The fact that boating will help you relax is the reason why more and more people are taking up boating as a hobby.
However, you have to remember that boats are also vehicles that you should also treat with respect. You should know that boating is a fun hobby that can give you a great time while out at the open sea, but things can suddenly go wrong if you don’t know the proper way to handle a boat and the proper way to deal with emergency situations.
It is important for you as the operator and the owner of a boat to know about the different safety precautions when operating the boat. By knowing about this, you will prevent emergencies from happening or at least know what to do whenever an unwanted accident takes place when you are out in the open water.
To know about the different safety precautions, you need to take a boating safety course that is widely available in every state in the United States. By taking a boating safety course, you will know about the different ways on how you can handle a boat and also know how to handle emergency situations on the boat.
You will also learn how to properly operate the emergency equipments that you should have onboard. The different kinds of emergency equipments requirements for specific boats will also be taught in the boating safety course.
It is important that you should take this safety class in order to know about the different safety procedures that you should do when you are operating a boat. Always remember that safe boating means fun boating experience for everybody. If you are a responsible boat operator, you will be sure that you, your passengers and also other boaters will have the best time out in the water.
You will also learn how to properly navigate your way from the dock to the open water and back. You will be taught on how to use the compass, how to plot a course, and also how to use the GPS.
The course will also include the proper etiquette in boating. You will learn the different etiquettes about boating to ensure safety for every boater out on sea.
If you take this class, you will see that you will be a more responsible boater. By being a responsible boater, you can expect to have good clean fun with your passengers and your fellow boaters while you are out in the water.
After the class, you will be given a certification card that will say that you are a qualified recreational boater who knows all about operating a boat safely. You need this certification card in some marinas in order for you to operate a boat. With this certification card, harbor masters will allow you to operate a boat. Think of this certification card as a license to drive a boat.
These are some of the things you will learn when you take a boating safety course. By remembering everything you learned in this class, you can be sure that you will be a safe and responsible boater.
For more information on being a safe and responsible boater please visit http://www.boatsafetysite.com, where you will find a comprehensive course about boat safety.
The Importance Of Boat Safety Class
You’re taking coffee in the morning and reading a newspaper. You’re just waiting for the rest of the family to get dressed before you all leave to sail in your newly purchased boat. Then you come across this article about a family who met an accident while on a boat trip. Then suddenly, you have second thoughts about having the trip.
Safety always comes first above everything else, especially if it involves your family. You don’t want to sacrifice their safety just to enjoy boat sailing. Attending a boat safety class may take your mind off that dreadful news articles that you just read.
There are plenty of boat classes around that you can enroll in. after all, you’ve spent a huge amount of money on your boat, why not spend a small amount for learning boat safety measures?
Knowing boat rules is the key to safe boat sailing. Being ignorant is not an excuse because you have a choice. If you choose to go on with your scheduled trip despite the odds, then your family will soon end up like the one on the newspaper. but if you’re responsible enough, you will postpone the trip and enroll in a boat safety class first.
There are many things to learn in a boat class. If you don’t want to do it alone, then have the rest of the family enroll in the class. It doesn’t have to get in the way of your present job because you can always have it scheduled after office hours. It’s even more fun if all your family members get to enroll in a boat class because all of you will have proper knowledge in boat operation.
You will be taught the importance of having a floatation device (like life jackets), and carefulness in boat maneuvering. There is no room for recklessness while sailing on a boat; or drinking too much alcohol because in just a blink of your eyes, accidents can happen.
There are certain rules to follow especially when you’re out sailing. here are some rules that you will learn in a boat class:
1. using navigation lights especially at night
2. obeying signs and buoys
3. don’t bow ride
4. observing the zones like the ‘no wake’ zone
5. weather conditions
People ride their boats to have fun, and sometimes too much fun allows a person to forget about safety considerations. It’s not wrong to have fun, but you should learn to set limits, and the level of awareness should always be present. You must always be ready for whatever unexpected events that might turn up.
Every year, there is always a boat accident reported. Perhaps if people only knew the rules of boat sailing, these accidents would have been prevented. Remember, without proper knowledge, you might be able to meet accidents which can cause injuries or worse, death.
Boat classes not only teach people how to be a smart boat operator or how to maneuver a boat safely, but they also decrease the cost of boat insurance. So if you attend a boat class, you will gain knowledge and at the same time save money.
Find a good boat class now. And you can enjoy boat sailing for the rest of your life with your family. It’s quite relaxing to see the sunset together with your family while you’re sailing, these are moments you’ll never forget.
Yes, safety always comes first. To learn more about boat safety, please visit http://www.boatsafetysite.com.
Don’t Stop Fishing…I Only Broke One Leg!
“I just broke my leg!” I yelled at my fishing partners as I lay in the bottom of the boat. They seemed unconcerned about me, only anxious about the fishing tackle I had fallen across. “Those rods are not broken are they?” my friend Captain Steve asked, not concerned about me at all.
“No” I shouted, “But my ankle is!”
It was a beautiful warm, sunny, January morning and the Gulf of Mexico at Panama City, Florida was like glass, as smooth as far as the eye could see. The temperature at 8:00 am was in the low seventies. The morning mist from the gulf hid from sight the sea birds you could hear screeching as they fought each other for a morsel of food or any bait left by early fishermen. It was a perfect day and we were about to cast off for a spot about 12 miles offshore from the marina.
Previously Captain Steve, my buddy Jimmy and I had filled up the gas tanks of Steve’s 22 foot fishing boat, bought cigar minnows and squid for bait. Our rod and reels were secured in their holders with the rest of our tackle, cooler and refreshments in the bottom of the boat. Now it was time to head out to our secret hole somewhere in the Gulf, located by the coordinates that Steve had scribbled in his notebook.
Finally we were ready to begin our voyage on a mirror like sea. Everything was wonderful until I stepped from the dock onto the side of the boat and fell. My brand new tennis shoes gripped the bow as the boat shifted to the right. Unfortunately my feet were still pointed to the left. My right ankle sounded like a firecracker as it snapped!
For some this would have been the end of the fishing trip on such a glorious day in the middle of winter, but not for me. I jerked off my shoe and saw my foot swelling before my eyes. The more swollen it became, the more it hurt. The sight even subdued my fishing companions. They were scurrying around helping me find a seat, asking if I wanted to go to the hospital.
Even though there was no doubt in my mind that my ankle was broken, it would have been a disservice to the other two guys not to continue our trip after the money we had spent on tackle, bait, gas and grub. By now my foot looked like a balloon. Captain Steve went below and came back with a half gallon jug of rum. Medicinal of course!
“This will help with the pain as he grimaced at the sight of my foot!” he laughed as he handed me the bottle.
We shoved off and began gliding our way out of the harbor, maneuvering our boat around the many cargo ships that were anchored offshore of the Port of Panama City. After about 45 minutes we arrived at our location. Captains Steve’s navigational tools pinpointed an artificial reef of an old tugboat. These old tugs make perfect habitats for many types of fish, from grouper to flounder.
By the time we arrived, I was pleasantly sedated even though my foot still hurt. We caught a lot of fish that winter’s day. Seated on a deck chair with my right foot resting on a boat cushion, I had two lines dangling over the side of the boat. Sometimes both rods were bent with fish on each line. We had our fishing rigs baited with cut bait, cigar minnows and squid. We fished for about four hours and caught some of the largest flounder I have ever seen as well as red snapper and 2 small groupers.
By early afternoon my fishing companions were beginning to be more concerned about the state of my foot. The swelling never seemed to stop; nor did the pain. My foot hurt of course, but I didn’t care. We were catching a lot of fish and this made the whole trip worthwhile.
We stowed our tackling, put our fish in the ice chests and went back to our marina. I was immediately taken to the hospital where the doctors and nurses fussed at me for not coming in sooner. My ankle was broken in 2 places, insuring me of a cast and crutches.
All in all it was a memorable experience fishing in the Gulf, but then they all are!
Bob Alexander is well experienced in outdoor cooking, holiday eating and leisure living.
Bob is also the author and owner of this article. Visit his sites at:
http://www.bluemarlinbob.com
http://www.bobalexander.ws