Driving a boat is one thing to master, but successfully docking it is another. Maneuvering any size watercraft can be daunting, especially with a crew on board. Properly docking the boat can be quite stressful, especially when conditions aren’t in your favor, or if there are other contributing factors. If you aren’t following the proper precautions, you may run the risk of damaging the boat or injuring a passenger.

A float plan is like leaving a note on the kitchen counter for your babysitter; it’s the boater’s version of a list of instructions on how to heat dinner, or a proposed plan for the day. A float plan is a safety precaution that you should prepare if you’re going to be out on the water for a while. Completing a plan before going out on the boat and leaving it with a reliable person is an important step to take, should they need to contact the Coast Guard or other rescue services.

As the temperatures begin to drop, it’s time to start thinking about next steps when it comes to your boat. The time and effort spent on the process of winterization will directly affect the boat’s performance, so protecting vessels properly is crucial. Come spring time, you will want a seamless transition back into the water!

Last month, the United States Coast Guard released their 2017 Recreational Boating Statistics Report.  According to the report, last year saw a decrease in recreational boating accidents from 2016. The Coast Guard reported over 4,000 accidents that involved 658 deaths, 2,629 injuries and approximately $46 million dollars of damage to property.

As we near the official start of summer, it’s also the start of the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs June through November. Last year the United States and its territories saw major devastation, as hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Jose and Maria blew through and made landfall.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau’s (NICB) 2017 watercraft theft report shows a 5 percent decrease in activity. This resumes the downward trend that was broken by 2016’s slight increase. 4,864 watercrafts were reported stolen in 2017, while most thefts occurred in May, June, July, August and September.

Read the full report here, and check out our article on theft prevention tips.

We’re halfway through spring—but that doesn’t mean you should only halfway prep your boat this season. Before getting back on the water, there are some important steps you should take to ensure you boat is seaworthy and safe. Having a set checklist can be useful to make certain you’re ready to head out on the water.

As we near the end of the season, those of us in “winter weather” areas are counting down the days to spring and summer—and to getting our boats back in the water! As we patiently wait for the start of our favorite season on the water, there is still plenty to be done on dry land; like brushing up on our navigation skills.

Winter is coming…so we want to make sure you’re prepared for what’s ahead. Winter weather can cause many problems to marine property if the right precautions aren’t taken. Boat ownership is a huge investment and we don’t want you to have any unpleasant surprises come spring time!

Fall is here! But that doesn't mean our boating activies need to end quite yet. To keep the fun going, we want to remind you to be proactive in avoiding theft by taking precautionary measures to ensure your vessel and the items left on it are secure. Unfortunately, theft happens—no matter the time of year or location.