Five tips for Safely Towing Passengers on a Speedboat

Speedboat captains must be careful when towing water-skiers, skim boarders, and tubers. Obviously, you want to be careful when driving a boat under any circumstance, but extra caution is crucial when towing a person behind such a strong machine. For one thing, realize that the person is going as fast as a car, and hitting the water feels more like hitting cement. For another, a crazy wake might be funny to you, but not to a novice; pay attention to the wake you expect the participant to ride. 

Here’s a great example of how easy it is to have a watersport disaster. Luckily, the skim boarder is OK, judging by the YouTube comments and description. 

To ensure you’re being extra safe with your precious cargo, always keep the following tips in mind!

•    Always have a “spotter”. This extra person will watch the person in tow, while the driver pays attention to hazards, speed, and safety.
•    An extra rear-view style mirror goes a long way, pick one up next time you’re picking up boat accessories.
•    Don’t skimp on the life vest, and lifesaver, just in case of emergencies or bad falls.
•    A quick take-off helps the skier stand up into proper skiing position
•    Never drive a boat after you’ve been drinking. Absolutely never tow someone after you’ve been drinking. Alcohol was a leading factor in 16% of fatal boating accidents last year.

 

5 Fun Things to Do on Your Boat This Summer

Fun Things to do on Your Boat:

Setting sail on your boat is a great leisure activity on a hot, summer day. Cruising around ensures relaxation and fun for all… but after a few hours, you might want some things to do while out on the water. Planning some fun activities while sailing can assure that you and your family will stay more than occupied while aboard your boat or ship.

Exploring – Plan to dock at different ports. Hop off your boat and explore the different areas that you have never been before. You might stumble upon some interesting things right in your own backyard!

Swimming – Drop the anchor and go for a swim! Implement a cannon ball contest and allow the biggest cannon ball winner to pick the location for dinner. This is a great way to engage the entire family and enforces some good old’ fashion friendly competition.

Water Sports – Tubing, wakeboarding and water skiing are fun, adrenaline-pumping activities that everyone will enjoy. These activities get everyone moving around and the best part is, whenever you get too tired, you can easily hop back aboard your boat and soak up some sun!

Fishing – Looking for something fun to do with your kids? Fishing is a great bonding experience. What better way to spend a summer afternoon than to catch some rays and some fish!

Hobbies – Take your favorite hobby aboard your boat! Sailing along the water is a great place to enjoy a good book or complete a drawing you have been putting off. The water is such a tranquil, inspiring place and you will be completely free of disturbances.

Summer Boating Advice and Safety Tips

By now, most boaters have hit the water, two or three times. Maybe you were out for a holiday party, or a short day trip, but no boater could resist the beautiful warm days of July. Regardless, your group or family can have a world of fun on your boat. 

Obviously, safety is king, but fun is important too. Create a custom set of rules based on our advice below, and you'll have a safe, wonderful time out on the water.

• Take an extra boating safety course, beyond the required minimum. A skill or tip you pick up in class could save your life, and it will surely lower your insurance costs.
• Check the boat to confirm that all components are working properly and in good health.
• Fill up on fuel, and determine when you'll need to re-up.
• Check all weather reports for deplorable weather like high winds and storms
• Technology is only as good as its battery power; bring along some of the classics like a map or compass, just in case.
• You'll always need a high-quality anchor and anchoring equipment, even if you plan to use docks.
• Always bring along a new, fully packed, first-aid kit and extra life vests, because life is very unpredictable.
• You also want USCG approved safety equipment like oars, lifesavers, and fire extinguishers

Whatever fun you decide to have this summer, just remember to be safe, responsible, and polite. If you’re going out with family, remember your precious cargo. Similarly, if you’re going out with friends, remember that even though your boat feels like a private party, you’re still in public.