Top Apps for Boaters
Top Apps & Tech for Boaters in British Columbia Navigation, Weather Tracking, and Communication Tools Boating in British Columbia offers some of the most breathtaking landscapes and rewarding experiences in the world. Whether you’re exploring the inlets of Vancouver Island, fishing off the coast, or cruising through the Gulf Islands, the right technology can enhance […]
Night Boating Safety Tips
Night Boating 101: Staying Safe & Navigating After Dark Boating at night in Vancouver, Vancouver Island, and across British Columbia’s coastal waters is a unique and thrilling experience. Whether you’re returning from a sunset cruise, heading out for night fishing, or simply enjoying the tranquility of the water under the stars, navigating after dark requires […]
Tips for Fun Winter Boating
Tips For Fun and Enjoyable Winter Boating Winter boating offers a refreshing escape as anchorages are peaceful, marinas and park docks are often yours alone, there’s no wait at the fuel dock, and wildlife has a renewed presence in the quieter waters—it’s their season now! After Labour Day, the number of boats on the water […]
Winter Boating Safety
With summer sailors docked for the season and the tourists back home, coastal waterways are left peaceful and pristine—creating the ideal atmosphere for those who love the tranquility of winter boating. Winter boating brings a refreshing, unique experience, perfect for those who crave a quieter time on the water. Winter cruising also brings the thrill […]
Safety Briefing for Boating Guests
Your safety briefing can be customized based on the location, duration of the outing, number of experienced crew on board, and your guests’ familiarity with boating. The primary goals of a safety briefing are to keep guests safe and help them understand what to do in case of an emergency. The following list includes […]
What’s in Your Ditch Bag?
Most responsible mariners stock an Emergency Bag (also called a “ditch bag”, “ditch kit”, or “grab bag”) with additional emergency supplies to take along in case of an abandonment. It needs to be stowed where it can quickly and easily be grabbed and thrown into a life raft. A ditch bag should be waterproof and […]
Don’t Overlook Your Boat’s Gearbox
The transmission in your boat is the vital link between the engine and the prop, yet many boat owners never pay attention to their gearbox until it’s too late. A review of the owner’s transmission manual will give you all the information you need regarding the “care and feeding” of your transmission. If you have […]
Preparing for Extended Cruising
If you are new to extended cruising – more than a week or two into unknown waters – it can be a lot to take in with everything that needs to be done and learned. The combination of the internet, classes, podcasts, YouTube, and experienced boater friends has made it easier than ever to gain […]
Safety First
For many boaters, Spring is when they begin to daydream about their upcoming summer adventures, it’s also a good time to inspect and update safety equipment. The following is an 11-point checklist, but feel free to add to it and use it in the future to ensure the season ahead is as safe as possible. […]
Decision Making While Cruising
Decision making is never easy aboard a boat. If there is more than one person aboard your boat, how do you resolve conflicts about go/no go, routing, anchoring, and the like? Yes, the captain is the ultimate decision-maker. But that doesn’t mean that they operate in a vacuum. Everyone’s thoughts and feelings need to be […]