Planing hulls are designed to allow a vessel to rise up and glide on top of the water at higher speeds. They differ from displacement hulls, which always push through the water. Planing hulls are most often found on: Powerboats Speedboats Sport boats Some fishing boats Personal watercraft (PWC) Some small sailboats Key features of … Read more ›
A Type IV PFD is a throwable flotation device designed to be thrown to a person in distress in the water. Unlike other types of PFDs, Type IV devices are not meant to be worn on the body. They are specifically created to provide immediate buoyancy to a person who may be drowning or unable to swim to safety. About the United States Coast Guard PFD classification … Read more ›
Boat collisions are just as dangerous as car accidents. According to the United States Coast Guard, between 9 and 110 people die in a boat accidents every month. The most dangerous time of year to be out on the water is between October and January. Primary Contributing Factors to Collisions: U.S.C.G (2023) Collision factor … Read more ›
Boat speed limits vary widely throughout the United States, not only between states but also within states. The appropriate speed for boating depends on location (specific bodies of water have unique limits), the time of day, and how close you are to shore or other vessels. It can also depend on the type of boat, … Read more ›
Always check the weather forecast before heading out on the water via the local radio station or coast guard. If there is severe weather brewing, or a small craft advisory in effect, stay on shore! Sometimes, a storm can take you by surprise. That’s why you need to be prepared. Now is your chance to … Read more ›
Anchoring your boat may seem simple, but there are a few things you need to know to get it right. If you don’t learn the proper steps, you risk capsizing, damaging your boat, or finding yourself adrift even though you thought you were securely anchored. How to anchor your boat: the basics There’s nothing … Read more ›
Keep reading to find answers to all your questions about state boating cards, certificates, licenses and courses. Meeting your state’s requirements is probably easier than you think! What’s a boater card for? A boater card demonstrates that the operator understands safe boating practices and regulations in their state and across the USA. You have … Read more ›
Wondering how much it’s going to cost to get your boating license in New York? The cost of getting certified varies with each provider. Cost of getting your New York Boating License At Drive A Boat USA, you pay US$59.95 when you register for the New York Safe Boating Course. The fee covers the … Read more ›
If you want to take to the water legally in Florida, you need to make sure you have the right documentation on board with you at all times. A valid Florida Boater Education Card proves that you have completed an approved boating safety course and can legally operate a motorized vessel on state waters. … Read more ›
To legally operate a motorized pleasure craft in the State of California, you need to carry a California Boater Card that has been issued in your name. This was not always the case, but a growing concern for boater safety on California waters has led to the adoption of new laws. It’s all about … Read more ›
