Many tourists and newcomers underestimate just how hot the Sunshine State can get in the broiling months of summer. Us locals, though — we know better. However, these thermometer-popping months are also the favorite time to take the boat out to enjoy some quality cooldown time on the water. Though you may respect the heat the moment you hop out of your air conditioned car, some forget to protect themselves from the source of that heat.
Between dangerous UV rays and stifling heat, prepare yourself with these three easy ways to protect yourself from the summer sun while on your next boat trip or excursion in the outdoors.
Staying Cool While Boating in the Summer Sun
- Hydrate: No, this is not your permission to whip out the margarita machine. Instead of your favorite cocktail or brew, make sure you’re regularly rehydrating with water and sports drinks with electrolytes. Heat stroke and dehydration are easy ways that your fun time can turn into an emergency situation in a hurry. Bring more than enough water that you think you’ll need to compensate for the heavy sweating that’s bound to happen when you spend any extended period of time in the Florida heat.
- Cover: Though many like to work on a tan while boating, for fishing or cruising (which may necessitate boaters to be in direct sunlight for extended periods), it’s smart to cover up instead of stripping down. Polarized sunglasses protect your eyes and improve visibility, a hat and scarf can prevent sunstroke and breathable, UV-protective clothes can keep the summer sun from slow roasting you throughout the day.
- Lather: Of course, we have to recommend using sunscreen. If you’re not using sunscreen, please start — yes, now. Even if you’re not in the direct summer sun, UV rays can still penetrate many materials and even reflect off of metal surfaces and even the water itself. Prevent skin damage and serious skin issues (potentially including the big “C”) by regularly applying sunscreen that is rated at at least SPF 30. Don’t forget commonly missed, sensitive spots like hands, feet, ears and even eyelids. There is also protective lip balm available, and water-resistant sunscreens for swimmers and watersports enthusiasts. Don’t forget to reapply throughout the day as well.
There’s no way around it — the summer sun can be a bit of a drag if you’re not prepared for it. However, if you’re ready for the heat and powerful UV rays on your next boat trip, you should be able to focus on the fun stuff, namely, earning a new “big fish” story to tell your buddies. Enjoy your summer on the water and try to stay cool out there.
It’s almost the Fourth yet again, and that means a few, deeply important things: fireworks, cookouts and one of the best excuses to go boating all year long. Though it’s sure to be crowded with like-minded boaters, there’s nothing better than watching fireworks light up the night sky while shimmering across the surface of your favorite waterway. Something else that pairs well with the likes of burgers, light shows and boating is some classic, Fourth of July-inspired tunes.
Your friends at Hi-Tide have got you covered with a Spotify playlist that’s perfect for Monday, whether you’re boating this Fourth or just wishing you were.
Enjoy this Fourth of July with your friends, family and maybe a little Free Bird. Stay safe, and happy boating!
You may already be a boating enthusiast but that does not mean you’re not still looking for even more reasons to hit the water this summer. Trust us – you’re not alone. There’s just nothing like enjoying time on the beach, in the open ocean or even your local lake or pond. That being said, we’ve compiled a quick list of water sports that you may want to give a try this summer. Though we’d recommend you get in some serious training before going all in on some of the more intense (read: dangerous) activities, just like boating, you may uncover a new passion after picking up one of these wonderful water sports.
Take a Dip: Water Sports to Experience This Summer
- Surfin’ USA: An obvious but classic choice, surfing is beloved around the world as not only a fun recreational activity but a fantastic way to stay in shape and enjoy the great outdoors. Though the quality of our swells isn’t quite up to standards seen in Hawaii or Australia, Cocoa Beach and Sebastian Inlet are well-regarded surfing spots. Classes are easy to find, so we recommend you start there and see if you can eventually hang ten like a pro.
- Doggy Paddle: Also an uber-popular way to stay fit on the water, paddle boarding is great fun for those looking for something a bit calmer than surfing or jet skiing. For the unfamiliar, paddle boarding involves standing atop a board that looks a lot like a surfboard and propelling yourself with a paddle, as you would in a canoe. This is an especially great way to travel down the many lakes and inlets that cover The Sunshine State.
- Nose Dive: Though it takes training and certification, scuba diving is a way to experience the ocean as you never have — below its crashing waves. Getting a fish’s eye view of the various reefs, blue waters and beautiful wildlife is well-worth the time and cost of getting your scuba certification.
- Wake Up: A water sport that you can do in tandem with your boating adventures is wakeboarding. Tethered to the back of a motor boat, the wake boarder is pulled, getting to ride the wake like a never-ending wave. This water sport is extremely popular in Florida, with many training centers scattered throughout.
- Take a Jet: As we mentioned in a previous blog, jet skis can be great fun. Available for rent across the state, give them a try to see if you’d be interested in buying one of your own.
Summer is a great time to be outside and in the water, especially with Florida’s infamous heat. Whether it’s taking a cruise on your boat with your best buds, getting your scuba certification, having a calming paddle boarding excursion or surfing like a pro, we encourage you to get off of the couch and into the water. Be safe, but don’t be afraid to try something new.
You pack up your bags and set off early for a day of fishing with your best buds. After a drive to the dock, it feels great to be by the sea again, salted breeze blowing through your hair, sun lightly kissing your fa– wait a minute. Where did the boat go? It was docked right there just a few months ago. You peer down into the spot that you could have sworn was the last placed you parked “Marla’s Majesty,” only to see her resting on the seabed.
Well, the good news is that this horror story doesn’t have to become your reality. Though this very tragedy is anything but rare, there are steps that you can take to keep your boat afloat when you’re not regularly hitting the water.
How to Keep Your Boat Afloat
Fittings are a major culprit in many a sinking boat case. Leaky underwater fittings, air conditioning fittings and other above-water fittings can be big trouble for your boat. Check them thoroughly before leaving your boat docked.
Beware of rainwater (or melted snow). Water that is not properly draining from your vessel can easily (and dangerously) weigh down your boat. This is also a danger when out on the water, as you may overload a boat that is already being weighed down with undrained water (leading to you and your friends taking an unexpected swim).
Use a boat lift. Though not a substitute for maintenance and regular inspections, a boat lift can help keep your boat from getting stuck under or damaged on the docks — a common cause of boat sinking incidents.
It is especially important to give your boat a visit after heavy rains and big storms, as winds can damage improperly secured vessels and, as mentioned above, rainwater can add significant weight that may sink your boat if it is not draining correctly. With a little attention, you can spot dangers that would otherwise sink your hopes of a good time on the water this summer.
From experts to people just dipping their toes into the shallow end of boating, we receive dozens of boat and boat lift questions every week. It’s part of what makes this job so much fun for us — answering those lingering questions and standing as an expert in this hobby and way of life for so many across this state, country and the world as a whole. There is nothing like sharing our knowledge and love for boating with everyone interested in learning more.
Since we get asked so often, what better way to spread our knowledge than sharing our most common boat lift questions with all of you fine blog readers?
Five Frequently Asked Boat Lift Questions
- How much can a Hi-Tide boat lift really hold?
Our boat lifts hold every single pound of their rated capacity. We highly advise against attempting to exceed this capacity, as it is not only dangerous to your vessel and lift, but also your own safety.
- What makes Hi-Tide better than the other boat lifts out there?
We pride ourselves on the custom nature of our lifts. We utilize and incorporate patented, specifically designed gear boxes, custom-designed electric motors and in-house built electronic controls. All this, on top of our five-day-a-week service department, make Hi-Tide an easy choice for your boat lift needs.
- How much is a standard boat lift?
This boat lift question is a bit tricky as there are a few variables to consider, including its rated capacity and added features. Find more on where you can find information on specific boat lifts by utilizing our lift finder page.
- What’s the difference in boat lift models?
Much like the boats themselves, boat lifts can vary greatly. The aesthetics, operating speed, top rail systems vs. no to rails, four motor vs two motor vs single motor, galvanized vs aluminum and many, many other options can all come into play. The options are a good thing, however, as they can lead you to find the lift that’s the right fit for your exact needs.
- Why can’t I buy a boat lift direct from Hi-Tide?
Though we’d love to be able to ship a boat lift right to your doorstep, the fact of the matter is, the installation of a boat lift is critical to its performance and safety. We can’t risk anyone utilizing an unauthorized lift installer and then getting injured or damaging their boat. Instead, we work with a network of some of the best certified and factory-trained installers in the country.
We hope that helps answer some of your boat lift questions, but know that our experts are always available to help guide you through the waters of boat lift ownership. Boating is a passion, and one that you just may grow to admire as much as we do. As always, get out on the water and enjoy fun times in the great outdoors with the ones you love. Hi-Tide will be there to give you a lift when you need it.
