Can you believe we’re already knee deep into the third quarter of 2017? That being said, it’s been a fantastic year to be on the water, with little in the way of major action in the tropics to put a damper on our fun. As time passes, boating, like everything, advances at what feels like an ever-quickening rate.
Don’t worry–if you can’t keep up, you’re not alone. But, as people with our ear to the ground (or is it water?), here are a few of 2017’s biggest boat trends (so far).
Top 3 Boat Trends You Should Know About
Digital Everything: From throttles to dashboards, more and more of our modern boats tend to be going digital. Digital replacements of complicated, traditionally mechanical parts not only provide often far smoother operation but also reduce the amount of moving parts that boat owners have to worry about repairing. On the digital dashboard front, new touchscreen LCDs are not only aesthetically pleasing but allow for more information to be displayed in one place, including GPS and weather reports.
LEDs: When it comes to lighting, it’s out with the old and in with the new. Not only are traditional bulbs less energy efficient (putting a bigger strain on your battery), but they are far less reliable, especially on the water. Longer lasting and relatively easy to install, LEDs are also highly customizable, allowing boaters to change colors on the fly in some models.
Convertible Seating: If a minivan can have fold-away seating or a bench that turns into two separate seats, why can’t your boat? Whether taking a romantic trip for two or a full-family excursion, your next boat may be able to accommodate with convertible, highly customizable seating.
Of course, the above three trends are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to new boat trends sweeping the scene. The one commonality among all three, though, is the fact that all are new methods of making boating easier, more intuitive and less of a hassle. Like trending tech advancements everywhere, time brings boating innovation that we’re sure to enjoy well into the future. For now, enjoy the digital displays and throttles, LED lighting and convertible seating that help make modern boating a breeze.
Texas is big in size, big in heart and big in having fun on the lakes and rivers that can be found throughout the state. Though Texas boating is a great time in and of itself, there are plenty of water sports and recreational activities to keep you and your family having fun while on the water. Whether you enjoy kicking back and enjoying some downtime or prefer some high-octane thrills, there is something for everyone on the water.
Lake and River Texas Boating Activities
Fishing: Bass, catfish, crappie and more call Texas’s freshwater lakes and rivers home, so there is plenty to catch if you enjoy a day of casting reels and relaxation. Just make sure you know the daily bag limits and are familiar with fishing regulations before hitting the water.
Jet skiing: Looking for a bit of excitement? Riding a jet ski is the perfect way to enjoy some fast-paced, exhilarating fun. Keep safety in mind, however, as these often quick-moving personal watercrafts can be dangerous if not handled with care. You are regulated to wear a USCG-approved PFD and attach a kill switch to your clothing.
Water skiing and Wakeboarding: Though sometimes difficult for beginners, water skiing and wakeboarding can be good fun and a great way to cool off in the hot summer months. In regard to safety, read up on the regulations in place for all water sports involving towing people.
Kayaking: A fun way to traverse rivers, kayaking can lead to great sightseeing of Texas’s many natural wonders. For a more laid-back approach, give kayaking a try on placid lakes or slower-moving rivers.
Paddleboarding: If you’re less of an adrenaline junkie and looking for some calmer recreation while on the water, give paddleboarding a try. Something like kayaking, except the paddler stands instead of sits, paddleboarding can be both relaxing and a great workout while on the water.
Though lakes are often less treacherous than the open ocean, it is still vitally important to stay safe while on the water. Be sure to always keep all safety equipment on board while boating, keep PFDs on all passengers, do not drink and operate your vessel and always keep an eye out for fellow boaters, swimmers and others enjoying the lake or river with you.
Though plenty of boaters prefer staying dry on their trips on the water, many others love to enjoy cooling off in the water during these hot summer months. The ocean, streams and even relatively placid lakes can be far different beasts than the swimming pools that most are more familiar with. Before you or your loved ones take a dip, make sure you know these water safety tips to help keep your next boating trip a safe one.
Stay Sober: As we’ve warned before, drinking and boating can be just as dangerous as drinking and driving. The safety risks also apply to swimming after knocking back a few. As alcohol dehydrates you (on top of the scorching sun) and impairs your judgment, it’s easy to see the potential risks you face when trying to swim while impaired. Save the drinks for when you’re back on shore.
Stay Aware: Keep a close eye on friends and family who decide to take a dip. It’s surprisingly easy to lose track of people, especially when currents and waves can unknowingly drift swimmers from your boat. Kids and the elderly are especially important to watch, as they can sometimes lose track of the boat or become fatigued more quickly than others.
Watch the Weather: Especially in the summer months, weather can be… temperamental. Always keep track of the local forecast and an eye out for dark clouds and thunder. At the first signs that a storm may be brewing, pack it in and head back to shore before the waterworks begin. Lightning, especially in Florida, is a deadly serious concern that you do not want to play with.
PFDs for Added Protection: Personal floatation devices (PFDs), aka life jackets, can quite literally be lifesavers when enjoying time on the water. Though you won’t be doing any diving in them, having a PFD on can keep your head above water if you drift away or simply run out of steam while swimming, giving the boater, or emergency services, enough time to reach you and bring you safely back on board.
Never Go Alone: Though we all need a bit of “me” time, going for a swim when boating alone can be a costly mistake. As we stated above, waters can be deceptive, and you can find yourself pulled away from your boat by an unseen current. Even with company, you should let someone on shore know your plan for the day, including float plan and schedule, just in case.
Armed with these water safety tips, we hope you all enjoy the summer on, and in, the water. Just try to keep the drinks for later, keep a close eye on swimmers, watch for bad weather, keep a PFD on and never go it alone as it’s always important that you have a blast without putting safety on the back burner. Have fun and we’ll see you on the water.
As you may have heard, we’re officially living in the future now. Though we may be a ways off from hoverboarding to work, when it comes to self-driving tech, we may only be a decade or two away from seeing a steering-wheel-less world. With this technology already in testing on our roadways today, the question nearly asks itself: are autonomous boats on the horizon as well?
When people conceptualize autonomous boats and cars, they’re usually filled with a complicated swirl of interest and concern; that is completely normal, we promise. Though it may be appealing to imagine waking up for the hour-long commute to work every morning just to turn that into an hour-long nap, how much can we trust that our trusty robot chauffeur isn’t going to steer us directly into Farmer Jim’s cow farm instead of the turnpike?
If the general success of self-driving car testing is any indicator, autonomous boats may be safer than you’d think. Though there have been cases of accidents involving cars in autonomous mode (one of which was fatal), for the most part, this tech has begun showing real promise on real roads, performing such complicated tasks as anticipating sudden stops, avoiding swerving cars and generally flowing with traffic. All of these advancements surely imply that tech would only improve and apply directly to autonomous boats. Oh, and MIT is also developing the tech behind it, so there’s that.
Along with two Dutch universities, MIT is working on a project playfully coined as the Roboat, which will launch in the form of ferries in the near future. On the commercial front, this tech could lead to the automation of cargo ships, which Rolls-Royce is actively researching. Though leisure boating hasn’t been the focus of autonomous boat technology, there is no question that these advancements could leak into the retail market at any moment.
Would you be interested in a self-driving boat or do you think that’s half the fun? Regardless of the future, the control of today’s boats is most certainly in your hands, which means safety is as well. Always be sure to follow posted wake limits, double check your safety equipment before departing and keep an eye out for fellow boaters. That is, until you can leave the navigation to Wall-E or Rosie the Robot.
For more on the future of autonomous boats, check out this excellent article from ComputerWorld.com.
Even if you feel like you could navigate your favorite boating spot with your eyes closed and one arm tied behind your back, there’s still one thing that many boaters–even the experts–forget to brush up on: Florida boating laws. OK, now. Stop your yawning and sneering. Knowing your boating laws goes a long way in not only ensuring safety on your next excursion, but also being able to have a better time without the worry of breaking boating regulations.
Florida Boating Laws You Should Know
From expert boaters to relative newbies, everyone on the water should know:
Speed Kills: Excessive wakes can be harmful to sea life and fellow boaters. Never create a hazardous wake, obey “minimum wake” and “slow” signs, and operate at the slowest speed possible in no-wake zones.
Registration is Required:With the exceptions of canoes, kayaks, and other row-style boats, as well as non-motor-powered boats under 16 feet long, all vessels must be registered within 30 days of purchase. Registration, which is conducted through your local tax collector’s office, must be on board at all times.
You Must Report Accidents:Like a car accident, it is illegal to leave the scene of a boating accident without first reporting it to the authorities. Additionally, you are responsible for administering as much aid as possible to those involved. If the accident involves injuries more serious than what a first-aid kit can handle or causes damages of $2,000 or higher, you must contact the sheriff’s office and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission as quickly as possible.
Safety Devices Save Lives:U.S.-Coast-Guard-approved personal floatation devices (PFDs) are required to be on board–one for each person. Though not mandatory by law, it is highly encouraged that every passenger (and the operator) wear PFDs at all times. Children under six years of age must wear a PFD whenever the vessel is underway. Navigation lights are required to be turned on in low visibility conditions, as well as at nighttime.
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Florida boating laws and regulations, but luckily, there is an entire, easy-to-access guide full of helpful information like the above. Before hitting the water again, take a look at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s website. You just may learn a thing or two.
