Boating is Texas is alive and well, with thousands flocking to popular beaches, bays, rivers and lakes for some world-class fishing or scenic cruising in the Lone Star State. If you’re a local or simply visiting Texas for a bit of leisure time, make sure you know these quick takeaways before hitting the water. From age requirements to education courses, these must-learn facts can help you chart your course before heading into unknown waters.
5 Considerations Before Boating in Texas
- Who to call during a boating accident? If you are involved in a boating accident that results in injury (requiring treatment beyond first aid) or death, or causes damages to property in excess of $2,000, you must report it to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). You only have 48 hours to report an accident resulting in a fatality, but 30 days to report less serious accidents.
- Where can I complete my boating education? To legally operate a boat or PWC with more than 15 hp, you must first complete a boater education course, unless you were born before September 1, 1993.
- Can I drink while operating a boat? Open container laws do not apply to watercraft. However, operating a boat while intoxicated is a crime that could result in a driver license suspension, fines, or even jail time if involved in an accident while intoxicated.
- What identification do I need to carry while boating? Boaters must carry a picture identification card, as well as a boater certification card (if applicable).
- What’s the minimum age requirements for boating? Though boating in Texas can be fun for all ages, operators of vessels with more than 15 hp must be at least 13 years old. The same applies for windblown vessels of more than 14 feet.
The TPWD is a fantastic source of info for first-time boaters in Texas, so we highly suggest starting your research there if you have any questions about your next boating adventure. Texas is known as a big state, but also one that’s full of variety. Take advantage of that variety by exploring all the beautiful state has to offer, both on and off the water.
“Boaty McBoatface.” This is the name the internet chose in a poll for a $200+ million research vessel. Yes, sometimes the internet is a strange, wonderful place. Though the research council that held the poll decided to go for “The RSS Sir David Attenborough” instead (yawn), the sky’s the limit when it comes to naming a boat.
Though it’s definitely one of the more fun aspects of boat ownership, you may not have considered some of the nunces and benefits of naming a boat something memorable.
Facts to Consider When Naming a Boat
- Worried about picking a name that’s already chosen? Don’t fret. There is no law dictating that your name has to be original.
- You are not mandated to have your name on the hull of your boat, but if you do, lettering must be at least four inches in height.
- Consider naming it after a person. Though it’s a cliche, applying a gender to your boat could have the psychological effect of making you take better care of it. You just may take better care of “Jessica” than you would “Torpedo Chaser 5000.”
- Don’t pick a name that’s a play on illegal or reckless activity. Yes, police officers will notice and, no, they probably won’t find your pun on drugs, alcohol or speeding very funny.
- OK, now this is more for those of us who still step over cracks and avoid the paths of black cats, but there is a time-honored tradition that you may want to follow: NEVER rename a boat without having a proper renaming ceremony.
- Putting your name on your boat can make it more easily identifiable in emergency situations.
Naming a boat is not just fun — it’s a fundamental step towards making your boat truly yours. So, whether you go for “Boaty McBoatface” or “Betty,” make sure you pick a name that’s just right for you. We’ll see you on the water.
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!
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.
