Boat Safety Guide

Boating accidents cause hundreds of fatalities and thousands of injuries in the US every year — the vast majority preventable. Required safety equipment, understanding weather and water conditions, and basic seamanship skills dramatically reduce risk on the water. This guide covers what you're legally required to have on board and the safety practices that keep every trip safe.

Required Safety Equipment Weather and Water Safety

Required Safety Equipment

The US Coast Guard requires specific safety equipment on every boat. Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs, or life jackets): one Coast Guard-approved PFD for every person on board, plus one Type IV throwable device on boats 16 feet and longer. PFDs must be appropriate for the wearer's weight and size and must be readily accessible — not stowed in a locked cabinet. Children under 13 must wear a PFD at all times when underway on most recreational boats. Fire extinguishers are required on motorized boats with enclosed engine or fuel spaces. B-I extinguishers are required at minimum on most recreational powerboats. Visual distress signals (flares or electronic devices) are required on vessels 16+ feet operated at night and in coastal waters. A sound-producing device (horn or whistle) is required on all vessels.

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Weather and Water Safety

Weather is the most unpredictable variable in boating safety. Check the marine forecast before every trip — VHF weather radio broadcasts continuous forecasts on NOAA Weather Radio channels. Thunderstorms are the most dangerous boating weather condition: lightning strikes water, and a boat offers no shelter from a direct hit. Head to shore immediately if a thunderstorm is building, even if you're far from your destination. On lakes and rivers, watch for changes in wind direction and speed, cloud patterns, and the behavior of other boaters. On coastal waters, understand tidal currents and how they interact with wind to create choppy or confused seas. Know the location of the nearest shelter or marina along your planned route.

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Ready to Get Started?

Safe boating is fundamentally about preparation, equipment, and awareness. Keep your required safety gear current and accessible, check the weather before you go, tell someone your float plan, and never drink alcohol while operating a boat. Most boating fatalities involve operator error, inadequate safety gear, or preventable situations. Browse current listings to find a safe, well-equipped boat.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do children have to wear life jackets on a boat?

Federal law requires children under 13 to wear a US Coast Guard-approved PFD at all times while underway on a recreational vessel, unless they are below deck in an enclosed cabin. Many states have stricter age requirements. All passengers are strongly recommended to wear PFDs, regardless of swimming ability.

What is a float plan and do I need one?

A float plan is a document left with a shore-based contact that describes your trip: who is on board, your boat description, your planned route and destination, and when you expect to return. It's not legally required, but it's a simple practice that dramatically reduces search-and-rescue response time if something goes wrong. Leave it with a marina, family member, or friend.

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Boats docked on a serene lake at sunset.

Buying Guide

Boat Buying Guide

So, you've got the itch. The open water is calling, the sun is shining, and you're dreaming of days spent fishing, skiing, or just cruising with friends. I get it. I've been there, more times than I care to admit, and I've bought, sold, and cursed more boats than most people have owned cars. From leaky aluminum fishing boats to temperamental ski rigs and stately cabin cruisers, I’ve made every dumb mistake, so you don't have to. Buying a boat isn't like buying a car; it's a lifestyle choice, a financial commitment, and sometimes, a test of your sanity. This isn't some fluffy marketing piece. This is a boat buying guide forged in the crucible of real-world ownership. I'll cut through the gloss, tell you what really matters, what breaks, and where your money *actually* goes. By the time you're done reading, you’ll know the critical differences between a Bennington pontoon and a Boston Whaler center console, what that $80,000 Malibu really entails, and why a $5,000 Lowe aluminum boat might be your smartest move. You'll understand the true cost of ownership, not just the sticker price, and how to spot a lemon before it leaves you stranded. My goal is simple: to arm you with the knowledge to make a smart, informed decision. You’ll learn how to buy a boat that fits your life and budget, avoid the common pitfalls, and ultimately, find joy on the water without the heartbreak I've often experienced. Let's dive in, but not before you check the bilge pump.

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Boat Insurance Guide

Boat insurance protects you against some of the biggest financial risks of boat ownership: accidents, theft, sinking, and liability. It's not legally required in most states, but it's strongly recommended — especially if your boat is financed, has a high replacement value, or is used in areas with significant other-boat traffic. This guide explains what boat insurance covers, what it costs, and which companies offer the best policies.

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Boat Maintenance Guide

A well-maintained boat is a reliable boat. Most on-water breakdowns are preventable with proper seasonal service, and neglected boats depreciate faster and are less safe to operate. This guide covers the essential maintenance tasks for outboard and inboard/sterndrive boats, what to budget, and the most common maintenance mistakes to avoid.