If you dropped into Carly's Women's Day Seminar at the Toronto International Boat Show then please refer to this tip sheet with all of the useful information you might need when navigating family fun on the water!
Even if you didn't tune in you'll still find value in this awesome list of handy pointers
1. Safety First
- Life Jackets: Ensure everyone wears a properly fitted life jacket. Lead by example.
- First Aid Kit: Always have a well-stocked first aid kit on board.
- Emergency Plan: Practice emergency procedures ahead of time and have a plan in place.
- Make it Fun: Teach about safety using games and age appropriate language.
2. Practice Makes Permanent
- Communication: Never assume knowledge or what you heard. Use a tone the exhibits confidence and enjoyment.
- Docking: Stay calm. Go Slow. Practice shifting with confidence while tied up.
- Trailering: Assign roles. Practice on your own during off-hours or in the driveway
3. Plan Ahead
- Weather Check: Always check the weather forecast before heading out.
- Supplies: Pack enough food, water, and sunscreen for the entire family.
- Activities: Plan a variety of activities to keep everyone engaged, such as fishing, swimming, or exploring.
4. Involve the Kids
- Learning Opportunities: Teach children about boating safety and navigation.
- Roles and Responsibilities: Give them small tasks to help with, like holding the map or spotting landmarks. Assign roles that are age appropriate.
5. Make it Fun
- Games and Activities: Bring along water toys, games, and activities to keep the kids entertained.
- Music and Snacks: Create a fun atmosphere with music and favorite snacks.
- Capture Memories: Don’t forget a camera or smartphone to capture the special moments.
6. Know Your Stuff
- Terms: Learn the main jargon to boost your confidence.
- Freeboard: Distance from waterline to point of entry
- Draft: Amount of water it takes for the boat to freely float
- Rake: The angle of the boats hull
- Port: Left side of the boat facing forward
- Starboard: Right side of the boat facing forward
- Non-Current: Stock from prior years
- Stern: back end of the boat
- Bow: front end of the boat
- Aft: back area of the boat
- Forward: front area of the boat
- Transom: The back of the boat that the engine attaches to/through
- Engine Types: Inboard, Inboard/Outboard, Sterndrive, Jet, Outboard
- WOT: Wide Open Throttle
- LOA: Length Over All
- Common Maintenance Items: Make sure that you are doing routine maintenance.
7. Resources
- Boater’s Advice Kiosk (Booth 551 –Regal)
- Your local marina or dealership
- DiscoverBoating.ca
- BoatingWithDawsons.com
- BoatingSideKicks.com
- YouTube (MDFR Kids, Canadian Red Cross, boating with Ozzie, Blippee)
- BoaterKids.com
