2021 has officially kicked off and if you’re like me, the clock struck midnight and you remembered you forgot to make your New Year’s resolutions. YIKES! If you participate in this occasion and accidentally took your sweet time, we’re got a few ideas for you and guess what…they’re all boat themed! Yes, all of those missed opportunities out on the boat living your very best life stop in 2020 (with everything else that needs to stay there – am I right?)! Make this year’s outing safer and more fun than ever by thinking of all the ways that you will make boating better for you and your loved ones.
Do More Boating
First thing is first: we all say we want to do this, but committing to it is another issue. Whether its picking a specific day each month to designate to boating or taking a long, scheduled boat trip down to the Bahamas, you’ll be so glad you did it when you get out on the open waters and take a breath from everyday life!
Take a Boating Class
Whether you’ve been boating for a week or ten years, you can always learn a way to be smarter and safer while you’re out on the water. Boating classes are very beneficial and our entire team at Longshore does them throughout the year to keep our minds sharp! We suggest using the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, which offers courses for boaters at any level. Want to figure out how to use your VHF radio? They’ve got a class for that. Forgot how to tie a proper knot? Got one for that too. The classes range from an hour to deep 13 session lessons.
Upgrade Your Safety Equipment
This may be something you’ve been putting off because what you have now is fine or isn’t expired yet, but it’s time to replace! Lifejackets are becoming more comfortable while staying within standard regulations so that more people will actually wear them, helping drop the two-thirds of boating fatalities due to drowning statistics. Emergency flares expire 42 months after they’re made, which means boaters are required to replace them after just a few seasons on the water. The best way to dispose of expired flares is to follow your local authorities guidelines and pay attention to the U.S. Coast Guard’s explanation of various types of flares for day and night use.
Get a New Water Toy
It’s time to broaden your water-toy horizons from snorkeling masks and fishing poles. Treat yourself to a towable four-person tube, stand able water pad or banana-shaped tube to hit those high speeds. There’s a number of different retailers or you can come down to Longshore Boats to shop our towables!
Gather Some Cool, New Tech
There’s always new manufacture gadgets and gizmos coming out every year that nobody can keep up with! You’ll definitely never find room to store it all on your boat, but you can treat yourself to one piece of cool tech or replace an old one whether it’s a GPS, fish finder, or autopilot!
