Boating is a lifestyle that many never get the opportunity to experience.  But those that do, never look back as the water parts behind them as they embark on their journey.  Boating can take you places you’d only imagine you could touch.  I speak highly of boating because being on the water has become a sense of serenity for me.  I have experienced loss in my life and I have become passionate about being on the water in my boat, on my wakeboard, or jet ski.   I compare boating to flying, you have a sense of freedom without the fear of falling.  No matter your age, income, or residence.  You can enjoy the water anywhere!

Boating Safety is key.  You want to ensure that you are in compliance with your state laws and your boat is equipped with the necessary equipment to handle an emergency.   My resident state is Florida.

Boat Safety

In Florida the requirements are:

• The owner and/or operator of the vessel is required to carry, store,  maintain, and use the safety equipment required by the U.S. Coast Guard.
• You will need to have a PFD for each person aboard your vessel.  The PFD must be the appropriate size for the individuals and must be accessible.  The State of Florida urges all passengers aboard a water vessel to wear a PFD but are not required.
• Vessels 16 ft in length or longer must have a USCG approved PFD  throwable that is immediately available to throw overboard incase of a fall.
• Children under the age of 6 must wear a USCG approved PFD while onboard a vessel that is less than 26 feet in length while the vessel is in motion. If the vessel is anchored, moored, made fast to the shore, or aground, the child may take the PFD off.
• Vessels with built in or large fuel tanks with enclosed compartments whereby gasoline fumes can accumulate are required to carry a marine approved fire extinguisher.
• All vessels are required to carry a sound producing device, such as a referee’s whistle.
• Vessels less than 16 feet in length are also required to carry a minimum of 3 visual distress signals approved for nighttime use when on coastal waters from sunset to sunrise.  Vessels that are 16 feet in length and longer must carry a minimum of 3 daytime and 3 nighttime visual distress signals at all times when on coastal waters.
• Recreational vessels are required to display navigation lights between sunset and sunrise and during periods of reduced visibility.  You will want to refer to the U.S. Coast Guard for more information with regards to navigation lights.

I use Overton’s to purchase a lot of my boating, wakeboarding, and water gear.  I have found Overton’s to be a great source of most of my boating needs.
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This is my boat, The Monterey.  No we haven’t come up with a name for her yet.  Any suggestions? Drop me a line!