Firstmate Controls

  Whether you are new to the boating life, or an experienced boater, the need for a good understanding of boating terminology is a vital necessity. Knowing how your boat works, the function of each part of the vessel, how to address issues when they arise, and a basic understanding of boating safety  is knowledge every boat owner should have.  Being able to properly communicate with those on your boat in case of an emergency situation is crucial to the safety of everyone on board. In the event that you need to call for help, knowing common boat terms will come in handy when speaking with dock staff and even the coast guard when the need arises. Firstmate Controls knows the importance of boating safety and would like to share with you some common boating terms every boat owner should know. COMMON BOATING TERMS: HULL: The Hull is the bottom part of the boat that sits partially in the water. With a V-hull boat, the hull is made of fiberglass and shaped like a V. With a pont...

 Fall is here! Boating during this wonderful season can be so amazing. The Fall colors are so beautiful and we recommend viewing them from the water! On that note, our  boat lift remote controls  company makes safety a TOP priority. Keep reading this week's blog for a few safety tips that can help you from getting hurt on your dock. Fast, Reliable, Safe, that's what you get when you choose  Firstmate Controls  for your boat lift remotes! Have Fun Fall Boating And Avoid Getting Hurt With These Tips! BE MINDFUL WHEN BOARDING AND EXITING YOUR BOAT. A simple marine equipment installation like the Firstmate Boat Lift Remote Control system can make boarding and exiting your boat easy and safe for everyone! With just a touch of a button, your lift can quickly reach the onboarding level you set it to, and you don't have to hang on to the dock for dear life since your boat is still sitting safely in the lift until you're ready to go! No more boat rocking and boarding. Wh...

September is here, which means Fall is also basically here too! If you've ever boated at the Lake of the Ozarks during this time of year, you KNOW how beautiful it can be. If you haven't and you plan to, you are in for a treat! On that note, our  boat lift remote  providers are here to give you a few boat safety tips for you and your family to use this fall. To really try and ensure your boat is taken care of, consider the boat dock accessories you buy for it carefully. For instance, check out our Boat Lift remotes and see which works best for you. We take boat safety seriously here at  Firstmate Controls . To learn more, visit our website at  www.FirstMateControls.com . Boat Safety Tips For You and Your Family MAKE SURE THERE ARE LIFE JACKETS ON BOARD FOR EVERYONE AT ALL TIMES. Even the best swimmers should still practice safe boating by wearing a life jacket. Since you never know what could happen at any given moment, it's best to wear a life jacket at all times to...

When you're getting ready to go out on the water, there are a lot of things to keep track of and plan for before you leave. Even experienced boaters can forget something or make a mistake that causes damage or injury. (Check out Firstmate Controls' own story of how a dangerous situation turned into the birth of our incredible remote-controlled boat lift system !) That's why it's important to have a complete and reliable pre-departure checklist to use every time you're getting ready to head out on the boat. We are going to help you get started with a basic checklist that you can personalize to make sure everything is in order for your day of boating... Check it out!  1. Weather First and foremost, check the weather forecast in the area you'll be boating and for the full timeframe that you plan to be out on the water. Weather is often unpredictable and can change quickly, so just stepping outside to test the temperature is not a good indicator of what it's go...

Fall is still a great time to get the boat out and enjoy time on the water... It's not too late! As the temperature cools off, there are more things to take into consideration to make sure you stay safe out there. Firstmate Controls cares about your safety and loves helping make the boating experience more fun and safe with our products and services. In today's blog, we give you a few boat safety tips for the fall season. Keep reading to learn more!  Bring Enough Layers & Warm Clothes While this is Missouri and the weather can be REALLY unpredictable, fall is typically not as warm as summer, so dress for cooler weather if you are going to be out on the boat. If someone accidentally falls overboard, hypothermia can set in really quickly. Keep a couple of emergency blankets on board as well as a change of warm clothes just in case.  Don't Drink and Boat Too many boat accidents have happened over the years that were caused by boating while intoxicated. If you know you are...

If you own a boat lift, there is no better product to have than a boat lift remote control system! As a boat owner, there are many advantages of investing in a boat lift remote control and we're sure it will be your favorite purchase of all time. Firstmate Controls has the best electronic marine equipment in the Midwest. In this week’s blog, we will give you reasons to own Firstmate products for your boat lift needs, and how it can make your boating experience so much easier and safer!  Save Money by Reducing Dock Expenses Boat lifts definitely pay for themselves over time by increasing the value of your boat. Not only will you increase the value of your boat, you will also reduce the maintenance costs of your boat lift, dock, and boat repairs by having a Firstmate Control system. The truth is owning a boat, dock, and lift can be very expensive over time. Wouldn’t it be worth it to reduce those costs by installing the best boat lift control system on your dock? By owning a Firstm...

Firstmate Controls started out of a need to make the boating experience not only more convenient, but safer. When your lift controls are manual instead of remote controlled and automated, there is a lot of room for error and mishaps. Trying to jump from the boat to the dock, leaks in the lift causing your boat to float loose in the dock (or float away!), and so much more... Instead, stay safe with a Firstmate Controls and the best boat lift control system on the market . It's not just an accessory; it's a safety net for your boat, your dock & lift, your guests, and your wallet. Find out how!  YOUR BOAT Boating is one of your favorite pastimes, and you make sure to take great care of your boat. One of the ways you can do that best is by using a Firstmate Controls boat lift control system . It protects your boat by automatically adding air when the lift goes into the water. Your precious boat won't be floating away any time soon! YOUR DOCK & LIFT You dock is not just...

Boating is a great activity to enjoy with the whole family! If you have young kids, then there are some important ways to help keep them safe during your day out on the water. Firstmate Controls has the tips you need to keep boating fun and safe for all ages. Keep reading to learn more! TEACH YOUR CHILD TO SWIM Kids should learn how to swim at a young age. Basic skills to teach include: how to float, how to tread water, and how to swim at least one hundred yards in different directions. Until your child has mastered these skills, you should refrain from boating in very deep water. SET SOME BASIC BOAT RULES Just as your children have rules when riding in the car, your boat should be no exception. Children need to understand and follow basic boat rules. Children should be told to keep their hands and feet inside the boat at all times. It is very easy for small hands and feet to get injured when youngsters attempt to stick them into the water. Never allow children to run aro...

The Fourth of July is a great holiday to be at the Lake of the Ozarks! If you plan on spending time out on the water, Firstmate Controls has the tips you need. We have the best dock accessories and boat lift remote controls on the market, and we are here to help you enjoy a great Fourth of July this year. Keep reading to learn our tips on how to have fun while staying safe! Have Life Jackets On Board for Everyone Having enough life jackets onboard for every person is not only required by the state of Missouri, but it is also a smart habit to follow. But keep in mind that those life jackets have to be easily accessible. If they're stowed in the bottom of the boat under a lot of other equipment, they won't do you much good in an emergency. Make sure it's easy enough for everyone to grab a life jacket in a size that will support their weight. Make Sure to Check the Boat Before heading out on the water, it's important to make sure your boat systems are...

This week, May 16th - May 22nd, is National Safe Boating Week! Boating season is in full swing and the unofficial start to summer is this Memorial Weekend in several boating communities. Firstmate Controls produces the best boat lift controls and the best dock accessories on the market, all with the purpose to help keep you and your dock safe. Today we are talking about another important part of safety and boating... Becoming a licensed Missouri boater. Read on to learn whether or not you need to get a license and how to get officially certified. Who Needs a License? While anyone can take the official Boater's Education Course, it is only mandatory in Missouri for people born after January 1st, 1984. It's important to note that if you have a boater's license from another state, it will also be honored in Missouri. What is a License For? Some people think that you only need a Missouri Boating Certificate if you are driving a large boat. However, that ...

Boating is a fun and entertaining activity to do with friends and family. But the weather in Missouri doesn't always cooperate with our plans. If inclement weather starts to roll in, then there are a few things you should know. Firstmate Controls started because we want to make the boat experience as safe as possible. So today we are talking about how to stay safe when weather goes bad while you're out on the water. Read on to learn more!  Check the Weather Before you head out on the water, it's best to plan ahead and try to avoid the bad weather all together. There are many weather apps that can help you plan ahead for sunny days with no rain in the forecast. We all know that Missouri weather can be unpredictable, and that days forecasting sprinkles could actually be bright and sunny. However, if the weather is calling for thunderstorms or lightning, then it is a good idea to not go out on the water at all. Instead, stay on the dock and enjoy time in your own cove...

Boating is a fun and exciting way to explore the many lakes in Missouri. Spending time with friends and family on the water is a great bonding experience. However, there are a few precautions that you should take before you get started on your adventure. There are a few issues that could ruin your day if you are not careful. Read on to learn about some of the safety hazards you should watch out for on your dock.  Electrical Issues Having a well-functioning lift control box, a powered fan, and a flat screen TV are all incredible options people can now enjoy on their docks thanks to technology and Firstmate Controls. However, if there is an issue in your electrical wiring, it could be very dangerous for you and your loved ones. If someone enters water that has been exposed to an electrical current, it will cause their muscles to seize up. Without being able to move, it is very common for people to drown when electrocuted in the water.  This is why it is impor...

Boating is a favorite pastime for many around Missouri and all over the nation. It's a great way to bond with friends and family, and just get away from reality for a bit to relax. However, a day on the water can quickly be spoiled by 3 common dock accidents that are so easily avoidable. Check out these common accidents and ways to easily prevent them right here! Slips and Trips Any time there's splishing and splashing involved, there's the risk of a slip and fall. However, there are ways to prevent these types of accidents on your dock. Consider installing slip-resistant surfacing or matting products on your dock. A textured surface can help to reduce slippage under wet conditions, making the surface of your dock much safer. To avoid trips, make sure to keep all walkways free of debris, ropes, and anything that might not easily be seen and tripped over. Shocks and Electrocution When you own a dock, one of the best perks is being able to jump right in and cool off ...