To provide excellent customer service, you need to also provide user support in ways that our consumers will best understand it. That's why we offer several different methods of instructional and troubleshooting support options available on our website.

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.

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 pontoon boat, the hull is made of pontoons and a frame on which the sides and the floor sit.

Refers to the front end or most forward part of a boat. You will typically find seating with an open bow, but if the bow is closed, there is usually a cabin below. (You can remember "bow" as the front, because when you take a bow, you're leaning forward.)

STERN:

Refers to the rear of a boat. This is where the engine is on most boats, along with seating and sometimes a swim platform and ladder.

FORWARD:

This refers to the area towards the front or bow of the boat. When you are moving towards the front end of a boat, this is called going "forward."

This means moving towards the rear or stern of the boat.

The Helm of the boat is where the steering wheel and controls are located for the captain to operate the vessel.

The Transom is the area of the boat where the motor is attached and is located on the stern of the boat.

When on the boat and looking forward at the bow, the Port side is the left-hand side of the boat and is where the red side light is located. The words port and left both have four letters which makes them easier to remember.

When on the boat and looking forward at the bow,  the Starboard is the right-hand side of the boat and is where the green sidelight is located. 

When a boat is moving, either by motor or wind, this is called being "underway."

AHEAD:

Refers to a boat moving in a forward direction.

ASTERN:

Refers to a boat moving in a backward position (reverse).

To trim the motor means to move it up or down. This is used when in shallow water to protect the lower unit from hitting the ground by trimming the motor up.

Navigation light refers to all of the lights used on a boat while operating at night. These serve two important functions, one to make sure your boat is visible when operating at night, and the other to show who has the right of way when approaching another boat. The red and green sidelights indicate the right of way. If you are approaching a boat and see a red light you do not have the right of way, if you see green you can proceed.

This light can be found on any type of boat, located on the highest point of the boat or off the stern, and should be used when the boat is anchored at night.

These are the brightest lights on a vessel and should only be used when docking at night, not while the boat is underway as they are too bright and present a distraction to other boaters.

We hope this blog has been helpful and informative. By learning and familiarizing yourself with these common boating terms, you will be more easily able to communicate with those who are on your boat, and those in the boating or water safety industry. This will make boat ownership much easier and enjoyable along with conversations with other boat owners. Just remember, the more you know about your boat and boating safety, the better prepared you are when you're out on the water.

Another great way to better prepare for a great boating experience is to have a Firstmate Boat Lift Remote Control System installed for your dock lift. Our remote systems can be customized to fit any lift size, and make docking, launching, loading, and unloading a breeze! For more information about our marine electronic equipment, visit our website at www.FirstmateControls.com or call us at 866-570-9707. Happy Boating!

Since we introduced our initial Firstmate® concept at the St. Louis Boat Show in 2001, our company has grown, not only in the marine industry but in the drive-thru, trucking, and communication industry as well.

Safety is first and foremost when developing our products, along with a convenient system to get you and your passengers on and off your boat with ease.

 
Located in Labadie, Missouri, our manufacturing facility builds your system from the ground up when you place your order. Using a corrosion-resistant aluminum frame design for the base, your system goes through extensive testing by our knowledgeable quality control staff as it works its way down the production line. Electronic components are tested in pre-production and again prior to shipping. Before your specific product leaves our facility, you can be sure that it has been fully tested, valves pressure checked, and then securely packaged to be delivered directly to your door or dock.

Our valued employees are all dedicated to the quality and safety of our products and are always looking for ways to improve the design and function to ensure that what leaves our facility is a unique and top-quality product!

Our Firstmate Remote® Lift Control System is manufactured with state-of-the-art equipment, and can be installed for you, or shipped and ready for any application.

More than just an accessory for your dock, the Firstmate® Remote Lift Control System offers protection for all things boat related.

 
It’s a Safety Net for:

Your Boat:
Keep your boat high and dry! The Pro Remote monitors your boat & lift and auto-fills in the instance of cold weather, or potential leak.

Your Dock:
Keeps your lift up from the undercurrent of those “Plow Dog” waves.

Your Lift:
Maintain the longevity of your investments. Our lift controls will monitor and auto-fill during a leak or air restriction in the lift’s tanks.

Your Guest:
No more jumping on or off your boat to operate your lift. There’s a safer and easier remote-control option available!

Being boaters ourselves, we strive to make safe, easy-to-use, reliable lift controls for all boaters and would love to introduce you to our line of quality products.

Visit our website or give us a call to learn more about all our products available to make your boating experience a safe and enjoyable one!

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 Firstmate Control boat lift remote control you will make docking and launching your boat much easier and your lift will be prone to have less damage.

Why should docking and launching your boat take so long?
Every time you want to take a boat ride, you have to lower the boat from the dock and then climb on the rocking boat from the waves, then you have to move the boat from the slip, tie up and climb back out of the boat to lower the lift all before you actually get to enjoy a boat ride. Then when you return from a relaxing boat ride you have tie up the boat while you lower the lift and then dock the boat in the slip. That’s just one day, do you really want to do that all summer long.

Get on the water faster and enjoy a day of boating!
The Firstmate Boat Lift Remote allows you to quickly and easily get on and off the water without the headache of getting off and on the boat to lower and raise your lift. With a push of a button, the Firstmate Boat Lift Remote Control takes all the work out of docking and launching your boat. The Firstmate system will automatically set your boat to one of the three levels: Up, Board, and Down. When your boat reached the level you choose, the system shuts off automatically. When you place the remote to the board position, there’s no more climbing up to the boat or hanging onto the dock. This position makes it much easier for your guests and their items to board and leave the boat.


You want owning a boat to be a safe and positive experience for the whole family. By owning a Firstmate Lift Remote Control you will take the prep work out of lower and lifting your boat and give you more time out on the water, making memories with your friends and family. Visit our website or give us a call to get your boat lift remote control ordered and installed before the next boating season.

Boat Lift Controls You Can Count On!

Firstmate Controls 

130 Century Commerce Loop

Labadie, MO 63055

Phone: (866) 570-9707

www.firstmatecontrols.com

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• Outdoor Speakers
• Fire Extinguishers
• Towable(s)

Large Bracket Buddy
18-150-01$58.00

The Universal Mounting Bracket designed to customize your dock without drilling holes

Accommodates mounting accessories such as:

Small – 1 man - up to 125 lbs.
Large – up to 150 lbs.

    Has additional 7 inches of Storage for Larger;            Two-Man; or Sit-on-Top Kayaks

1-MAN $275.00

2-MAN $325.00

Fly the Flag of your choice proudly with this perfect dock accessoryAdjustable Angle & Tilt

Holds Flag securely in place with built-in thumb screw
**Flag not included

$142.00

Fires can happen unexpectedly. Be Proactive – by being Prepared.

Marine Approved

Hand Portable - 2.5 lbs.

ABC Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher

Multi-purposed UL Listed

18-150-16

$365.00

Keep your outdoor space cool - All Year LongAs always, Firstmate is dedicated to the design, manufacture, distribution, and servicing of the finest wireless electronic equipment for the recreational marine industry. We offer full manufacturing capability using state-of-the-art equipment. Complete systems can be installed for you, or shipped ready for any application. The same dedication holds true for our Buddy Bracket system that was designed by the Engineers of Firstmate!

As avid boaters ourselves, we know the importance of a day on the water, and the fun and relaxation it provides! With our remote lift control system and the Bracket Buddy to organize your accessories, you will be able to "get on the water faster"!

Complete systems can be installed for you, or shipped ready for any application. Give us a call today at (866) 570-9707 to speak to a team member of the most experienced boat lift remote control company in the United States. We're happy to assist you with your hoist upgrade and dock accessory needs!

Boat Lift Controls You Can Count On!