Your Guide to Boating During Inclement Weather

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Boating is one of many people's favorite pastime activities. When you are enjoying a warm summer day out on the water, nothing ruins your fun like inclement weather. Storms in Missouri, like the ones that have passed through this week, often come quickly and sometimes unexpectedly. When you are out on the water and it starts to storm, there are some things you should do for your safety. Firstmate Controls has some tips to keep you safe during inclement weather.


Check the Weather
Before you use your remote control boat lift to take your boat out on the water for the day, check the weather before you head out. You should get an idea of what the weather is going to do all day so you can plan accordingly. Storms can be dangerous when you are on the water, especially if lightning is the in the forecast. Having a smartphone on board is a good idea in case it starts to cloud up while you out because you can quickly check the radar. Keeping a constant eye on the weather is a must to keep you safe when you are out on the water.

Don't Risk Operating your Boat In Bad Weather
No one enjoys coming back to shore when inclement weather starts, but it's just not worth the risk to stay out on the water. Conditions to watch out for while you are boating are:
  • Fog, dark clouds, and lightning 
  • If you keep a barometer on board: if the barometer starts to fall, the air pressure is changing and usually means rain is coming or winds are going to pick up 
  • A sudden drop in temperature: this also typically means a storm is coming 
  • Puffy, vertically rising clouds 
  • Have the Proper Lighting on Board
If you are going fishing on an early foggy morning, or you are planning to go out on a nightly joy ride, you are required to have the proper lighting. Proper lighting is also required during periods of bad weather, especially heavy rain. If you are curious about what kind of lighting is required for your boat, check out The Handbook of Missouri Boating Laws and Responsibilities for more info.

Know How to Operate your Vessel
This may seem like a no-brainer, but if you are going to be the boat captain, you should know how to operate your vessel and know proper boating safety techniques. If you do find yourself caught in a storm, the captain should take these actions:
  • Make sure your passengers are wearing a life jacket 
  • Maintain your movement forward but reduce your speed 
  • Turn on the required lights 
  • If the storm is bad, seat your passengers on the bottom of the boat towards the center 
  • Head towards shore as soon as you can 
  • Stow away any loose items 
Boating is a fun family activity, but don't ruin your day of boating by risking your safety during a bad storm. Use these tips to keep yourself and your passengers safe while you are out on the water. Keeping your boat safe while you are out on the water is important, but don't forget about keeping your boat safe while docked during a storm. Storms typically cause choppy water. If you don't want to risk damage to your boat while it is docked, contact Firstmate Controls about our boat lift systems. Our remote control boat lift systems are easy to use and could save your boat from costly damage. Give us a call at 866-570-9707.

Boat Lift Controls You Can Count On!


Firstmate Controls 
130 Century Commerce Loop
Labadie, MO 63055

Phone: (866) 570-9707



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Location: Labadie, MO 63055, USA

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