Firstmate Controls

There is without a doubt, no better accessory to have for your boat lift than a boat lift remote control system . With the many advantages it provides, investing in a boat lift remote control will be your most favorite purchase of all. Firstmate Controls has been manufacturing some of the best electronic marine equipment around for years, so we wanted to share with you a bit of history of how these products came to fruition. Take a look back at the history of Firstmate Controls. History of Firstmate Controls “Necessity, the Mother of Invention” ~ Plato Being boaters on the Mississippi during our dating years, our agreement when putting the boat away was that John would clean the outside of the boat while Julie cleaned the inside. Worked great until the day the spokes came off ~ John had the boat up on the lift while Julie was cleaning the inside like any other time. John stepped away and Julie decided to try and jump from the boat, in the air, to the dock. Not making the dock

As we near the fall season, most boaters know and appreciate that the fall season is wonderful because it means cooler weather, better fishing opportunities, and beautiful fall foliage scenery to enjoy. However, the change of season also means more responsibility and taking precautions in your boating routine. Here are some fall boating safety tips from  Firstmate Controls  to keep in mind when you go boating in the fall season: Plan Ahead for Potential Mishaps Pack a small dry bag with your cell phone if there’s reception in the area, some warm clothes, first aid kit, emergency shelter like a lightweight tarp or a small pup tent, and some high-energy snacks. Keep these items in your life jacket: Vehicle keys, whistle, knife, lighter or waterproof matches, fire starters, and an energy bar. Keep Your Motor Running This time of year you need proper nutrition and hydration to keep your body fueled and warm. Make sure to pack enough snacks and beverages for the entire day for every

If you are lucky enough to have a boat to hit the rivers and lakes in Missouri, boating is probably one of your favorite pastime activities. There is no better feeling than spending a day out on the water with friends and family. Naturally, if you have children you will want to include them in your on-the-water fun. Firstmate Controls  offers some tips to make boating fun and safe when children are present: 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 around on a boat. The boat can be slippery and children can fall on deck or overboard. And teach your children to wait until the boat has stopped and the engine is turned off before jumping

It's about that time of year again! September 15th marks the beginning of Gigging season in Missouri! When the weather gets too cold to enjoy splashing around in the rivers or lakes, but we're just not ready to give up on boating, it's time to break out the old jon boat and hit up the shallows for some REAL sport fishing! If you're interested in learning about fish gigging,  Firstmate Controls  has some great information to get you started! What is Fish Gigging? Gigging is a centuries old tradition that began as a necessity that consists of spearing fish rather than catching them with a hook and line.  As the culture and economy of the Ozarks changed, gigging began shifting toward sport. It became a social event and recreation for Ozark families. For local communities, it provided an opportunity to pause and spend quality time with family and friends. Opening night of gigging season was a major event. Families would show up at boat ramps throughout the Ozarks to gi