Firstmate Controls

Summer is almost here and boating season has officially arrived with the passing of Memorial Weekend last week. It's time! The Lake is calling and it's the perfect time to start enjoying your time outside and getting ready for a great summer. Firstmate Controls is all about having a great time while staying safe and organized. Check out our products to make sure your dock is ready for a great season, and read the rest of today's blog for fun lake activities the whole family can enjoy this summer. Learn to Paddle! There are a lot of ways to enjoy time on the lake in addition to spending time on the boat. One of these is to buy or rent a device that lets you take in the beauty of nature at a slower pace. Try a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard with the family. Who knows - you may love the activity so much that you make it a regular family outing!  If you fall in love with kayaking or paddleboarding, you have to check out Firstmate Controls and our Bracket Buddy ...

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 ...

If you are thinking about settling down lakeside, then Firstmate Controls is here to help! Today we are diving into the top four lakes in Missouri to help you find your perfect paradise. Whether you are looking for a great place to let loose or a serene spot to enjoy the peace and quiet, Missouri has a lake for you. Keep reading to learn all about four of the most popular and let us know what your favorite one is! Lake of the Ozarks The Lake of the Ozarks is a massively popular lake destination in Missouri. It's located practically in the middle of the state and has more shoreline than the coast of California. It's true! This Lake has also been named the #1 recreational lake in America by USA Today, as well as #2 most beautiful fall foliage in the United States.  This is the perfect lake for you if you love having a great time on the water with lots of people and fun times during the summer, with a more laid back atmosphere during the "off-season" mont...

Thinking about buying a used boat? Firstmate Controls is here to help you make the right decision when you are looking through the boat lots this season. We are the experts when it comes to boat lift controls and dock accessories, so helping you with tips on how to find the perfect used boat to add to your dock seems like the next logical step. Read on to learn more! Look for Cracks and Damage It is to be expected that a used boat will have a few scratches and wear from use, but if there is significant damage, then it may be best to steer clear from that particular boat. Cracked fiberglass could just be cosmetic, or it could mean that the boat has significant issues and could even take on water. Serious damage to the outside of a boat could mean that it will not fare well out on the water, especially on a busy day of boating on the Lake. Check the Seats Seats can tell you a lot about the condition of a boat. For example, make sure they are not loose in the floori...

The weather is looking up and the weekend is almost here! Get ready to have a great time on the water by preparing with important safety tips so you don't have to worry during your weekend of fun. Firstmate Controls prioritizes safety above all else. In fact, that's why we first created our Remote Boat Lift Control System . Read on and learn how to get ready for a safe and fun weekend of boating. Complete a Float Plan Floating plans are important documents that boaters fill out before heading out on the water for a day, or weekend, of boating. A float plan helps others know where you will be and when in case anything happens. This is particularly important if you plan to go floating or boating on a large body of water or on a river. The most important information to include on your float plan is how many people are coming with you, who they are, how long you plan to be out, and which destinations you plan to travel to.  Pack Well!  You may be tempted to just hop on...