Get Ready for Next Year NOW! 4 Steps to Get Started

8:30 AM

Your boat is winterized and boating season is seemingly over. But that doesn't mean you can't do anything for your boat and dock until spring. There is a lot to do in between seasons, and Firstmate Controls has the tips to help get you ready for next year... starting now! 



Brush Up On Your Boating Knowledge


No matter how much of a boating guru you consider yourself to be, there is always room for improvement and education. Refreshing your knowledge regularly could help keep you safe when you're out on the water next season. If you feel like you already know the ins and outs of your boat - it's inner workings, safety precautions, tips/tricks to make boating with your watercraft easier - you can venture out to other boating topics that interest you. Do you know all the proper knotting techniques a sailor should know? It's not only a fun topic, it could also be a very useful skill to have.

Research New Places to Boat


Sure, we all have our favorite place to take the boat out. And if you've got a lakefront home with a dock, you're more than likely content just jumping on the lake you live on. But every now and then, it's fun to check out new places. Take some time this winter to research other great boating locations - whether it be one of the Top 5 Missouri Recreational Lakes that we recommended in one of our previous blogs, a new to you creek or river, or somewhere out of state. Explore your options and make a plan to visit somewhere new - ADVENTURE IS OUT THERE!


Inspect Your Equipment


Safety equipment should be the first thing you check...

Life Jackets
Life jackets that don't get used much and spend most of their life tucked away in the wells of your boat may not be in as good of shape as you think. You may be thinking "well, we don't ever use them anyway, so it doesn't matter." But, if the worst happened, a bad or worn-out life jacket could be deadly. Take time to visually inspect every life jacket for rips, tears, holes, etc. Make sure that all the straps are intact and not frayed or torn. Check zippers and waist buckles for proper functionality too.

First Aid Kit
Make sure your first aid kit is fully stocked. Replace any items that you had to use over the summer so you don't run into a situation where you need something and it's not there. Also check the expiration dates of any medications (pain relievers, antibiotic ointment, etc.) and throw out any that are past their best-by date. 

Fire Extinguisher
This piece of equipment is legally required on all motorized watercraft in Missouri. Double check the date and safety information on your fire extinguisher to make sure it will be good through the next season. 

Get a Firstmate Control System!


Get proactive this fall/winter season and take the work out of boating before the next boating season gets here! With the push of a button, the Firstmate Boat Lift Remote Control takes all the work out of raising and lowering your boat. The Firstmate system can automatically set your boat to one of three levels: Up, Board or Down. When your boat reaches the desired level, the system shuts off automatically. With the Board position, there’s no more climbing up into the boat or hanging on to the dock, making it easier to get your guests and their items in and out safely.


Take these four steps to start preparing for the next boating season so you can stay safe and have a great time right away next year! Whatever dock accessories and lift control products you need, Firstmate Controls is here for you. Learn more on our website


Boat Lift Controls You Can Count On!

Firstmate Controls 
410 Century Business Drive
Labadie, MO 63055

Phone: (866) 570-9707




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