Firstmate Controls

Firstmate Controls was created to make the boating experience safer. Today, to help our boaters even more, we're highlighting some of the important boating laws in our home state of Missouri. Keep reading to learn the basic rules for registering, operating, and keeping your boat safe out on the water. Registration Requirements In the state of Missouri, you need to be issued a Missouri Certificate of Number and validation decals in order to operate your boat on Missouri waters. The only exceptions are non-motorized vessels, sailboats 12 feet or less in length, or vessels registered in other states using Missouri water for 60 consecutive days or less. Your Certificate of Number has to be on your boat at all times so that you can provide it to law enforcement if necessary. The validation decals have specific display rules to make sure they are easily identifiable from a distance. The number has to be on both sides of the boat, read from left to right, and meet other specific color an...

In just one month, the LOMDA Sping In-Water Boat Show will be in full swing! This event is going to be a great way to get out this spring and check out some of the best boats and boating products on the market. The Firstmate Controls team can't wait to see you there! Check out the details below... What is LOMDA and the In-Water Boat Show? LOMDA - or the Lake of the Ozarks Marine Dealers Association - is made up of 40+ marine dealers in the Lake of the Ozarks area. They represent the best in marine accessories, docks, personal watercraft, boats, and more. This year, they are presenting their annual In-Water Boat Show at Dog Days Bar & Grill. (1232 Jefferies Rd. Osage Beach, MO 65065) Join in on the fun April 22nd-24th! You'll get to take a look at all kinds of new boats (yachts, cruisers, fishing, ski, pontoon...) and even see some great deals on trade-ins and brokerage options. But it's not just about the boats. It's about everything that makes the boating experienc...

There has been a lot of snow over the past few months in Missouri! If you have been experiencing accumulation in your area, then you might be wondering if the snow could be causing issues for your dock or boat. Firstmate Controls has the answers for you in today's blog! Keep reading to learn how to check your dock and what kinds of issues snow accumulation might cause. Checking Your Dock First and foremost, it is very important for you to make sure you keep yourself safe while you are checking on your dock and boat. Snow, ice, and precipitation are slippery and it can easily cause you to slip and fall into the water. If that happens, it only takes a few minutes for your body to start reacting badly to the cold water, cramping up and making it difficult to stay afloat. In fact, it only takes about 15-20 minutes for hypothermia to start setting in. For that reason, it is incredibly important to wear a life jacket when you are inspecting the dock, especially if you're alone. If y...

You may have heard of using solar energy for your home and even your camper, but have you heard of using it on your dock for your boat lift? Firstmate Controls has! We have incorporated solar technology into our boat lift controls so you can enjoy a cleaner, safer option. Read all about it in the rest of today's blog!  "Cut the Cord" With solar power on your boat lift control box, you can eliminate the need for shore power. Get free from the tangled wires and placement restrictions that come with having to use power directly from the shoreline. Solar power can be used anywhere there is sunlight, so you don't have to fret about where to put your new boat lift control system from Firstmate Controls ! Safer Solution If your dock is currently using shoreline power, there could be some hazards lurking in and around your dock that you aren't even aware of. Some docks were grandfathered in when the new requirements were put into place that docks' electrical must hav...