Firstmate Controls

Fall is still a great time to get the boat out and enjoy time on the water... It's not too late! As the temperature cools off, there are more things to take into consideration to make sure you stay safe out there. Firstmate Controls cares about your safety and loves helping make the boating experience more fun and safe with our products and services. In today's blog, we give you a few boat safety tips for the fall season. Keep reading to learn more!  Bring Enough Layers & Warm Clothes While this is Missouri and the weather can be REALLY unpredictable, fall is typically not as warm as summer, so dress for cooler weather if you are going to be out on the boat. If someone accidentally falls overboard, hypothermia can set in really quickly. Keep a couple of emergency blankets on board as well as a change of warm clothes just in case.  Don't Drink and Boat Too many boat accidents have happened over the years that were caused by boating while intoxicated. If you know you are...

We're officially moving into the fall season in Missouri, and it's time to start thinking about getting your boat and dock ready for the colder weather.  Firstmate Controls  is all about keeping you safe and having a great time. So, in today's blog, we're talking about some tips on how to prepare for the colder temperatures that are on their way. Keep reading to learn all about it!  Get an Inspection The fall is the perfect time to have your dock inspected. This can be especially important for second homeowners that aren't at their property all year long. If you have a Firstmate Controls boat lift control box , you have access to incredible support right here on our support page . You can also schedule a service call or off-season dock check right on our helpful website !  Do a Quick Overview One of the first things you can do on your own to make sure your dock is safe and ready for colder weather is to do a visual inspection. Make sure no bolts or fasteners are mis...

Spending time on the dock is one of the best ways to enjoy a sunny summer day! Make sure your time is safe and well-spent with dock accessories that help keep things out from underfoot and make it easy and safe to enjoy the day. Firstmate Controls has the best dock accessories and we are here to help you make the most of your dock this summer. Keep reading to find the products that will enhance yours! Lounge Table Play cards, serve the freshest catch, socialize with friends, or set down your drink to free a hand 15" Radius Includes (2) Removable Stainless Steel Cup holders (Standard Size) King Starboard - Anti Skid, Marine grade material Trash Can Ring Make Trash collection less frustrating & mess – free 16” Diameter Ring Fits Standard Tall Kitchen Trash Bags Foldable - Compact Storage for when not in use Multi Purpose Hook Hang a Variety of Personal Belongings Out of the Way & within Reach Great use for: Swim Towels Lotion Bags Life Jackets Wet Swim Suits 4 Rod Holder w...

This spring is going to be a very unique one and everyone is more likely to be spending more time on their dock this year. Firstmate Controls has just about everything you could need for an entertaining and wonderful spring no matter what is going on beyond your own dock. Today we are highlighting some of the great things you can add to your dock this season. Read on to learn more! The Bracket Buddy™  This wonderful device, designed by the Engineers of Firstmate®, is easy to install and is compatible with community docks because it doesn't require any drilling! Because of its stainless steel construction, it is also corrosion resistant. This is the perfect addition to any dock and allows you to attach everything you could want to create a personal paradise on your own dock. Check out all of the compatible products below and choose your favorite! Kayak Mounting Kit Fire Extinguisher with Bracket Adjustable Flag Kit 4 Rod Holder with Bracket 360 Degre...

Spring is less than a week away, which means boating season is just around the corner! Firstmate Controls has the best boat lift control systems and boating accessories for your time out on the water. In the fall we talked about how to winterize your boat, so it's only fair to help you get through the de-winterization process as well! Read on to learn all about it!  Engine Check Make sure that your engine is in top condition before the season officially begins so that you can avoid any engine issues while out on the water. Part of a good and thorough engine check includes an oil change as well as changing the oil filter. Check the Battery It is possible that your boat's battery died over the winter. Make sure your battery is fully charged and operational before heading out on the water. The last thing you want to happen is to head out for your fun day on the Lake only to realize your boat's battery has died. It can take an entire day for a boat battery to ...

When researching marine electronic equipment online, it's always reassuring to know what the company you're considering buying from is all about.  It's also nice to know the quality of products they offer, the services they provide, and whether or not they'll be there for continued support once the sale is final.  These considerations are all things that we understand and appreciate, which is why we're making it easier for you to get to know us and the services and products we offer! How We Got Started Firstmate Controls officially started in 2005 in satellite communications providing contract engineering for larger firms and engineering services for smaller inventors.  We have aided in bringing products to market not only in the marine market but also in the drive-through industry, trucking industry and hold multiple patents in communications.  Our manufacturing facility is located in Labadie, MO, but we ship our top quality products all over America. Our ...

Your pets are part of your family, so naturally you want to include them in all of the family activities. One summer activity you may be hesitant to involve your dog in is going out on the boat. While many dogs are typically natural swimmers, the question still stands as to whether they'd do well on the water or not.  Firstmate Controls  knows you want to include your furry buddy in all of your outdoor fun activities this summer, so we've come up with some helpful tips to follow when taking your dog on a boat. Check it out! Acquaint Your Dog with the Boat Our first tip is to get your dog acclimated and comfortable with the boat BEFORE launching. The last thing you want to do is to bring your dog out on the water and have to turn right back around because they become anxious or scared. Start out on the dock, letting them find their sea legs and become comfortable with the movement on the dock. Once they seem comfortable on dock, you can load them up on the boat while it...

When it comes to the safety of your boat and those who will ride on it, you want to make sure you're doing everything you can to prevent any damage or accidents. We as boaters know all too well how hazardous it can be to try to load and unload from your boat without an accident or injury taking place. That's why we came up with the  boat lift remote control system  - to make boating less work and more enjoyable and safe. Not sure a  Firstmate Boat Lift Remote Control  is for you? Check out what real boaters like you have to say about it! REAL CUSTOMER REVIEWS  “Of all the things I have bought at the lake, this was my best purchase!” ~ Tom S., Sunrise Beach, MO “Safety - with the remote system, there is no need to leave someone on the dock to raise the lift” ~ Jim H., Lake St. Louis, MO “Able to raise lifts to protect them when boating” ~ Ken E., Rocky Mount, MO “The Firstmate has operated flawlessly since day one. It’s one part of boating that...

Many of us are chomping at the bit to get out on the water, and in our excitement may forget to check over our boat before hitting the water. The last thing you want happening is to have the family packed up and ready to go only to find that your boat is having issues and the only place you're going is back to shore to figure out what's wrong.  Firstmate Controls  wants to make sure you and your boat are ready to hit the water. As long-time boaters and  wireless marine electronic experts , we know the struggles of boating mishaps that can take place if you don't properly prepare and maintain your boat before going out on the water. To avoid some of the common problems that boaters run into, we've put together a list of things that you should check before taking your boat out on the water every time. Inspect for Damage Your boat may have taken on some damage since the last time you used it, so inspect the hull and all other parts of your boat thoroughly. If you'...

Summer is HERE! As the weather gets hotter, you are probably looking forward to taking your boat out on the water at your first available opportunity. Before you get your boat out, you should think about some maintenance that might need to be done. Having a maintenance checklist to ensure your boat is in tip top shape could save you some trouble later in the season. Firstmate Controls has some tips on what you should look for before you take your boat out on the water. Batteries  Make sure your batteries work. If this is the first time taking your boat out for the season, it is possible that after sitting all winter your battery may have lost it's charge. You may just need to recharge it. You should also clean and tighten all electrical connections and battery terminals. Make sure to clean your battery terminals very well. If you have any corrosion on your battery, it could cause your boat to not start in the future. After you clean your battery terminals, coat the terminals w...

Get ready for the boating season this year by revolutionizing your hoist! Not sure what products will be best for properly  accessorizing a dock ?  Firstmate Controls  has some featured products that you'll love. We make shopping for dock accessories and  remote control systems  easy. We don't just have remote control systems, we also carry parts for servicing systems as well.  Check out our website  for more products that we have in stock. Manual Boxes Features: Full Port Valves  Handle Stops Standard Remote Features: Emergency Handles  Remote Controlled  Safety Valve Drivers Generation 3 Pro Features:  Faster Operation  Even Easier to Use  Emergency Handles  Remote Controlled  Safety Valve Drivers  Smart Controls  Lift Monitoring  Programmable Positions  Remote Lighting Option from Key Fob: Dock Lights, Ambient or Cove Theatre Lighting   *Featu...