Firstmate Controls

  The weather outside might be frightful, but this is the perfect time to get prepared for next year's boating season! Have you found yourself daydreaming or spending time staring out at the water reminiscing about the great times you had on the water this past season?  Firstmate Controls understands your frustration. We want to share some great ideas to occupy your time during these cold winter months that will get you excited and ready for next year's boating season! Inspect Your Life Preservers Lifejackets that don't get used much and spend most of their time tucked away in the wells of your boat may not be in as good of shape as they should be. Even though they might not get used that often, they still need to be in top shape if there were an incident that arises that you will need to use a lifejacket. If yours aren't in good condition they're not going to be much help in saving a life. Take time to visually inspect every lifejacket for rips, tears, holes, etc....

  Whether you are new to the boating life, or an experienced boater, the need for a good understanding of boating terminology is a vital necessity. Knowing how your boat works, the function of each part of the vessel, how to address issues when they arise, and a basic understanding of boating safety  is knowledge every boat owner should have.  Being able to properly communicate with those on your boat in case of an emergency situation is crucial to the safety of everyone on board. In the event that you need to call for help, knowing common boat terms will come in handy when speaking with dock staff and even the coast guard when the need arises. Firstmate Controls knows the importance of boating safety and would like to share with you some common boating terms every boat owner should know. COMMON BOATING TERMS: HULL: The Hull is the bottom part of the boat that sits partially in the water. With a V-hull boat, the hull is made of fiberglass and shaped like a V. With a pont...

Firstmate Controls is proud to be the number one choice in remote lift controls. We pride ourselves on providing exceptional service and products and have done so for over 20 years! Since we introduced our initial Firstmate ® concept at the St. Louis Boat Show in 2001, our company has grown, not only in the marine industry but in the drive-thru, trucking, and communication industry as well. Safety is first and foremost when developing our products, along with a convenient system to get you and your passengers on and off your boat with ease.   Located in Labadie, Missouri, our manufacturing facility builds your system from the ground up when you place your order. Using a corrosion-resistant aluminum frame design for the base, your system goes through extensive testing by our knowledgeable quality control staff as it works its way down the production line. Electronic components are tested in pre-production and again prior to shipping. Before your specific product leaves our facility...

Veterans Day is an important holiday worth observing, whether you have served in our military, or know someone who has. This national holiday is held on November 11th in the United States to honor those who have served in our armed forces. Firstmate Controls understands the importance of this holiday and would like to share some fun facts surrounding this day. HOW THE HOLIDAY GOT ITS NAME On November 11, 1919, then President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed this day to be "Armistice Day" as it marked the end of World War I a year earlier, and was later declared an official holiday in 1938. The holiday was later changed to Veterans Day by then President Dwight D. Eisenhower to acknowledge veterans who had served prior to and after the First World War. CONFUSION ABOUT THE HOLIDAY Often confused with Memorial Day, which is a holiday to remember and honor those who gave their lives for our country, Veterans Day is the time to recognize all veterans, both living and deceased. If you no...

Safe, reliable, and easy to use! Our Firstmate boat lift remote control system is one of the best investments you can make for yourself, your watercraft, and your dock! For over 20 years, Firstmate Controls has made it our top priority to provide exceptional service and quality products for making your time on the water a safe and enjoyable experience. Our reliable boat lift remote control system is designed to keep your lift operating safely and effectively. We would like to share with you some of the benefits of owning our Firstmate products yourself! INVESTMENT PROTECTION Your boat and PWC are valuable investments and should be treated with the care and respect they deserve. Having a boat lift keeps your watercraft secure out of the water, protecting it against damage, minimizes the risk of theft, and saves you time and money. A quality boat lift will extend the life of your watercraft and its equipment. Having our boat lift remote control system is key in protecting your lift and w...

Fall is in full swing here in the Lake of the Ozarks , which means colder temperatures, wind, and rain. Although it's getting colder, the bass fishing is just getting warmed up! To the average American, Fall doesn't seem like the ideal time to head out on the water and try to catch fish! Fall is the time for watching football, or setting up in a hunting blind waiting for the perfect deer to score. However, the anglers know that this is the time of year that the bass will be feeding up as water temperatures continue to drop, making it the perfect time to cast a line and reel in those fish. Catching the perfect big bass is quite tough at times, but knowing where to look and what lures to use can help you with the quality and quantity of the bass you can reel in this Fall The cooler water temperatures of the lake in the Fall trigger a feeding frenzy for bass. After lazing in the deep-water spots of the lake during the hot months of summer, the bass are known to follow baitfish to ...

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...

Boating is a fun and entertaining activity to do with friends and family. But the weather in Missouri doesn't always cooperate with our plans. If inclement weather starts to roll in, then there are a few things you should know. Firstmate Controls started because we want to make the boat experience as safe as possible. So today we are talking about how to stay safe when weather goes bad while you're out on the water. Read on to learn more!  Check the Weather Before you head out on the water, it's best to plan ahead and try to avoid the bad weather all together. There are many weather apps that can help you plan ahead for sunny days with no rain in the forecast. We all know that Missouri weather can be unpredictable, and that days forecasting sprinkles could actually be bright and sunny. However, if the weather is calling for thunderstorms or lightning, then it is a good idea to not go out on the water at all. Instead, stay on the dock and enjoy time in your own cove...