Firstmate Controls

Hey boaters, are you looking for something boating related to keep you busy this winter? There's no better time to brush up on your boating knowledge and skills than now! So to help you become a better and safer boater, Firstmate Controls is sharing with you 5 knots that every boater should know, instructional videos included! Take a look: 1. Anchor Hitch (Anchor Bend or Fisherman's Hitch) Knot This is a great knot to use when tying an anchor line to an anchor. It's also a top used fisherman's knot, so it's got multiple good uses. The knot is very similar to a round turn and two half hitches except that the first half hitch is passed under the turn. This knot holds well even when tension on the line is changing. (Source: AnimatedKnots.com) 2. Carrick Bend Knot The carrick bend is a knot used for joining two lines. It is particularly appropriate for very heavy rope or cable that is too large and stiff to easily be formed into other common bends. It’...

Got a family member who's hard to shop for? Don't struggle finding ideas this year for Christmas gifts for the boat enthusiast in your life. The answer really is very simple. Firstmate Controls has some featured marine equipment products that they'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 for the boat enthusiast in your life! 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 ...

One of the great perks of  buying a boat lift remote control system  from  Firstmate Controls  is the awesome user support that you get. Not only do we have a user friendly support request option online, but we provide instructional videos and printable user guides on our website as well - and if that's not enough, you can always just pick up the phone and call us! We believe that to provide excellent customer service you have to also provide easy user support in ways that consumers best understand it. That's why we have several different methods of instructional and troubleshooting support options available on our website. Here are some of the ways  Firstmate Controls  quickly assists you with your questions, installations, and troubleshooting issues. Firstmate Controls Product Information  Overview Firstmate Controls provides information about each system we manufacture so making a selection is quick and easy. You can quickly view all of th...

The colder weather has us boaters jonesing for next year's boating season to get here as quickly as possible. You may even be spending time longingly staring out to the water or just sitting in your boat offshore reminiscing about the great times you had on the water this past summer. Firstmate Controls know your pain. BUT! Just because it's fall and the temperatures have dropped, doesn't mean you have to completely give up your love of boating. We've got some great ideas - check out 5 things you can do NOW to gear up for next year's boating season! 1. Inspect Your Life Preservers Lifejackets that don't get used much and spend most of their shelf life tucked away in the wells of your boat may not be in as good of shape as you think. And while you may be thinking "well, we don't ever use them anyway, so it doesn't matter," if an incident were to arise that you did need to use a lifejacket, if yours aren't in good condition they're ...

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 First...

Every boat owner should have a good understanding of how their boat works, the function of each part of their vessel, how to address issues when they arise, and have a basic understanding of boating safety . One thing that many boaters don't know, however, is common boating terminology. And some of these terms you really should know without having to put much thought into it if you're going to own a boat. Why? Because being able to properly communicate with those on your boat in case of an emergency situation is very crucial. Plus, 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. So here are 15 common boating terms every boat owner should know: Common Boating Terms 1. Bow Refers to the front end of a boat. (You can remember "bow" as the front, because when you take a bow, you're leaning forward.) 2. Stern Refers to the rear end of a boa...

The cooler weather of fall has many boaters spending less time on the water. With the colder temperatures, it's probably time to start thinking about winterizing your boat for the winter if you're not going to be using it as often. Well, why should you winterize your boat? Because the harsh weather to come can be pretty rough on a boat and it's engine. So here are just a few tips you need to make sure you're doing when winterizing your boat. Care for the Battery It's easy to forget about your battery when taking care of maintenance, but it's important that you don't leave it unattended this fall. One of the main issues that boaters run into when breaking out their boat in the spring is dealing with a dead batter because they didn't take proper care during winterization. Avoid leaving your battery connected through the winter because although your boat isn't being used, your battery will get drained. Instead, disconnect your battery and remove it...