Firstmate Controls

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...

While you may not be able to go shopping or dine-in at your favorite restaurants right now, there is still much you can do. If you live on the lake, then you have your own personal source of entertainment right there in your backyard! While Firstmate Controls knows it's always fun to swim and dive off of your own dock, it is also a blast to go exploring and try new things. Read on to find inspiration and a few new ideas to try for your day on the water. Family Fishing Competition Fishing is a fun family pastime that you may have often enjoyed together. But... Have you ever turned it into your own competition? Choose a fun prize like a homemade crown or trophy, and bestow it on the person who catches the most - or maybe the biggest - fish during the day. This can be a fun and friendly competition that brings a little more excitement to the activity for the kids. Try Out Water Sports Cruising around on the boat is fun in itself, but getting up on your skis in the water...

Right now there are very few things we can do outside of our homes, but thankfully boating with our household is one of them! Enjoying a beautiful day on the water is a great way to break the monotony of being stuck in the house and be able to bond with the family. Firstmate Controls has all the products you need to get started with a great day from the dock, but what about once you're on the water? Keep reading to learn about our tips on how to create a boating box for your family! The Boating Box Itself Choose a box that will hold up well (i.e. not cardboard) and that is easy to grab when you're headed out to the boat for a fun day on the water. You get bonus points if the box is see-through so you can tell whether or not everything is stocked and ready to go without having to open it up and fish around for the necessary items. First-Aid Kit You never know what could happen out on the water. It's best to be prepared with a basic first-aid kit that...

Boating is a fun and exciting way to explore the many lakes in Missouri. Spending time with friends and family on the water is a great bonding experience. However, there are a few precautions that you should take before you get started on your adventure. There are a few issues that could ruin your day if you are not careful. Read on to learn about some of the safety hazards you should watch out for on your dock.  Electrical Issues Having a well-functioning lift control box, a powered fan, and a flat screen TV are all incredible options people can now enjoy on their docks thanks to technology and Firstmate Controls. However, if there is an issue in your electrical wiring, it could be very dangerous for you and your loved ones. If someone enters water that has been exposed to an electrical current, it will cause their muscles to seize up. Without being able to move, it is very common for people to drown when electrocuted in the water.  This is why it is impor...

Firstmate Controls works hard to bring our customers the latest technology and solutions to your boat and deck needs. One of those great things is the ability to use solar power with your boat lift control system . Firstmate Controls is proud to be able to offer solar power for both our remote control and manual control boat lift control boxes. Read on to learn about the amazing benefits of using solar power with your boat lift controls! Eliminate the Need for Shore Power With solar power on your boat lift control box, you won't have to rely on shore power any more! Feel 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 ! No Noisy Generators Electrically-powered boat lift control boxes often have to rely on noisy generators that can b...

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 ...