We often get asked general boating questions in addition to the questions about vessel documentation. As the holidays approach and the temperatures drop across North America, we’ve been receiving a vessel documentation query that has nothing to do with vessel documentation at all: “how can we boat safely during the holidays?” It’s clear that there are certain considerations that have to be taken into account when boating in the cold. By following them, you ensure that not only will you and yours be safe, but that you’ll have a good time too.
The Beauty of Winter Boating
For some, this entire line of questioning might sound preposterous: “why would you boat in the winter? It’s so cold” is something that we often hear. The truth is that winter boating allows you to take in some truly incredible beauty. Seeing the trees and the shore from the water can give you a better definition of what “winter wonderland” really means. The better question isn’t “why would you boat in the winter,” but rather, “why wouldn’t you boat in the winter?”
Vessel Documentation Query: Life Jackets and Staying Warm
You want to be able to stay warm when you’re boating during the winter. This is paramount. The temperatures are cold on land, which means that they’ll be positively frigid when you’re out on the water. You want to ensure that you’re warm so that you can be safe and comfortable. By that same token, you need to have a life jacket too. After all, unfortunately, we never know what’s going to happen for sure when you’re out on a boat. Hopefully, everyone will have a great time and get home safely. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. That is why having a life jacket is critically important. That being said, life jackets and staying warm don’t have to be at odds.
Life Jacket = Over the Layers
Something that’s critically important and you will have to keep in mind is you want to be able to wear your life jacket over your layers. So get plenty of layers that let you stay warm, and then make sure that you have a life jacket that can go over those layers. The life jacket never goes underneath your clothes, it always goes over them. This is important for you. Additionally, it’s important for everyone else on the boat. By making sure that everyone is warm and has a fitting life jacket, the conditions exist for everyone to have a great time.
Seeing the Years Pass
We can’t tell you how many families have sent us pictures of themselves from their boats in the winter. It’s a great way to bring everyone together so that they can appreciate one moment of quiet, incredible beauty. For many, it’s a tradition that simply fits into the rest of their holiday season. At our site,you will find the answers to your vessel documentation query. You can click on the links on the bottom left of our home page that can give you more safe boating tips. For more information about boat documentation, call us at (866) 981-8783.