Center Console Boating Safety Tips

On a nice day with pleasant weather, many boaters decide to take their center console boats out on the water for a variety of recreational purposes. Whether you’re cruising or angling in your craft, you’re bound to have a great, relaxing time. Boating isn’t without its risks, though, like any other form of transportation, so it’s important to prepare yourself accordingly before you head to the lake. We have provided this guide to basic boating safety to help you get equipped and be smart while you’re in your center console boat.

Be Prepared

A little preparation can save you a big headache later on. Give your center console a thorough examination before you load her onto your trailer. Check the hull for cracks or signs of damage you might have missed after your last excursion and see that her lights, signals and engine are functional. Write a checklist of everything you’ll want to take with you, including all your safety equipment, which we’ll detail below.

Let a trusted friend, neighbor, or family member on shore know where you’re going to be boating and how long you anticipate being gone. This way, if you get lost or stranded, they can alert rescue crews to your whereabouts.

Designate someone on your boat to be an assistant skipper in case your ability to operate your boat is hampered by injury or illness. This person can take over steering to get you and your crew to safety in an emergency.

Check The Weather

Check the weather in advance of your outing to make sure you’ll have fair skies and low winds. Delay your trip if the forecast indicates high winds, heavy rains, hail, lightning or very cold temperatures. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Double-check the forecast the morning of your departure in case anything has changed.

Safety Equipment

You should stock your center console boat with several pieces of safety equipment to keep you and your passengers safe in an emergency situation. There should be a life jacket available for every passenger, and these should be worn at all times on smaller craft. It’s advisable to only take people on board who know how to swim and keep themselves afloat if they fall into the water.

Bring a throwable life ring with a sturdy rope to catch any people who fall overboard. Carry a well-stocked first aid kit with seasickness medication and holistic remedies like candied ginger, a phone with charger, an emergency radio, signal flares and a fire extinguisher to be prepared for all eventualities.

Visit L&M Marine LLC today if you’re in need of a vessel for cruising, fishing, or entertaining. We carry a wide selection of center console boats in many styles. We are located in Stapleton, AL, and proudly serve all those in Mobile, AL, and Pensacola, FL.