Boating & Yacht Blog

Whether you’re new to boating or are a seasoned seafarer, it’s easy to make mistakes. Most boating mistakes happen when boaters are in a hurry—and such simple mishaps can lead to big problems. 

Avoid the worst by preparing for the best-case scenario. Check out the seven most common mistakes you should avoid on and off the water.

The 7 Boating Mistakes You Should Never Make

Everyone makes mistakes, but you should make sure you’re taking the necessary steps to avoid these common boating errors.

1) Forgetting To Check the Marine Weather Forecast

You should make it a habit to always check the weather forecast before each voyage. Otherwise, you run the risk of sailing straight into high winds, rough seas, or dangerous storms. 

2) Failure To Install the Boat Drain Plug Before Launch

Installing the boat drain plug is one of the most basic practices in boating—yet many forget this important step. Failing to install your drain plug can result in a boat full of water, so remember to ensure it’s in your vessel before each voyage.

3) Failing To Keep Up With Regular Maintenance

Your boat is a lot like your car. It needs regular maintenance, just like any other motor vehicle or vessel out there. Create a regular maintenance plan and stick to it to avoid any surprises on the water.

4) Overloading the Boat

Overloading a boat is more common with smaller boats than with large yachts. Make sure you know what your boat’s weight capacity is before loading and launching—and don’t overload it with passengers, coolers, or unnecessary items.

5) Running Aground

Running your boat around is dangerous and can cause some serious damage to your investment. Running aground happens when there’s no longer sufficient water to float your boat. Instead, your boat may scrape along sand and rocks. Avoid this issue with a depth finder.

6) Not Putting Out Enough Anchor Line

If you’re catching yourself drifting after you’ve put out the anchor line, then you probably haven’t put enough line into the water. Boats that aren’t properly anchored can drift ashore, into a neighboring boat, or even out to sea. 

Make sure you’re putting out an anchor line that’s between five and seven times as deep as the water you’re in.

7) Getting Lost at Night

Getting lost at sea is scary—but it can be terrifying at night. When the sun goes down, it becomes much harder to identify the shoreline. To avoid this, only go out in sufficient daylight and head back to the shore before dusk. 

You should also use a chart and a marine VHF radio to signal the Coast Guard if you become lost.

Prep For Your Next Voyage With Boat Lover’s Towel

Adhering to a regular maintenance schedule is important. So is regular cleaning. Make sure your boat is looking its best before every launch with the products boaters trust. Boat Lover’s Towel offers a wide collection of drying products and cleaning products to keep your ship in tip-top shape.

Is your boat looking a little grimy? Make it seaworthy with three essential boat cleaning supplies every boater needs in their toolbox. 

If you own a boat, then you should know how to clean it. Slacking on a regular cleaning routine can cause your boat to become dirty and downright disgusting. Combat mold, mildew, and all of that sea grime with three essential cleaning products from Boat Lover’s Towel.

Spring isn’t just in the air—it’s in the water, too. Now that everything is thawing out, it’s time to stretch your sea legs and get your boat back in action. But before you launch your vessel on its first voyage of the new year, there are a few crucial steps before you get your boat ready for the spring, that you should cross off your spring maintenance checklist.

Maintain The Nuts and Bolts

Your boat’s mechanics are what propels it through the water, so it’s crucial to keep your mechanical parts in check. If you are mechanically inclined, then checking your vessel’s mechanical parts should be a breeze. If not, you can always hire a professional to take a peek. 

Here are a few important components you should test and check before setting sail:

• Check the battery and wire connections
• Check the steering and shifting
• Reinstall the propeller
• Test the bilge pump
• Check the seacocks
• Replace zincs

You should also check your coolant level, hoses, and oil pressure before starting your boat up from its winter slumber. Regardless of whether or not you hire a mechanic, it’s smart to familiarize yourself with your boat’s moving parts in case of an emergency.

Check Your Cabin Essentials

Now it’s time to venture into the cabin. When you’re not enjoying the sunshine reeling in a big catch, you’re most likely spending time in your cabin. You should always keep your cabin clean and free from any excess moisture. 

Ensure that you have:

• Plenty of lifejackets onboard
• Checked all switches and appliances
• Checked your faucets and showers
• Stocked adequate food

This is also a good time to load up your towels and linens. Remember to stow away an ultra-absorbent towel for the ride to wipe away any excess water.

Don’t Forget Your Safety Gear

The last thing you want is to find yourself in the middle of an emergency. However, if you find yourself in this position, you should always have easy access to your safety gear. 

Take time to double-check the gear that matters the most and:

• Inspect your lifejackets
• Inspect the dock and anchor line
• Inspect anchors and shackles
• Check fenders and fender lines
• Check your flares

Inspect the Deck and Hull

Your deck and hull make up the majority of your boat, so it makes sense that these areas see a lot of wear and tear. Oftentimes, the deck and hull of your boat can accumulate some rust stains and other flaws such as sun damage. 

Before you launch your boat into the water, take the time to:

• Remove all rust stains
• Clean the deck vinyl
• Use a UV protectant on your vinyl

Set Sail Into Spring With the Absorber®

There’s a reason why boaters across the country don’t leave the docks without their Absorber®. This super absorbent towel is the perfect sidekick for handling moisture, spills, and splashes of any size. The Absorber® lasts for years and comes in a handy tube for easy storage on your boat or yacht.

Your boat was built for water—but it wasn’t built to handle the bitter cold of winter. Below-freezing temperatures can do a number on your vessel, so it’s essential to winterize your boat before winter rears its ugly head.

Spring is on the way, so now is a good time to start practicing good boating habits. 

You love your boat, right? Keep it as clean as the day you took your first voyage by maintaining a sparkly clean interior. Regular cleaning will keep nasty mold, mildew, and dirt buildup at bay so you can comfortably enjoy every moment on the water. Just follow our easy step-by-step guide to achieve a spotless boat.

Stainless steel isn’t just for kitchens. That’s right—this versatile alloy can be used in plenty of different applications, including those fixtures for your boat. In fact, marine-grade stainless steel is designed to withstand harsh corrosive environments. 

Let’s dive into the ins and outs of stainless steel restoration and how marine-grade stainless can amplify the functionality of your vessel.

Boat owners know how important it is to maintain their vessel, especially if that vessel spends most of its time in the water. Annually hauling out a boat isn’t just an option for mariners—it’s expected. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the nuts and bolts of boat hauling so you can be ready for your next voyage.

Isinglass is a word you’ve probably heard within the boating world. This clear plastic glass is typically found covering the helms of large fishing boats and cruisers but is susceptible to scratching and hazing over time. 

With a little elbow grease and the right products, you can make your isinglass shine as bright as your first day on the open water.

Are you planning to buy a new boat for the first time, or have you just bought your first boat? Now what?

Buying your first boat is exciting, but there’s a lot of information you need to know to take care of your new investment. Before you get behind the helm of your vessel, grab a pencil and paper, and let’s dive into what you need to know as a first-time boat owner. For convenience, we have created a first-time boat owner checklist, let’s check it out.

First-Time Boat Owner Checklist

1. Have the Correct Insurance

Even though boats are a boatload of fun, they can come with their fair share of mishaps. Having the right insurance will protect you from significant expenses and will give you the peace of mind you need to enjoy your time on the water. Our tip? Take the headache out of boat insurance by working with an insurance agent.

2. Learn to Trailer Your Boat

There are many trials and tribulations that come along with trailering your boat. But don’t worry—you’ll become a pro in no time.

Make sure your vehicle is rated to tow the boat you’re buying and familiarize yourself with its weight capacity (Gross Combined Vehicle Rating). The last thing you want to find out is that your vehicle won’t be able to tow the boat you just purchased.

3. Learn to Launch & Retrieve Your Boat

Yes, there’s such a thing as boat ramp etiquette. Launching and retrieving your boat can be stressful for first-time boat owners, especially on busy weekends—but just remember practice makes perfect. Try practicing backing up your boat in an empty lot before heading out to launch.

4. Understand the Basic Maintenance Required

A boat has an engine with a lot of moving parts, just like your vehicle. So, with any watercraft, it’s important to keep up with annual maintenance. Pencil in regular oil and filter changes on your calendar, including propeller inspections.

For colder climates, you’ll want to winterize your vessel.

5. Get Proper Equipment

Sometimes, things happen on the water. Whether it be an overboard emergency or troubles with your motor, you’ll need basic proper equipment onboard your boat at all times. This includes:

• Life Vests
• Throwable flotation devices
• A fire extinguisher
• Visual and audible signaling devices
• A VHF radio to call for help
• A safety kit
• A toolbox

6. Master Your Operating Skills

Safe boating makes boating fun for everyone. Opt to take a boating safety course or courses offered by the US Coast Guard to hone your boating skill and make the boating experience safe and enjoyable for everyone onboard.

Why Boating Terminology Matters

Are you a recreational boater that tenses up when asked common boating words and phrases like which side the starboard is on? Don’t worry—no boater is automatically born knowing important boating terminology. However, if you want to become a seafaring connoisseur, learning the language of your vessel will make you sail safer and smarter.

Top 7 Boating Terms & Phrases

Bow & Stern

Port & Starboard

Forward & Aft

Hull

The Transom

You can find the transom at the stern of your boat. This area is where your motor attaches to your boat.

Bilge Pump

Gunwale

Boat Smarter With The Absorber®

Boating is a fun investment enjoyed by sailors, anglers, and recreationists. But sometimes, boaters find themselves in situations that can be avoided through practical upgrades. From cup holders to carpet replacement, learn how to upgrade your boat, enhance your experience, and increase your vessel’s value with the best boat upgrades.

Top 10 Upgrades for Your Boat

1. Add Cup Holders

Setting your drink down on a rocky boat is just asking for a  spill. Make things easy for you and your guests by installing several cup holders around your deck. Cup holders come in various sizes and mounting options to hold any drink of any size at any time—so you can sip comfortably, keep your hands free, and avoid messes while on your boat.

2. Install Marine-Grade USB Ports

Don’t get stuck on the water with a dead cell phone. Charge your electronics by adding a few USB charging ports throughout your boat and never detour back to the docks again. Marine-grade USB ports are inexpensive and easy to install so it's a perfect upgrade for your boat. Just drill a small hole, connect positive and negative power, and enjoy endless charging capability during every voyage.

3. Set Up a Trash Can

Most boats don’t have a built-in trash can. This results in you and your guests stuffing plastic grocery bags full of trash that fly away every time you hit the accelerator. Instead, add a portable trash can to your boat for easy trash disposal. These trash cans come in many collapsible varieties for easy removal and storage.

4. Replace Your Carpet

Have an older boat that’s seen years of dirty shoes, spills, and sun exposure? It sounds like it’s time to upgrade your carpet. Whether you’re selling your boat or not, people will notice your carpet. Carve out some time over the weekend to upgrade your boat by replacing your old carpet with easy snap-in templates. Remember to add those cup holders to avoid spills and keep your boat's new carpet clean.

5. Install Underwater LED Boat Lights

Colorful underwater lights will not only dazzle your guests and fellow boaters, but they’ll also help light the way at night. With a little drilling and wiring know-how, you can upgrade your boat by installing underwater LED lights.

6. Add Fishing Rod Holders

Fishing is fun, but fishing for rods when you need them? Not so much. Make your next fishing trip better by installing easily accessible rod holders and some fishing boat upgrades. Rod holders will allow you to double the number of fishing poles you bring—so you’ll never get caught in the water without enough rods to go around the deck.

7. Boost Your Stereo System

What’s a boating trip on the water without good tunes? Replace your sound system with quality marine speakers that sound so good they’ll make the fish below you want to jam. There are plenty of sound system options for boats on the market to fulfill your needs for hours of mood-boosting music out on the water.

8. Add a Cell Phone Mount

Fumbling for your phone in your glove compartment is old news. Cell phone mounts are an inexpensive solution for easy and accessible phone storage. Keep your phone a touch away as you navigate the waters with your newly upgraded boat.

9. Install a Bimini Top

Sometimes sunscreen isn’t enough. With summer in full force, you’ll want to keep yourself and your guests shaded from the blistering sun. Water reflects the sun's rays, so investing in and installing a quality Bimini top will provide comfort and protection from painful sunburns. A Bimini top will also improve the look and value of your vessel.

10. Buy the Absorber®

Your boat is a big investment. Protect it with the Absorber® — a super-absorbent towel designed to dry excess water in a single wipe. The Absorber® comes in a convenient reusable tube for easy storage, so you can keep it on your boat without taking up unnecessary space. Never let your vinyl seats fall victim to mold and mildew again and get the towel that boaters love.

Keep Your Boat Clean With The Absorber®

Add years of life to your boat by keeping it clean and with sailboat upgrades. The Absorber® is the ultimate alternative to terry cloth towels and chamois due to its sponge-like pore structure. This hyper-drying towel doubles your drying power and protects your upholstery from gradual water damage, preserving your seats for years of enjoyment. Shop the Absorber® at Boat Lover’s Towel for plenty of sizes to fit your needs.

If you’re a frequent boater, you know how easily mildew can grow on your vinyl seats. After all, your boat withstands a lot of moisture and humidity, even when it’s not on the water. Despite your vinyl seats being susceptible to damage, there are several ways how to protect vinyl seats and prevent mildew growth from making an appearance. Read on to learn the process of cleaning vinyl boat seats.

Potential Harms to Vinyl Seats

Just like your fishing boat, vinyl seats are an investment—so naturally, you’d want to protect your investments. Your vinyl seats are susceptible to a lot of harm like UV rays, water damage, and fallen debris. The best thing you can do for your vinyl seats is to clean them after each fishing trip. This will help prevent mold and mildew growth and will keep your seats looking fresh every time you hit the water.

How To Keep Your Vinyl Seats Clean

Here is a solution for how to clean boat seats. While you should clean vinyl seats after each use, you should not let them air dry. Air-drying vinyl seats may seem harmless, but it does a lot more harm than good. When you leave a vinyl seat to dry on its own, you’re creating a breeding ground for mildew. 

Let’s dive into a few important steps you can take to keep your vinyl seats looking sharp and free from damage.

1. Wash Your Seats Regularly

Your work isn’t done after pulling into the dock after a day’s worth of fishing. Think about all of the moisture, sweat, and debris built up on your vinyl seats—it’s a lot more than you think. Make sure that you have water, mild dish soap, and a cloth on hand to gently scrub away the day’s residue. Besides, a clean boat makes for a great confidence booster.

2. Use a Protective Sealant 

Protective sealant acts as a barrier and prevents the early formation of mold and mildew. Top-rated protective sealants also protect your boat’s vinyl seats from those harmful UV rays, oils, stains, and just about anything the elements can throw at your upholstery. However, protective sealants won’t protect your vinyl from damage due to fallen debris, so make sure you cover your seats and store your boat away from any questionable objects.

3. Dry With the Absorber

Wait right there—did you make sure your vinyl seats are completely dry? The most important rule you should follow is making sure your seats are fully dry before packing things up. For the most effective dry, use an ultra-absorbent towel like The Absorber® to get rid of all excess moisture that could lead to mold and mildew.

Clean Your Vinyl Seats With the Absorber®