Boat Lifts 101
By: Stokes Marine
If you are in the market for a new lift, or just curious about how they work, we have compiled some basic information to educate you on boat lifts.
Hurricane Prep for Boaters
Late summer in Florida brings warm ocean waters and frequent afternoon storms. Surrounded by conditions known for producing wild weather, most of the area’s experienced boat owners are ready to put their hurricane preparation plan into action at a moment’s notice. Whether you’ve recently become a boat owner, or if it’s simply been a while since you were on hurricane standby, check out these tips for prepping your boat to ride out a hurricane.
Boating with Kids
For those born and raised, or just always on the water, bringing the entire family on the boat is second nature. However, even the most experienced boating families need to practice safe habits on the water. Many of these safety tips go without saying, but it’s always beneficial to have a refresher.
What Boating Dads Really Want
Forget the necktie and “World’s Best Dad” mug, because we’ve netted some thoughtful and useful Father’s Day gift ideas for the Captain of the house. And if you’re a Dad yourself, feel free to “accidentally” send this list to your crew at home!
A Boater’s Guide to Handling Oil and Fuel Spills
With the start of the summer season, we hope you are enjoying time on the water. With that in mind, we have created a Gulf-wide one-page guide on how to prepare for and respond to an accidental oil or fuel spill on your own vessel. This fact sheet—printed on waterproof paper for on-board storing—will tell you what products to have in place to prevent and/or contain leaking oil and which authorities to call for help in every Gulf state.
Read more “A Boater’s Guide to Handling Oil and Fuel Spills”
Enjoy a Boating Staycation
Some of the country’s best boating is right in our backyard.
We occasionally hear boaters racking their brains over where to go for a fun, boating- related vacation or long weekend. When you stop to consider that thousands of people vacation or relocate to Southwest Florida each year specifically for the vast boating opportunities, you certainly should include our home waters among your options.
Snook to reopen in Gulf waters
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission sent this bulletin at 02/22/2017 09:52 AM EST (Original Article)
SWFMIA’S COMMENT ON MANATEE REGULATIONS
Manatee deaths related to watercraft reached a record 104 in 2016, causing some to push for additional regulation.
The Southwest Florida Marine Industries Association has put together a few facts and comments and a graph that puts some perspective on the state of the manatee population in Florida. Special thanks to Bob Atkins, President of Citizens for Florida’s Waterways, and a designated Boating Public member of Governor Scott’s Boating Advisory Council for providing much of the data and commentary.
Cold Snaps Have You Landlocked? Here’s a few things you can do in the meantime.
There are few things that keep avid boaters off the water, but strong, chilly winds during a Floridian “winter” can be one of them. If you’ve got an itch to get on the water but the weather isn’t agreeing, check out the boating and fishing related activities listed here to hold you over.
Read more “Cold Snaps Have You Landlocked? Here’s a few things you can do in the meantime.”
Just Bought a Boat? Some Tips From The Experts.
With a number of boat shows happening this time of year, there are a good number of new boaters or, at least, new boat owners out there who might not be 100 percent certain or comfortable with everything that comes along with boat ownership. That’s natural.