Stay Safe, Have Fun
Before you depart from the dock for an outstanding day in your Whaler, we encourage you to familiarize yourself with all of the required and recommended boating safety guidelines.
Find a host of useful online resources, from driver safety courses to trailering requirements, so you’re never caught off-guard. From all of us here at Boston Whaler, we wish you safe and memorable boating ahead!
- Before and during operation, make sure everyone on the boat is situated in an approved designated occupant position. Whether sitting or in a stand-up only position, it is important to use the hand or grab rails while underway. No passenger should be in a position that could result in falling overboard.
- Always wear your life jacket while underway, and insist that passengers wear one. Most states have laws regarding mandatory wear for children 13 and under. Remember, life jackets save lives!
- Be aware of the propeller. Shut off the engine whenever anyone is in the water near your boat or when picking up skiers or tubers. Placing the engine in neutral is simply not enough.
- Always wear your lanyard cut-off switch. Things can happen quickly on the water. Make sure your engine will shut off if you find yourself removed from the operator’s position.
- Use proper boarding ladders and avoid climbing on the drive system to re-board.
- Don’t drink and drive while boating. Select a designated boat driver if there will be alcohol served onboard. Just like in a car, consumption of alcohol can delay reaction time.
Whether you are driving down the street or across the country to launch your boat, be sure to familiarize yourself with all applicable trailer requirements so that your car ride is as smooth as your Whaler outing.
Before taking your Whaler out for a cruise, the Coast Guard recommends that you have your boat inspected briefly by a certified examiner to ensure you are in compliance with all state and federal boating laws.
This comprehensive app provides a useful checklist of all the items that will make your day on the water safe and enjoyable. The ABYC app also allows you to store information for up to three boats, so you'll never forget your Whaler's next maintenance appointment.
Sea Tow provides member and non-member services for boats in need of towing, prop disentanglements, jump-starts and fuel drops. They even provide their own boater education programs.