FAQs

Which boat types are appropriate for different types of activities?

Boating offers a wide variety of fun recreational activities…fishing, waterskiing, cruising, canoeing, racing, exploring, or just relaxing with family and friends enjoying the natural beauty of the great outdoors. Figuring out how to buy a boat that is right for your activity of choice is easy with the help of our Boat selector tool and boating activities information.

Are there any special rules we need to follow when boating with friends and family?

Whenever you invite guests aboard for the day, a weekend or an extended cruise, you should explain to them in advance what is expected of them, especially if they are not experienced boaters. Familiarize your friends and family with boater safety and emergency procedures before leaving the dock. Explain fueling procedures, docking and undocking plans, etc. Make sure someone onboard is able to take over for you and operate the VHF radio to ask for help should you become disabled.

Where can I obtain information about parking facilities, directions and types of launch ramps?

Our boat marina locator has a huge database of information about parking facilities, directions and types of launch ramps. Whether you're looking for a family boating center or a place for freshwater fishing, we'll help you find an easy way to take your boat out on the water.

Do you recommend any specific types of family boats?

Boating fun is something that's easy to enjoy with the entire family. Please visit our family boats page to view a comprehensive list of all the different types of family boats that we recommend. From family fishing boats to houseboats, this page includes links to in-depth descriptions and buying information for a variety of different types of family boats.

In general, almost any kind of boat can be used to enjoy time spent with family and friends. So, when deciding which type of boat is really right for your family, also consider other activities you plan on doing together- do you want to go waterskiing, enjoy freshwater fishing, or go on overnight trips? Our boat finder tool can help you narrow down different family boats based on these activities, as well as the type of boat propulsion, boat length, the maximum number of people you'd like to have on board.

What are the Federal Personal Flotation Device (PFD) Requirements for Children?

As of 2002, it is now a Federal requirement that all children under 13 years of age aboard a recreational boat must wear a US Coast Guard-approved PFD on all federal waterways. Specific PFD requirements vary from state-to-state, however, so be sure to check with your local state boating officials for additional information.

It's an essential boating safety precaution to make sure that young children wear life jackets when onboard. In fact, it is estimated that proper use of lifejackets could prevent approximately two-thirds of all boating-related drowning accidents in children ages 14 and under.

Besides PFDs, what other special safety considerations should be kept in mind when boating with children?

Active supervision of children is a key boating safety factor. Keep an eye on your kids at all times, ensuring that they stick to safe areas where they are not likely to fall overboard, and do not cause instability in the boat by roughhousing.

Also, remember that children learn best through example. As an adult, you should follow best practices for safe boating by completing a boating safety course, never boating under the influence, and conducting regular vessel safety checks.

Last, but not least, be sure that there's a team plan in place for what to do in the event of an emergency, including man overboard, fire on board, or a boating accident. Family members should be informed of where safety equipment is located, and how to operate communications devices. And at least one other family member should be also able to operate the boat in the event that the primary operator is injured. Please see our boating safety page for additional safe boating information.

How can I make my family boating experience truly enjoyable?

Family boating means teaching your kids the basics of boating by giving them a hands-on learning experience! Educate them about boat terminology, familiarize them with basic navigational procedures, and show them how basic safety equipment works such as whistles, flares, fire extinguishers, and even the radio.

Another fun- and not to mention efficient- thing to do is to give each family member an onboard duty. Family boating responsibilities can range from going over a pre-departure checklist to serving as a lookout, and can also help instill your children with confidence. Working as a team is a great way to strengthen family ties.

If you plan on a longer family boating expedition, be sure to pack plenty of food and snacks to keep your kids happy and comfortable. Kids may need a break from the water at times as well, so card games, books, board games and other toys can help to keep kids occupied. It also helps to have a project or destination in mind, whether it's finding the best skiing spot on the lake or stopping by a favorite inlet for a bit of sunbathing or sand castle-building.