Collisions occur between boats more often than you might think, usually because one or both captains did not know or were not applying the Rules of the Road. The rules come from the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), with which the U.S. regulations are consistent. Following are the basic rules that apply to all sailboats in U.S. waters.

Whenever two boats come close to each other, the rules designate one as the stand-on vessel and the other as the give-way vessel. The rules are designed to prevent a situation like two people walking toward each other on a sidewalk who both step out each other’s way in the same direction and thus run into each other. The stand-on vessel must continue on its course and the give-way vessel must turn away to avoid collision. Therefore both captains must understand the Rules of the Road and know whether, in any given situation, their boat is to stand on or give way. Read More »

If you are thinking about trying your hand at fishing then you’re in luck.

Below is a list of the beginning fisherman’s essential 10 things that beginners needs to know when packing up your gear and heading towards the water. In order to ensure a successful fish fry, you must know the most beneficial basics.

1. Do your research.

Before you cast that first line, make sure you have a general idea about what you are getting yourself into. Read More »

cat·a·ma·ran/ˌkatəməˈran:

A Catamaran is a multi-hulled yacht or other boat with twin hulls in parallel, joined by a structure, with origins stemming back to fishing communities in the Polynesian islands.

Two vessels in our fleet of boats here at Cruise Naples are classified as “Catamarans”. The benefits of the Catamaran design for our passengers is the stable, smooth experience and comfort for those prone to motion sickness. The M/V Double Sunshine and the M/V Naples Explorer are two perfect examples of the pleasant feel of the Catamaran design:

The Cruise Naples M/V Naples Explorer Read More »

Hmmm….You have a boat, food, drinks, and you’re thinking of bringing along a few friends. Not quite sure what to do after the dinner is gone? Here are some fun solutions. Turn you night into a cruising party and have the time of your lives. Go on now and take a look at these great ideas!

Iron Chef Party

For anyone who hasn’t seen this campy cooking competition show, judges are asked to taste and rate the food to find a winner. You can do something similar on a boat by having guests bring their best pre-prepared dishes in a paper bag to conceal the chef’s identity. Guests can then sample and rate each one in a secret ballot to be tallied by the host. Awarding nice prizes should have your guests doing some culinary overachieving. Read More »

With all great hobbies comes great expenses, right? Wrong. With these helpful tips you should be able to say money and be on your way to enjoying time on the water.

Tip 1. Buy Used

Much gear and boat equipment is made to last, and often used items are just as good, or nearly so, as those bought new – usually at significant savings. Keep in mind that some items (sails, cordage, etc.) do eventually wear out and should be carefully evaluated, but even then, things only a year or two old are often still less expensive per year of life remaining. Here are some places to look:

You can find great deals on eBay for many boating items. If you’re not in a hurry, observe an auction or two through to the finish price to judge the market and prices before jumping in yourself to start bidding. Remember that an item that sells for $100 one day may go for $50 next time one comes up.

Craigslist is the best classified listing for used gear locally, with the advantage that you can see it before you pay. It’s also a good place for fire sales when people need money and are willing to sell low to sell fast. Fall is an especially good time for bargains. Read More »

Being a good water skier comes with a lot of practice not just for the skier but also for the one driving the boat.  If you are new to waterskiing or if you are looking for some new adventures and waterskiing is on the list then these helpful tips are for you!

I wish someone would have shared this with me when I was put on skis the first time, let’s just say I should have let go of the rope. I did try again and that’s all we can do is keep trying.

Place the water skis snugly on your feet. A good fit is important.

With the rope handle in your hands, place it between your knees. Read More »

The summer is a season almost everybody looks forward too. It’s the time for long walks in the park, cool swims in the pond and long boat rides in the river. It is easy for people who have their own sailing vessel to do so. But, what about those people who do not have one of their own? Do they not enjoy boating trips? Yes, they do. Boat rentals have made this possible.

These rentals are agencies that lease boats usually by the hour. They are a common feature found along the beaches and river banks. Rentals have managed to add to the fun of spending a weekend by the riverside or even a day at the beach.

These rentals have become so famous all over the world that now you can even join a boat rental club. By joining these clubs you can avail of the many offers they give from time to time. Read More »

Have you ever thought that you might have trouble anchoring or that trouble could come from not anchoring properly? It does take some practice and of course knowledge, I can’t think of a better way than to get out there and go boating!

Anchoring is done for two principal reasons: first, to stop for fishing, swimming, lunch, or an overnight stay and secondly, to keep you from running aground in bad weather or as a result of engine failure. Anchoring can be a simple task if you follow these guidelines:

1.  Make sure you have the proper type of anchor (danforth/plow/mushroom).

2.  A three to six foot length of galvanized chain should be attached to the anchor. The chain will stand up to the abrasion of sand, rock or mud on the bottom much better than a fiber line.

3.  A suitable length of nylon anchor line should be attached to the end of the chain (this combination is called the “Rode”). The nylon will stretch under heavy strain cushioning the impact of the waves or wind on the boat and the anchor.

4.  Select an area that offers maximum shelter from wind, current and boat traffic.

5.  Determine depth of water and type of bottom (preferably sand or mud). Read More »