Mistakes Boaters NEED to stop making…

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[dougsinclair]

As a fly fishing guide for 20 + years I found this video to be awesome. Now do one on launching a boat from a trailer at the ramp. So many new boaters, and some old, haven't got a clue how to launch their boats. I think that type of video would be awesome as well.

[collindavis]

Biggest thing I’ve learned over 35 years/being a Masters Captain is no matter how experienced be patient, be kind, and be safe. The most experienced folks can make mistakes. Take your time and lots of accidents can be minimized. Have a great time!

[DagoRed-]

As a kid growing up in Colorado, boating is very different from Florida. I moved to the Tampa area in 2021. I bought a 40' Sea Ray to live on, and before I took it anywhere, I took a safety class. And I see a lot of people that don't know and don't care to know right from wrong. I've been out offshore a few times in my boat, but I still take someone with me who knows more than I do. I can handle my boat pretty well by myself. However, it's big and wide, and it can be a handful docking by myself or going thru the channels. Loved your video and gave a 👍 and sub.

[jeromeengerskiii]

One thing not covered is when a boater has new people on the boat, they need to take the time to review safety before leaving the dock. Show where the fire extinguisher is located, life jackets, whistle, etc. Should also include how to radio in to Coast Guard.

[floridakeysislandfishing]

Great information Clay! Wish every boater would watch this. I want to mention a few key additions as it’s impossible to hit all the notes on such an informative video. You did a great job!
#1 always leave a float plan behind when heading offshore and have a EPERB if doing so.
Make sure your VHF radio is actually registered so if the distress button is needed the coast guard knows who they are looking for.
Count your life jackets.
When things happen it happens fast. Have fun but always be ready as the captain.
Always have a ditch bag ready and include
A hand held vhf flairs water and whistle as well sunscreen and an epirb that is properly registered
Sounds like this is a lot but really it’s essential to save lives in the case of an emergency. Hope for the best plan for the worst. And always stay with the boat.
Cheers Capt and congrats on your beautiful family

[crestedcarvings]

Coming down Labor Day week and looking to rent a boat 2-3 days. Very informative and helpful video, thanks!

[Abe_Frman]

great information. This should be required viewing for anyone operating a vessel in Florida waters for the first time.

[MadisynBrock]

As an active duty USCG I would also say approach the sand bar or whatever you’re approaching at the speed you intend to dock or hit it. Also make sure you have an life jacket and other safety equipment on the boat

[BeyondConsoleBorders]

As a young fisherman who just got his first small dingey fof some fishing i find your videos very helpful even though i don't have a nice bbig boat the rules and navigation advice is very handy thank you for the awesome videos

[matty]

I love these types of video's, please keep them going. I rented a boat and went to the keys before, and even though I'm very experienced in my area for boating I found the keys to be very challenging. There are certain areas you can't anchor and have to tie up to a buoy, certain buoys that mark off areas you can't go in, state parks as you mentioned, etc.. Would love for you to go in detail on all the buoys and what the colors represent. Also, for us fishing on a reef - you need a reef stamp\license. These are free, but you have to get it added (I do it online). They also expire after a year, so pay attention to renew every year.

[RichieRichpobutproud]

This stuff fascinates me. From a Colorado kid who just assumed sea water is automatically “deep”, I’m amazed at the skill and precision it takes to operate a vessel.

[henrylewis]

Thanks again for some absolutely great content and safety tips, my man. Your channel is growing as it should. Not only is your channel informative, but your videos are crystal clear. Hopefully the family is doing outstanding 🙏🏾 Until the next video enjoy your time with the family and in/on the water and stay safe my guy.

[CfRlCajunfishRiplips]

That last part about speaking up to other boaters couldn’t be more true. I am thankful of my up bringing in a commercial fishing family and working in a marine SAR unit. People are definitely oblivious when boating and need an extra hand at times.

[stevenfischer]

Remembering to "give way", on passing, larger, or in tow boats.
When comming from offshore, or going offshore head on with another boat, stay to the right side. I like to "show" by turning alittle harder in the direction I'm going to the on comming boat so we're not guessing who's going where. I show them by kind of pointing the boat, hey I'm going this way.

[Destinationssee]

I'm boating on a lake in the Swiss Alps - no Turtles here, but we have to deal with driftwood, especially in spring and after heavy rainfall 😅

[jennifermarren]

Great content, we love all your videos my husband and I watch them all.
We have a home in Tavernier you passed our road on Ocean Drive in the video. We are heading down there for mini mini lobster season. Super excited!
If you see us out, there were Mission Accomplished with the big American flag on the side and the Navy logo !

Big mistake I see boaters making is speeding & coming too close to the back of a boat with divers in the water.
We release a big mat and a tube to give our divers a safe Haven to come up at and to control how close boats can get to the back of us.
Will be scouting for spots on Friday
Stay safe everyone!

[mookman]

On the ICW channel markers, one tip that’s helped me is to keep the red marker is between the boat and the mainland and the green between the boat and the ocean/barrier island (assuming you know which direction the ocean is)

[McKfamily-xb]

Love your videos ! Tell Stephanie hello ! A lot of good information for boaters visiting the keys, where everything is different. One thing we have learned over several visits is to plan ur route before ya hit the water! Take a look at where you are going and what is around you. We have been learning over our last 6 visits and learn new things on every visit. Our last trip we finally made the voyage to content keys and it was amazing ! The islamorada sandbar was our first boating experience and made us fall in love with the keys. We learn something new on each trip, my best advice is plan your route and take it slow until you know.

[mathieumintz]

Great video Clay and very informative as well. I would add to make sure there are enough life jackets for everyone on board, and make sure you as the boat owner/captain/operator know who needs to wear a life jacket and when, for example a young child has to have it on the whole time the boat is under power while an adult doesn't.

[ChrisandKrisOutdoors]

Something we have noticed a lot being on the water is people not paying attention to tides and or their depth finders. We recommend getting an app for your tides to avoid getting stuck, we see it a lot