Safety Tips for Boating at Night

Nighttime boating provides a whole new way of experiencing life on the water. However, boating at night can also be risky. Reduced visibility means that you have less time to react to potential hazards. If you’re interested in taking your boat out at night, this guide from JR Motors can help you stay as safe as possible. 

Bring Navigation Tools

Knowing where you are is very important when it comes to boating, and that becomes even more true when you’re out at night and visibility is poor. That’s why we recommend bringing along tools such as a GPS, chart plotter, and compass in order to check your heading. Make sure that your lighting system provides you with sufficient light as well. A good lighting system will allow you to see what you are doing and where you are going. It will also help make you more visible to other boaters. 

Plan your Route

A good way to ensure a safe night time boating trip is to create your route ahead of time. Stick to familiar territory wherever possible and remember to give your float plan to someone that you trust. Assign a lookout to watch out for obstacles like buoy markers, rocks, shallow areas, and other boaters. Switch out lookouts from time to time to reduce fatigue. Make sure that everyone knows that staying aware of the boat’s surroundings is everyone’s job. 

Follow Safe Boating Practices

Nighttime boating is fun, but reduced visibility means less time to react to hazards. Be extra careful whenever you boat at night. Go slow to give yourself more time to react and observe all marine traffic rules. Make sure that the operator is fully awake and alert, and that all passengers are wearing the proper safety gear. 

Shop boats at JR Motors. Feel free to visit us online or at our dealerships in Lake Havasu City and Parker, Arizona. We also offer servicing, parts requests, promotions, trade-ins, rentals, and financing. We’re proud to serve communities like Blythe, Arizona, and we hope to see you soon!