Whether you’re new to boating or have been on the water your entire life, it goes without saying that safety should be at the forefront of every boat outing you take. Keeping your crew, other boaters around you, and yourself out of harm's way is the goal always.

Being prepared ahead of a day on the boat will ensure that things run smoothly and your entire crew enjoys their time on the water. There are lots of things to consider before jumping on board including safety gear, boating accessories, snacks, and a well-stocked cooler.

You’re cruising on the boat and all of a sudden, your radio loses signal. That alone can kill the vibe, but behold the power of Bluetooth technology. You’re equipped with the latest smartphone and have every music app possible downloaded.

When you own a boat, there are a ton of things to consider before hitting the water. You must make sure that you have all the safety gear you need on board and that you’re in compliance with local and state laws.

When it comes to boats big or small, there are lots of buttons and switches you need to understand how to operate. Each has a purpose and sometimes, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out what everything does.

Let me set the scene. It’s the first big holiday weekend of the year for boaters, Memorial Day weekend. You’ve got your favorite guests coming to the lake house and you’ve already hit the grocery store for burgers and beverages.

If you’ve read any of my articles you know that I am a member of the Barletta team, I own a Barletta, and I spend every possible waking minute on my Barletta with my family. I tell you this because I’ve got a new niece named Lia who will be making her maiden voyage this May.

No one ever wants to think of the boating season coming to an end. Growing up on a lake in northern Indiana, I always knew the fun was coming to an end even before there was a chill in the air.

It’s no secret that boaters’ safety should be top of mind for anyone on the water. Whether you’re the captain of a sailboat, own a pontoon, like to kayak, or enjoy a fast ride on a personal watercraft (PWC), you need to know your legal limitations.

As a boat owner, you know that keeping the hull clean and clear of marine growth can be a chore. Depending on how long you keep the boat in the water can also make this process more cumbersome as buildup will get worse the longer the boat sits.