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The Popular Fishing Destinations in Australia and the Types of Fish You Can Find There

Australia is world renowned for the incredible fishing it offers. Boasting thousands of kilometres of fertile coastline, the continent is unmatched in the abundance and variety of fish species it has. As if coastal wonderlands weren’t enough, it possesses countless lakes and rivers teeming with fish, as well. With more than 5,000 fish species to choose from, and a myriad of spectacular locations to see, picking your spot can be a little daunting. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Here is a list of the most well-known fishing spots in Australia and what fish species you can catch there:

The Top End, Northern Territory

Encompassing Darwin and Kakadu National Park, the tropical northernmost tip of the Northern Territory or “Top End,” as it’s called, is famous for some of the best barramundi fishing in Australia. The best fishing spots in the Top End include the Daly River, the Mary River at Shady Camp, and the Adelaide River. In World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, the South and East Alligator River are top spots to fish by boat. However, beware of saltwater crocodiles.

Canberra

In addition to discovering the political centre of the country, you’ll also find some amazing lakes in Canberra that are perfect for a day of fishing in your centre console aluminium boat. If you’re looking for cod, redfin or golden perch, you might get lucky.

Tasmania

The island off the coast of Victoria boasts some of the best saltwater and freshwater fish in Australia. Most of the lakes and other freshwater sources hold trout, and you can find many saltwater species off the coast.

Mallacoota, Victoria

Mallacoota is a small town located in the eastern region of Victoria. Off the coast, you can find salmon and gummy sharks, as well as snapper, kingfish and flathead. In addition to the fish, Mallacoota proves a relaxing visit for tourists, with attractions like its wilderness coast.

Broome, Western Australia

The remote pearling town of Broome in Western Australia offers a little bit of everything for avid anglers. You can snag a barramundi in the creeks, bays, and rivers, and fish for other species like black-spotted croaker, cod, jacks, and threadfin salmon. Beach anglers should head to Cable Beach. Here, you can cast along the gutters or from the craggy headlands to catch dart and blue-spotted trevally. Threadfin salmon and Northern bluefin tuna can be found close to shore, too.

Cairns, Queensland

If it’s your dream to catch a huge black marlin, as well as just about any other Australian gamefish species you can name, this is the place to come with your Yellowfin boat that is built to house gamefish. The area from Cairns northwards along the Great Barrier Reef, is known as the black marlin capital of the world. The tropical waters adjacent to the reef and along the continental shelf are incredibly rich in baitfish and plankton and also attract species such as yellowfin tuna, Spanish mackerel, mahi-mahi (dorado), barracuda, trevally, wahoo, and sailfish. Trolling and spearfishing are some of the most popular types of fishing you can do here.

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Tips To Save Lessen Your Boat’s Fuel Consumption

There’s no doubt about it, fuel nowadays costs so much that it hurts to take your car for a drive whether it’s to work or not. How much more when it comes to boats when boats use more fuel than cars?

In a time when it’s precarious to abuse and waste fuel usage, it’s time to be more mindful of how much fuel you’re wasting. If you want to save more cash and you want to lessen water pollution, it’s time to do fuel-saving activities that ensure your fuel use will not be put to waste. Here are some tips you can do that are easy to do and make a habit:

Tune your engine. Take your engine to a boat shop at least once a year for a tune-up and service. It helps your boat engine run more efficiently.

Find the right propeller for your outboard boat engine and the boat itself. If your propellers are suited to the kind of boat  you have such as a fishing boat, and you’re using a Mercury boat engine and what you use the boat for, they function much better. For example, you can ask a boating expert what propeller is suitable for the different models of a certain motor engine and what types of engines are appropriate to your boat. Make sure to also regularly inspect your propeller, a broken one or one that has barnacle infestation will make your engine use more fuel than it should.

Habitually clean your hull. Barnacles or stuck-on debris can also create drag on the hull and make the engine work harder. If you live in an area where it’s constantly warm, it’d best to clean your boat weekly compared to boaters who live near colder waters.  

It’s also a good idea to measure your fuel flow. Install a fuel-flow meter. This will show you in real-time how many gallons per hour your engine is burning in real life. You can have this boat accessory installed in a marine shop. Some new boats for sale in the market have this feature.

Upgrade your motor engine. If your old one is eating up fuel more than you expect it to do, it’s time to chuck it out and buy a new one. A lot of new engines manufactured these days tend to be more efficient. If you’re in the market for a new motor, look for a model with better fuel economy.

Take stock of what’s onboard; additional weight means more drag. Ditch all items that you don’t need and that are not essential. Clean out anything you won’t need on your trip and leave them in your dock storage. If your boating excursions only last a day, it’s best not to fill your water and fuel tank to the brim. Bring only what’s needed. Extra weight in the boat makes your engine run double time.

Avoid idling too much. New engines are ready to run in a minute or two so you don’t need to warm them up for a long time.  

Get your boat in a plane position. This is when there is a lot of power and speed applied by your boat making your boat lift from the water and ride over the surface. Do this if you’re out of the “no-wake zone”. This reduces the drag from your boat.

Plan a shorter trip. The ultimate trick to saving fuel is running your engine only a few times. Travel to closer destinations or moor your boat somewhere near to shore if you only take your boat out for rest and relaxation.

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Aluminium is The Best Material for Your Boat

Let’s talk about why the majestic aluminium boat is so strong and reliable. If you enter a Brisbane boating centre, you can find some of the best aluminium Quintrex boats for sale. There’s a reason why the aluminium fishing boat is still one of the boating community’s favourites – they’re pretty reliable. They might have been outclassed by the fibreglass boats for a while in terms of durability and handling. However, that trend quickly died down as technology started producing better aluminium fishing boats.

 Quintrex is one of the best brands for aluminium fishing boats. They manufacture the best of these majestic vessels for the Brisbane boating community, and they create some of the strong aluminium boats with the most durable hulls. Quintrex boats for sale are popular in Australia’s boating community, and it’s all thanks to the latest advancements in aluminium technology.

Aluminium is a strong material. While it’s not as strong as steel, aluminium is pretty resistant and can withstand harsh punishments. They’re also pretty light, making them easy to manufacture and transport. Because of this, aluminium fishing boats are generally easy to produce and are cheaper in price, while offering stable durability. This makes aluminium boats perfect for boating in Australia’s waters.

Let’s take a look at what makes aluminium the perfect material for fishing boats.

Compressive strength

This refers to how much load a material can stand. The more force it resists pushing down on it, the more compressive strength material has. Aluminium generally has good compressive strength, making them good for boats carrying heavy objects.

Tensile Strength

This refers to the aluminium material’s resistance to being pulled apart.      Aluminium has typically high tensile strength, and it gives the ability to withstand the drag of harsh waves. This also means that the aluminium boat does not tear apart easily during manufacture.

Impact Strength

This refers to the material’s ability to withstand and resist damage from strong collisions. The damage may come in the form of dents or holes.      Aluminium is generally strong against strong impacts. This durable quality is boosted by its lightweight profile. Heavier objects tend to receive bigger damage from impacts. However, this is no problem for aluminium.

Heat Resistance

Aluminium simply does not burn. The material is generally considered incombustible unless exposed to extreme temperatures. This makes aluminium boats safe in hot weather, where fires are common. However, take note that fires inside aluminium boats can still happen because of combustible materials that are onboard. Fortunately, due to aluminium’s resistance to heat, such fires are easier to control.

 Corrosion Resistance

Aluminium is naturally resistant to corrosion. This means that rust and other corrosive fouling will have minimal impact on an aluminium boat. In fact, aluminium has a thin oxide layer that forms on its surface that prevents oxidation. When that layer is damaged by impact or general wear and tear, it can reform and repair itself. However, boat owners still need to be aware of corrosion that occurs in the crevices of their aluminium boats. This is a common issue in marine environments and can be solved by regularly cleaning and maintaining the boat.

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Snack Ideas for Your Boating Trips

Boating is one of Australia’s popular ways of spending a vacation or getaway. People launch out from their boat trailers and cruise through their favourite lakes, rivers, and seas in their motorboats. Many people in the country consider themselves avid boaters, and they are passionate about exploring their favourite water bodies.

Passionate boaters who cruise out regularly use their aquatic getaway times to spend time with their friends and family in the water. Nature is known to spark people’s desire to connect with those close to them, making time spent in the water wholesome and memorable. Cruising on a Quintrex boat is the ideal way to be close to nature, and it also unlocks many activities for people to enjoy.

Having a Quintrex boat and sailing into Australia’s open waters allows for many engaging sports to do. A common sport you can do in the water is fishing. Many passionate boaters are also avid anglers, and being in a Quintrex boat opens up new fishing spots for them to explore and cast their lines into. Being in a Quintrex boat definitely beats being confined at the edge of the shore, hoping fishing lines can be cast far enough.

Other than fishing, owners of Quintrex boats can also have fun with watersports if they choose. These kinds of athletic activities can only be done in the water, and therefore can only be enjoyed if one has a boat. These watersports include activities like skiing, paragliding, and wakeboarding. These adrenaline-inducing sports are the perfect activities for thrill-seekers and adventurers.

Boat owners who prefer to cruise casually can also enjoy their trips with no pressure. Casual boaters can be caught up in their daily lives and their trips are not as frequent as serious cruisers. However, when they do go out into the water, they make the most of their time.

If you consider yourself a casual boater who only cruises once in a while, you can make the most of your boating trips by packing the right snacks and drips. Since there are no snack bars and stalls in the middle of seas and lakes, you’ll have to make do with what you have in your tinnie’s pantry. Since the water is a quiet place, being in it is an ideal way to bond over food and beverage with friends and family.

Here are some of the best snacks you can pack during your fishing trips.

Chocolates

These goodies can come in the form of snack bars, candies, and drinks. Chocolates are always ideal snacks and can satisfy many people. Particularly, children are very fond of chocolates. If you have little ones tagging along with you on your fishing trip, chocolates will definitely be useful. Just be careful not to give them too much, or they’ll come up with a sugar rush.

You can opt for dark chocolates for healthier options.

Energy Bars

Keep yourselves and your passengers cheerful and energetic when doing wild and exciting watersports with a few lacks of energy bars. These things are filled with the right distribution of nutrients to keep the body chipper after every swim.

Fruits

Keep your cruise healthy with a provision of mandarins, mangos, or bananas. They’re easy to eat and are very healthy in the right amounts. If you’re a skilled enough cook, you can even toss a few fruits as seasonings for your boat barbecues.

If you’re looking for the best boats for sale in Queensland, Quintrex is your best choice. Quintrex is a brand of boats for sale in Queensland that features the latest developments in aluminium technology. They’re sturdy, reliable, and easy to use for beginners.

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Boating Trips in the Cold - Preventing Hypothermia

Boating in cold weather is an enjoyable activity. In fact, passionate boaters even boat in the winter, and the only thing that can stop them is when the rivers or lakes freeze over. If that happens, they’ll head to the sea and boat there. Nothing can stop the desire to have a fun boating day, whether you’re fishing or just taking in the beauty of Australia’s lush and lively waters.

However, boaters still need to be careful when boating in the water. Hypothermia is a dangerous ailment and can happen many times during days of cold weather. People who are on their Quintrex boat in the water are more vulnerable to hypothermia because the temperature of most bodies of water relies on the weather. If the sun is not shining hot enough, chances are it can get really cold.

Hypothermia is a dangerous ailment that can be critical and may require the attention of emergency services. It occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce it. Normally, the ideal temperature of your body should be around 37 degrees in Celsius. Even when you feel cold, your body works hard to maintain the temperature of your organs, and keep them warm. When the weather is too cold, and your body temperature drops to 35 degrees Celsius, hypothermia sets in. Once this happens, medical aid from emergency services is needed.

You’re at risk of hypothermia when the weather is too cold, and you’re not wearing any protective clothing. This ailment can also happen when you’re immersed in water. When you’re on your Quintrex boat, you can prevent hypothermia by wearing the right set of clothes.

Here are the clothes you should wear to ward off the cold weather.

Layered Clothes or Jackets

During winter, it’s recommended that you wear a 4-layer outfit that’s heavily insulated. Make sure that they’re made of wool and silk, as these materials are the best in warding cold temperatures. You also wear thick materials such as cotton, leather, and fur. When you’re wearing layered and padded clothes, make sure that they’re not too heavy lest they impair your mobility when you walk around your Quintrex boat.

Gloves

Thermal gloves are important when you’re boating. When you’re in the water, especially when you’re fishing, the first sections of your body that get wet are your hand. This usually happens when you’re handling fish or tackles. Wet parts of your body get cold quickly, so makes sure to wear gloves to keep them warm.

Headgear

Your head can get uncomfortably cold during winter days. Ear infections are also common at times like these. Make sure to keep your head and ears warm using beanies and ear mufflers. They’re made to be comfortable while also offering warmth to your body. The best materials for this clothing are wool, cotton, and leather.

If you’re looking for a reliable boat for sale for your fishing trips, your best bets are Quintrex boats. Quintrex is a brand of aluminium fishing boats for sale in Australia that feature the latest developments in aluminium technology. Whether you’re fishing on a hot or cold day, Quintrex will be your stoic companion in the water.

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Courtesy Rules When You’re Boating

There’s nothing more annoying than being sprayed with a stream of water from a boat five miles away. I’m exaggerating of course, but boats do spray jets of water as they speed past you. For an angler on the shore, this is annoying. For a fellow boater, this is dangerous. The pressure from the jet could knock someone overboard.

This is just an example of how boaters can bother or injure those around them if they’re not careful. This is why there are courtesy rules among boaters to avoid bothering fellow boaters and anglers along the shore. However, some irresponsible boaters skim through these courtesy guidelines and then proceed to buy their expensive Quintrex boats. Plus, some of these courtesy guidelines are more like unspoken rules than anything officially written. Because of this, some boaters can present some rude behaviours and habits. Remember that even if you own a majestic aluminium boat from Quintrex, you still need to have a good attitude to be respected in the boating community.

Let’s take a look at some courtesy guidelines for boaters.

Watch Your Wake

Heavy boats that travel at fast speeds usually displace water by a lot. When water is displaced, it creates waves that travel from the sides of the boat. These waves are called wakes, and they are generated as you traverse through the water. These waves can either get weak and eventually disappear, or crash into the shore.

Big wakes can be either bothersome or annoying. They cause other boats to rock and even capsize small vessels. Wakes can also splash into the shore with enough force to knock people back or topple equipment.

If you’re travelling anywhere near the shore or among fellow boaters, make sure to drive slowly to minimize your wake.

You can practice moving your boat at the slowest speed while maintaining steerage. This is called slow waking.

Quintrex boats are lightweight aluminium boats that generate less wake. However, for courtesy’s sake, practice slow-waking when you’re within 60 meters from shores and docks.

Courteous Fishing on Boat

When you’re fishing in a new pond or lake, make sure to talk to other patrons about local guidelines. This includes matters such as boat traffic, behaviour, and anchoring protocols.

When a fish is spawning, don’t fish over it. Spawning is when a fish releases its eggs for breeding.

Don’t overfish.

If you’re fishing with a boat, don’t fish near the shore. That’s for shore anglers. If you wish to join shore anglers with your boat, make sure to ask if they’re alright with it. But try not to make it an excuse to show off your Quintrex.

General Courtesy Guidelines

Do not throw your waste overboard. This can harm the environment and can be seen as rude.

Make sure to bring a portable toilet or mobile restroom facilities.

Make sure that your boat is cleaned and dried before entering the water. You could introduce invasive species from one body of water to another.

There are many boats for sale in Queensland at affordable prices. If you can head to your nearest Queensland boating centre, browse their boat options, and make sure to look for Quintrex boats. This brand of aluminium boats prides itself on designing the sturdiest and most reliable boat hulls for Australian boaters. Ask your local dealers if they have any Quintrex boats for sale in Queensland.

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Here is the Difference Between Getting a Brand-new and Used Boat

Australia is abundant with avid boaters due to the country’s lush and lively marine environments. The country is blessed with many coastlines, offshore fishing spots, bays, and peaceful inland waters. The environment beckons to adventurers, explorers, cruisers, and lovers of the water. The marine environment of the country is truly ripe for exploration.

Quintrex boat owners can spend their time cruising through the lush and lively waters of their favourite coastal spot, or their nearest lake or river. When boat owners are in the water, they can do plenty of activities. For instance, they can take some watersport equipment and glide over the waves by skiing or wakeboarding. These dynamic and adrenaline-inducing activities allow them to perform physical feats at high speeds and satisfy their daredevil urges. Watersports are ideal activities for boat owners to spend time with the people they love, such as their family and friends.

Boat owners who prefer calm environments can take their boat to calm, inland waters where the waves and currents there are gentler. The shore is also closer, allowing for a safer environment compared to the deep sea. Boat owners in inland waters can enjoy peaceful fishing sessions or simply drift along the waves while they connect with the people they love. Whether it’s dynamic physical feats such as watersports or peaceful activities such as fishing and sightseeing, owning a boat opens up many activities for people who love being in the water.

Because of the popularity of boating in Australia, the boating community is destined to get larger as many people are getting interested in getting boats of their own.

People who want to own Quintrex boats usually ask the question of whether they should buy a brand-new boat from their local boating centre or a second-hand one. Both are ideal choices that have many benefits and disadvantages.

Here is the difference between getting a new and a used Quintrex boat.

Warranty

Warranties are after-sales services that many boat sellers offer to protect their clients’ items after the purchase. These after-sales services are promises to offer discounts, replacements, and other services – depending on the seller’s terms – according to the client’s needs. For instance, if a boat seller accidentally gives a client a boat with factory defects, the boat seller can offer a replacement. However, the client can only claim such replacement for as long as the warranty lasts. Warranties usually have a duration of five to ten years, according to the sellers’ terms. Brand new boats have longer warranties, while used boats may have warranties but may already have been partly used up.

Price

New boats are usually more expensive because they feature the latest models, designs, and technology. They’re also guaranteed free of defects. If they’re somehow sold with damages, boat sellers can offer replacements through a warranty.

Used boats are usually cheaper because of depreciation, and they may have also incurred damages due to previous ownership.

Insurance

It’s generally cheaper to replace the parts of used Quintrex boats that are from an older model than it is to replace the parts of a brand-new boat from late models. If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to start up your adventure on the water, a used boat will probably appeal to you more than a brand-new one.

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Inland Activities for Passionate Boat Owners

Cruising on a Quintrex boat is an enjoyable activity. In fact, it’s a popular hobby in Australia, thanks in no small part to the abundance of water bodies in the country. Each state is blessed with its own collection of inland waters such as lakes, rivers and ponds that are perfect for exploration and adventure.

Here are some of the activities that Quintrex boat owners can enjoy in inland waters.

Fishing

When one is cruising in a Quintrex boat on inland waters such as lakes, rivers, creeks, estuaries and ponds, it is almost questionable not to fish. A popular aquatic activity in the country, fishing is enjoyed by almost anyone who loves being close to the water.

Inland waters are one of the best environments for people to enjoy some casual fishing sessions. The environments of lakes, rivers, creeks, estuaries and ponds are peaceful and calm, allowing people to simply relax and drift along the waves as they cast out their lines. The waves and currents of inland waters are also gentler and more peaceful compared to the forceful waves of the sea, allowing anglers to stand on their boats without worrying about getting splashed with a jet of water. The stability of inland waters also allows anglers to stand on their casting platforms without worrying about toppling into the water. The ability to stand on a boat’s casting platform allows the angler to see further into the water.

Rivers, lakes, creeks, estuaries and ponds are best enjoyed on an aluminium boat. Tinnies made from aluminium are lightweight, fuel-efficient and quiet. As such, they’re easy to transport, allow for more affordable boating sessions and are less likely to disturb fish and other boat owners with their engine noises.

Inland fishing may require tackles and gears that are different from their offshore variants. Boat owners who wish to enjoy most of their inland fishing sessions can visit their local marine shops and acquire the appropriate equipment for the trip. They may also question the merchants for any guides regarding the local fishing spot.

Camping

After a day of boating, boat owners may set up tents and rest by the lakeside. At their campsite, they can still enjoy various aquatic activities such as fishing and swimming. Furthermore, the fish they caught during their fishing session may be tossed into a barbecue for dinner. Boat owners may enjoy some activities on land as well. They could go hiking and indulge themselves under the canopy of trees and the sounds of crickets and other small animals. They may even go birdwatching.

Camping and boating may be two separate activities, but they complement each other nicely. Many marine shops even offer camping equipment to some degree.

Sightseeing

Ironically speaking, an activity that a Quintrex boat owner can do in an inland environment is nothing at all. Simple cruising on the water and viewing the trees, fields and shorelines that pass by is enough to count as a complete boating activity. This activity is best done when a boat owner has boated in such an environment or spot for the first time.

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Why You Should Choose Aluminium Boats

Let’s say you’re visiting Brisbane boating centres. You’ll find a lot of aluminium Quintrex boats for sale there. They’re the most common boats in the market, and they’re usually a casual boat owner’s first choice. Aluminium fishing boats are a good choice for the family man who likes to take his family fishing once in a while. They’re durable and effective as well.

Aluminium boats are surprisingly affordable. If you compare them to metal or fibreglass boats, you’ll find that you’ll get the most value for your money. If you purchase an aluminium boat from Brisbane’s boating centres, they’ll usually throw it in a package. They will include boat accessories and equipment such as boat trailers, canopies, and even fishing tackles.

If you’re a family man in Brisbane, you should get yourself and your family an aluminium fishing boat. There are a lot of Quintrex boats for sale in Brisbane, and they perform exceptionally well in Australian waters.

Good for fishing

Aluminium boats can be surprisingly spacious. They can hold a good number of people, and still have room for fishing tackle. As long as you don’t overload and overpack your boat, you’ll have enough room to cast your line without hitting someone accidentally.

Aluminium boats can be fitted with fishing attachments such as a rod holder, fishfinder, and live bait tank. You can have everything you need on your fishing boat.

Good for dynamic aquatic activities

Aluminium boats can be fitted with attachments you can use for some wild aquatic activities. This includes equipment for skiing, paragliding, kneeboarding, and wakeboarding.

Because of their lighter weight, Aluminium boats tend to be faster. You can also fit a stronger outboard motor on your boat and improve its speed. This allows for a more dynamic family vacation.

Can be fitted with a good outboard motor

The outboard motor of most aluminium boats isn’t fixed into their hull. You can detach them to install a better engine for a faster boat or a slower boat. You can also remove the outboard motor to keep it safe from theft.

Most Used Boat

The aluminium boat is the common type of vessel among the boating community in Australia. It might seem that fibreglass dominates the market because of its advanced features. However, aluminium and plate boats still dominate the boating scene as the most affordable and reliable vessels.

The aluminium boat has been tried and tested by boating communities around the world. That’s a hundred countries trying and testing out what works and what doesn’t. The aluminium boat takes the cake when it comes to reliability, durability, weight, and efficiency.

Durable, Lightweight, and Efficient

Aluminium is a solid material. It can withstand high temperatures and doesn’t burn – it’s non-combustible. They also stand well against the blazing heat of Australia’s sun.

Aluminium is resistant to impact. That means that you can expect minimal damage when your hull crashes into a rock. Or at least, the damage is less compared to other boat variants.

Aluminium boats are lightweight, making them easy to transport.

Their lighter frame also encourages fuel efficiency. Light boats need light engines, and light engines consume less gas.

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Safety Tips to Remember When You Get Caught on a Fog While Sailing Out at Sea

Safety is always the top priority while you’re out on the water. However, there are some instances when our safety is put at risk; and foggy weather is one of them. When it comes to fog, it’s more difficult for sailors to navigate the waters because of low visibility.

If weather forecasts predict that foggy conditions will loom at sea, it’s best to wait it out on dry land before you embark on your journey. However, if you’re at sea and suddenly your Yellowfin boat gets caught up in a fog, make sure you’ll be prepared and know what to do. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Reduce Your Boat’s Speed

Because of low visibility the risks of colliding with another boat or other obstructions increase. If you’re running at high speed, it’s best to slow down when you’re pacing ahead. This will give you enough time to spot any obstacles before you so you can stop before hitting them.

Let Other Boaters Be Aware of Your Presence

For other potential boaters in the area who are also inconvenienced by the fog as well, make your presence known to them so they’ll be aware that you’re near them.

Turn on your running lights and blast your sound signals for a minute or two. Take breaks in between your sound signals so you can hear if other boaters are sounding their signals too. If you hear them, sound your horn back to let them know you’ve heard their signal and slow down your vessel’s speed to navigate safely without colliding with them.

Stay Away from High Traffic Areas

Areas such as channels, inlets, and bays are where you can find a lot of boaters navigating around. If you’re near a channel marker, proceed with caution as other boaters will head towards this area as well. Be on high alert and drive your boat to its slowest speed.

If you can, navigate away from these locations if you’re not confident enough to proceed here. Wait for the fog to clear up before you go near these locations.

Assign Someone to Be on the Lookout

If you’ve got crew members on board with you, assign one or two to be on the lookout for other boaters, obstructions, lighthouses, buoys, or signs of land ahead. Let them position themselves on the bow of the boat and on the stern as well. With extra pair of eyes on the lookout, you can navigate the waters safely and even get into the safety of land where you can go near and moor your boat securely while waiting for the fog to clear up.

Fog-related safety gear and equipment you should carry onboard which are especially useful in foggy conditions:

Personal flotation devices such as life jackets and life vests for every person onboard. It’s best to wear them during these conditions. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

A compass and map if you don’t have GPS or Chartplotter tool and equipment in your boat.

A VHF marine radio to directly communicate with the Coast Guard and even with other boaters around the area. Having communication with other boaters is helpful to navigate the sea safely as you proceed towards your destination.

A depth finder or fishfinder to let you show the water’s depth beneath your boat, so you don’t hit any submerged obstacles or run your boat towards the shore.

A searchlight to alert other boats of your presence.

A marine radar to alert you of nearby vessels. This equipment can be costly and not all boats have this important feature. But if you find yourself going offshore regularly, it’s best to invest in this one.

Horns, ship bells, and whistles to use to signal other boaters of your presence.

You can find these items in marine shops around your area, or you can order them through online shops.

If you find yourself with virtually zero visibility around you and don’t feel confident of your ability to navigate through the thick fog, just stop. Turn off your boat’s engine, throw down your anchor into the water, and wait for the fog to clear up. It’s best to be safe than sorry. Don’t forget to do the things mentioned above while you’re anchored. Doing these things ensure your safety and prevent any mishaps from happening.