Boats & Yachts

Useful boating sites

boat on the ocean

Websites of interest for boaters and marine professionals.

 

Below is a list of useful sites for boaters and marine professionals:

Education & training

  • Chapman School of Seamanship trains students in navigation, seamanship, boat handling in both power and sail, and the nautical information needed for licensing in pursuit of a career as captain or crew.
  • US Powerboating - offers comprehensive on-the-water training and education courses for recreational boaters
  • US Sailing - the national governing body for the sport of sailing, providing various training and educational course specifically for sailing. 
  • Discover Boating offer boating information and online courses, maintenance and equipment tips, as well as books and reviews to increase your "nautical know-how."
  • NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) provides information regarding approved boater education and training courses.  
  • NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) is an international non-profit authority that advocates consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education to reduce fire and other hazards.
  • U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary – provides information on taking a boating safety class, where to get a free vessel safety check, and additional boating safety information.
  • U.S. Coast Guard - The Office of Boating Safety offers information geared to recreational boaters on laws,
  • The U.S. Coast Guard provides information on programs and services, history, area and district information – and more.

Trip planning & marina locators

  • Float Planning from small boats to luxury yachts, the U.S. Coast Guard provides owners of the ability to prepare a float plan which is extremely helpful to rescue personnel in emergency situations.
  • Marinas Directory provides an online directory of marinas throughout the United States and abroad with services for boaters and marina owners.
  • MarinaLife offer boaters a complete suite of travel services, including centralized online reservations services, national and international discounts, as well as travel planning for groups and individuals.
  • NOAA National Weather Service provides local and offshore marine forecasts and up-to-date storm information from the National Hurricane Center.

Statistics, surveying & valuation

Insights and expertise

We help you stay ahead and informed with these helpful tips and tricks for protecting your home, car, and more.
speedboat on water
Boats & Yachts
The three “P’s” of marine fire safety
Keep yourself, your family, and your friends safe while aboard your boat or yacht this season by reviewing the three essential “P”’s of marine fire safety.
Speed boat
Boats & Yachts
Your essential pre-departure and boating safety checklist
Before you head out on the water for the first time this season, it’s important to make sure you and your boat are completely prepared. That’s why we’ve put together the following checklist for you to follow for a safe boating season, starting day one.
sailing with a boat
Boats & Yachts
10 ways to prepare your boat for a hurricane
The climate experts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) continue to predict active Atlantic hurricane seasons in the coming years. Therefore, boaters in hurricane-prone regions need to take steps to keep their vessels safe from harm or at least minimize potential damage and injuries. To help, we’ve put together a few important tips:
rope tied to dock
Boats & Yachts
Tips for docking your boat safely
Just like parking a car can cause stress for some, so can docking a boat, especially if you’re not sure of yourself. But close quarters don’t have to mean scratches and scrapes on your boat. Take a look at these tips to help you keep your boat in pristine condition when you pull in and out of the dock.
yachts on marine
Boats & Yachts
12 safety tips for recreational boaters
As the weather warms up, many of us head to lakes, rivers, or the ocean to fish, waterski, cruise, and relax onboard a boat, yacht or other personal watercraft. With nearly 12 million registered recreational boats in the U.S.*, it’s no wonder the waterways are a popular place to go. But, before you head out with friends and family, take note of a few important safety tips.
luxury yachts at sunset
Boats & Yachts
What to consider when choosing a marina, yacht club, or other facility
Whether you’ve just purchased a boat or yacht or have had one for years, where you keep it when you’re not using it is almost as important as the vessel itself. That’s why it’s so essential to do your due diligence before choosing a marina, yacht club, or other facility.
marina storm
Boats & Yachts
Protecting your boat from hurricanes and other major storms
Tips for how to protect your boat from damage before a hurricane or major storm hits.
marina in winter
Boats & Yachts
Going into layup: Preparing your vessel for winter storage
When summer is coming to an end, it’s time to prepare your boat for the winter months. If you plan to have your boat hauled out and stored over the winter, here are a few items to remember.

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