Best Boat For Water Sports

A Guide to the Best Boats For Your Summer Water Sports

What’s the best boat for water sports? Let’s find out! 

As summer heats up, there are plenty of ways to cool down in the water including lots of fun water sports.

Spending your summer by the lake or the ocean means lots of opportunities to enjoy exciting and relaxing water sports. Whether you use your boat to simply carry yourself, your friends and your water sports equipment to a suitable anchor point, or if the boat is part of the water activities, there are lots of options.

But what type of boat best suits your lifestyle and the water sports you want to enjoy? While the options are endless when it comes to water sports, some boats and yachts are better suited to certain water-based activities.

Before you head out for a water adventure check out this guide to water sports and the best boats to do them with.

Power Boats are Perfect for Surface Water Sports

 

Water sports such as water skiing, knee boarding and wake surfing all fall under the surface water sport family and are easily enjoyable with the right boat. Feeling extra adventurous? Kitesurfing is also in this category, but you should seek the guidance of a professional if you’re new to this activity.

With surface water sports comes a need for speed, and the ability to turn quickly which is why power boats are ideal.

Suitable boats for these kinds of water activities include:

  • Jet Boat: In terms of speed, the jet boat is a great deal of fun. They’re easy to manoeuvre and are very small. They’re also good in shallower waters. 
  • Ski and Wakeboard Boat: If tubing is your water sport preference, this is the type of boat you need. A wakeboard boat produces higher waves behind it. Seasoned water skiers or wakeboarders would benefit from this type of boat as well. 

 Check out these additional powerboat classifications for more inspiration.

Best Boats for Cruising, Sailing and Boat Trips

Relaxation, sightseeing cruises, and celebrations go hand in hand with boats, especially if you prefer more sedate water-based activities.

Dock or anchor your yacht to enjoy swimming or snorkelling in shallower water. Or stay on board and enjoy a cool drink while tanning on your deck.

Here are the best boats for cruising, sailing and boat trips:

  • Yacht: Modern yachts are loaded with accessories to help you host a lunch, take a little trip or just enjoy the wind in your hair when you head out for a spin. Yachts are smart, sporty and dressed to impress. 
  • Trawler Boat: The perfect boat for cruising, a trawler boat is excellent to take longer trips. Venture out to discover different islands and areas and fill your summer with exciting destinations.

Check out these great reviews by Canadian Yachting, covering boats that are spacious and versatile for cruising and more. 

Fishing – The Ultimate Water Sport?

Fishing is a great summertime activity to indulge in. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned pro, fishing is refreshing, peaceful and a lot of fun. Take these boats for a spin during your next fishing trip and you’ll be sure to reel in the catch of the day with their swift, unalarming manoeuvres. 

  • Pursuit Console Boat: A traditional fishing style boat that provides shelter and weather protection.
  • Convertible Fishing Boat: A large boat that is best suited for both offshore fishing and distance cruising. If you’re looking for a boat with a large cabin, this one’s for you.
  • Cuddy Cabin Boat: These small boats are great to fish with. They have a smaller overhead which can be used for weather protection. They also come with a walk-around or accessible bow, which can be useful for offshore fishing.

Paddling is People Powered Water Sports

Non-motorized water sports are trendy, peaceful, and enable you to enjoy relaxed activity in calmer waters. Paddle-powered water sports include stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, and canoeing. Stand up paddle boards have been called the must-have boating accessory, while kayaking and canoeing are classic water sports loved by many. With water sports such as these, you have a different range of options in terms of boat choice, but if you want to transport your equipment to different locations on board, look for larger boats with more deck space:

  • Deck Boat: This has lots of space which makes it ideal for hauling water sports equipment. They are also great for swimming, so try an adventurous new water sport like snorkelling. 
  • Bowrider: Seats 8 or more people and is a good boat for beginners. They’re also great for shallow waters and fishing, as well as water sports.

Versatile Boats for All Fun Water Sports

If you are interested in the faster, motor-powered water sports, you can’t go wrong with investing in a power boat which has great versatility for many types of fun water activities.

Here’s Boat Safe’s guide on what to look for when buying a great power boat.

If you’re looking for a boat that can do it all, consider a Pursuit Boat. As Vancouver Island’s exclusive Pursuit dealer, Van Isle Marina can help you find the perfect model. 

Sporty, offshore, dual console, center console and spacious, pursuit boats have it all. They are the perfect balance between entertaining and interactive for whatever type of water sport or summer water activity you’re looking for. If you’re looking for the best boats for water sports, Pursuit boats are a great choice.

Go Downsize endorses the quality of Pursuit Boats, showing their durability and top-notch build when it comes to value for your money. They are one of the best boats you can invest in.

Try Out Some New Water Sports This Summer on a New Boat from Van Isle Marina

Whether you are looking for your first boat, or if you’re in the market for a new one, the right vessel is key to power your aquatic adventures.

Let our knowledgeable yacht sales team at Van Isle Marina find you the ideal boat to carry you, your friends and your water activity equipment. Contact us if you’re looking for the best yacht for water sports.

Boat Distress Flares – What They Are and Why You Need Them

The Essential Safety Equipment you need for any Boating Trip

Boat distress flares are one of those things that no one really thinks about until they need it.

Being out on the water can be a wonderful way to spend a day, a week, or even a month. There is nothing quite like enjoying the sunshine while gliding through the water on your yacht, or perhaps dropping a line or a crab trap off the side of your fishing boat. 

But if you found yourself in an emergency situation, would you know how to attract attention using a visual distress signal such as a flare?

Chances are, you’ve got a pretty good idea about what you need to take with you on a boating trip in terms of food, drinks, clothing, equipment and so on, but do you also have the basic safety equipment that all boats are required to carry?

In this blog, we will discuss the types of boat distress flares available, how you should store them and what the rules are about using them, but first let’s look at the basic safety equipment you need to have on board.

Your Boating Safety Equipment Checklist

 

No matter the size of your boat, you should carry a boating emergency kit  on board in case of an emergency, which should include:

  • A propelling device, in case of engine failure
  • An anchor, with 15-meter rope, in case of engine failure
  • A heaving line, for water rescues
  • A fire extinguisher
  • A bailer or hand pump, in case of flooding on board
  • An emergency kit, including First Aid, boat documentation, communication tools, navigation tools, extra batteries, water, snacks, weather items, a knife, and a change of clothes.
  • A selection of visual signalling devices, such as flares and waterproof flashlights
  • A sound signalling device, such as horns or whistles.

Some of the above are simply a good idea to have on board your boat, but some – like distress flares – are required by law. Most importantly, carrying these items aboard can save you in the event of an emergency.

What are the Requirements for Boat Distress Flares in Canadian Waters?

 

Different countries have different rules about the use of distress flares on boats, but Canadian laws regarding distress flare requirements are as follows:

  • While on an ocean or a body of water where it is possible to travel over 1 nautical mile from the shore, you are required to have flares on board.
  • While on a body of water where it is not possible to travel over 1 nautical mile from shore, you are not required to have flares on board.
  • Boats under 6 meters must have 3 distress signals (in addition to smoke signals).
  • Boats between 6 and 9 meters require 6 distress signals (in addition to smoke signals).
  • Boats between 9 and 12 meters require 12 distress signal flares (half of which should not be smoke signals).
  • Boats over 12 meters require 12 distress signals (half of which should not be smoke signals).
  • Distress signals must only be used in the event of an emergency. Any non-emergency use is illegal.

When you have the required equipment on your vessel, you can relax a little more, knowing that you’ve covered all your bases and planned for an emergency. 

What are the Different Types of Distress Flares?

 

Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to the devices that could very well save your life one day. There are four main types of distress signals: rocket parachute flares (Type A), multi-star flares (Type B), handheld flares (Type C) and smoke signals (Type D). 

Boat Distress Signals Type A: Rocket Parachute Flares

As the name indicates, Type A distress signals have a rocket capable of launching the flare 300 meters into the air. Once the flare hits its maximum height, a parachute billows out and the flare burns red for 40 seconds while descending. This type of distress signal is viewable up to 20 nautical miles away. 

Boat Distress Signals Type B: Multi-Star Flares

Type B distress signals shoot off two or more red stars (like fireworks) at intervals of up to 15 seconds, with the stars burning for around 4 seconds. With a maximum height of 100 meters, Type B distress signals can be seen up to 12 nautical miles away.

Boat Distress Signals Type C: Handheld Flares

These handheld distress signals are easier to see from the air than from the surface of the water, assisting rescuers who are within a few nautical miles. These flares are shaped like a long tube and are designed to burn bright red while the operator waves them slowly back and forth.  

Boat Distress Signals Type D: Smoke Signals

Type D distress signals can be handheld or able to float on the water. The buoyant type will produce orange smoke for a minimum of 3 minutes on calm water, while the handheld variety produces smoke for a minimum of 1 minute. The important thing to remember about Type D distress signals is that they are only usable in clear daylight, since smoke signals rely on high-visibility weather conditions.

There are a few other distress signal types, including LED flares, but these are not approved by Transport Canada. Distress signals onboard Canadian vessels need to be picked from the four approved types listed above. 

Each type of distress signal has its own unique features, but one feature that they all share is that they are valid for 4 years after their manufacture date. Expired distress signals need to be disposed of promptly, according to the disposal instructions on the device itself.

How Should You Store Your Distress Flares Onboard?

The single most important thing about distress signal storage is that they need to be kept away from heat sources and flammable liquids or gases. Your distress signals should be kept upright in a waterproof container somewhere cool, dry, and easy to access. After all, an emergency device is useless if you can’t get to it quickly and easily.

It’s a good idea to paint the storage container with a bright colour and label it “Distress Signals” so that other people on the craft can easily identify the container.

Stay Safe and Enjoy the Trip!

Now that your boat is fully stocked with all the necessary safety equipment, be sure to go over their location and usage instructions with any passengers before setting off. 

At Van Isle Marina, our knowledgeable staff can help you with sourcing any safety equipment you require while you are moored with us. We offer long and short-term moorage options and a wide range of amenities for overnight guests including showers and a business centre. Contact us today to find out more or book a slip.