Cats on Boats: Everything You Need to Know

Sailing Cats Can Be Great Onboard Companions

Having cats on boats is a great way to bond with your four-legged buddy while still doing something you enjoy. If you are thinking about taking your cat on a boating trip, both of you will benefit from what can be a positive experience. 

If your sailing cat isn’t already used to being on a boat, though, you will need to take steps to get your furry best friend to the point where they can comfortably join you.

Read on to discover how you can take your cat boating and what you will need to pack for them. 

Getting Cats on Boats

If you’re considering sailing with a cat for the first time, you can make the experience easy and enjoyable for both you and your pet by taking some steps to prepare first.

Going boating with pets requires some training to get them used to being on an unfamiliar surface. Boats are not stable, so your cat may be anxious or unsure of its footing. Additionally, when you need to get off the boat, your cat may feel out of its comfort zone that you are not there. 

As their trusted friend, it’s up to you to make sure of a few things before you get your cat on a boat: 

  • Can your cat swim? Unfortunately, accidents can happen that may result in your cat going overboard. To ensure that a small accident doesn’t turn into a bigger one, make certain your cat knows how to swim before you decide to take them onto the boat.
  • Is your cat comfortable being on a boat? Cats are usually home-based pets, preferring to lounge on the couch or catch a glimpse of sun by the window. Do you think your cat would adapt comfortably to life on a boat? Would they be okay to walk around on the outside deck and in the cabin?
  • Is your cat a quick learner? Don’t rush when you’re training your cat to be on a boat. Even if your furry best friend is a quick study, taking your time makes the transition from land to boat much easier. 

The Potty Issue

Training your cat to do their business on board may be tricker than home since they are used to their litter box and its familiar location. 

For successful potty training onboard, bring the litter box your cat uses at home – they will be used to the smell and will most likely have better success. As well, make sure you have a plan for waste disposal, especially if you intend to go on a multi-day trip.

What to Bring For Cats on Boats

Just as humans need supplies when going sailing, cats also require the same consideration. 

If you want to take your cat with you, you’ll need the following things:

  • Leash and harness. If you plan to explore on land as part of your trip, you will need to bring a leash. If your cat mistakenly falls into water, a harness will support its weight when you haul it out of the water.
  • Rope ladder. In the event that your feline friend tumbles off the boat, you can throw them a rope ladder to claw into and pull themselves back up onboard. 
  • Large net. This may also help rescue your cat out of the water if they go overboard. 
  • ID tag. An ID tag should have your phone number and address on it in case your cat gets lost during the trip.
  • Food and water bowls. A water bowl is always necessary, especially during hot days, but a food bowl may also be necessary if you are going out for longer than a few hours. 
  • Food. Like the humans on the boat, your pet will need a supply of food big enough to last the whole trip. Keep extra dry cat food onboard in case of emergencies.
  • Fresh water. It’s important to bring a supply of fresh water for your cat since drinking from other sources may make them sick. 
  • Sunscreen. If your cat has very short hair or bald areas – such as the area around their nose – they may require sunblock to avoid getting sunburned.
  • Rug or mat. Boat surfaces can get hot in the summer. A rug or a mat offers your cat a safe and comfortable place to lie down.

How to Keep Your Sailing Cat Safe

Safety needs to be considered when having cats on boats. Among the other safety equipment and supplies you pack for a boating trip, you should include some basic medical and safety supplies for your cat too, such as:

  • Life vest. Even if your cat knows how to swim, a lifejacket is still needed to ensure their safety.
  • Overboard plan. Just like you have an overboard rescue plan for humans, you will also need one for your cat. This may include training your cat to respond to a specific set of commands and getting them used to wearing a lifejacket.
  • Fishhooks and bait. If you plan to go fishing, make sure your hooks and bait are safely stowed so that your cat doesn’t get hurt.
  • Seasickness medication. Cats can get seasick, too. Fortunately, they can usually take the same seasick medicine that humans take for this problem. If you want to be certain, however, ask your veterinarian before heading out on the boat.
  • First aid kit. Pet first aid kits are available at most pet stores, and they include items that are specific to animals – unlike human first aid kits. If your cat is on any medication, be sure to also include that in the kit, where it will be safe.
  • Shade. Like humans, cats can be susceptible to heat stroke or heat exhaustion. Ensure there is somewhere shady they can rest in extreme heat.

Finding Pet-Friendly Marinas

 

Although most marinas are pet-friendly, not all are, so ensure you check ahead if you’re planning to dock at different marinas during your trip. You should also familiarize yourself with their rules concerning pets. It’s simple to plan your marina stops using the internet, since most marinas will have a website that may include information about their pet policies.

At Van Isle Marina, we love pets. We understand that the boating lifestyle can mean taking your beloved animal onboard to share in your memories. 

Whether you’re looking for a permanent base or a stopover for one night, your four-legged friend is welcome at our Sidney, BC marina. Contact us today for more information about our moorage rates.

 

Fishing Charter Experience – The Perfect Gift!

Why Vancouver Island Fishing Charters are the Best

Surrounded by waters teeming with all kinds of sea life, Vancouver Island is a fishing enthusiast’s dream. It’s no wonder that there are so many quality fishing charters offering the chance to hook ‘the big one’.

Even if you have your own fishing yacht, heading out on a fishing charter gives you the chance to focus solely on the catch and leave the other considerations to someone else.

Vancouver Island fishing charters can make a great gift for that aspiring angler in your life too. Book them a trip with one of the Victoria fishing charters and let them bring dinner home with them.

Read on to discover how you can have the fishing trip of your dreams by booking a fishing charter on Vancouver Island. 

What is a Fishing Charter?

A fishing charter is an excursion service that is offered by boat owners, professional fishing guides and resorts.

The charter service takes guests out on a fishing boat or yacht – usually to a well-known fishing spot – with the aim of making a big catch.

Charters are usually booked for a set number of hours and may include lunch. Most charters will provide all the equipment you require unless you prefer to bring your own.

What Can You Expect from a Fishing Charter?

An important thing to remember when booking a fishing charter is that you might not spend the entire time fishing. 

A good guide will take you and your party to the areas they think will offer the highest possibility of catching fish. You may need to drop your line a few times to see if a spot will yield a catch. If it doesn’t, you’ll move on to another spot. 

Ultimately, it’s the guide’s job to give you the best chance to catch fish, wherever that takes you.  

Once you hook a fish, staff on the boat will be on hand to help reel it in or provide a catch net. Whatever your level of experience, charter staff want you to have a successful fishing trip. 

Tip: Familiarize yourself with the charter’s policies before you book and be clear about what you want to achieve from the excursion. Clear communication will go a long way toward ensuring that you and your party have a fun and successful fishing session.

Duration of Fishing Charters

Fishing charters are typically divided into half-day or full-day excursions, whether you intend to go freshwater or saltwater fishing. While the cost of freshwater fishing charters may fluctuate depending on the location, you can expect saltwater fishing charters to base their rates on the intended catch.

What Fish Can You Catch Around Vancouver Island?

Vancouver Island offers freshwater and saltwater fishing in its many lakes and rivers and along its abundant coastline. While freshwater fishing charters may not be as plentiful as their saltwater counterparts, they are still an option.

With quality saltwater fishing being virtually at your doorstep, going out on the waves is a popular choice for a fishing trip. Vancouver Island’s coastal waters are home to all five species of salmon:

  • Coho
  • Pink
  • Sockeye
  • Chum
  • Chinook 

As well, Halibut, Ling Cod, Pacific Rockfish and Albacore Tuna are all abundant. 

Each of these species offers an exciting challenge from locating the best spot to drop your line to fighting to land them.  

If you choose a freshwater fishing charter, you can expect to find these species of fish:

  • Big Mouth Bass
  • Small Mouth Bass
  • Brown Trout
  • Cutthroat Trout
  • Rainbow Trout
  • Steelhead Trout
  • Dolly Varden
  • Freshwater Perch

Where to get a Fishing Charter on Vancouver Island

With so many fishing opportunities on Vancouver Island, you have lots of options for where to do a fishing charter excursion. 

To help narrow it down, we’ve listed the best fishing locations below. Why not start with your favourite location and work your way  down the list!

Northern Vancouver Island

Kyuquot, Winter Harbour and Port Hardy are three of the best places on Northern Vancouver Island to fish for Salmon, Halibut, and even Albacore Tuna.

Central Vancouver Island

Campbell River is known as the “Salmon Capital of the World.” Nootka Sound, on the opposite side of Central Vancouver Island, is also a quality fishing location if you want Chinook.

Pacific Rim

The area around Tofino, Ucluelet and Port Alberni is a pass-through point for Chinook on their way to their spawning grounds each year. 

The Stamp and Somass Rivers in Port Alberni are “the” freshwater fishing spots for Salmon in the fall. You can also catch Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout in the Stamp River year-round and Steelhead in the winter.

Southern Vancouver Island

Fishing charters in Victoria, BC offer year-round salmon and halibut fishing. These two species are also targeted by Sooke fishing charters that explore the west coast of Vancouver Island.

Further north, locals call the Cowichan River “The Fly-Fishing Capital of Canada,” with its many Trout and Coho Salmon runs, whereas Ladysmith offers great access to ocean Halibut and Salmon.

Tips for Picking a Fishing Charter

When it comes to choosing a fishing charter company, you want to find the best possible experience for your money.

When narrowing down a list of potentials, there are some things you can do to help find the right charter for you:

  • Know what you want. Know what fish you want to catch before you begin contacting any fishing charters. Most charters tend to focus on one or two fish species.
  • Browse their website. Websites are intended to be sources of company information, so browsing their website will help answer questions you might have.
  • Read the reviews. Search the internet for independent customer reviews. By reading through these, you will see what kind of reputation the charter has. 
  • Pick a price. As one of the biggest factors in choosing a fishing charter, the price needs to fit your budget.

Purchasing a Fishing Vessel From Van Isle Marina

Interested in buying your dream yacht? Have a chat with our Van Isle Marina yacht sales team! Contact us today or check out our website’s yacht sale page for our latest listings.

You can also refer to our blog, ‘Best Boats for Fishing’ for some more inspiration on the perfect fishing boat for you.