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Dave R · 09-30-2005, 09:37 AM

I did more night boating this year than I have ever done in all the years previous combined. This was also my first year with a GPS chartplotter and a Bizer C-Map cartridge... It was just plain awesome and I loved it.

I found that your technique of going from light to light is the best and it's pretty obvious that the lighted markers are setup for doing precisely that. When combined with the GPS, going from light to light is extremely easy and confidence inspiring. You'll spend far less time trying to be sure of your location and more time scanning for hazard with GPS. Did I mention I like GPS?

Some random tips I can add:

Have a spotlight ready to use and at your finger tips. You never know when you'll need it to flash toward someone who does not see you. Pilot your boat with your hand on the throttle as much as possible. Be ready to react quickly. Carry spare bulbs and fuses for your navigation lights and know how to replace them quickly. Have blankets on board for passengers to use. Something about cruising in the cool night air, under the stars, and snuggled warmly under a blanket is just soooo right. Don't be afraid to go slowly; there's no hurry.

09-30-2005, 09:37 AM	#10
Dave R Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 2,984 Thanks: 246 Thanked 743 Times in 443 Posts	I did more night boating this year than I have ever done in all the years previous combined. This was also my first year with a GPS chartplotter and a Bizer C-Map cartridge... It was just plain awesome and I loved it. I found that your technique of going from light to light is the best and it's pretty obvious that the lighted markers are setup for doing precisely that. When combined with the GPS, going from light to light is extremely easy and confidence inspiring. You'll spend far less time trying to be sure of your location and more time scanning for hazard with GPS. Did I mention I like GPS? Some random tips I can add: Have a spotlight ready to use and at your finger tips. You never know when you'll need it to flash toward someone who does not see you. Pilot your boat with your hand on the throttle as much as possible. Be ready to react quickly. Carry spare bulbs and fuses for your navigation lights and know how to replace them quickly. Have blankets on board for passengers to use. Something about cruising in the cool night air, under the stars, and snuggled warmly under a blanket is just soooo right. Don't be afraid to go slowly; there's no hurry.