SAFETY FIRST, THEN EVERYTHING ELSE

When it comes to a happy journey, safety always comes first. At Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Canada, it is not just a catchphrase, but our topmost priority. You truly own the water when you are equipped with the right gear before manning the helm. Boat smart with our assortment of equipment that will help you keep safe and sound.

Boating courses

For enjoyable times on the water, recreational boaters must learn about safety education and certifications. Please refer below to stay updated with the rules and regulations about recreational boating.

Everything you need to know by province: Get Transport Canada›s province-based directory of approved training facilities and services for recreational boaters.

Boating Safety

A manual with all the standards, guidelines, and rules established by Transport Canada for recreational boating.

List of Accredited Organizations

The Canadian Safe Boating Council offers comprehensive resources and courses on various safe renting and boating.

Boating for Beginners

If you're new to boating, Start Boating teaches you the fundamentals based on your boat, so you can enjoy yourself on the water safely.

Marine Safety

Transport Canada provides resources for licensing, safety, services and information, training, and navigational aids to keep you safe on the sea.

Essentials to Pack

Antiseptic wipes to clean wounds
First aid cream
A variety of adhesive bandages
Gauze pads
Necessary legal documents

Emergency blanket
Sting relief wipes
Cold packs
Scissors
Aspirin
Whistle
Reflector tape

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Life Jackets Transport Canada states that by law you are required to have a lifejacket or PFD for each person on your boat.

Lifejackets provide more buoyancy and come in red, orange, and yellow colours for better visibility.

Tip: Wearing a PFD will help an individual conserve energy by keeping them afloat which aids in preventing cold water shock.

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Personal Flotation Device With inflatable PFDs, discover comfort, convenience, and fun.

Comfort: Inflatable PFDs are designed to be lightweight and comfortable. It is easy to wear, less bulky and comfortable to wear when compared to foam-based PFDs.

Convenience: Unlike traditional foam PFDs, inflatable PFDs can be deflated and folded into a compact size. This makes them much easier to store.

Maneuverability: Inflatable PFDs are typically less bulky and allows a greater range of motion. Use inflatable PFDs while you go fishing.

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How to Choose the Right Boat Cover for Your Boat

Material

The first detail to look out for is to check the material.
These come in polyester, nylon, acrylic and cotton-poly blends, each with its own pros and cons.

Polyester: For long-term usage, protection from UV, wear and tear, water resistance, breathability, long service life and reasonable cost, polyester is recommended.

Nylon blends: Although nylon blends are conventional, rugged, and waterproof, they become stiff in cold weather, have poor UV resistance, are not breathable and more expensive.

Cotton: Cotton is a poor choice for its stretchability and breakdown. However, poly-cotton blend is still popular due to its lower price point. Choosing the highest polyester blend to cotton is recommended if you are going with a poly-cotton blend.

Acrylic: These boat covers are superior and are the gold standard of cover materials. They are fade-resistant and known for breathability.

Colour

Dark-shade covers like blue, black or green last longer compared to lighter-shades. They also have higher UV resistance and absorb more heat. Furthermore, “solution-dyed” fibres are dyed before weaving into cloth.

It allows the colour to travel through the material and increases its resistance to UV and fading. It makes them superior and most preferred. On the other hand, “pigment coating” accepts the colour after weaving. It makes the colour present only on the surface.

Fit

To considerably extend the lifetime of your boat, ditch the universal cover size. Instead,
measure your boat and get a cover that fits snugly. An ill-fitting cover can cause more damage than leaving your boat uncovered, as it may rub against the surface and cause scratches. A well-fitting cover made from quality material can protect your boat from damage, save you time and money on repairs, reduce drag, and prevent your cooler lid from ending up on the side of the road.

Breathability

One of the most underrated characteristics of a good boat cover is its breathability. When the cover builds up moisture, the interior of the cover sweats and damages the boat. A water-resistant fabric will combat mildew and mould problems significantly. With a good 100% waterproof cover and built-in vents, you can avoid damage to wiring and electronics and prevent rot inside your boat.

Pro tip: The quality of the boat cover is directly related to the weight. When it comes to longevity and ruggedness, the higher the ounce number, the better the protection.

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How to Measure Your Boat?

Measure the centerline length from the tip of the bow to center of the stern in a flat, straight line (avoid including swim platforms, bow pulpits and trolling motors).
Measure your boat side-to-side in a straight line at the widest point on the hull. Do not include any obstacles.
Move up to the next size if your measurement falls on maximum length.

When it comes to water safety, it’s not a matter of either/or – both life jackets and inflatable PFDs have their place. Choose the right gear that fits your activities, needs and preferences.