Boating is for Sweethearts

As we know boating is an activities that brings people together. We most commonly associate this with families that have teenaged kids. We often hear from parents that while they enjoy the escape to the water for many reasons on of the huge benfits to what boating brings to their family is an activity that all members of the family enjoy and helps to keep them together.

One of the lesser discussed topics is the effect that boating has on couple relationships. Interestingly enough all things point to the fact that boating is a great way to bring couples together. In 2008 there was an Angus Reid survey which polled 1,000 boaters and non-boaters . The survey found that 63 percent of boaters compared to 54 percent of the general non-boating Canadian population were satisfied with their sex life. To further their point, those who were on a boat 10 times more in a year were the most satisfied. 

Having a better sex life is only just a part of it. Couples boating also aids in bettering communication skills. When done properly, as explained in Brenda Dawson's book “First Mate 101” boat trips can prove to be a great marriage counceling adventures and greatly helps to improve communication skills between the captain and the first mate.

A great example of this can be expressed through the experience of our marketing manager who participates in an annual boat trip with her husband.  Carly Poole started her boat trip tradition when she and her now husband had only been dating for 6 months. While excited for this first adventure she knew that they would learn a lot more about their relationship after spending a week traveling through the Trent to Georgian Bay and back in a 22’ cuddy cabin. Being a long time boater and boating instructor Carly assumed the roll of captain and her sweetheart the first mate. While there were a number of trials and enjoyment along the way the pinnacle of the relationship growth happened in the last two days of the trip.

Ready to head home the young couple started out to cross some open water in the Bay heading toward Orillia. Although the trip had been unseasonally warm and calm waters this day brought the tail end of a hurricane that had hit the eastern seaboard earlier that week. With a small boat in some now big turbulent water, this was not a boating adventure that they two had ever experience together before. It required a lot of  concentration,  patience and direct, unwavering communication as they and the little boat got tossed around.

Carly and her husband on their wedding day!

The two made it home safe and sound with boat, egos and relationship in tact! When asked Carly and her husband concur that their first boat trip was a great testiment to their relationship and that they both look forward to getting out on the water every year to spend some quality time together away from it all.  “It taught us very quickly the importance of proper communication. When you are out of the water and you are not direct and specific in your communication you could be left on the dock with boat and captain floating out to sea.”

Do you have a great couples boating experience? We would love to hear how your boat helps you and your sweetheart to learn and enjoy new adventures together.  Click the "comments" link below to share your story.

Santa Claus Parade season is here!

Thanks to all of our friends who joined us yesterday at Fenelon Falls Santa Day! It was amazing to see so many people out enjoying the parade. Don't forget that the fun isn't over yet! The Bobcaygeon Santa Claus parade is Dec 10th at 5pm. We hope to see you there.

Join us this weekend at the Central Ontario Boat Show and Sale in Hamilton, Careport Centre!

Buckeye Marine Hits the Dirt!

For the third year running Buckeye Marine and Mastercraft boats are proud to help support the AMA Supercross in its annual visit to the Rogers' Centre in Toronto. This year we featured our spectacular X-Star with the limited edition Sirlin Dragon Tattoo wrap and baller, trailer sporting 18'' KMC rims and stainless fenders. We are excited to be a small part of such a huge event, and the Buckeye staff was there in full force enjoying all the moto action. Our boat was featured on Speed Television and to the thousands of fans in attendance. But you can come and check it out in person here at the Marina. The limited Edition X-Star is still looking for a new home so come and have a look this now famous wake machine could be at your dock this spring!

Boaters Licences...Who needs them? How to get them?

We get calls daily from people asking about boating licences (or Pleasure Craft Operators Cards as they are officially called by the government). Not only are there a lot of questions about how to get a card, who needs a card and what to do if a card is lost, we also are asked a number of questions about rumours floating around out there...and there are a lot of them! So here are the facts folks...

Who needs a card?
All persons (regardless of age or experience) operating a power driven pleasure craft must have a Pleasure Craft Operators Card.* This applies to any craft fitted with an motor regardless of whether the motor is in use.
 *There are exceptions for non-residents and those renting vessels. If you are a non-resident operating a boat and are in the country less than 44 consecutive days you do not need a licence. For rental parameters see below.

 How can I obtain a card?
Buckeye is an approved course provider through the Canadian Yachting Association. We offer classroom style courses as well as offering the "challenge" option where in students would simply make an appointment to come into the dealership and challenge the exam at their leisure. We offer the course through Canadian Yachting as they have approved test specifically geared towards kids 8-12 , teens13-15 and adults 16+. We do not offer courses online at this time but strongly recommend that if you choose this method you make sure that the provider your find is accredited by Transport Canada. 

What do I do if my card is lost or stolen or if I have a change of name or address?
In the case that a card needs to be replaced or changed for some reason you have to go back to the party who issued your card. Most of these providers have websites and have parameters online for card replacement. Failing that you can call the provider directly. Most often you will be required to fill out a form and send a fee to that provider before a new card will be issued.

If you took a class at Buckeye your provider would be as follows:
2006 to present - Canadian Yachting Association (you can call Buckeye and we can send you the form)

Prior to 2006 we outsourced this service to different providers (see below) you will have to contact them directly.
2005 - BoatSmart Canada
1999-2004 - Canadian Power & Sail Squadron

How long is the test and should I study?
All accredited exams are 36 multiple choice questions. We do recommend that you study in advance specifically if you are opting to challenge the exam. If you are taking one of our courses we will teach you the information that you need to know to pass the exam however we still recommend you study the manual in its entirety before you come.

What age does my child need to be in order to operate a boat by herself?
The rules as they apply to child operators are as follows according to Transport Canada:

• Children under the age of 12 and not directly supervised by someone 16 years of age or older can operate a recreational vessel with no more than 10 hp (7.5 KW).
• Youth between 12 years of age and under 16 years of age and not directly supervised by someone 16 years of age or older can operate a recreational vessel with no more than 40 hp (30 KW).
• Only persons 16 years of age or older can operate a personal watercraft (PWC) regardless of supervision.

Do I need a card to rent a boat?
No. When renting a boat however you will be required to complete a rental check list in order to full under this ruling. This check sheet will go through pertinent safety information and give you an understanding of safe operation. This is a standard form that is approved by Transport Canada and can be found on their website and should also be available at the facility from which you are renting the vessel.

Well, that is the Cole's notes version. If you have any specific questions that weren't answered here please feel free to contact us or check out the Transport Canada website http://www.boatingsafety.gc.ca/

Safe travels!