September 15, 2026 By John Gullick “Boom, up she went.” This was a quote from a real-life incident where an East Coast boater was left with severe burns to much of his body that nearly resulted in his death. It all started on what was supposed to be a great day on the water but quickly ended with an explosion that…
September 11, 2026 On Friday, September 11, 2026 NMMA Canada issued the following notice to their members regarding the Canada-US trade measures: Following the latest escalation in Canada-U.S. trade measures, we want to make members aware of federal programs that may provide support to Canadian businesses affected by tariffs and broader trade disruption. Beginning September 15,…
September 8, 2026 By John Gullick Recently I received a very interesting account from a boater who is a long-standing senior member of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary. He says: “I came across an article describing a sailboat fire on the U.S. West coast which resulted in an air evac. and total loss of the vessel. It seems the crew attempted to suppress the fire with extinguishers but…
September 1, 2026 By John Gullick Boating in the spring and fall in Canada can be a truly breathtaking experience, with stunning foliage and quieter waterways. However, these seasons also brings unique challenges and considerations. Here’s a comprehensive list of do’s and don’ts to ensure a safe and enjoyable fall boating experience in Canada. Do’s • Check the Weather Forecast Regularly • Stay Informed: Fall weather can be…
– Sponsored Content – September 1, 2026 The Canadian boating market is evolving—and the strategies that worked only a few years ago may no longer be enough. Economic uncertainty, higher financing costs, changing consumer expectations and pressure on dealer inventories have transformed the way Canadian boat dealers must prepare for the next season. Customers are…
– Sponsored Content – August 25, 2026 The market is changing. Dealers’ needs are evolving. Marine SCA is evolving too. The Canadian marine industry is currently going through a challenging period. Economic uncertainty, decisions and tariffs imposed by our neighbours to the south, interest rates, and several other factors have contributed to a slower market….
August 25, 2026 By John Gullick Transport Canada, under the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act has introduced some boat ownership responsibilities as follows: Boat owners are now responsible for the “end of life” management of their vessel(s). Boat owners are prohibited • From leaving their vessel adrift for more than 48 hours. • From intentionally causing their vessel to become…
August 18, 2026 By John Gullick Questions about the need to carry distress flares, what types to use and when to use them are among the most asked when I am conducting a Pleasure Craft Courtesy Check. Let’s start with when you need to carry flares. Pleasure craft greater than 6 meters (19.8 ft) in length and up to 12 meters (…
August 11, 2026 By John Gullick Unless a boat is secured, it will drift away. If it cannot be attached to something secure, such as a dock, piling, mooring buoy, tree, or boulder, it must be anchored. There is much more to anchoring than simply tossing the anchor over the side. An anchoring system has two parts: the…
August 11, 2026 – Sponsored Content – Thousands of vessels disappear each year from marinas, driveways, and storage lots. In fact, 73 percent of boats are stolen directly from trailers, driveways, and storage areas, not just from marinas. And if a boat is recovered, owners may find the motor, electronics, and other high-value components already…
August 4, 2026 By John Gullick Boating together with the kids as a family can be a most enjoyable activity. Because people, especially kids, have unique personalities it is important to take the suggestions that I am going to make and adapt them to meet your needs. Every trip, whether it is a day trip or even an overnight trip,…
August 4, 2026 – Sponsored Content – EOLO & AS Marine: Italy’s Rising Stars in Modern Recreational Boating Bringing Italian Excellence to the Canadian Market As EOLO and AS Marine continue their international expansion, Canada has become an increasingly important market for recreational boating. With thousands of lakes, extensive coastlines, and a growing community of…
July 28, 2026 By John Gullick Unfortunately, we too often hear about boating accidents that occur at night. Many of these incidents take place after groups of boaters have gathered together to enjoy something like an evening lakeside concert, or a fireworks display. Often, these events start during evening daylight hours and finish up well after dark. Boaters and their friends and families…
July 21, 2026 By John Gullick Boating is a fundamentally safe activity but follow these simple do’s and don’ts to ensure a safe and enjoyable boating experience in Canada. Do’s1. Check the Weather Forecast RegularlyStay Informed: The weather can be unpredictable, with sudden changes in temperature, wind, and precipitation. Monitor Conditions: Use reliable weather apps and marine forecasts before and during your…
July 14, 2026 I often get asked questions about how best to use a boat ramp while giving due consideration to other users. Often boaters arrive at the ramp and there are others waiting in line to use the same ramp. For those of us who attend the annual Gravenhurst Boat show and are waiting in line to…
-SPONSORED CONTENT- July 14, 2026 Introducing a New Era of European Boating Excellence Marine SCA is proud to announce the expansion of its exclusive European boat portfolio with the addition of several prestigious brands, offering Canadian boaters an exceptional selection of innovative, stylish, and high-quality vessels. Joining our established brands Capoforte, Invictus Yacht, AS Marine,…
July 7, 2026 By John Gullick I often get asked if the Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) is accepted in the U.S. and I think my answer might be of interest. The answer is not a simple one. The CanBoat’s PCOC course has recently been reviewed to ensure that our PCOC course continues to meet NASBLA’s (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) required learning…
June 30, 2026 By John Gullick I’ll start by asking the following question: Would you start driving a car before taking a course and/or driving lessons? The answer is probably no, and for good reason. When it comes to operating a boat, especially a power boat, personal watercraft, or sailboat, I often ask the same question but the answer I get is usually very different. Most people believe…
June 23, 2026 Question – Is it mandatory that people wear their Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) or lifejackets while on board their vessels and underway? This is a question that I am asked regularly and to date the answer has been NO, excepting those who use inflatable lifejackets. Inflatables must be worn when on board and underway. However,…
June 16, 2026 Every year, thousands of boaters go out on the water without the proper safety equipment that is required by law. This equipment can be of great benefit and comfort and can mean the difference between a great day out on the water and a potential disaster. Required items vary depending on boat length but here is a list…