Every year, thousands of boaters in the United States experience accidents that can lead to serious injury or even death. Understanding the common contributing factors of boating accidents is essential for staying safe on the water.

In this article, we will look at the top 10 causes of boating accidents in the United States.

The numbers are based on the last year’s report published by the U.S. Coast Guard.

#1 Operator inattention – 677 accidents

• 41 deaths
• 398 injuries

Inattention is the single most important cause of boating accidents. It means a boater was not paying proper attention to their surroundings and the boat itself.

This happens for a variety of reasons, such as fatigue, distraction, or complacency.

It is important you remain vigilant and alert at all times.

#2 Operator inexperience – 506 accidents

• 65 deaths
• 270 injuries

Operator inexperience means a boater lacks the necessary knowledge, skills, or experience to safely operate the vessel in a given situation.

This can include not understanding of a vessel’s systems, being unfamiliar with navigation rules and regulations, or not being able to properly assess weather and sea conditions.

Inexperience increases the risk of accidents, as you may not be able to properly respond to unexpected situations or may make mistakes.

You should obtain proper training before operating a boat and continue to learn and gain experience over time.

#3 Improper lookout – 454 accidents

• 18 deaths
• 339 injuries

An improper lookout means not keeping a proper watch for other boats, swimmers, and other potential hazards in the surrounding area.

This includes not scanning the water in all directions, not paying attention to radar or other navigation equipment, or not being aware of weather and sea conditions that could affect visibility.

A proper lookout is a critical component of safe boating and is essential for avoiding collisions and other accidents on the water.

Remember to maintain a proper watch at all times, especially when navigating in crowded areas or during periods of reduced visibility.

#4 Machinery failure – 305 accidents

• 12 deaths
• 108 injuries

Machinery failures include malfunctioning engine, steering, electrical systems, other critical systems such as navigation equipment or communications.

They can occur due to a variety of reasons, including lack of maintenance, improper use, or manufacturing defects.

Loss of propulsion, steering, or other critical functions can lead to collision, capsizing, or grounding of the vessel, which puts lives at risk.

It’s essential to properly maintain your boat and to be familiar with all systems to minimize the risk of malfunction and respond to it in case of emergency.

#5 Excessive speed – 298 accidents

• 23 deaths
• 281 injuries

Excessive means any speed that is not safe or appropriate for the current conditions, such as weather, visibility, and traffic.

Speed increases the risk of accidents, as it reduces the time available to react to unexpected situations. It also increases the force of impact in a collision, and makes it more difficult to maneuver the vessel.

Speed limits vary depending on the location, type of waterway, and vessel. They are usually determined by local authorities and can be found on charts and in local regulations.

Always be aware of the local speed limits and adjust your speed accordingly to stay safe.

#6 Alcohol use – 247 accidents

• 86 deaths
• 186 injuries

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, alcohol is the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents.

Alcohol can impair a boater’s judgment, balance, and coordination, making it difficult to operate a boat safely. It can also increase the risk of passengers falling overboard and other accidents.

Avoid alcohol whenever on a boat, and keep an eye out for others who may be under the influence.

#7 Force of wave/wake – 241 accidents

• 16 deaths
• 186 injuries

Waves and wakes can make a boat to tip, capsize, or cause injury to crew or passengers.

Waves are created by wind and currents, while wakes are made by boats moving through the water. A large boat travelling at high speed will create a large wake, but even smaller boats can make large wakes when going fast.

Always operate your boat at a safe speed and distance from other boats, especially in areas with heavy boat traffic.

As a passenger, you should keep in mind potential force of waves and wakes and remember to hold on or move to a safe area of the boat.

#8 Navigation rules violation – 204 accidents

• 18 deaths
• 156 injuries

Navigation rules are set by the United States Coast Guard and they cover topics such as the proper use of lights and signals, the avoidance of collisions, and the operation of vessels in restricted areas.

Violations of these rules can lead to serious accidents and may result in fines or criminal charges.

#9 Hazardous waters – 200 accidents

• 68 deaths
• 85 injuries

Boaters should be aware of the potential hazards and avoid areas with strong currents or shallow water, operate at a safe speed and distance from other vessels, and use appropriate navigational markers.

Examples of hazardous waters include:

• Strong currents or tide changes
• Shallow waters or submerged obstacles
• Heavy boat traffic or congestion
• Cold water temperatures

#10 Weather – 178 accidents

• 30 deaths
• 64 injuries

Strong winds and waves can cause boats to capsize or swamp, and visibility may be reduced in certain conditions.

Always obtain the current weather forecast before heading out on the water.

Remember to be well prepared for changing weather conditions and to have the appropriate navigation and safety equipment on board.

Summary

Boating accidents can occur for various reasons, also those not mentioned in our list.

Always be aware of the potential risks, respect the rules and regulations, and take appropriate precautions to reduce the risk of an accident.

Sources

U.S. Coast Guard – Recreational Boating Statistics (PDF 9.50 MB)

The post Top 10 Causes of Boating Accidents in the U.S. appeared first on BoatingWise.

Some people like to name their boats after loved ones, others after favorite places, and still others after things they love or hobbies they enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a name for your fishing boat, your speedboat, or your sailboat, there’s bound to be a perfect fit for you on our list.

And if it’s not there, use our Boat Name Generator to find the ideal name for your boat.

Do you have a specific theme or word in mind? Use “Jump to Section” to find the interesting category faster:

Nature & weather

The nature and weather phenomenons have always been great sources of inspiration for boat names.

Here are some of our favorites:

• Blue Moon – A beautiful name for a blue boat
• Breeze – Perfect for a calm day out on the water
• Sunshine – Bring some happiness to your day on the water
• Tornado – The perfect name for a speedboat
• Wave Dancer – A beautiful and graceful name for a sailboat

Boat names with “Crystal”

• Crystal Clear
• Blue Crystal
• Bright Crystal
• Crystal Lady
• Crystal Bell
• Crystal Bay

Boat names with “Dawn”

• A New Dawn
• Aloha Dawn
• Amber Dawn
• After Dawn
• Blue Dawn
• Break of Dawn
• Chasin’ Dawn
• Crack of Dawn
• Crystal Dawn
• Dawn Treader
• Lady Dawn
• Misty Dawn
• Til’ Dawn

Boat names with “Emerald”

• Emerald Dream
• Emerald City
• Emerald Mist
• Emerald Rose
• Emerald Sea
• Emerald Star

Boat names with “Luna”

• Bella Luna
• Calluna
• Cataluna
• Dolce Luna
• Flor d’Luna
• La Luna
• Luna Sea
• Luna C
• Luna Rossa

Boat names with “Moon”

• Blue Moon
• Endless Honeymoon
• Full Moon
• Half Moon
• Lady Moon
• Moon Beam
• Moon Chaser
• Moon Dance
• Moondancer
• Moon Glow
• Moon Rise
• Moon Quest
• Moon River
• Moon Shadow
• Moonstone
• Moonstruck
• Moon Tide
• New Moon
• Risin Moon
• Silver Moon
• Shepherd Moon

Boat names with “Pearl”

• August Pearl
• Blue Pearl
• Black Pearl
• China Pearl
• Conch Pearl
• Desert Pearl
• Diamonds & Pearls
• Island Pearl
• Lady Pearl
• Little Pearl
• Miss Pearl
• Pearl River
• Sea Pearl

Boat names with “Sand”

• Moon Sand
• Mr Sandman
• Quick Sands
• Sand Bar
• Sand Castle
• Sand Dollar
• Sand Pebble
• Sandpiper
• Sand & Sea
• Sandy

Boat names with “Sapphire”

• Blue Sapphire
• Sapphire Day
• Sapphire Dream
• Sapphire Lady
• Sapphire Nights
• Sapphire Sea
• Sapphire Sky
• Sapphire Tears
• Star Sapphire

Boat names with “Shell”

• Bag of Shells
• Bombshell
• C Shell
• Half Shell
• Miss Shell
• Moon Shell
• Nutshell
• Sand Shell
• Sea Shell
• Shelly

Boat names with “Solar”

• Asolare
• Solar Coaster
• Solar Express
• Solara
• Solaris
• Solar Wind

Boat names with “Summer”

• All Summer Long
• Always Summer
• Chasing Summer
• Endless Summer
• Forever Summer
• Indian Summer
• Knotty Summer
• Last Summer
• Summer Breeze
• Summer Home
• Summer Place
• Summer Suite
• Summer Wind

Boat names with “Sun”

• Always Sunday
• Always Sunny
• August Sun
• Avalon Sunset
• Blue Sun
• Chasing Sunsets
• Chasing Sunshine
• Follow the Sun
• Fortunate Sun
• Fun in the Sun
• Fun n Sun
• Good Day Sunshine
• Hello Sunshine
• Here Comes the Sunshine
• Hurry Sundown
• Island in the Sun
• Island Sun
• Lady Sunshine
• Lazy Sunday
• Lion in the Sun
• Liquid Sunshine
• Midnight Sun
• Pacific Sunset
• Sun Chaser
• Sun Dance
• Sundancer

Boat names with “Star”

• All Star
• Bay Star
• Black Star
• Blue Star
• Bright Star
• Counting Stars
• Dark Star
• Day Star
• Desert Star
• Dog Star
• Emerald Star
• Lone Star
• Lucky Start
• Morning Star
• North Star
• Sea Star
• Shooting Star
• Starbound
• Stardust
• Starship
• Star Chaser
• Star Gazer
• Star of the Sea
• Starwind
• Wandering Star

Boat names with “Wind”

• Fairwinds
• Gone with the Wind
• Gypsy Wind
• Second Wind
• Summer Wind
• Trade Winds
• West Wind
• Windblown
• Wind Catcher
• Wind Chaser
• Wind Dancer
• Wind Quest
• Wind Rose
• Wind Seeker
• Wind Song
• Windswept
• Wind Walker
• Windward
• Windy
• Windy Spirit

Water & places

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If you’re looking for a boat name that invokes water bodies: the sea, ocean, lake, etc., look no further!

We’ve rounded up some of our favorite boat names in this category:

Boat names with “Aqua”

• Aquaholic
• Aquarius
• Aquaphile
• Aqua Angel
• Aqua Bella
• Aqua Blue
• Aqua Boogie
• Aqua Dance
• Aqua Duck
• Aqua Gem
• Aqua Knot
• Aqua Lung
• Aqua Marine
• Aqua Nut

Boat names with “Bay”

• All Bay Long
• Bay B
• Bay Bee
• Bay Belle
• Bay Breeze
• Bay Dancer
• Bay Daze
• Bay Dog
• Bay Dream
• Bay Dreamer
• Bay Dreaming
• Bay Girl
• Bay Lady
• Bay Tripper
• Bay Wolf
• Tequila Bay

Boat names with “Island”

• Blue Island
• Fantasy Island
• Islander
• Island Adventure
• Island Attitude
• Island Belle
• Island Bound
• Island Breeze
• Island Buoy
• Island Cat
• Island Cruiser
• Island Dancer
• Island Daze
• Island Dog
• Island Dream
• Island Drifter
• Island Escape
• Island Express
• Island Fever
• Island Girl
• Island Rose
• Island Time

Boat names with “Lake”

• Better Lake Than Never
• Cooler By The Lake
• Great Lakes
• Lady Of The Lake
• Lake A Wish
• Lake Affect
• Lake Break
• Lake Dancer
• Lake Dog
• Lake Effect
• Lake Escape
• Lake For Work
• Lake Lady
• Lake Life
• Lake House
• Lake Runner
• On Lake Time

Boat names with “Ocean”

• Blue Ocean
• Comocean
• Deep Devocean
• Deevocean
• Devocean
• Emocean
• Mother Ocean
• Ocean Adventure
• Ocean Bird
• Ocean Blue
• Ocean Breeze
• Ocean Dancer
• Ocean Dream
• Ocean Drive
• Ocean Escape
• Ocean Eyes
• Oceanis
• Ocean Girl
• Ocean Lady
• Ocean Odyssey
• Ocean Spirit
• Ocean View
• TransOceanic

Boat names with “River”

• Black River
• Lazy River
• Moon River
• North River
• Pearl river
• River Bee
• River Breeze
• River Cat
• River Dance
• River Fox
• River Gal
• River Girl
• River Gypsy
• River Hawk
• River Lady
• River Mist
• River Of Dreams
• River Queen
• River Rat
• River Rose
• River Song
• River Spirit
• River Tales
• River Wanderer

Boat names with “Sea”

• Angel Of The Sea
• Bella Sea
• Beyond The Sea
• Big Sea
• Fantasea
• Gypsea
• Luna Sea
• Sea Bear
• Sea Bird
• Sea Biscuit
• Sea Breeze
• Sea Dancer
• Sea Dog
• Sea Dreams
• Seaduction
• Sea Eagle
• Sea Esta
• Sea Gull
• Sea Fox
• Sea Hawk
• Seahorse
• Sea Lady
• Sea Of Dreams
• Sea Quest
• Sea Scape
• Sea Spirit
• Sea Star
• Seas The Day
• Sea Wind
• Sea Wolf
• Sea Ya
• Extasea
• Vitamin Sea
• Wait N Sea

Boat names with “Tide”

• All Tide Up
• Blue Tide
• Changing Tides
• Crimson Tide
• Dark Tide
• Ebb Tide
• Even Tide
• Fair Tide
• Family Tides
• Low Tide
• High Tide
• Knot Tide
• Moon Tide
• Morning Tide
• Princess of Tides
• Riptide
• Spring Tide
• Tide Song

Boat names with “Water”

• Blue Water
• Blue Water Bound
• Blue Waters
• Breakwater
• Broadwater
• Casual Water
• Clear Water
• Cool Water
• Deep Water
• Edge Water
• Fire Water
• Just Add Water
• Shearwater
• Water Lily
• Watermark
• Water Music
• Whitewater

Boat names with “Wave”

• A Wave From It All
• Airwaves
• Amber Waves
• Big Wave
• Blue Wave
• Brainwaves
• Breaking Waves
• Catch A Wave
• Dances With Waves
• Dream Wave
• Heat Wave
• Light Wave
• Makin Waves
• New Wave
• Wave Dancer
• Wave Maker
• Wave Walker
• Wavelength

Nautical terms

Boating and sailing terms are great ingredients of a catchy boat name. They can help set the tone of your vessel, whether it’s playful or classy:

Here are some of our favorite boat name ideas with nautical terms:

• Anchor Inn
• Bigger Boat
• Cabin Fever
• Captain Chaos
• Dream Boat
• First Mate

Boat names with “Anchor”

• Anchor Baby
• Anchor Deep
• Anchor Down
• Anchor Inn
• Anchor Management
• Anchorman
• Anchors Away
• Golden Anchor
• The Anchor Holds

Boat names with “Boat”

• Aboat Time
• Bass Boat
• Bear Boat
• Bigger Boat
• Blue Boat
• Boatacious
• Boatname
• Boatman
• Boat Of Us
• Das Boat
• Dream Boat
• My Boat

Boat names with “Buoy”

• Atta Buoy
• Bad Buoy
• Beach Buoys
• Bell Buoy
• Big Buoys
• Buoy Call
• Buoy Toy
• Buoyant
• Buoys & Gulls
• Clairbuoyant
• Cowbuoy
• Flambuoyant
• Fly Buoy
• Good Buoy
• Island Buoy
• Knotty Buoy
• Lazy Buoy
• Lucky Buoys
• Naughty Buoy
• Nauti Buoy
• Nice Buoys
• Playbuoy

Boat names with “Captain”

• Captain Chaos
• Captain Cook
• Captain Crunch
• Captain Hook
• Captain Jack
• Captain Morgan
• Captain Nemo
• Captain Ron
• Captain’s Choice
• Captain’s Dream

Boat names with “Keel”

• Achilles Keel
• Even Keel
• Keel Basa
• Keelin It
• Keel-N-Time
• Keel Over
• Keel Shot
• License To Keel
• Over Keel
• Reel Keel
• Takeela
• Ta-Keel-La
• Time To Keel

Boat names with “Knot”

• A Frayed Knot
• Absolutely Knot
• Aqua Knot
• Better Knot
• Celtic Knots
• Dawn Knots
• Deez Knots
• Fear Knot
• Forget Me Knot
• Fraid Knot
• Frayed Knot
• Goin’ Knots
• Judge Knot
• Juggerknot
• Knot Bad
• Knot A Chance
• Knot A Clew
• Knot Again
• Knot Crazy
• Knot For Sail
• Knot Guilty
• Knot Gulf’n
• Knot Home
• Knot So Easy
• Knot So Fast
• Knot Tide
• Knotty Girl
• Knotty Buoy
• Moor Often Than Knot
• Knot On Duty
• Knot Yours
• Why Knot
• Wine Knot

Boat names with “Nauti”

• A Lil Nauti
• A Little Nauti
• Aero Nautical
• Big Nauti
• Funautical
• Feelin Nauti
• Gettin Nauti
• Hip Nautic
• Hypnautic
• Knot Reel Nauti
• Knot Too Nauti
• Let’s Get Nauti
• Lil Nauti
• Nauti Boy
• Nauti Buoy
• Nauti Cat
• Nauti Dog
• Nauti Gal
• Nauti Girl
• Nauti Gull
• Nauti Lady
• Nautilus
• Nauti Time

Boat names with “Salt”

• Asalt Weapon
• Got Salt?
• Knot Salty
• Lightly Salted
• Old Salt
• Old Salty
• Reel Salty
• Salt
• Salty Cat
• Salt Crystal
• Salt Lick
• Salt Life
• Salty Dog
• Salty Feet
• Salt Shaker
• Salt Spray

Boat names with “Ship”

• Battleship
• Companionship
• Courtship
• Crystal Ship
• Dictatorship
• Fellowship
• Flagship
• Friendship
• Mothership
• Partnership
• Ship Happens
• Starship

Colors

Boat names with colors in them are catchy and can be used to send a message about your vessel.

They can also just look and sound really cool, for example:

• Big Blue
• Black Pearl
• Silver Lining
• White Star

Boat names with “Black”

• Back In Black
• Black Arrow
• Black & Blue
• Black Bear
• Black Beauty
• Black Betty
• Black Bird
• Black Cat
• Black Cloud
• Black Diamond
• Black Dog
• Black Duck
• Black Fin
• Blackfish
• Black Fish
• Black Gold
• Black Hawk
• Black Jack
• Black Knight
• Black Magic
• Black Pearl
• Black Star

Boat names with “Blue”

• Aqua Blue
• Baby Blue
• Bella Blue
• Big Blue
• Black & Blue
• Blue
• Blue Angel
• Blue Bayou
• Blue Bird
• Blue Girl
• Blue Heaven
• Blue Horizon
• Blue Lady
• Blue Lagoon
• Blue Magic
• Blue Moon
• Blue Note
• Blue Shark
• Blue Skies
• Blue Sky
• Blue Velvet
• Blue Water
• Blue Wave
• Misty Blue
• Moody Blues
• True Blue

Boat names with “Red”

• Red Baron
• Red Dawn
• Red Dog
• Red Lady
• Red October
• Red Rover
• Red Sky

Boat names with “Silver”

• Quicksilver
• Silver Cloud
• Silver Eagle
• Silver Lady
• Silver Lining
• Silver Linings
• Silver Moon
• Silver Swan

Boat names with “White”

• White Bird
• White Cap
• White Dove
• White Duck
• White Horse
• White Raven
• White Star
• White Swan

Boat names with “Yellow”

• Yellow Bird
• Yellowtail
• Yellow Fever
• Yellow Fin
• Yellow Rose

Fishing

Fishing boat names often reflect the personality of the fisherman. It could be serious or funny, but it should definitely be memorable:

• Angler’s Dream
• Big Fish
• Cast Away
• Fisherman’s Friend
• Hooked
• Reel Men

Boat names with “Bass”

• Bass Boat
• Bass Buggy
• Bass Tracker
• Breaking Bass
• C Bass
• Gettin Bass
• Haulin Bass
• Kickin Bass
• Kiss My Bass
• Sea Bass

Boat names with “Fish”

• Big Fish
• Black Fish
• Blue Fish
• Fishaholic
• Fish & Chicks
• Fisherman’s Friend
• Fishful Thinkin’
• Fish Tales
• Fish Tank
• Fishy Business
• Flying Fish
• Got Fish?
• Kingfisher
• Sail Fish
• Swordfish

Boat names with “Hook”

• Captain Hook
• Happy Hooker
• Hook Em
• Hooked On You
• Hooked Up
• Hot Reels
• Off The Hook
• Playin Hooky
• Right Hook
• Skyhook

Boat names with “Reel”

• Get Reel
• Keepin’ It Reel
• Hell on Reels
• Reel Busy
• Reel Deal
• Reel Fun
• Reel Job
• Reel Life
• Reel Love
• Reel Men
• Reel Salty
• Reel Success
• Reel Therapy
• Reel Time
• Reel Wife
• Reel Work
• Unreel

Women

Women have been an inspiration for boat names since the beginning of time.

Here are some of our favorites boat name ideas reflecting its feminine beauty and character:

Boat names with “Bella”

• Aqua Bella
• Bella
• Bella Donna
• Bella Luna
• Bella Vita
• Blue Bella
• Ciao Bella
• Isabella
• Marbella

Boat names with “Girl”

• Blue Girl
• Brown Eyed Girl
• Dream Girl
• Galway Girl
• Island Girl
• Knotty Girl
• My Girl
• Nauti Girl
• Sky Girl
• Summer Girl

Boat names with “Lady”

• Blue Lady
• Dream Lady
• First Lady
• Foxy Lady
• Ladybug
• Lady Sunshine
• Lazy Lady
• Lively Lady
• Lucky Lady
• My Lady
• Nauti Lady
• Pretty Lady
• Shady Lady
• Silver Lady
• Sea Lady

Animals

Cats and dogs are the most popular pets in the world, so it’s no surprise that they often inspire boat names.

Whether you love them or not, these animals make great monikers for your vessel:

Boat names with “Cat”

• Bob Cat
• Cat’s Paw
• Cat Walk
• Cat Woman
• Fat Cat
• Knotty Cat
• Sun Cat
• Stray Cat
• Thunder Cat
• Tom Cat
• Top Cat
• Wild Cat

Boat names with “Dog”

• Big Dog
• Black Dog
• Dog House
• Dog Star
• Lake Dog
• Lucky Dog
• Nauti Dog
• Red Dog
• Salty Dog
• Sea Dog
• Sloop Dogg
• Sun Dog
• The Doghouse

Boat names with “Fox”

• Flying Fox
• Foxsea
• Foxy
• Foxy Lady
• Gray Fox
• Sea Fox
• Silver Fox
• Sun Fox
• Winter Fox

Boat names with “Wolf”

• Bay Wolf
• Black Wolf
• Blue Wolf
• Blue Sea Wolf
• Gray Wolf
• Lone Wolf
• Nauti Wolf
• Sea Wolf
• White Wolf

Alcohol

It’s never a good idea to mix alcohol and being on the water, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a few good boat puns.

Here are some of our favorite alcohol-inspired boat names:

• Absolut Paradise
• Aquaholic
• Comfortably Numb
• On the Rocks
• Sea Spirit
• Shaken not Stirred
• Sip & Dip
• Tip-Sea

Boat names with “Beer”

• Beer Hunter
• Beer o’ Clock
• Beeracuda
• Beer in Mind
• Blood, Sweat and Beers
• Dijabringabeeralong

Boat names with “Wine”

• Wine Knot
• Wine Down
• Wine Cellar
• Vintage Whine
• Amy’s Wine-House
• Vintage Wine

Positive

Below we list more boat name ideas containing such positive words as “dream,” “free,” and “happy.”

If you want your boat name to reflect your joy of being on the water, consider one of these great options, for example:

• Dream Catcher
• Free Spirit
• Happy Days
• Summer Time

Boat names with “Dream”

• Bay Dream
• Dad’s Dream
• Day Dream
• Dreamer
• Dream Catcher
• Dream Chaser
• Dream Girl
• Dream Hunter
• Dream Weaver
• Island Dream
• Just Dreaming
• Living The Dream
• Pipe Dream
• Sunset Dreams
• Sweet Dreams
• Wet Dreams

Boat names with “Free” or “Freedom”

• Born Free
• Free Bird
• Freedom
• Free Spirit
• Wings Of Freedom

Boat names with “Happy”

• Happy Days
• Happy Hours
• Happy Place
• Happy Together
• Holiday Happy

Boat names with “Love”

• First Love
• Love Life
• One Love
• Second Love
• True Love

Boat names with “Time”

• About Time
• Island Time
• It’s About Time
• High Time
• Just In Time
• Play Time
• Quality Time
• Prime Time
• Reel Time
• Summer Time
• Time Off
• Time Out
• Time 2 Fish
• Time To Keel

Funny boat names

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The list below includes the funniest boat names we’ve come across.

Whether you want to make your friends laugh or strike fear into the heart of your enemies, one of these names is sure to do the trick.

• Bad Company
• Debt Finder
• Docks Orders
• Goin’ Broke
• Empty Pockets
• Dawn Knots
• Ship Happens
• Unsinkable II
• Breakin Wind
• Pier Pressure
• Fish & Chicks
• Passing Wind
• Fishfull Thinkin’
• Clocked Out
• Chicken Ship
• Happy Hours
• I Sheet You Knot
• I Ship You Knot
• Just Add Water
• Kiss My Bass
• Miss Behavior
• Miss Conduct
• Piece of Ship
• Ship Faced
• Tack Sea
• Sea Nile
• Seasick
• Seaquel
• She Got The House
• Sick and Tide
• Squid Pro Quo
• The Codfather
• A Loan At Sea
• Bankrupt Sea
• Nautorious
• Reel Naughty

Are you looking for something a little more… risque? Then check out the list below.

These monikers are sure to turn heads (and maybe even raise a few eyebrows):

• Big Knots
• Full Of Seamen
• In Her Course
• Master Baiter
• Nice Aft
• Sun of the Beach
• The Wet Dream

Conclusion

There you have it! 900+ great boat names for anyone and everyone.

We hope this list has inspired you to find the perfect name for your boat.

Happy sailing!

The post 900+ Great Boat Names: Ideas for Everyone appeared first on BoatingWise.

The Bass Raider 10E is a small pontoon fishing boat with a weight capacity of 600 pounds.

Pelican boats are generally stable and have a good reputation for practicality.

However, there are some issues with them, including:

• Water collecting inside
• Faulty wiring
• Heat deformation
• Warranty & boat registration problems

We’ve researched most common problems and focus on them in this article.

Let’s get started!

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1. Water Collecting Inside

There are complaints that the seams between the boat’s elements are not fully sealed.

Poorly sealed seams in Pelican Bass Raider 10E result in water seeping into the hulls.

“My father in law has a Pelican Bass Raider 10e that has a small leak (takes the entire season to be noticeable) but every winter we have to pull it out and drain the pontoons because they’re full of water […]”

[Source]

That usually happens when the water splashes from the bottom and enters by the rub rails. It can also occur after heavy rain.

The best way to prevent this is to regularly inspect and seal the seams of your boat.

2. Impossible to Fully Drain

Once the water gets in between the two layers, you want to get rid of it.

There is a drain plug on the end of the boat, but it is too high and it can be impossible to get all the water out.

Even if you flip the boat, it won’t fully drain. This can be not easy to do, as the boat can get very heavy with the water gathered inside.

Trapped water is especially problematic if your boat spends some time in freezing conditions. Frost can damage the boat and cause costly repairs.

3. Faulty Internal Wiring

Pelican Bass Raider 10E comes pre-wired so that you can quickly install a trolling motor on them.

Unfortunately, the wiring sometimes fails, as the fuses have a tendency to blow. If you’re not ready for it, it can get you in a tricky situation, for example, if you find yourself in strong currents and suddenly lose power.

Make sure to check all the connections, as they are responsible for voltage drop and increased current flow. Also, replace the old fuse with a circuit breaker.

Don’t forget to check if the wire gauge can handle the amp draw of your trolling motor.

4. Can Deform in the Sun

Due to its lightweight construction, Pelican Bass Raider 10E is not very resistant to heat.

If it stays in the sun for an extended period of time, it can get deformed and warp.

To prevent this from happening, make sure to store your boat in a cool and dry place if you’re not using it. Covering it with a tarp is also a good idea.

5. Making Holes Can Void Warranty

Most people will want to mount things on their boat, such as fish finders, rods etc.

Unfortunately, if you drill a hole in your boat, it can void your warranty.

Check the terms and conditions of your warranty before drilling any holes. If you’re not sure about what type of fastener to use, contact Pelican directly.

6. Problems with Registration

This applies especially to boats sold on Amazon.

You may have a problem registering the boat if Amazon doesn’t provide you with the Manufacturer’s Statement Of Origin.

You will then need to contact Pelican to receive the missing documents and to get the boat registered.

7. Other Issues

Rusty Staples

This seems to be a mostly cosmetic issue, but it’s a shame that higher-grade stainless steel is not used on the Pelican Bass Raider 10E.

You can try to remove them and replace them with stainless steel ones if you’re prepared for a bit of work.

Also, make sure to keep your Bass Raider cleaned and covered when not in use. It will help prevent the rust from spreading further.

Not As Durable as Aluminum

The polyethylene used on the Bass Raider is light, but it is simply not as durable as aluminum or fiberglass.

It won’t handle hard impacts as well and it can be prone to cracking in extreme temperatures.

Assembly Hardware Missing

Another common issue with the Bass Raider is that it often comes with some of the necessary assembly hardware missing.

This can be problematic, as you won’t be able to fully assemble your boat and you will have to purchase additional parts.

No Instructions Provided

This doesn’t have to be the case for everyone, but many buyers got their boats without any manual or even basic instructions included.

It’s inconvenient, as you’d have to figure out how to assemble the boat correctly.

Conclusion

Pelican Bass Raider 10E has a very attractive design at a low price point. It can be a great boat for fishing, but it does have a few issues.

Most of the problems we mentioned are minor. Unfortunately, the water getting inside is a serious one.

We are looking forward to Pelican fixing this issue soon.

Have you experienced any other problems with this boat?

Let us know!

Sources

Pelican Sport

Bass Resource

The post Pelican Bass Raider 10E: Most Common Problem & Fixes appeared first on BoatingWise.

Sun Tracker Boats make some of the most popular pontoons on the market. They’re not exactly premium boats but are considered good value for money.

The most common problems with Sun Tracker pontoons include:

• Weak welds
• Water in the pontoons
• Corrosion
• Bad wiring
• Inconsistent build quality.

We’ve researched most of the issues reported and take a closer look at them in this article.

Let’s get started!

1. Weak welds

We haven’t found many cases of this problem. However weak welds are a very serious issue, so we’re mentioning it first.

For example, there is a report, with photos, of a Sun Tracker Sportfish 22DLX with a weak weld between two sections of a pontoon log:

“On a 2020 sport fish 22DLX the weld between two sections of pontoon log were not done properly and separated almost causing us to lose the boat (sink).”

[Source]

In the case above, the weld failed completely and the boat almost sank.

2. Water getting into the pontoons

It turns out that bulkheads are not seal welded, which makes pontoon logs fill with water.

3. Corrosion and leaks

Any damage to the aluminum pontoon is dangerous, as it can let water in and make the boat sink.

Unfortunately, on some boats the aluminum corroded badly despite good maintenance (regular rinsing and antifouling).

The corrosion is most likely to happen in salt water environment. If that’s where you use your pontoon, make sure you take extra steps to protect your pontoon from damage.

4. Rot in wooden rails

Some owners of a Sun Tracker fishing pontoon complained about excessive rot in wooder parts after just a few years.

“Ive had my 20 ft suntracker fishing pontoon for 5 years. I have less than 50 hours on the mercury motor. Ive taken good care of the boat. This past spring after my annual launching (I have a dock) the rails on my trailer split into pieces.”

[Source]

In this case the wood was completely rotten. Marine-grade wood should last much longer.

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A post shared by SUN TRACKER Pontoon Boats (@suntrackerboats)

5. Base models underpowered

Many of the pontoons come with a 20-hp outboard engine. This is way too little, offers not enough performance for the size of the boat.

It also makes you run the engine very hard, which decreases its lifespan.

For a 22 foot pontoon a much bigger, 75-hp outboard is recommended as a minimum, which is an expensive upgrade.

6. Outboard and steering problems

Some owners complained that steering on their pontoon gets too stiff too often. The issue is usually the steering cable, which could have kinks in it, and needs to be replaced.

Also, it seems some of the outboards were not properly installed before being delivered to a customer. For example, they wouldn’t go forward but just stay in neutral.

This is frustrating when happens on a new boat.

7. Water in the fuel

The issue concerns especially the 20′ Fishing Barge and is caused by the bad design of the fuel tank location.

What happens is that underway the entire fuel tank becomes submerged and it’s very difficult to prevent getting water into the fuel system.

One way to fix the problem is to get a fuel/water separator, but it could have been easily avoided by raising the fuel tank a few inches.

8. Inconsistent quality

We found many complaints about issues found on some boats, but not others, which suggests inconsistent manufacturing and assembly processes.

The problems included:

• Flimsy furniture with weak hinges
• Low-quality carpet
• Incorrect decal, for example “24” on one side, “22” on the other side
• Poorly aligned side rails and panel
• Rail paint not covering everything
• Seat padding too thin, with deep creases
• Missing nuts for captain chair

9. Bad wiring

On some Sun Tracker boats, the original wiring loom under the pontoon was left completely exposed to water.

This could be one of the reasons why people experience problems with their outboards. For example, trim and engine indicators, such as tachometers, may stop working.

To fix the problem, it will be best to replace the old wiring and make new connections. Make sure you will solder rather than just twist the wires, and use silicon shrink wrap to waterproof them.

Warranty & service

Sun Tracker Boats provides a very good warranty service overall.Although many pontoons had different issues, they were mostly very helpful and fixed them.

The biggest complaint here is the owners waiting for spare parts too long. Having to wait and not being able to go out fishing can be very frustrating.

Sun Tracker Customer Service contact details:

(417) 873-4555
Monday–Friday
8AM–5PM CST

Sun Tracker Pontoon Owners group

This Facebook group is a great place to exchange ideas and look for ways to solve problems with your pontoon.

It is a private group, but once you join you can ask questions, get advice and share your experiences.

Conclusion

Sun Tracker is a good pontoon boat manufacturer. However, there are some issues that you should be aware of before buying one of their boats.

Make sure to check the boat thoroughly for any manufacturing defects, and test all the systems to make sure they are working properly.

If you do encounter any problems, Sun Tracker has good customer service and should be able to help you fix the issue.

If you had a different problem with your boat than already mentioned, please get it touch!

FAQ

Where are Sun Tracker pontoon boats made?

Sun Tracker pontoons are manufactured in Bolivar, Missouri. (USA)

Can Sun Tracker Pontoons Be Used in Saltwater?

Yes, they can, although there will be a higher risk of corrosion. Make sure you rinse your boat after every use to minimize the risk.

Sources

Pontoon Forums

Pissed Consumer

The post 9 Most Common Problems with Sun Tracker Pontoons appeared first on BoatingWise.

Vexus Boats is a manufacturer of fiberglass and aluminum fishing boats made in Flippin, Arkansas. They specialize in bass boats and center consoles, and matched boat trailers.

Vexus boats are relatively new in the market, and as with any new design, you can expect imperfections.

Some of the most common problems with Vexus include:

• Weld cracks
• Paint job defects
• Leaking fuel tanks
• Deck popping up

We’ve researched most of the issues with Vexus Boats and take a closer look at them in this article.

Let’s get started!

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A post shared by Vexus Boats (@therealvexusboats)

1. Cracks in aluminum welds

Cracks on an aluminum boat can be a serious problem and they are not easy to fix.

Unfortunately, some owners of Vexus boats had to experience it first hand:

“After a less than stellar start to the handling of the first cracked hull, I got my new boat back in Oct. 2019. Now after only 9 months there is another crack in the hull on the port side. It is in the seam where the hull starts to rise upward […]”

[Source]

It’s important to understand that welds are made by people and people make mistakes. Especially in such a new aluminum boat as Vexus.

What probably matters more here is how the manufacturer deals with the problem.

Vexus offers the following warranty terms for the first retail purchaser:

• lifetime warranty for external structural hull welds
• 5-year warranty for structural hull components (stringers, ribs, bulkheads and transom)

Our research confirms the company stands behind their product and they will replace the boat under warranty.

2. Leaking fuel tanks

Another serious issue was with Vexus AVX models recalled because of potential fuel leaks.

Of course, not all the boats had this problem. Probably just a handful did.

It is good to know that Vexus Boats was proactive and decided to inspect and fix all the affected boats.

This involved replacing the fuel line to the gas cap and adding extra rubber padding.

3. Defective paint jobs

Some Vexus boat owners complained about inconsistent paint job on their hull.

Sometimes the problem would be more serious with the paint peeling off after just 1 month of owning the boat:

“Paint was peeling off of the bottom. Not just scratching but peeling. Only A month old. Took it back to dealer and they sent it back to Arkansas I figured they were going to strip it and repair but they replaced the hull. So like I stated above. If they see where it was a defect from factory they stand behind it. IMO.”

[Source]

The paint flaking off was most likely caused by contaminated aluminum before painting.

Fortunately, if the paint job is clearly a factory defect, Vexus Boats will replace the hull under warranty.

4. Deck popping up

This problem concerns Vexus aluminum boats, especially AVX 1980 and luckily it’s quite easy to fix.

What happens is that sometimes the deck can be bulging and when you step on it, it pops down, as in this example:

“The main problem is that the deck of my bow between the trolling motor foot pedal and the seat post hole is sort of bulging and when I step on it, it pops down like the lid of an oil can… or kind of like a metal jar lid after you break the vacuum.[…]”

[Source]

Vexus is aware of the problem, which is quite characteristic of metal boats. They are keen on offering advice on how to fix the problem:

“The fix was to brace the bubble down (I used the butt of another hammer so as to not whack my finger) then give it a firm tap with a rubber mallet. Before, I tried to just whack it without pressing it down. I didn’t think it was going to work BUT IT DID! I’m a happy camper! […]”

[Source]

5. Water entering bow switch

The issue happens with Vexus boats that have been through a lot of water, for example, rain.

The water can get into the bow trim switch, which can cause the motor to start trimming on its own:

“Have a new 2018 Z19 and was fishing in rain this past Tuesday. Rained steady all day and after several hours motor trimmed down on its own and trim motor kept running. I quickly tried pushing all trim buttons and no success. […]”

[Source]

If you’re getting the same problem, you will need to replace the bow switch with a newer version, as the old ones are not entirely water-resistant.

6. Difficult to keep keel guards fixed

It’s difficult to protect your aluminum keel on a Vexus boat, as most available keel guards don’t stay fixed.

This makes launching tricky at some places, for example, rocky shores. Without keel guards, it’s very easy to scratch up the paint.

One of the most recommended keel guards for aluminum boats is KeelShield from Gator Guards:

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A post shared by Gator Guards (@gatorguards)

7. No tackle dividers in compartments

Vexus boats have a good layout and there is plenty of storage.

However, one thing that is missing is to have tackle dividers in back, side or center compartments.

Not a deal-breaker for most of you, but it would make an angler’s a little bit easier.

8. Excessive condensation

Condensation can form anywhere, but it’s mostly concentrated on the lids of storage boxes.

It’s not a problem unique to Vexus boats, but it’s good to be aware of nevertheless to prevent any issues.

If you keep your boat in a garage, keep the storage boxes slightly open to allow ventilation.

9. Slippery at low speeds

This is more of a design issue, not necessarily a problem, although some of you will find it problematic.

Vexus AVX boats are great because they can get into skinny water.

However, the trade-off is that they are “slippery” in wind or current, especially at idle speeds.

This means that docking and loading them can be a little more time-consuming. They require more driving, which can get irritating.

Warranty & service

Vexus provides a very good warranty service.

Although many boats had different issues, they were mostly very helpful and fixed them.

If your boat has a serious problem, such as a cracked hull, your boat will need to travel to Flippin, Arkansas to get it repaired or hopefully replaced.

Of course, having to wait and not being able to go out fishing can be very frustrating.

Vexus Boat Owners Group

Vexus Facebook group is a great place to exchange information and look for ways to solve the problem with your bass boat.

It can be difficult to get a response from Vexus customer service, but the company is based in Flippin, Arkansas and they are very responsive to their Facebook group.

Conclusion

Overall, Vexus boats are good quality bass boats. However, like with any boat, there can be issues.

It’s still a young boat builder and hopefully the problems get less frequent as time goes by and more boats are made and sold.

If you had a different problem with your Vexus boat, please get it touch!

Sources

BBC Boards

Vexus Boats

The post 9 Common Problems with Vexus Boats (+ Where to Get Help) appeared first on BoatingWise.