Free Coastal Navigation Resources   Coastal navigation has become almost 100% electronic for recreational boaters, but there are some really important and informative documents that any coastal navigator can benefit from. In this post we will explore the big three (Coast Pilot, Chart #1 and PDF Charts) and provide you with a link to all of them. Although they were originally printed materials kept aboard the boat, here you will find them in PDF which can easily be stored on any device. The Coast Pilot The Coast Pilot provides a tremendous amount of navigation information for mariners, sep ..read more

Understanding Chart Colors, Water Depths and the Aids to Navigation System The ability to read and understand nautical charts is an important skill for all boaters. While sophisticated GPS and navigation systems can be found aboard even the smallest of boats, the charts that these navigation systems use has not changed much since the days of paper charts. In this blog post we will explain the colors, water depths and aids to navigation (ATON’s) that can be found on both paper and electronic charts. One could spend many hours studying and learning about nautical charts, but these are the most i ..read more

Complete Guide to Understanding Tides in Southwest Florida   As saltwater boaters, one of the constantly changing conditions that we are responsible for monitoring is the rise and fall of the water level, commonly referred to as the tide cycle. Fortunately these cycles are well predicted and are generally accurate with the exception of storm surges. In this blog post we will attempt to simplify the science of how tides work, what has the greatest effect on them and how to read and interpret a tide chart.    How Tides Work   Think of tides as really long waves that move acro ..read more

Guide to Marine Weather Forecasts for Boaters in Naples   Our Guide to Marine Weather Forecasts will help you find the weather information you need and help you use it to make informed decisions about your boating activities. Weather is one of the most important boating safety concerns for recreational boaters, but thanks to technology it has never been easier to find the weather information that we need.   Sources of Marine Weather Data The primary source for weather information in the United States is NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. They provide much of t ..read more

Complete Guide to Using VHF Radio Aboard Your Boat   What is Marine VHF Radio and How Does It Work   VHF is an abbreviation for Very High Frequency and is often used for short-range communications. VHF radio signals travel in a straight line, unlike HF or High Frequency radio signals which follow the curvature of the earth. Therefore, the distance that VHF signals can travel is limited. That limitation depends on several factors, the first being antenna height. The higher the antennas, the greater the distance. The next factor is signal obstruction, which is generally not a concern o ..read more

Comprehensive Guide to Boat Rentals in Naples and Marco Island   Boat rentals and Naples go together like bread and butter. No visit to Naples or Marco Island is complete without at least one trip out to the beautiful waters of the Gulf to see dolphins (obviously!) not to mention sea turtles and the white sandy beaches of Keewaydin Island. But before you venture out, read this essential guide so that you will be prepared, knowledgeable and make the right rental boat choice for you and your guests. Plan Your Itinerary The first step in renting a boat for a day is the itinerary. Knowing thi ..read more

Complete Guide to Understanding the Closing Process when buying or selling a boat or yacht   The final step in the process of buying or selling a boat or yacht is the yacht sales closing. If you are using a professional yacht broker, which is highly recommended, he or she will likely have a dedicated closing specialist or team of specialists to handle all aspects of the closing. In this article we will break down the steps involved in closing and explain the paperwork necessary to complete the transaction. Yacht Sales Closing: Acceptance of Vessel After the survey and sea trial have been ..read more

Understanding Boat, Yacht and Marine Surveys   Buying a pre-owned boat can be a more economical way to boat ownership. But much like buying a home, it requires an inspection and evaluation to ensure that any problems or deficiencies are known to a potential buyer. Depending on the severity, the seller and buyer may be able to negotiate a lower price, agree to have it repaired or, simply withdraw the offer to purchase the vessel. In this article we will show you how to find a qualified marine surveyor and what to expect during and after the survey. If you are the buyer, this guide will hel ..read more

THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO SELLING YOUR BOAT WITH A YACHT BROKER   At the Naples School of Boating, we believe that education is the key to your success as a boater. One of the biggest and most important decisions that you will make is selling your boat, and that requires some knowledge and information before you get started. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to boat sales and selling your boat with a broker. If you have chosen to work with a professional yacht broker, he or she will help you with each step in the process and stages outlined below. If you are selling it yo ..read more