Boat Types
Pontoons, bass boats, jon boats, catamarans, and inflatables compared.
Guides for boaters in Canada and the US
Straight answers for life on the water.
Practical guides on choosing, running, towing, and fixing boats, canoes, and kayaks. Written in plain language and checked against owner's manuals and official boating rules.
Depths in metres
Red right returning
43°16′N · 79°51′W
Browse by topic
Find the guide for the job in front of you
Paddling
Canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards: picking one, using it, and caring for it.
Maintenance & Repair
Hulls, engines, interiors, and seasonal care you can do yourself.
Towing & Trailers
Hitches, tires, brakes, and getting your boat to the ramp safely.
Skills & Safety
Rules of the road, docking, knots, and the gear the law requires.
Fishing
Fishing from a boat, finding fish, and the electronics that help.
Buying & Owning
New vs. used, real costs, resale value, and what to check before you pay.
Gear & Electronics
Buying guides for drones, fish finders, winches, audio, and more.
New to boating?
Four steps from dock to open water
Work through these in order and you will know enough to buy the right boat, run it legally, and keep it running.
1
Pick the right boat
Match hull type and size to where you boat, who comes along, and how you will store and tow it.
2
Get carded
Canada requires a Pleasure Craft Operator Card for motorized boats. Most US states require a boater education card.
3
Learn the rules of the road
Port and starboard, who gives way, how to read channel markers, and what to carry on board.
4
Keep it running
A short list of checks before each trip, and the seasonal jobs that prevent expensive repairs.
Latest guides
Popular guides
Season check · Late fall · Northern waters
Haul-out checklist
Water temperatures are dropping and the first hard freeze is close. Tick these off before your boat goes into storage.
Full winterizing guide- Stabilize and top up the fuelRun the engine so treated fuel reaches the lines.
- Flush, fog, and change the gear oilMilky gear oil means a seal needs replacing.
- Drain water systems and add antifreezeUse non-toxic marine or RV antifreeze in fresh water lines.
- Pull the battery and keep it on a maintainerStore it indoors somewhere dry.
- Dry it out, then cover or shrink wrapWrapping a damp boat traps moisture and invites mold.
Gear & buying guides
Before you buy
We compare specs, prices, and owner feedback so you can pick gear that fits your boat and budget.
Checked against the source
Owner's manuals, manufacturer specs, and rules from Transport Canada and the U.S. Coast Guard.
Dated and updated
Every guide shows when it was last reviewed. Prices and regulations get rechecked each season.
Clear about affiliate links
Some links earn a commission. That never decides what we recommend, and no brand pays for placement.