First year taking son out on boat

[thumpar]

Re: First year taking son out on boat

My son was very serious about captaining when he was little. He didn't like photos also.

 

[Brian 26]

Re: First year taking son out on boat

Both are boys have been in the boat since birth.

The 0-30 lbs jackets are a pain because they have huge chest floats and the back flap. The 30-50 lbs jacket are worlds better. Get the neoprene versions.

The best piece of advice I have is to make a huge deal out of the new jacket when you get home with it. "Check out this cool jacket you can wear". Then have them wear it all the time at home. Our boys would wear them for an hour or more in the house in March, it was no problem being on the water 8 hours a day.

 

[briangcc]

Re: First year taking son out on boat

I had my son out at 3 months, 1 year and plan on having him out again this year when he'll be 2+ years.

Shade is definitely key so put up those convertible tops/bimini's. First time out, my son was in the sun, and had an uncomfortable (for him) life jacket on. We made it maybe 20ft from the dock before I had to turn around.

Last year was much better as we bought a neoprene life jacket for him instead of the infant horsecollar. I'd recommend anyone buying a life jacket for a munchkin look into the neoprene as they're much more skin & kid friendly. He was also a little more adventuresome on the boat this time around as he helped supervise cleaning it in the spring and when family vacation rolled around, he went on his ride he walked from mommy in the back seat up to the front seat with me, climbed up on my lap and promptly fell asleep...which is what us parents wanted I'm sure this year will be even better!!


I can't echo the other comments enough - bring food, toys, drinks, whatever keeps your child happy along with you as it will make YOUR experience all the better. Nothing worse than a miserable munchkin!


Ohh yeah and speed - all the infants/toddlers I've been around absolutely love idle or just above idle. It won't scare them and the humming/drumming of the engine put 90% of them asleep....which depending on how your day is going might be the thing you're looking for!

**This wasn't my first rodeo with infants on board as I have done the same for my cousin's youngsters so I had a general idea going in.

 

[NYBo]

Re: First year taking son out on boat

Wow, that hair really takes me back! My son's was like that at that age, but longer. Now, not so much:

 

[Ciscovet]

Re: First year taking son out on boat

Wow you guys, a bunch of great ideas and great pics too. I'm heading to West Marine this weekend with my little one to try on some PFD's

 

[lg260ss]

Re: First year taking son out on boat

Spend a little extra and get a Neoprene vest. Much more comfortable. Also look into one of these, my 3 year old daughter loves swimming in it. (She has been on the boat with us since 4 months) Stearns Floatation - Lion Puddle Jumpers? Life Jackets

Its USCG approved but we put a regular life jacket on her when underway. But to tell you the truth she is much more stable in the water with the puddle jumper.

 

[thumpar]

Re: First year taking son out on boat

Another place to look for a vest is Costco. They carry some very nice ones depending on the season.

 

[Ciscovet]

Re: First year taking son out on boat

Finally made it down to West Marine this weekend to pick up a PFD for my child. Ended up with the Mustang one although the West Marine brand was good too. The Mustang had more flotation foam behind the neck and thicker chest foam. I tried each one on him and that was an event in itself. Next step is to test it in the pool. Thanks everyone for all your help