Watching Fireworks from your Boat

There's no better way to watch fireworks than from a boat. Here are a few tips to ensure you enjoy them safely...

Fireworks from a boat. Photo © Pavlo Vakhrushev/istockphoto

Each week we write about all the upcoming boat shows and water-related festivities for the weekend, but this weekend is different. It's not just a holiday weekend, it's the 4th of July - one of the most popular weekends for both boating and of course for fireworks. Put the two together, and you're in for one heck of a show...

Fireworks from the Boat
There really is no better way to watch fireworks. On a clear, calm night, a fireworks display is like watching a 3-D movie compared to a black and white silent picture when you watch it from the comfort of your boat.

Here are a few tips to consider to make the evening more enjoyable...

Bring lights. Before you leave the dock make sure you are prepared for a nighttime cruise home if you are not anchoring for the night.

Don't be a sideshow. Pick a place where you are out of firing range of the barge from which the pyrotechnics are being launched so you and your guests are safe for the show.

Anchor well. Be sure that your anchor is secure before you settle down for the show (drifting into another boat can really ruin the show).

Stay put. If you are having a cocktail or two, check out in advance if you are anchored somewhere you can stay for the night and do just that - Never drink and operate a boat.

Beware the Barge. If heading home after the show, be careful of the barge. If it is being towed back in or around the same route you are taking, stay out of its way.

Where to find fireworks from your boat
Check your local paper; do a google search; ask around at your marina. Most likely there is a fireworks display over the water near you.

The Log, a west coast boating newspaper, listed several opportunities to see fireworks from your boat in California in their June issue. Keep in mind they have a disclaimer stating that "All or parts of the information contained in this article might be outdated" so just use it as a starting point if you are in the area.

Our own boat show calendar lists a couple of boating festivals this weekend, including the Harbor Freedom Fest and Boat Show in Rockwall, Texas, and the Boston Harborfest Extreme Sailing Series at Fan Pier in Boston, Mass.

As always, there are more details about these and other boating events this weekend, including links to the official websites, on our calendar of boat shows. If we missed an event in this article or on our calendar, please comment below or send us an email - boatshows@firstboat.com.

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