Things You Should Know about Carrying a Concealed Weapon on a Boat

As boating season gets into high gear, questions arise about having concealed weapons aboard. Whether you enjoy sailing, kayaking, canoeing, rafting, using a Sea Doo, or going for a spin in your yacht, the odds are that you will want to have your gun on board.

Before you pack that weapon for your water adventure, you should know to what the local law says about boating and concealed carry. For many, the chief concern is whether it is legal to carry a concealed weapon when you are on a boat. That is certainly a legitimate worry. After all, you don’t want to lose that costly firearm, get fined, or even serve time because you didn’t know the rules for carrying it. Rules about whether it is legal to carry a gun on a boat are complicated. Laws vary from one state to another, from country to country and even in international waters. The simplest solution is to check the legality for the area where you are boating or to leave your weapon safely ashore.

Another concern involves safeguarding your weapon while you are out there on the water. There are a lot of potential water dangers that may affect your expensive firearm. This is especially true if you are operating a small watercraft. When you are rafting, canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing or operating a small motor boat, the craft or those in or on the boat can easily capsize or tip.

Your gun could end up in the water. It could get damaged by the water or it could get lost at sea. Unfortunately, a weapon lost overboard is as hard to find as a needle in a haystack.

What can you do to avoid losing your gun in the water?

First, have a good holster. A high-retention holster with a firm clasp increases your odds of still having your gun if you should go overboard. There are many good holsters on the market today.

When it comes to good holsters for boating, an effective way to safeguard your weapon is to purchase one that fits inside your waistband and is attached by loops to your belt.

Any good dog owner, parent, or angler knows the wisdom of having a tether. As gun owners say, “Having a leash on your piece will save you from grief.” Better than a tether or leash on your weapon, add a bobble so the tether will not only stay attached to your belt but also rise to the surface.

Liquids of any kind make things slippery and hard to hold on to. If you are handling your weapon while on board a watercraft, remember that wet objects are hard to safeguard.

Wet objects are hard to grip. Thus, it is important that your gun has a good traction grip. You can install a grip that gives you a better chance of holding your weapon. You can also offset slipperiness by grasping your weapon firmly when unholstering it.

Technology has improved things like watches, cameras, and firearms. No longer does a waterlogged pistol spell the end of a weapon’s life. Today’s pistols and ammunition can withstand being dunked. While being soaked may damage the accuracy of a weapon or ammunition, it doesn’t spell disaster.

While that is true, it is crucial not to leave a pistol damp or waterlogged. Dry your gun out thoroughly. Then apply a coat of gun oil to all its parts.

Saltwater or ocean water is particularly worrisome to guns. Even if your pistol doesn’t hit the water, salt in the air near the ocean is bad for the working parts of your firearm. If you are on or near saltwater, check out your gun. Brush on a film of gun oil. Make every attempt to keep your weapon dry. Wipe off any dampness.

A weapon that is well cared for will operate effectively for a lifetime!