I recently blogged about a feature called Boating Bow Wows on Boating Magazine's website (a great feature, by the way), and the irony of seeing pooches in life jackets while it was quite possible that their owners weren't wearing one. A comment from a reader stating: ""Cold" water is anything under 70 - I noticed that a man just about died in a cold water boating accident in Florida today..." prompted me to wonder how many people think cold water boating only happens in northern climates?

Since I live in sunny Florida where boaters boat all year long, I would wager to guess that many boaters, non-Floridians and Floridians alike, would never guess that cold water boating would apply to those of us lucky enough to be able to go boating during January. But they would be wrong.

As my reader stated, cold water boating can happen anywhere, and hypothermia can set in even in the summer with water temps above 84 degrees if a person is immersed in water long enough. All boaters should be aware that boating in winter, regardless of location, is always hazardous and should take proper precautions including wearing a life jacket and dressing properly in cold weather boating gear. They should also know what to do if they suddenly find themselves immersed in cold water.

To that end, here are articles detailing all three:

Life Jackets
Cold Weather Boating
Water Survival Techniques
Cold Weather Boating Gear

The 69th Miami International Boat show begins February 11 and continues through the 15th. Considered the biggest, and best, boat show in the world, the 69th Miami International Boat Show is not one you will want to miss.

Chris Fischer, Expedition Leader of National Geographic's Expedition Great White, will be on hand in the Big Game Room with a presentation on the expedition and to answer questions and take photos and sign autographs. There will also be seminars on kid's safety, resources for affordable boating, and the Discover Boating center to learn about all aspects of boating.

Much more than your average boat sale, the 69th Miami International Boat Show is a time to celebrate the joy of boating.

View the January 2010 Boat Show Calendar for more information.

Related Articles:

Boat Show Tips
Best Time to Buy a Boat
2010 Boat Show Calendar

The hot boat show season continues with over 40 February boat shows that you can attend including: the Seattle Boat Show, the Detroit Boat Show, Washington D.C. and the most famous of all - the Miami Boat Show.

Don't miss out on the boat shows going on around the country, check out the 2010 Boat Show Calendar and these other boat show resources:

Boat Show Tips
Best Time to Buy a Boat
2010 Boat Show Calendar

Buying a boat is one big decision no matter the size of boat you are considering. Whether it's a 16 footer or a yacht, there are many little decisions that first must be made before you sign on the dotted line.

For instance, what is your budget? Are you including the cost of boating in your assessment of how much boat you can afford (think of fuel costs these days). As you ponder the size of boat you want, does your dream boat match your available time to devote to it's care and maintenance? What do you want to do with your boat? If you want to simply fish, then your options can be narrowed - but if you want a boat for many different activities, the field is wide open.

To make the best buying decision, you need to consider all the little questions. Check out these resources to break down that one big decision into many smaller, more manageable pieces:

Before Buying a Boat
Do You Have Time for a Boat?
Consider the Real Cost of a Boat
Determine the Right Size Boat for You
Which Type of Boat is Best for You?