Custom Float Plans - Float Plans...and why have one?

What is a FLOAT PLAN?

We at Custom Float Plans believe there are two kinds of floats plans.

The first is an operational float plan. It is essentially your sailing instructions and navigation details. This includes waypoints, course headings, navigational notes and details. Every prudent sailor should take the time to plan their trip, even if it is only a daytrip to nowhere in particular. The combined effects of tidal currents and weather will influence the trip. Planning for all those details will at least minimize the impact of these factors.

The second type is similar to an aviator's flight plan in that it is a brief description of your trip so that others might know how to find you. The primary use is that if you do not report the end of your trip by a designated deadline to whomever holds your float plan, they would contact the appropriate authorities to report you overdue from your trip. This float plan has a description of your boat, your land vehicle, the number of people on board, and the route taken. If you call daily, your shore contact knows your location within the last 24 hours.

A float plan has two purposes then:

It enforces discipline on the sailor to adequately and appropriately plan his or her trip. If done with a reasonable amount of forethought and logic, it helps one consider all the reasonable possibilities thereby reducing the worry and trouble at the time of sailing. At some point it may become nearly automatic but having a template or an example to follow is always helpful .
Secondly, the results of a Float Plan provide information that allows a shoreside contact to act on the sailor's behalf either in the case where someone needs to reach him or her in an emergency^* or if in fact, the sailor is unexpectedly overdue.

Products and Services

Custom Float Plans provides services to address both uses of a float plan. We can offer Off-The-Shelf float plan kits for 2 or 3 days cruises to popular destinations. We also provide more extensive Custom Float Plans individually assembled to the specifications of your particular adventure. Or...if you already have your own charts and just need a route and waypoints, we can provide you with our innovative and unique QuikPlot™. We stand ready to assist the sailor with his or her planning needs. Click on any of the links here to read more about our products, services, and capabilities.

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^* Did you know that in an emergency, you can call the Coast Guard with your cell phone by dialing *CG?