In recent times, riverboat casinos exist in several American states. They’re located along the Gulf Coast or along the Mississippi River. One can also find riverboat casinos along the Mississippi River’s tributaries. If you are suffering from sea-sickness, you can always play online casino. Check out Casinos Jungle, the #1 online casino platform in the US and in Canada.

Paddlewheel riverboats in the 20th century

In the early 20th century, there were paddlewheel riverboats to transport passengers and freight on the Mississippi River. The tributaries of this river also had these boats for transportation. Then came a time when the railroads became popular for transporting freight and passengers. As a result, these riverboats became increasingly useful for excursions that lasted several hours.

Instead of transporting people between riverfront towns, they were more of an escape from the crowds. They began hosting dancing and live music. Soon, they became popular places for gambling with the use of slot machines and card games.

Approval and prohibitions

In the late 20th century, the riverboat casinos got the approval of states. Most of the states had prohibitions in place for gambling activities on land. As these riverboats operated casinos in them, they had to sail away from the dock. At certain places, gambling activities were allowed only when the ship was sailing.

Indiana, Illinois, Louisiana, Missouri, and Mississippi were some of the states that allowed riverboat casinos. The state of Illinois also allowed limited number of casinos in the metropolitan area of Chicago. Most of the states that gave an approval for riverboat casinos have a frontage along the Mississippi River.

River border situation between Maryland and Virginia

During the mid-20th century, a quirk in the state border between Virginia and Maryland led to an unusual situation. The border is on the Virginia side at the low water mark and not in the middle of the river. So, the entire river falls in Maryland except for some small portions.

This led to several riverboat casinos being docked off to the Virginia shores. This happened in the 1950s, when gambling was not legal in Virginia. The visitors had to park in Virginia and walk across a pier, as the river was in Maryland.

Amending of the state constitution

In the year 1994, voters in Missouri gave their approval to amend the state constitution. This was to allow games of chance to continue on the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. Only some part of Missouri’s riverboat gambling industry were clearly on the channel of the main river by 1998. According to the ruling of the state’s supreme court, the boats had to be solely over the surface of the rivers.

These boats were also required to maintain contact with the rivers’ surface. Casinos had to be in a moat on these riverboats. They could also be in a place with water adjacent to a waterway that was navigable. This led to the riverboats being referred to as ‘boats in moats’.

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Their basic concept has stayed constant over the years, though there have been many variations in design. The design of a boat varies depending on its use, number of passengers, and cargo. Here are the most popular types of boats used for recreation:

1. Yachts

These are the most luxurious and modern type of boats. Primarily used for leisure and cruising, yachts are perfect for family trips. Motor yachts are ideal for long-range and multiple-day cruising. All yachts have the latest navigational systems in them and radars for safe travel.

They are suitable for nearshore as well as open water conditions. The size of a yacht would greatly depend on the amenities provided. It also depends on the number of engines in it.

2. Sailboats

Sailboats are available in many designs and sizes. People use them primarily for sport sailing and leisure cruising using wind as a primary power source. A few of them have inboard or outboard motors in addition to the sails. This is for additional help during their movement through the waters.

Usually, the sailboats are popular for their charming looks and elegant designs. Sailboats have a distinct hull design, which is narrow and long. Of course, there are certain types of sailboats that have a different design with two or more connected hulls.

3. Fishing boats

Fishing is one of the water-based activities that has been around for many centuries. This activity was the reason behind the construction of fishing boats. Today, there are many types of fishing boats designed for specific purposes. The design also varies according to the needs of those indulging in recreational fishing.

There are fishing boats with flat or shallow bodies for inland waterways. Offshore fishing boats are usually taller and have more significant bodies. This is to provide them with the capability to withstand rough conditions that prevail in the open waters.

4. Canoes

A canoe is one of the simplest types of boats that people use for recreation. It is long and narrow with its body made of molded plastic, aluminum, or fiberglass. You need to use paddles to move the canoe. It is propelled by using the single-bladed paddles that are moved by the individual sitting on the boat’s bottom.

Most of the canoes are of the open-top kind. In the past, canoes were made out of wood and were heavier than the ones used today.

5. Kayaks

You might think that kayaks and canoes are the same. Although they look quite similar, both these types of boats are different from each other. Kayaks are like canoes, but they are smaller than an actual canoe in size. The materials used in making kayaks are the same as the ones used in canoes.

One of the key differences in both these types of boats is that kayaks can accommodate only one individual. Another difference is that kayaks have a closed top. This means that the legs of the individual sitting in a kayak are covered.

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Today, nature photographers can easily take their camera out to the sea with the availability of low-budget boat trips. However, there are certain things that they need to be prepared for. So, here are some of the elements that you need to consider if you’re photographing boats:

1. Camera

Large sensors are essential for producing pictures that are sharper. It’s also a fact that sharpness alone doesn’t result in a good photograph. You can use any combination of camera and lens while photographing a boat. Before doing this, you need to understand the features of your lens and camera. You also need to know what they can and cannot do.

2. Lens

Telephoto and wide-angle lenses are excellent while taking some realistic photos of boats. You just need to angle them properly. The distance of camera from the boat determines the best focal length that you must use while photographing it. Lenses of fixed focal length are fine if you’re shooting a boat that’s at rest.

If you’re shooting a moving boat, you might need to use a zoom lens. This is regardless of whether you’re shooting from a chase boat or a fixed location on land. Maintaining good balance between the water, boat, and sky is the key here.

3. Filters

Polarizing filters can be of great help in removing unwanted reflections and eliminating glare. To keep water and salt from spraying off the front lens elements, UV filters are ideal.

4. Wind

During sunrise and sunset, the winds tend to slow down and waters are somewhat still. This can also get you better reflections if you’re photographing a boat at rest. If you’re capturing a sailboat, lack of wind makes it hard to get running shots that are good enough.

Fortunately, many of the sailboats have auxiliary power that keeps them moving. Despite this, there’s a difference between the sails being filled through the action of wind and powered boat.

5. Light

Light plays an important role in photography. So, you definitely need the required amount of light while photographing a boat. Early morning and late afternoon would be the best time to photograph a boat. This is just like photographing architectures and landscapes.

Hulls of boats taper typically towards the waterline and the late day and early morning sunlight illuminate their deeper recesses. As the sun rises higher, these recesses fall into shadow owing to the build-up of contrast. You also tend to get a good balance of color and lesser contrast earlier and later during the day.

6. Distortion

When you’re photographing boats, avoid distortion. If you’re using wide-angle lenses, don’t get too close. You must not tilt the camera up or down as it might lead to keystone distortions. It’s important to keep in mind that your goal should be to render the boat’s shape accurately.

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According to a report published in June 2021, more than 700 boating fatalities occurred across the nation. All of these happened in just one year, that is, from 2019 to 2020. If you’re a boat owner, it’s your responsibility to keep it in a proper condition. The passengers can also play their part in ensuring safety on board. Here are some of the things that you need to do to ensure safe boating:

1. Have a vessel safety check done

Usually a vessel safety check or VSC is free and an important procedure. If your boat doesn’t comply with the regulation applicable, you don’t need to worry. This procedure comes with no consequences. The objective of VSC is to make sure that boating is a safe activity for everyone involved.

2. Take a boating course

The U.S. Coast Guard has boating courses for boaters at all levels. Such courses come with all the necessary instructions to ensure boating safety. Of course, you can also take one of the many alternative courses. There are many organizations that offer boating safety courses and most of them are free.

3. Know the weather in advance

Before taking a boat ride, it’s absolutely necessary to check long-term and short-term weather predictions. This can keep you informed about the possible dangers that the weather could bring, if any. You’ll then be able to keep the key items and supplies handy according to the situation.

4. Keep the right number of life jackets on board

Before you embark on the boating trip, make sure that there is a life jacket for every single passenger. It’s also essential that you have life jackets of all sizes to match the requirements of different passengers. The height and weight of the individuals must be considered while providing these jackets.

You must also consider the type of water-based activities you plan to offer them during the trip. Lastly, you must educate everyone on the boat about the importance of using the jackets properly.

5. Avoid overloading your boat

There’s a certain limit to the number of people and the amount of cargo that your boat can take. So, you must never go beyond that prescribed limit. Overloading can make your boat lose its stability and can capsize during the trip. It’s always a good idea to keep the number of passengers and cargo items below the boat’s maximum capacity.

6. Don’t drink alcohol

Both you and your passengers must avoid drinking any kind of alcoholic drinks during the trip. Alcohol can have some negative effects on vision, judgment, co-ordination, and balance. When you or any of your passengers is under alcohol’s influence, there’s always a risk of an accident.

Any of you might swim into the propeller or lose the ability to swim altogether. The boat may also capsize if the passengers are not stable during the trip. Above all, there’s always a probability of getting a cold water shock when a person is drunk.

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Owing to their unique design and functional features, they clearly stand out from the other types of boats. Here are some of the amazing facts about pontoon boats that you must know:

1. Ambrose Weeres constructed modern pontoon boats

The origins of this boat dates back to the times of Zhou Dynasty of China. In those days the emperor used the steady ships resembling today’s pontoon boat as bridges. These bridges helped soldiers to cross long water bodies safely. The first pontoon boat of modern times was constructed in 1951 by Ambrose Weeres.

He later founded the company Weeres Industries Corporation, which is now America’s oldest manufacturer of pontoon boats. Using welded metal and wood, he created a high platform boat that was much more steady in lakes. The first boat he sold was called ‘The Empress’.

2. Reason for the popularity of these boats

Among the several reasons why these boats have gained so much popularity is their raised helm. It offers a better view of the waters and also enables the captain to keep an eye on passengers. Pontoon boats are one of the best options for beginners due to the same reason.

3. They are a cost-effective option

Generally, pontoon boats have weaker horsepower. This makes them much more cost-effective than the regular boats with a front deck. Some among the cheaper pontoon boats have an engine that’s less powerful. Despite this, they still offer a great degree of versatility for the boating enthusiasts.

4. Pontoon boats are safe for cruising

As they’re slower and much easier to handle, beginners can safely drive the pontoon boats. They’re also easier to dock than the other boats. Owing to their unique design, they can stand a bit taller than most of the cruisers. The shape of pontoon boats prevents them from tilting while cruising, making them easier to maneuver.

5. They can have several accessories

You can customize the pontoon boats with great convenience. The basic shape of most pontoon boats are either rectangular or square. Because of this, their deck can have many accessories. Some boat owners also like to have a small bar installed on the deck of their pontoon boats. Likewise, there are many ways to get creative with a pontoon boat.

6. They include plenty of storage space

You can have a lot of storage area in your pontoon boat. The deck of such boats are often big enough to house all the essentials for a family. One can increase its capacity with a few modifications. A second deck or a large structure with more compartments can also be created.

7. They are great for small gatherings and parties

If you want to arrange a small gathering or party while cruising, a pontoon boat would be the best choice. As a pontoon boat’s deck is flat with plenty of open space, it creates a large area to accommodate everyone. Smaller pontoon boats would have enough space for about eight individuals.

The steady design of these boats allow people to walk around with ease. They don’t need to worry about stability on water when they’re cruising in a pontoon boat.

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From the coast, you’ll find all kinds of boats, such as fishing and tourist boats. Upon getting to the shores of rivers, you can take some perfect shots of canoes and kayaks. Here are some fabulous tips that would help you in photographing boats:

1. Choose a kit for photographing boats

A standard zoom of the range 35 to 80mm would be fine for photographing boats. You can get the entire boat in one shot as it’s usually wider. It’s also long enough to capture the hull, sails and other finer details. If the boat is further away, you can go for a longer lens of the range 80 to 200mm.

This lens is also useful for shooting smaller details, such as portraits of crew and mini flags. You’ll need a polarizing filter to reduce reflections. If the boat is set against a sky that’s bright, a gradual filter would be fine. Take a tripod with you if there are plans to capture panoramic images of marinas and harbors.

2. Shoot one boat instead of many

When you think of a harbor, scenes of colorful boats set against beautiful blue skies come to your mind. In the waters below, you can see the reflection of these scenes as well. To get some perfect pictures of these scenes you’ll need to have a sunny day. Besides, the waters must also be still.

Choose the viewpoints without much clutter and use a polarizing filter to make the colors saturated. Instead of shooting several boats in the foreground, it would be more impressive if you shoot a single boat.

3. Wait for the tide

You can photograph moored boats grounded on the beach or in mud when the tide goes out. Make sure that everything from the front of the mooring rope to the distant boat is sharp. For this purpose, a small aperture would be needed. If you shoot from a low angle and accommodate a brooding sky, the photo will be more dramatic. To darken the sky, the use of ND filter or a graduated grey would be ideal.

4. Explore opportunities on a river

Instead of a coastal location, you may choose to photograph a boat on a running river. You may come across a variety of boats on the river, from small cargo boats to large sailing boats. You don’t need to worry about planning or using ultra-fast shutter speeds. Boats run at a relatively slower speed on the rivers. This would make shooting a boat easier for you on a river.

The side or low bank point provides a lower angle for maximum impact. Try to capture some interesting landmarks in the background if you can. Some of the charming elements you can include in the photo are odd buildings and trees. The presence of a bridge would make things a lot easier. You can use the bridge as a frame when the boat passes under it.

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