Some parents mistakenly believe it's far too difficult to continue to enjoy boating while raising a small child. Truth be told, it's not easy, but it's not impossible.

One of the first steps to take is to babyproof your boat. Just as you did your house, get down on your hands and kneeds on board, and look around the deck, the cabin and any- and everywhere else. Windlasses, ground tackle, lines, flares and other equpiment need to be out of reach or secured -- still accessible only by your or another responsible adult. Below decks, tuck cords, dangerous and/or breakable items out of reach and/or out of sight. Install latches wherever possible. Some parents have even asked craftsmen at good boatyards to customize wood latches to better blend with their boat's nautical nature.

More things to address: Put safety devices on 110-volt plugs. Install webbing or canvas between rails to prevent kids from falling overboard, and install baby gates to control where they roam. Of course, proper PFDs need to be worn at all times. For more information, read Childproof Your Boat.