If you have been to very many tourist areas where the animal life under the water is very active or there are many other things under the water that people want to look at then you have likely heard of glass bottomed boats.
Obviously if you have never been on one before you might be a little bit concerned about their safety since having the bottom of the boat made of glass doesn’t sound very safe, but is it?
Glass bottom boats are actually completely safe and there should absolutely be no doubt regarding their durability and reliability. This type of boat is made with the intention of giving an alternate option rather than snorkeling or scuba diving to see what really happens under the water.
The bottom of the boat, being impressively transparent for an enhanced view of marine life, is made of multiple layers and sections of glass so you don’t have to worry about it breaking and the boat sinking!
In general, the bottom glass of a glass-bottom boat is made of multiple sections of ultra-durable modified acrylic. Also, the bottom glass is more solid and tough than even a traditional fiberglass boat hull. On account of these boats using such tough and durable material for the glass, it is impossible to break the glass while cruising on the water.
Even if there is any case of a breakage of the glass bottom portion (which is very unlikely to happen), the boats will also normally be equipped with hermetic buoyancy tanks that make the boat unsinkable. So, even if there is a rare instance of breaking of the glass bottom portion of the boat, with the presence of backup tanks that are fully loaded you are assured of complete safety.
So, that pretty much sums it up about glass bottom boats and their assurance of safety. As an overall conclusion regarding the safety perspectives of using a glass-bottom boat, you can be assured that you are safe from any sorts of happenings due to the breakage of the glass bottom portions as such events tend to be very much unlikely.
Not wanting to take chances from such circumstances although they are rare, the boats are also equipped with a backup in terms of hermetic buoyancy tanks thereby ensuring that each of these types of boat with an issue surrounding the glass bottom is able to reach the shore safely.
Now that the most important question has been answered, it’s time to hop into some other common questions that people often ask about in regards to glass bottom boats. Below we have listed some common questions and doubts (that arise or may arise in the future) that people, in general, have asked about.
What is a glass-bottom boat ride?
A glass-bottom boat ride is just like any other boat ride but comes with an additional and compelling feature which happens to be the ability to have the ability to observe all of the underwater marine life while still being seated on the boat itself. The boat ride is made with an intention to offer an alternative to snorkeling, i.e. the effect or the experience is similar to that achieved by diving into the water wearing a mask while still remaining dry and out of water.
Since the boats are glass-bottomed, the view through these sections is much for magnificent than just simply looking into the water from above and this is because, with the former way of perceiving, one doesn’t have to look through the optical and erratic surface disturbances that the water traditionally has.
The view down into the war is normally quite clear from a glass bottomed boat so you can view all the stunning marine life while never having to get in the water yourself.
What is the seaworthiness of these glass bottom boats?
Seaworthiness is a method that classifies whether a ship/boat has properly passed the required tests and other safety checks against the sea waters without any mishaps.
Glass bottom boats, in this aspect of seaworthiness, are very much able to handle the rough & tough salty ocean waters. Moreover, glass bottom boats are tested to be more comfortable and safe against the raging waves up to a height of 3 feet.
So, the intention is clear, glass bottom boats are very much sea-worthy and you shouldn’t worry even a little bit about a wave causing the glass to crack or the boat sinking because of it.
Can one have clear visibility of the corals, fishes, and other marine life?
Yes, you can enjoy clear visibility of the beauty of the corals, fishes, and other marine life through the glass without even getting your toes wet. Depending on the instructions and restrictions of the area, most people can even choose to take photographs of the marine life underneath.
The view from on board a glass bottom boat is much better than the view just peering over the side of the boat which is why this type of boat is so popular in places with gorgeous underwater life or geography.
What about the corrosion resistance of the glass bottom boats?
Glass bottom boats, in general, are made up of special sea-grade aluminum alloys with a fine and a durable corrosion-resistant finish.
So, the resistance of the boats against corrosion is completely in check and this is something else that you don’t have to worry about. Corrosion shouldn’t ever be an issue on boats like this as long as they are maintained and regularly checked.
What are the Do’s and Don’ts while on a glass-bottom boat ride?
As we obviously don’t want to take the durability of a glass bottom boat for granted, there are some protocols that you need to follow to avoid potential dangers while on the cruise. The following points tend to differentiate the Do’s and Don’ts that you need to be aware of while on a glass-bottom boat ride:
While on the cruise, try to be attentive to be able to look for any sorts of signboards – be it safety ones, the restricted zones, or any other such signs. These signs tend to help protect you from potential danger and mishaps.
Make sure you are seated upright and properly in your seat so as to avoid any sort of inconvenience to your co-travelers and thereby ensuring a clear and effective view of the beautiful marine life to everyone on board.
Have your ears tuned in towards the guides so as to know more about the journey and the marine life as well as to learn any important safety information while on board.
Don’ts
Do not try to dangle your arms and legs in the water while cruising on any boats.
Do not take the durability and toughness of the glass bottom for granted and stand on it. Although it is very unlikely that they are going to get broken, this is just to avoid any sorts of inconvenience to your co-travelers.
Do not be in motion on the boat unnecessarily, i.e. you should not be moving around unnecessarily on the boat especially when it is moving.
Conclusion
That pretty much sums up the addressing of the common questions that people have regarding glass bottom boats. So, the next time you are going for such a ride, make sure that you keep all of these important things in mind to put your mind at ease and also to help you and everyone on board have the best time possible.
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