Getting Started

Paying for it all

People who are new to boating often have the mistaken impression that boating is an expensive pastime that is beyond their means. Nothing could be further from the truth. With some planning and a little foresight, boating can be an affordable activity that will provide lifelong, rewarding experiences you can get no other way. Boating expenses can be roughly divided in to group: initial costs and ongoing costs. Lets take a look at both.

The first item is the initial investment in your boat itself. It pays to give careful consideration to what you need in a boat, and what boating adventures you would like to have. One of the most costly mistakes you can make is purchasing the wrong boat and having to trade it in after a few years. Sounds corny, but it may be helpful to make a list of what you need and what you want your boat to have. This way you can objectively decide what to buy. Finace and assistance in paying for your boat is readily available, and you will find it is more affordable in the long term to get a bigger(or even smaller) boat that fits your needs. Buying the right boat once, and keep it for a long time, is the best way to maximize your boat dollar.

Equally important is maintaining your boat investment after the initial purchase. Proper maintenance and cleaning will save you no end of heartache during your ownership, and will dramatically increase what your boat is worth. Consider setting up a separate budget for maintenance so you will not be tempted to skimp. Know your manufactures suggested maintenance schedule and follow it to the letter. The same for the engine, including proper winterization. Simple things such as washing your boat down with fresh water after each use, and putting stabilizer in the fuel if you don't plan to use it for a few weeks, will make a big difference in the your enjoyment of your boat. Read more

Be a Safe Boater

Boats is a great way to enjoy time with friends and family, or just yourself. However, a boat is a big responsibility. Accidents or equipment failures on the water can cause serious harm or even death. Safe boating requires both preparation before leaving the dock and attention to your boat and surrounding once you're out on the water. Keep these things in mind:

The new boater:

Take a boating safety course
Let the US Coast Guard help. Go to http://www.uscgboating.org for a lot of resources
Learn about your home waters. Get a current chart, it will be a lot cheaper than a new lower unit if you go aground. Also, find out who patrols your home waters, and their contact info.
Join a boating organization such as the local Power Squadron, Yacht Club, or boaters club

Preparing for a boat outing:

Check your boat and make sure everything is working correctly.
Prepare and take along a Safety Kit and a Repair kit. You can purchase a USCG compliant kit from your local marina or boating store. A repair kit should include items that may break on your boat, such as hoses, fuses, etc. Check with your boat manufacturer to see what they recommend. Consider making a "Ditch Bag" in case you need to get out of your boat quickly
Check the weather and tides. If the weather looks questionable, go see a movie instead. Seriously. It won't be worth it.
Invite some friends but do not overload your boat. A safe load is 1/2 to 2/3 of the maximum load on your boats USCG Certification plate. Ask your local harbormaster or Police how overloading a boat usually turns out.

This is not a complete list, just a starting point. Be prepared and safe, and have an enjoyable boating adventure. Read more