Boating Tips

The first thing you should know when choosing a boat is that no single boat will do everything. If your looking for a boat that inspires confidence, don't expect it to shine in light air. Boats that are exciting to sail on the weekends aren't the ideal boats for a passage through the ocean.

You shouldn't expect to find quick acceleration and load carrying capacity together with the same boat. You can buy a boat now to race or fish, then sail around later - as you can only do one or the other with a specific type of boat.

The logic to choosing the right boat is determining how you plan to use the boat. Think about why you want to own a boat, what you plan to do with it, and how you plan on using it.

For some, beauty is the first consideration. For sail boats beauty is very important, as you'll spend a majority of time floating and sailing round, with many people looking at your sail boat. With people looking at your vessel, you want to make sure that it looks nothing short of amazing.

If you are planning to race instead of cruise, then speed is your primary consideration. There are many cruising sailors out there who simply can't be happy unless their boats are moving very fast. The ideal boat for speed demons are those that can cut through the water, creating plenty of waves.

Fishermen on the other hand, want to look towards fishing boats. Trackers and other boats that are designed for fishing are ideal here. Fishing is one of the most popular boat activities, meaning that you'll have plenty of boats to select from.

When it comes down to it, selecting the right boat is up to you and what you plan to do with it. Take your time, weigh your options, and you'll have the right boat before you know it.

Before you go out and purchase your boat, remember that boating is a hobby and you shouldn't go overboard with it. Unlike your house, boating isn't really worth going into debt for. First time buyers who aren't sure about boating should always make sure they spend well within their budget.

To get the most out of your boat, it's always a better idea to scrape up your recreational dollars, sell a few of your belongings, and simply save up for a while. In the meantime, you should carefully study the boating market. When you manage to save up 3,500 - 25,000 dollars, go ahead and buy the boat you want.

Whatever you do, make sure you don't spend all of your money on the just the boat itself. When you purchase the boat, you'll need to have enough money for taxes, registration, storage, towing insurance, gas, equipment, and even minor repairs if your boat requires them.

When buying a boat, used or new, cash is always better than financing. You can save money with cash, as there are no finance charges. Financing charges can get high, very high in fact if you don't know a lot about it. If you simply must finance your purchase, it's a smart idea to use a home equity loan instead. This way, it'll be tax deductible. Always be on the lookout for boat show financing, and never, ever use it. Several boat show financing ploys will extend the loan out over the course of 10 - 15 years.

A new boater will either advance with boating or get out of it all together. Most boaters don't keep their boat for more than 10 years, which is reason enough not to get an extended finance loan on your boat.

Similar to cars, there are a few pros and cons to new and used boats. Even though there are hundreds of used boats available, you should look at the newer ones first.

New boats
With new boats, you'll know each and every piece of history with the boat and the motor. If something happens to go wrong, you'll have a warranty to fall back on, so you don't have to focus on restoring or repairing your new boat. This way, you can get out in the water immediately.

When you finance a new boat, you can usually get a much better interest rate as well. By shopping new you'll also get a better idea as to which type of boat is best for you and your family. Just like a car, the depreciation value is the highest in the first season of use.

Used boats

Used boats can be a great option, especially for those who don't know what they want to do with the boat, or those with tight budgets. Even though you may be planning to buy a new boat, it's always a good idea to shop new ones first.

Attending boat shows are a great way to see the boats that are out there, helping you to get an idea of what you want. You can look at the many used boats that are there, then narrow your list down as to what type of used boat you prefer.

Whether you plan to shop for your used boat online, through the newspaper, or by visiting one of the local boat dealerships, make sure you get a marine survey of the boat before you make the purchase. A marine survey may be a bit expensive, although it's money well spent.

Often times, structural defects or mechanical problems with used boats that weren't cared for properly will be quite difficult to detect. A marine
survey is similar to a home inspection, as the surveyor will inspect every inch of the boat, from the engine to the electrical system and the hull to the steering wheel.

Depending on the results you receive, you can use the results to get a lower price, or just stop the deal altogether if the results are that bad. The marine survey is the smartest way to buy a used boat, as it can save you a lot of time, headache, and even money - which makes it well worth it.

Almost all boats are constructed on a production basis, as this is the most efficient means of production. There's only one set of molds and many boats being built from the mold, reducing the cost of tooling per boat. Normally, there are a limited number of options to make assembly line production more efficient in terms of cost.

Leaving the ranks of production boats, there are several types of custom construction. There are many boats built with a limited budget, which is normally by amateurs. If you don't want to build the boat yourself, the next level available is what sailors call "semi custom" boats.

These semi customs are normally built by small or mid sized shops out of one set of molds so the hull and decks could end up being identical. The builders will however, allow the owner to pick out the interior and other options.

The true custom built boat, or one of a kind boat, is specifically designed and built from scratch for a single customer with an unlimited budget. A true custom boat is a one on one project, and can get very expensive before you know it.

Before you decide to go out and buy a custom boat, you should give the used market another look. Those who have built custom or even semi custom boats in the past do put them on the market for sale at some point or another.

This is a much less expensive way to go, simply because you won't be paying a professional to design the boat from scratch. You can find used boats that offer one of kind features and options, all you have to do is look around.

Once you've made the purchase on a brand new boat you'll be very excited - as you should be! The first thing to do is celebrate with your family and friends, you deserve it. You shouldn't rush out on the water immediately after the purchase, as you have some things to take care of first.

If you are new to boating, you should take a safety course first. There is a lot to know about boats. Being out on the water is a lot of fun, although there are things you should know and things you should always be aware of.

After buying your boat, you should register it and re-title the boat and trailer if you need to. Pay your sales tax and apply any up to date registration stickers if you need to. Also, make sure you buy the proper insurance for your boat, as it will protect you while you are on the water.

When you make your first trip on the water, you should do so with an experienced boater. You can have them show you turning in tight spaces, even trailering and docking. Practice docking in different currents and take the helm with the boater there to help you. Get comfortable at the
helm enough to where you'll feel comfortable taking others out for a ride.

The world of boating can be very fun, offering you many things to do and a lot to see. Boating offers plenty of freedom as well, especially for those who are completely new to boating. Your first boat purchase is very important, as it opens up new doors in life. Your family will enjoy boating, all you have to do is give it a chance!

If you think you've found the boat of your dreams, it's time to test it. Testing your boat is more than just taking it for a test drive around the harbor. You should look at everything closely, as a professional boat tester would.

Sometimes, it can be hard to tell a top quality boat from one that may have problems later on. To an untrained eye, both can look good on the surface. When you start to break everything down and give it a careful inspection, you'll be able to tell a great boat from a not-so-great boat.

By opening up all doors and access plates, you can get great insight on the the construction of the boat. You should also stick your head into the anchor locker of any boat you are considering to buy, as if they've cut any corners you'll normally be able to see it here.

Looking into the anchor locker also lets you look at the hull to deck joint. If there is light coming from through, or if the fiberglass around the joint can be seen through, it normally means the boat has poor construction.

When you buy a boat, you should put it through a rigorous visual inspection. It's also equally important to conduct a vigorous test on the water
as well. A private seller or dealer will normally want to stack the deck, ensuring that the boat will perform well.

Normally, this involves a near empty gas tank, no gear or extra passengers, and keeping the boat in sheltered water. Therefore, it's up to
you to insist on a more realistic test. Think of the test as an actual day out on the water, and you'll find out if the boat is indeed something you should spend your money on.

During your water testing, you should determine if the boat performs well and meets all of your expectations. You should determine if the boat
travels at the right speeds, and whether or not it is capable of doing everything that you plan to do with it after you buy it.

When test driving the boat, you should put it through all paces in open water, cutting waves at all angles. If you plan to test a saltwater boat,
you should bring along a 5 gallon bucket and try throwing some water on board. Any boat you plan to use offshore should quickly shed water through the scuppers. Some boats will pool water in the bow and drain slowly - which can be very dangerous in rough waters.

If a seller or dealer balks at the mention of any requests you have, simply find yourself another dealer or another boat. There are plenty of great
quality boats available, ranging in prices. Make sure to check everything very carefully before you make any decisions.

A trailer can add a new dimension to the sense of freedom associated with boating. Once you have a trailer, you're pretty much free to boat anywhere you decide, lakes, rivers, or inlets. A trailer allows you to explore your area, and is also the most affordable way to store your boat.

Starting out
If you've never owned or trailer or trailered a boat before, there are several things you should know and consider. The first thing is the towing capacity of your truck, car, or SUV. If you don't know, you can easily find the information in your owner's manual.

Normally, small cars or family sedans aren't suitable for towing, although small boats may not be a problem, if you have the proper towing equipment installed on the car. Most standard trucks or SUV's can tow boats up to 25 feet, although you'll need to check the owner's manual to be sure.

Weighing in
In your boat's owners manual, you'll find the dry weight of your boat. The dry weight is the weight of the boat without fuel or gear. Always make sure you assess your vehicle's towing capacity, and add a few hundred pounds to the dry weight to cover these types of extras.

Muscle and power
As the weight, length, and beam of a boat increases, so does the power needed to retrieve and launch it. Smaller boats may be easier for one person to handle, although larger boats will require more than one person. If you need extra help, don't be afraid to ask for it - as trailer boaters are always ready to give you a hand if you need it.

One of the keys to owning a boat is the question of where to keep it when you aren't using it. Your budget, convenience, and availability are all keys that should be talked about.

Trailering
There's no less expensive way to store a boat than on a trailer in your driveway or yard. A trailer offers you the advantages of taking your boat into different areas of water, taking your boat out whenever you like, or just saving fees on your winter storage. Before you look into a trailer, make sure that your vehicle has the towing capacity for your boat and the equipment you need.

Rack storage
For smaller boats, a great alternative to storage is rack storage, or dry stacks. Typical rack storage facilities will keep your boat in a covered shed filled with plenty of room. Simply call the facility before you want to use the boat and they will retrieve it for you. When you are finished boating, simply bring it back, tie it up, and they will return it to the storage area for you.

Marina advantage
If your a boat owner craving convenience, a marina slip is just what you need. Simply drive your family to the marina, get in the boat, and go. Rates will vary from state to state, although most offer you several other perks as well.

Buying your slip
In some areas, you can actually buy a permanent slip at a marina. This can be great to have in high demand areas, as it guarantees you a slip at the marina whenever you need to store your boat. The purchased slip is a long term asset, and is good for as long as you own a boat.