ExecutiveChronicles.com | The Ultimate Essentials for New Boat Owners | Spending a day boating is a lovely thing to do. Even though it can be a lot of hard work getting your boat in the water every season, once you’re out and sailing, it’s all worth it.
There are many great boating do’s and don’ts that can really add to your enjoyment of your boat, as well as its protection and maintenance.
We’ve put together a selection of the top boating essentials that you’ll definitely want to check out.
Whether you want to add a bit of fun and excitement to your boating days or pick up some equipment to run and maintain your boat better in and out of the water, here are some of the essential things you need to know.
Insure Your New Boat
When it comes to insuring your boat, your boat insurance is always better done separately from your homeowner’s policy.
Many homeowners’ insurance policies restrict or do not cover marine-related risks such as salvage work, removal of wrecks, or damage to the environment; but there are exceptions.
For example, many homeowners’ policies have perfectly good cover for smaller boats, usually with a maximum horsepower of 25 to 100.
While some people are perfectly okay with these limitations, be sure to ask questions about possible damage to your vessel and how it would be paid for.
Also, most homeowners’ insurance policies tend to apply only to lakes, inland waterways and rivers. Coverage seldom spreads beyond an inlet to the coast or beach. If you are going to boat on the beach or high seas, you will certainly need a separate insurer for your boat. Besides this, visit this site to learn more about the boat lifting services.
Taking Care of Your New Boat is Paramount
Boat maintenance is a hassle, there’s no two ways about that. But as with all the tasks, always completing them would make the job easier.
Break up your boat maintenance into simple operations and try running them on a loop. Every time you’re on board, taking one small step means you won’t have to do a bigger job later.
For example, if you use your boat in saltwater, rinsing down your boat with fresh water after every trip will minimise the accumulation of salt residue. Just like brushing your house, it will be easier the more often you do it.
Buy the Right Trailer
You are free to sail on just about any river, lake, bay or inlet as long as you can haul your boat to where you want to sail from. Trailering is a perfect way to discover different waterways in your state or area and is also the most economical way to move your boat from one place to another. This means buying a boat trailer, and the right one at that.
Make sure you have already matched your boat/trailer package weight with the towing ability of your vehicle to ensure that your towing vehicle can handle the job.
It’s imperative you never attempt to trail a boat with an inadequate tow vehicle and it just takes a moment to look up the appropriate weights and capacities.
If you don’t know what to look out for, be sure to buy your trailer from a reputable source, like the one here, who have professionals that will assist you in making the right choice.
Learn Some DIY
Boat owners worth their salt don’t run from a little bit of DIY and elbow grease.
Knowing how to do simple repairs and even restoring your boat yourself will save you a great deal of money in the long run. It will also give you a stronger link with your vessel and you will come to appreciate what it does.
This frees you from relying on others too. Making your own simple repairs and servicing also expands your ability. If you want to take your new boat on a long-haul trip, you can do so without thinking about where the closest repair shop is.
Be Properly Equipped
The two best things you can do in advance of a tough situation are to prepare yourself and have a plan. You could save money – or even your life – by taking a few minutes to prepare for unfortunate scenarios.
There are lots of articles filled with a list of items you should carry for health and safety on a cruise. But here are a few items to keep you safe.
- A first aid kit
- A personal floatation device
- Warm clothing
- A whistle, bell, and/or horn
- A waterproof container for mobile phones, flares, and other emergency tools
- A fire extinguisher.
In addition to these, knowledge is your greatest instrument. Keep up to date with weather forecasts, travel advisories and local contact details.
Knowing the basics of what to expect will help you deal with a situation, and keep you calm when something comes up.
