Are you ready to sail your boat? Do not weigh anchor yet.
Over 12 million recreational boats are registered in the USA. You’ll be joining a larger community of people who have fulfilled their dreams by joining them. WAIV is extremely easy to use and was created specifically for boat rental businesses.
However, owning a boat brings with it some realities that we may not consider when we are daydreaming. While these realities won’t ruin your enjoyment, it’s a good idea to keep them in perspective as you get used to the boat.
We have some tips to help you get maximum enjoyment from your boat.
Don’t Go Overboard
We don’t mean that.
You’re thinking about buying a boat. If you are new to boating, this is not the right time to purchase all those exciting accessories that you have read about.
Two reasons are good for this. The first is personal investment. It’s possible to spend thousands on a boat, only to find out that it is not for you. You might lose your money if you don’t sell it.
You can take a little care of your pet.
Boat maintenance is a tedious job. However, as with all chores, it will be easier to do them frequently.
You can break down the maintenance of your boat into simple tasks and run them in a circular fashion. You won’t need to do a bigger job later if you take one small step every time you go aboard.
If you have a saltwater boat, it is advisable to spray your boat with water after each outing. This will help reduce salt residue. As with dusting your house, it will be easier to do it more often.
Do It Yourself
Boat owners who are worth their salt don’t mind a bit of DIY and elbow grease.
It will save you money over the long-term by knowing how to do basic maintenance and repairs yourself. You’ll feel closer to your vessel and learn to respect its needs.
You won’t have to rely on others. It can be difficult to find a spot on a professional’s maintenance plan. This is not the freedom that many boat owners want.
Your range can be extended by doing your own repairs and maintenance. You can take your boat on long-haul trips without worrying about where the nearest repair shop might be.
These points are nothing compared to the feeling of accomplishment and pride that this brings you. It transforms “a” boat into “your boat” – which is exactly the type of connection you need with someone you can trust with your life.
However, it is important to hire professionals
Even if you spend the time to learn basic boat care, it is still worth calling in the pros every once in a while.
Some jobs require special equipment and the right skills to complete them. A professional can ensure that they are done correctly.
You may lose interest in your boat ownership if you find more complicated jobs too difficult. This is not what you want so make sure to invest in the right things.
You will define right in a way that is unique to you. Your mobility and health might be considered. It is also important to determine how much trust you have in yourself regarding critical areas.
It doesn’t matter if you spend a lot or hire an electrician to check out your electronics.
Learn how to drive
Although it may sound strange, driving is one of the most important skills required to own a boat.
It’s a different experience to drive with a trailer and a boat attached to your car. It’s a high-stakes game, especially considering the cost of your boat.
You can save money and heartache by learning in an empty lot.
You will soon get used to the way your trailer feels attached to your car. You can practice complex maneuvers and backing into tight spaces. It is best to practice with someone who has experience.
Take it slow
The ramp is under a lot social pressure. Many people will tell that you should hurry to get it done so you don’t clog the slipway.
These people are not to be ignored. At first, though.
Even though it might seem bad for experienced boatmen, it will allow you to get used to the ramp and help avoid accidents.
You are entitled to use the ramp and this is the only way to learn the technique.
You’re more likely to make mistakes if you allow the pressure of others to get to you. These mistakes can be difficult to fix. If you rush, the onlookers will make your wait even longer.
It’s worth taking the time to do it right. You’ll quickly learn how to do it better if you practice it enough.
Make sure you are prepared
There are many surprises in life at sea.
Although it may seem cliché, “Expect to the Unexpected” is a good saying. It’s impossible to predict what might happen, so be prepared for the unexpected.
Preparing yourself and creating a plan is the best thing you can do to prepare for a stressful situation. It could save your life or money to prepare for unfavorable situations.
This article will cover the many things you should bring to ensure safety and health on your boat. Here are some things to keep you safe.
- First aid kit
- Personal floatation devices
- Thermal clothing
- Whistle, horn or bell
A waterproof bag is ideal for emergency stashes (including cell phones)
Fire extinguisher
Information is your best tool. Keep up to date with weather information, travel advisories, as well as local contact details. It will make it easier to deal with any unexpected events and help you stay calm.
Learn from Yourself
Experienced sailors agree that there are no lessons that can match the knowledge gained from real life.
It’s worth learning from others because it will give you a solid foundation from which to build. Your mistakes are the best lessons.
There will be problems. It’s a common saying: “Worse things have occurred at sea.”
There will be some of these things. The important thing is that you leave with some pointers on how to improve next time.
Most mistakes are easily corrected once they happen. These mistakes can be avoided by paying attention to them in the future.
Learn from others
You might be excited to go out on your boat. But don’t assume that you know everything.
Listen to what other sailors have to say about living at sea. There will be situations that you have never seen before. A tale from a sea dog may help you in an emergency.
Most people you meet will speak from personal experience. We’ve already mentioned how great a teacher that can make it.
The best tips are the small things. These small, helpful tips can make your life easier and improve your overall quality of living onboard. These are the kinds of things you won’t hear about in lessons. So pay attention to what other people say.
Don’t Stop.
If you are experiencing an onboard problem while at sea, you should immediately stop.
It’s better to stay put and fix the problem than to try to fix it while you’re on the move if there is a harbor or anchorage nearby.
You can stop and focus on what you are doing. This means that the basic operations of the ship won’t get in your way as you work to solve your problem.
It will make it easier for others to locate you if you are calling for help. This also reduces the chance of you creating another problem in your current situation.
You can also stop the boat to help you relax and keep your mind on one thing at a given time. Start with the things you can manage.
Enjoy Your New Boat
Enjoy it! While there are many things to think about when you’re building a boat, it’s important to remember to have fun. These tips will help you relax and stop worrying about your investment.
Boat ownership is a hobby that pays back everything you put into it. Give it time, and you’ll be glad you did.