Discovering boating has never been easier. But where to start? There are many boats on the market, from personal watercraft to wake board boats to pocket cruisers and more.
According to Discover Boating, the National Marine Manufacturers Association's new boater education website, those getting into boating for the first time can reduce their anxiety and find the boat that fits their lifestyle by approaching the boat buying process in a systematic manner.
Choosing a Boat
Boaters should ask themselves how they'll be using their boats. What activities are the they interested in? Will the boat be used for entertaining? For family interaction? Are water sports like wake boarding or skiing important? How about fishing?
Will they be cruising or racing? Sailing or power-boating? Using the boat in inland waters? Along the coast? For deep-sea sailing? Day use or living aboard? These desires and more may lead to totally different boat choices.
Look at Boats
Nothing beats the eyes-on, hands-on experience of comparing different boats. Visit boat shows and dealers to see what’s available. Boaters can explore the boats, see how they're equipped, discuss options, compare prices and set up a test drive.
Experts at boat shows and dealerships will work with boaters to help them narrow their choices based on their boating needs, experience and budgets. Dealers are privy to multiple financing sources. They may run in-house service departments, have extended warranties, and offer manufacturer and dealer incentive programs.
Look for a National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) Certification (located on the capacity plates of boats up to 26', or the yacht plate on yachts 26' on longer). Boats with this certification were built in accordance to federal regulations as well as industry safety and construction standards.
For an easy introduction to boating, consider renting from a marina. Daily rentals are reasonable, and most marinas offer many different types of watercraft.
Another option is to buy a boat club membership for a year. Boat clubs maintain their own fleets stocked with various types of water craft, and members can use them all. Club memberships are a great way for novice boaters to discover if they’ll like it enough to buy their own vessel.
Learn Basic Boating and Seamanship
By learning basic boating and watercraft safety, new boaters can get a step up on boat ownership. NMMA's Discover Boating says that many states “require powerboat operators to take a boating education course and carry a license or certificate proving successful course completion any time they're under way.”
Becoming proficient in operating his boat of choice is essential for a boater's enjoyment. At the least, new boaters should be checked out by their marina or dealer before taking possession of their vessel.
Consider Insurance Options
Boat insurance policies can vary widely. Check out potential insurance carriers through A.M. Best's Rating and Analysis Center. Look for a minimum of an “A” rating. A boater’s state insurance agency is another must-use reference.
Buying a separate boat insurance policy is best. Tacking it on to a homeowner’s policy may not cover salvage or wreck removal, or other boating-related concerns.
Also ask for an “Agreed Value” policy. It costs more than an actual value policy, but covers the vessel at the value the insurer and the owner agree upon, and if the boat is totaled, there’s no depreciation.
Boat Storage
New boaters can store their boats on a trailer at their homes, rent covered storage at a land based site, or lease a boat slip from a marina.
The home storage option is viable if the new boater is comfortable towing a boat, and has a vehicle capable of doing so without undue wear and tear. While less expensive in the long run, there are still costs involved.
Stored boats should be under cover. If garage space is limited, owners might want to keep their boats under a free-standing shelter, and a separate access drive may need to be constructed. A less expensive alternative is a canvas boat cover tailored to fit the boat.
Commercial covered storage ranges from converted chicken houses run by Mom and Pop entrepreneurs to high-tech storage facilities handling not only water craft but R.V,’s and mini-storage, while providing multi-tiered stacked storage along with boat cleaning stations.
Marinas offer a range of slip sizes handling various boat lengths and widths. Marina slips are usually rented on a quarterly basis. They may be covered or uncovered, and wet or dry-stack. The advantages of wet storage is that the boat is already in the water, ready to go – just throw off the lines. But dry stack has it’s advantages, as well. Boats are protected from the weather and from bottom fouling, and the owner can have the boat removed from dry storage and placed in the water at a courtesy dock ready for departure with just one phone call.
Marinas also provide fresh water and electricity at the slip, sewage pump out stations for boats with heads, and other services such as maintenance and winterizing. Most marinas have nautical stores, boat ramps and gas pumping facilities.
In keeping with changing economic variables, marinas have become more family oriented, and are offering more amenities appealing to families like restaurants, picnic and play areas – even amphitheaters and live entertainment. This, plus the social aspect of interaction with other boaters, is another factor in favor of storing a boat at a marina.
By deciding what type boat fits their lifestyles, looking at and trying out various boat types, styles and brands, learning the basics of seamanship, exploring insurance options and deciding where to keep the boat, new boaters will get a good idea of whether they’re suited for the nautical life.
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