New to Boating? A Complete Guide for First-Time Boat Owners

The learning curve for boat ownership can seem steep. Without proper preparation, you can experience extensive problems that lead to headaches and costly downtime.

Refer to this boat ownership guide for those new to boating before you embark on your exciting new nautical journey. Learning essential boating terminology, critical marine safety standards, and the practicalities of ownership can protect and let you enjoy your investment.

Part 1: Boating 101 – The Absolute Basics

Getting the boat you've dreamed about can be exciting, but don't jump into ownership too soon. Learn the basics if you are new to boating, so you know what type of vessel fits your needs, basic marine terminology, and how to interact with other boats on the water.

Essential Terminology

To understand your boat and stay safe on the water, learn key boating terms, such as:

• Bilge: The area of the hull underneath the floorboards
• Bow: The front of the boat
• Draft: The minimum water level a boat needs to float
• Freeboard: The distance from the waterline to where water can enter the deck
• Give-way vessel: A boat that yields the right of way
• Port: The left side of the boat when facing the bow
• Stand-on vessel: A boat that has the right of way to continue on its path
• Starboard: The right side of the boat when facing the bow
• Stern: The rear of the boat

Types of Boats

You can choose from several types of boats based on where and how you plan to use them, and whether you primarily want a solo or group experience. Boat choices include:

• Pontoons are like motorized rafts with a protective body. They have plenty of deck space for people and equipment, and are suitable for calm waters and groups.
• Fishing boats are specially designed to give you accessibility to shoreline areas only reachable by water and offshore areas of the ocean or lakes.
• Bowriders have a V-shaped hull and can cut quickly through the water and handle sharp turns. Buyers often choose them for watersports or short inland and coastal cruising.
• Runabouts are relatively small powerboats. They're versatile and generally light and easy to launch and operate.
• Center consoles leave more space for standing around the edges of the deck. They are a good choice for fishing and have easy 360-degree pilot views.
• Cabin cruisers have amenities such as sleeper berths, bathrooms, and galleys. They are great for overnight trips or if you have a destination in mind.

Rules of the Road

There are rules of the road for boating that help keep everyone safe. Remember that the stand-on vessel has the equivalent of a green light, while the give-way vessel must alter its course to avoid a collision. Critical boating rules include:

• Human-powered vessels and swimmers have the right of way.
• At potential intersections, a vessel on your starboard side has the right of way. If it approaches from your port side, you have the right of way.
• If you are passing, you are always the give-way vessel.
• If two vessels approach head-on, both turn to the starboard side.
• In a channel, stay as far to your right as possible and yield to deep-draft boats.
• Maintain a safe speed to avoid creating harmful wakes or causing collisions.
• Maintain a speed and distance that leaves you and the other vessel time to maneuver.
• Account for weather conditions such as fog or rain when calculating safe speeds and distances.

Always check local laws to determine if specific rules apply to the body of water where you plan to go boating.

Part 2: Safety, Education, and Legal Requirements

Understanding boating safety basics is often necessary to get a license. If you are new to boating, knowing what equipment you need and how to handle your boat and potential hazards keeps you and others safe and can protect your boat against damage.

An essential part of boating for beginners is studying the U.S. Coast Guard's Guide to Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats and any state and local-level boating requirements. Local fish and wildlife agencies often also offer first-time boat owner tips.

Boating Safety Courses

Many states require a boater education course to get a license. These courses cover terminology, safety requirements, rules of the water, and, in some cases, basic boat maintenance to prevent breakdowns.

You can search your local community and other colleges for boater safety classes, or find one through your state's Department of Fish and Wildlife or other agency that issues boat licenses. You can also use the Coast Guard Auxiliary Boating Safety Education tool to find classes near you.

Essential Safety Gear

Specific boat safety gear requirements vary by boat size. However, the U.S. Coast Guard requires minimum safety equipment, including life jackets for every person on board, fire extinguishers, signaling devices, and first aid kits.

Checking your safety gear is an essential part of boat maintenance. Replace signaling devices and first aid measures immediately after you use them, and check levels and replacement dates on fire extinguishers. Inspect your life jackets and life rings to ensure that they haven't cracked, have defective buckles, or have frayed or damaged ropes.

Documentation

In most instances, you must carry your boat registration and license on board. Always follow state boating license requirements, and remember that if you leave your state to boat elsewhere, you must meet that jurisdiction's requirements.

Visit your state's Fish and Wildlife or other similar agency website. It details how to get a boat license and registration, whether you must take a safety course, and lists other required documentation.

Part 3: The Real Costs of Boat Ownership

There are ongoing costs of boat ownership that you must consider when determining if you can buy the vessel you want. You can't spend time on the water if you can't afford to maintain, store, and keep your boat fueled and supplied.

Maintenance

Spending 10% of your boat's value yearly is the rule of thumb for boat maintenance. This includes routine maintenance such as oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication, and seasonal winterization and re-commissioning. If you skimp on regularly scheduled maintenance, you risk significant costs down the road. For example, contaminated fuel or oil can cause your engine to seize.

Spend time reading a boat maintenance guide and creating a checklist to protect your boat and your finances.

Storage and Slips

You may need to keep your boat moored in a slip or find a storage space for between uses and the off-season. Boat storage costs vary based on the size of your vessel and your storage needs. A marina slip can cost anywhere from a few hundred to thousands of dollars monthly, depending on location, size, and amenities such as electricity. You may have similar costs for dry storage at a marina.

You may be able to dry-store your boat at a storage facility, with prices ranging from $50 to $400 per month. You will pay more for a dedicated space or for one that is climate-controlled.

Fuel and Supplies

Boat fuel can be a significant expense, especially if you have a larger boat, use your vessel often, or if it requires specialized fuel or an additive. You must initially stock and replace cleaning products and some safety gear, such as first aid kits and signaling devices. You must also replace safety gear that has outlived its useful life.

Repairs

Mechanical breakdowns are a reality of boat ownership and can be expensive. You may accidentally damage your propeller or experience mechanical or electrical problems due to age or lack of professional maintenance.

Keeping your boat in good condition can prevent significant future expenses. An electrical or engine problem may cost a few hundred dollars to fix, while a complete electrical system or engine replacement, because you failed to repair one component, could cost thousands.

Part 4: Protecting Your Investment

A boat is a significant expense that is worth protecting. Failing to do so could leave you with out-of-pocket costs you can't afford, forcing you to choose to cut your budget elsewhere or stay off the water.

Boat Insurance

Boats are a significant investment, and accidents happen. Protect yourself with at least liability coverage, in case you are responsible for a collision, and theft protection. If you have an expensive boat or equipment, or don't have a lot of wiggle room for repairs, you can purchase additional insurance to protect your vessel.

Check your state's boat insurance requirements to make sure you are legally compliant. Your bank or a marina may require you to purchase boat insurance to protect them against damage and loss.

The Role of a Boat Warranty

The boat you choose may not have an active warranty, which leaves you open to paying for mechanical and electrical repairs yourself. However, you can protect yourself beyond your insurance coverage by purchasing an extended boat warranty from America's Boat Warranty.

A warranty covers unexpected repairs to critical components such as the electrical system, transmission, and engine. Repairing these components can be budget-busting, so choose the peace of mind you get with the added layer of protection and enjoy your time on the water.