Choosing Your First Boat: A Beginner's Guide

If you're new to boating, choosing your first vessel can be a difficult decision. There are many factors to consider, such as cost, complexity, and intended use. It's important to keep things simple and affordable when starting out, as boating can quickly become overwhelming and expensive if you bite off more than you can chew.

For example, larger and more expensive boats often come with complex propulsion and electrical systems, electronics, and accessories. As a beginner, it's essential to focus on learning the basics of boating, such as the rules of the road, basic boat-handling skills, and how to launch and retrieve the boat from a trailer.

- Dinghy: Known for being versatile and lightweight, dinghies are simple to operate and maintain. They are usually under 15 feet long and perfect for attaching to a trailer.

- Aluminum Fishing Boat: These boats are rugged, versatile, and perfect for navigating shallow or secluded waters. They can be transported on a car or truck and offer flexibility for different types of angling.

- Pontoon Boat: Stable and easy to handle, pontoon boats offer a wide range of sizes and features to fit your budget and preferred activities. They have stable flat decks and are easy to manoeuvre, making them a popular choice for beginners.

- Bowrider: Bowriders are versatile and relatively inexpensive, making them great for family boating, watersports, casual angling, and day cruising. They offer a good balance between performance and handling, with a traditional pointed bow design.

- Jet Boat: Jet boats offer simplicity and ease of use, with a jet propulsion system that eliminates the need for a propeller. They require less maintenance and are self-draining, making them convenient for off-season storage.

Dinghy

Dinghies are a great option for beginner boat buyers. They are versatile and lightweight, with a propulsion system that can be as simple as a small outboard engine, a sail, or even a pair of oars. They are easy to care for, as there is not much more to look after than a hull and some seats. Dinghies are usually under 15 feet long, which makes them perfect for attaching to a trailer. They are also simple and designed to be user-friendly. Even with limited capabilities, you should feel comfortable operating the boat after just a few trips.

There are many types of dinghies to choose from. If you're looking for something classic with wooden decks, you might consider a Mirror or an Osprey. If you want something with a deeper cockpit to avoid knee pain, you could look into a Miracle or a Firefly. If you plan to sail solo but also want the option to bring a crew or your child, a Solo, Lightning, or Miracle could be a good choice.

When choosing your first boat, it's important to keep it simple. Avoid boats that are too big, too expensive, or too complicated, as these can be frustrating or overwhelming for beginners. It's also a good idea to consider the cost of boat ownership, including maintenance, insurance, licensure, and off-season storage.

Aluminium Fishing Boat

When choosing an aluminium fishing boat, consider the size of the boat and your budget. Smaller boats can be powered by a portable gasoline or electric motor or even rowed with oars. Larger boats will require a more powerful motor and will likely include more features such as fishing decks, storage, and windshields.

Cost of Boat Ownership

When considering the cost of boat ownership, it's important to look beyond the initial purchase price. While the cost of owning a boat varies, the average new vessel costs around $174,000. There are several other expenses to consider, including maintenance, insurance, fuel, and storage.

Maintenance costs for a boat typically amount to about 10% of the boat's price annually. This covers tasks such as hull maintenance, winterizing, and spring make-ready and launch. Additionally, boats used in saltwater will generally require more maintenance and cleaning than those used in freshwater.

Boat insurance is another significant expense, typically costing around 1.5% of the boat's value. The type, condition, age, and intended purpose of the boat, as well as the state of residence, can all impact the insurance rate.

Fuel costs can vary depending on the size of the boat. Smaller boats may use regular or premium gasoline, while larger vessels often require diesel, which is more expensive. A motorboat, for instance, could cost over $300 in fuel for a five-hour trip.

Storing a boat can also be costly. Indoor storage provides better security and protection from the elements but is more expensive than outdoor storage. The cost of indoor rack storage is typically about 1.5 times that of in-water dock space, which can range from $1,000 to over $5,000 per season.

Other costs to consider when budgeting for a boat include safety equipment, licensing and education fees, and trailer costs if a trailer is needed to transport the boat.

To save money on boat ownership, one can consider buying a smaller or used boat, purchasing the boat off-season, buying used or discounted equipment, and storing the boat on personal property. It's also beneficial to shop around for the best loan rates and insurance discounts, such as those offered for completing a boater safety course.

Boat Safety

If you're new to boating, it's important to keep safety at the top of your priorities. Here are some tips to ensure you stay safe on the water:

Before You Go:

Take a boating safety course. These courses are often inexpensive and can be completed in a day, either in-person or online. They cover essential topics such as navigation, weather, and safety equipment. You can also get a free vessel safety check from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and U.S. Power Squadrons. They will verify that you have the correct safety equipment and offer virtual exams too.

On the Boat:

Always follow a pre-departure checklist and ensure the boat is in proper working condition before departure. Check local, route, and destination weather and water conditions and ensure it is safe to go out. Operate at a safe speed, especially in crowded areas, and be aware of your surroundings, keeping an eye out for other vessels, buoys, or obstacles.

Emergencies:

Stay calm and assess the situation. If possible, use your VHF radio to call for assistance. Provide your location, the nature of your distress, and any other pertinent information about your vessel and crew. If you need to abandon the boat, ensure you have your personal flotation device, a tether, and a waterproof bag containing flares, a flashlight, and a whistle.

Other Tips:

• Never drink and drive a boat.
• Be aware of carbon monoxide and maintain fresh air circulation.
• Never jump from a moving boat.
• Always wear the boat's engine cut-off switch lanyard.
• Never swim in a marina or near boats connected to shore power.
• Designate an assistant skipper so more than one person is familiar with the boat's handling.

Boat Maintenance

• Battery Maintenance: Check your batteries and battery cables before every outing. Use a battery maintenance charger during extended periods of non-use and replace your battery every four to five seasons.
• Fuel and Oil: Always use fuel with no ethanol and add a marine-specific fuel stabilizer to prevent oxidation and phase separation. Check your engine oil before each outing and use a quality marine engine oil.
• Propeller and Propshaft: Remove the propeller and check your propshaft a few times a season for any accumulation of fishing line or debris, which can cause damage.
• Engine Maintenance: Check for fuel and ensure the fuel tank vent is open. Keep the water intake free of debris and check the propeller for caught fishing lines and excessive oil buildup. Flush the engine after every trip, especially if you've been in saltwater, to eliminate sand and dirt.
• Hull Maintenance: Keep your boat's exterior clean to prevent the spread of invasive species and protect the structure and finish of your boat. Wash and wax your boat regularly, using products designed for boats, to maintain its appearance and performance.
• Safety Gear: Check the expiration dates on safety equipment like fire extinguishers and flares, replacing them if necessary. Ensure they are easily accessible and in good working condition.
• Electrical Systems: Keep the electrical system clean and ensure all connections are tight to prevent fire hazards.
• Storage: Proper storage is critical to protecting your boat from weather-related damage. Store your boat in a covered and ventilated area, or consider indoor or on-water storage options.
• Corrosion and Mould: Regularly check metal components for signs of corrosion, especially in salty water. Keep metal pieces protected and dry. Additionally, wash your boat down with a mild solution to prevent the growth of mould spores.
• Maintenance Schedule: Establish a maintenance routine and perform checks at regular intervals (every 20 hours, 50 hours, and 100 hours of use). This will help identify potential issues and ensure the optimal performance of your boat.

By following these maintenance tips, you can extend the lifespan of your boat and create a safe boating experience for you and your companions.

Frequently asked questions