Boat Ownership Prime Electric Auto

Boat Ownership You’re finally doing it—you’ve made the decision to buy a boat for the first time! A boat is a worthwhile investment, one that can bring you joy for many years to come if you take proper care of it. Boat ownership is both an exciting opportunity and a serious responsibility. Below you’ll find some helpful tips for a first-time buyer.

Learn Basic Boating Rules

You wouldn’t trust somebody to drive your car if they didn’t know the rules of the road. The water has a similar set of laws and regulations. Familiarize yourself with basic boating etiquette and the rules of the water. To start:

• Always wear a life jacket aboard your boat, and ensure your passengers do as well.
• If you’re boating in a group, stay in a single-file line.
• When boating in foggy or hazy conditions, use your boat’s whistle or horn to signal where you are.
• Should you need to pass another boat, pass on the left side, just like driving a car.
• If you approach another boat head-on, pass on the right.

Purchase Boating Insurance

You’re about to make, or have already made, a large investment in buying a boat. You want to be covered if anything unfortunate happens to it. Boat insurance is similar to auto insurance in multiple ways, and just like with a car, it’s risky to get behind the wheel when you’re not insured.

Boat insurance also has some elements unique to boating. Some policies have a fuel-spill liability that covers you if your boat leaks oil or fuel into the marina.

Keep the Boat Maintained

At least once a year, you’ll have to change the oil and filters on your boat. Learn the anatomy of your boat, and practice keeping it in good condition. Inspect the propeller and steering systems regularly. If you live in an area that gets cold during the winter, familiarize yourself with the process of winterizing, or preparing your boat for off-season storage.

Top Tip

Make friends with the folks at your local marine supply store as you begin your life as a boat owner. Chances are, they’ve been working with boats for many years and have valuable experience and tips to offer you.

Owning a boat opens you up to interesting and unique life experiences. Embrace your new lifestyle! With these boat ownership tips for the first-time buyer, you’ll develop a solid base of marine knowledge and be excited to learn more as you set sail.