I can tell you for a fact that having a DIY attitude, stocking the right replacement parts and practicing preventative maintenance can lower costs in multiple ways.
You should have at least 3 times the value of the vessel that you own in your various accounts, land based property does not count.
Owning a boat can have certain life changing element to it, please ensure that you have had that conversation with your significant other and/or family.
Blah blah blah, 10 to 20% maintenance per year, blah blah blah, listen, if you've decided to spend dollars to be on water, this comes with the territory and that is an average. I can tell you for a fact that having a DIY attitude, stocking the right replacement parts and practicing preventative maintenance can lower costs in multiple ways. Technology has gotten better making a lot of your to do lists a breeze on newer boats and from what I see out there more and more boats are becoming a lot more affordable to maintain.
Modern technology is a double edged sword. Technology makes a lot of things easier but too much technology will make your life harder, especially if it breaks down. Find a balance, don't go cheap and always go over all wiring and electronics with a fine tooth comb.
A used boat will save you money up front but cost you in maintenance and repair, a new boat will cost you more money up front but save you in maintenance and repair.
People are not going to understand WHY you really want a boat, do not waste your time explaining to them. Your passion is your passion.
Prepare to make a ton of friends, us boater types tend make pretty good friends. It is normal for people at docks to insist in helping you secure your boat, this is normal, sorry this function no longer exists in your nearest cities.
Take all recommended courses, this is a very good thing. Navigation, VHF, STCW, SOLAS, these are your friends. Even if you have a small boat, go for these, you never know when the credentials and knowledge may come into play.
If you're picking friends to crew your boat, you should start with best friend types and not outliers who are suddenly interested. Your crew should ALWAYS be ready to take some time to learn by your side.
Buy waterproof grip tape, preferably rubberized. You will need this in places that you never knew, sailboat or motorboat.
Follow boater etiquette, no wake zones are no wake zones, relax on that throttle, enjoy the view.
Floatation vests for max capacity as well as a full safety kit including an EPIRB. You never know when you'll need these.
Be nice, this sounds stupid, but being nice will get you further and keep you safer than being anything else.
Boat fuel systems don’t fully close, and wet air can enter through fuel tank vents. If your gas tank is kept only partially full allowing for expansion, water droplets can form and combine with the fuel. This combination might ultimately lead to your engine running slower or breaking down.
There have been far too many stories told involving a casual angler who is paying close attention to their fishing and getting caught up in the moment, even though there may be people up to no good lurking in their blind spot.
CCA maintains the purpose that was started by those 14 forward-thinking fishermen all those years ago with a membership that is increasing, well-informed, and actively involved – so, what Is Coastal Conservation Association?
When charging a battery, there are two primary guidelines that should be followed: first, the battery should not be allowed to become overheated, and second, the voltage should not be allowed to reach an unsafe level.
Bottom fishing is a good way to hook these fish, which feed near jetties and structure. Sand fleas, shrimp, and crabs are all effective choices for bait when fishing for sheepshead.
Random Advice From An Experienced Boat Owner To A New Boat Owner
Share With Your Friends
I can tell you for a fact that having a DIY attitude, stocking the right replacement parts and practicing preventative maintenance can lower costs in multiple ways.
You should have at least 3 times the value of the vessel that you own in your various accounts, land based property does not count.
Owning a boat can have certain life changing element to it, please ensure that you have had that conversation with your significant other and/or family.
Blah blah blah, 10 to 20% maintenance per year, blah blah blah, listen, if you've decided to spend dollars to be on water, this comes with the territory and that is an average. I can tell you for a fact that having a DIY attitude, stocking the right replacement parts and practicing preventative maintenance can lower costs in multiple ways. Technology has gotten better making a lot of your to do lists a breeze on newer boats and from what I see out there more and more boats are becoming a lot more affordable to maintain.
Modern technology is a double edged sword. Technology makes a lot of things easier but too much technology will make your life harder, especially if it breaks down. Find a balance, don't go cheap and always go over all wiring and electronics with a fine tooth comb.
A used boat will save you money up front but cost you in maintenance and repair, a new boat will cost you more money up front but save you in maintenance and repair.
People are not going to understand WHY you really want a boat, do not waste your time explaining to them. Your passion is your passion.
Prepare to make a ton of friends, us boater types tend make pretty good friends. It is normal for people at docks to insist in helping you secure your boat, this is normal, sorry this function no longer exists in your nearest cities.
Take all recommended courses, this is a very good thing. Navigation, VHF, STCW, SOLAS, these are your friends. Even if you have a small boat, go for these, you never know when the credentials and knowledge may come into play.
If you're picking friends to crew your boat, you should start with best friend types and not outliers who are suddenly interested. Your crew should ALWAYS be ready to take some time to learn by your side.
Buy waterproof grip tape, preferably rubberized. You will need this in places that you never knew, sailboat or motorboat.
Follow boater etiquette, no wake zones are no wake zones, relax on that throttle, enjoy the view.
Floatation vests for max capacity as well as a full safety kit including an EPIRB. You never know when you'll need these.
Be nice, this sounds stupid, but being nice will get you further and keep you safer than being anything else.
Saltwater Fishing & Boating Reading
Why You Should Fill Your Boat’s Gas Tank During A Freeze
Boat fuel systems don’t fully close, and wet air can enter through fuel tank vents. If your gas tank is kept only partially full allowing for expansion, water droplets can form and combine with the fuel. This combination might ultimately lead to your engine running slower or breaking down.
An Angler’s Story: The Dangers Of Early Morning Surf Fishing
There have been far too many stories told involving a casual angler who is paying close attention to their fishing and getting caught up in the moment, even though there may be people up to no good lurking in their blind spot.
What Is Coastal Conservation Association – CCA?
CCA maintains the purpose that was started by those 14 forward-thinking fishermen all those years ago with a membership that is increasing, well-informed, and actively involved – so, what Is Coastal Conservation Association?
Exploring The Lowrance Elite FS 7 Capabilities
The Lowrance Elite FS 7 gives you access to all of the capabilities you require to locate more fish and bring in a greater number of those fish.
The Quick Science Behind Pulse Charging Your Marine Battery
When charging a battery, there are two primary guidelines that should be followed: first, the battery should not be allowed to become overheated, and second, the voltage should not be allowed to reach an unsafe level.
How to Catch A Sheepshead – Fishing Advice
Bottom fishing is a good way to hook these fish, which feed near jetties and structure. Sand fleas, shrimp, and crabs are all effective choices for bait when fishing for sheepshead.