Best Tips for New Boaters

Thinking about getting a boat? Chances are you are among the many who loves the great vast ocean and boating. As its starting to get warmer again, summer has officially begun. It’s that time of the year to unlatch your boat and search for the best fishing spot in town. Before you cast your line you need to launch your boat. That pretty easy to say when you are already an experienced boater, but it’s different for first-time boaters. 

Modern-day technology can make any first-time boaters' life easier, as tips and practical advice comes as easy as a touch of a button. One can find tips from buying, boat handling, equipping, to maintaining boats. But behold, even with this gift, it’s hard to discern the truths from hearsay; and that exactly where the problem lies for first-time boaters. There are way too many tips to comprehend at once. 

While most boating magazines and blogs post practical tips, it’s still a lot to read. We understand the struggle, so we come up and summarize some of the simplest yet most practical boating tips out there. Here they are: 

Always check the weather 

Every boater, even experience ones, check the weather on a daily basis, because of climate change, Mother Nature makes it harder for anyone to know her temper. That being said, don’t be afraid to cancel or change your plans. A simple rain pour can drastically change into a dangerous thunderstorm in under a minute, and it’s always safe to stay ashore when the weatherman advises you to do so. Ask any boaters and they will all agree how open waters are very dangerous to traverse. Also, it would help if you know the times of high and low tides before you head out. These include waterways, ocean inlet, and tributaries, to avoid any grounding during low tides in certain areas, especially unmarked areas. 

Always bring your life essentials 

No one leaves their house without their cellphones and wallets, so why should you? Even if your boat is built with the state of the art telecommunication devices, always bring your fully charged cell phones, keys, and wallet in a waterproof bag. You’ll never know what will happen next or when your boat is going to lose power and it’s easier to contact emergency hotlines in a cell phone. No matter how busy you make sure another person knows where you are going. 

Dress to impress 

No, it doesn’t only apply for dates, but boaters as well. Always overdress as you can always take your clothes off when it gets too hot. But it’s difficult to find additional clothing when the weather gets too chilly and you got stuck out of nowhere. Depending on where you are heading, always apply tons of sunscreen, you would want to ruin a great adventure by getting a bad sunburn. 

Go Slow! 

Not everything that runs fast is good, here in the open waters, slow is good. Go slow particularly when docking. Sailings slow even if there are no geographical landmarks that are key to keeping everyone safe. 

Make sure to have fun. You are going boating and that means you are going to a great adventure ahead of you. Don’t forget to bring lots of snacks and water.