We have good news for anyone who is thinking of buying a boat, whether it’s for the first or second time. However, a novice boater might feel anxious about putting the lines in the water for the first time. Do not worry, newbie boater! We are here to help.
These tips will ensure that your first time out on a boat is safe, enjoyable, and rewarding.
1. Make sure it is safe
That was obvious, right? Although boating is a low-risk activity with minimal injuries, it can be dangerous. Before you leave the dock, pay attention to what you are doing.
2. Choose the Activities You Would Like to Experience
Now that you have all the safety details out of the way, get ready to have serious fun. Prepare yourself! Check out these 10 Fun Things to do on a Boat and consider which activities will be most loved by the entire family. Perhaps you could call a family meeting to discuss the possibilities and meet around the kitchen table.
3. Check the Weather
Be careful about the weather. We all would love to go boating every day, but Mother Nature can have a huge impact on this activity. It’s best to dry your powder and wait until a better opportunity presents itself.
4. Remember to “Walk Before Your Run”
You can easily get into boating by taking short trips that aren’t too far. It doesn’t matter if you start with a long-distance trip or an overnight camping adventure. People will do well if they start with shorter, more manageable trips that build their confidence.
It will be easy to determine what gear and provisions are most important, how to handle different situations, and how much time crew members can enjoy different activities before they need to change. This is especially important for parents with children.
5. Life jackets for everyone!
Life jackets should be comfortable and not the most expensive. This is especially important for parents with children. Poorly designed or ill-fitting life jackets can become less comfortable over time. There are so many options these days, it’s easy to find a life jacket that is comfortable for everyone of any age and size. How do you choose the best one?
6. Make sure you plan ahead: Create a pre-departure checklist
You should allow extra time for both the before and after trip. You don’t want your trip to be too hectic if you are trying something new. There will be some setup time to unload the gear, prepare the boat for launch and go over your pre-departure checklist. You will need to leave extra time to secure the boat, clean it up, and wash it down when you return to dock. This will help you avoid feeling pressured to rush when you plan your trip.
7. Waves: Slow down
Although this may seem a little simplistic, the reality is that most boaters will continue to open the throttle for bigger waves until they reach the worst. Wave impacts can often be worse for passengers than for the captain. The captain is more likely to anticipate the wave and prepare for it. If you feel a thump while running the boat, others aboard might feel a slam and bang.
8. How to adjust the trim
Once you have your boat running, adjust the trim to find the “sweet spot.” Inexperienced boaters often forget about trimming because their boat is running perfectly. It may be running perfectly. You’ll almost always find that the trim could make it run even better. The hull’s interaction with the waves can be altered, which can impact speed and maneuverability. Trimming can also make the ride more or less comfortable.
9. Get your whole crew involved
Give children and crew members jobs. Boating is a great way to build teamwork, especially as a family. This is possible only when everyone on board has the chance to help. If you offer them simple tasks, even the youngest crew members, they can help you monitor for flotsam while you cruise.
10. Make sure to rent from a trusted boat rental businesses.
You always want to rent only from a trusted boat rental business. They typically take your safety very seriously. A respectable boat rental business should train you with safety instructions and utilize safety equipment such as life vests and fleet based GPS tracking systems.