Whilst taking up boating does require a substantial investment of time and money, it can be an incredibly rewarding and enjoyable hobby. If you're new to the world of boating, here is some advice which you may find helpful:
Buy the right boat for your needs
Before you start looking at boats for sale in your local area, it's important to give some thought as to what size boat will best suit your personal requirements.
If you intend to use the boat primarily for solo activities which don't require a huge amount of equipment (such as fishing, for example), then a small, simple vessel with minimal storage space should suffice. In this situation, splurging on a larger boat would be a waste of money.
However, if you are hoping to take out your friends and family out on the water, so that you can do some diving, water skiing, and swimming, then it would be sensible to invest in a more spacious vessel that provides plenty of storage space for any water sports equipment you'll be bringing on board.
If you think your group trips on the boat may go on for longer than a day, then it would also be wise to look for a boat that comes with a cabin, in which you can prepare and store food, shield yourselves from the elements and, of course, sleep.
Don't scrimp on safety equipment
Boating can be an expensive hobby. However, it is absolutely crucial to prioritise safety and ensure that you allocate a significant percentage of your budget for this activity for safety equipment. This equipment will help you to remain safe if any unexpected problems that arise during your trips (such as fires, poor weather conditions or a major leak).
If you do not buy these items, you could put both your own life and the lives of your passengers, at risk.
In addition to life jackets for you and all of the passengers you intend to take with you on future boating trips, you will also need to have at least one fire extinguisher, a signalling torch, flares, an inflatable life raft, a compass and a barometer.
Additionally, you should invest in items that will enable you to rescue anyone who falls overboard; things such as a life ring, a recovery sling and a heaving line could help to save a person's life if they fall into the water.
Contact a company that has boats for sale for more information and assistance.
Share30 August 2017
I've been hill-walking and climbing mountains all over the world for the last 10 years, and I started this blog to answer the questions I'm asked time and time again by beginner climbers. You'll find blog posts on a range of topics, including building stamina, improving your general fitness, packing for every possibility and choosing the right boots and gear. I also post reviews of new climbing products and share my travels and climbing adventures. The blog includes guest posts on related topics, such as nutrition, personal safety and first aid tips. I hope you find my blog enjoyable and informative. Keep climbing!