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In 2021, more than 300,000 new powerboats were sold. If you acquired one of these beautiful vessels, you’re certainly eager to test it out.
Not so fast, though. There’s some learning to do.
Learning about boating for beginners is an exciting time, but it can also come with a lot of nerves. There’s so much to learn, from getting a boating license to learning about vessel maintenance.
In this post, we’ll go over some of the best boating tips for beginners so you can confidently get out on the water.
Keep reading to learn more.
- Learn Relevant Vocabulary
Your first step is to familiarize yourself with common boating terms. Here are some of the most important:
- Bow: The front of the boat.
- Aft/Stern: The back of the boat.
- Port: The left side of the boat.
- Starboard: The right side of the boat.
- Hull: The body of the boat.
- PFD: Personal flotation device
Knowing this will help to avoid miscommunication and make you seem like a seasoned boater!
- Be Sure You Have All Required Safety Equipment
While boating is a relatively safe pastime, that doesn’t mean you should slack on the boating safety equipment. The exact requirements will vary depending on what state you’re in and the size and type of boat you’re using. Be sure you’re in compliance before you go out on the water.
Make sure you have the right amount of life jackets, working navigation lights, and an accessible fire extinguisher if required.
If you’re picking the boat up from a storage facility, ensure the equipment is functioning properly. And if you’re looking for a new storage facility, a quick boat storage near me search can help you.
- Learn All About the Specific Type of Boat You’ll Be Operating
Before you go boating, learn the specifics of how that particular boat operates. Know where all of the safety equipment is, and how to operate that equipment if necessary.
Pay particular attention to how the steering wheel feels. Is it hard to turn? Does it tend more towards one side or the other? These things will influence how you drive the boat once you’re out on the water.
- Check the Weather
Checking the weather before you go out is important for both your safety and your enjoyment. As an inexperienced boater, or even sometimes an experienced one, getting stuck in a big storm can mean big safety risks.
Additionally, boating is supposed to be fun. Going out and getting stuck in a rainstorm is not a great introduction to boating.
- Be Quick At the Boat Ramp
Part of boating etiquette is to be as quick as possible while using the boat ramp. Be sure to be as prepared as you can be before you reach the ramp, including having your equipment already loaded onto the boat.
If you’re new to driving with a trailer you should also practice backing up with it before you get there. Trailers can be difficult to maneuver and this will save you not only time at the ramp but also embarrassment.
Use These Boating Tips for Beginners
Learning all about boating should be a fun experience, not a stressful one. With these boating tips, you should be well on your way to safely and confidently getting out on the water.
What part of boating are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments!
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