If you’re new to the world of boating, it’s exciting to think about all the adventures you can have on the water. But once you start digging into details, like the dozens of different types of boats that are available, the differences between electric boat motors such as these and conventional combustion engines, and the tenets of responsible boat ownership, it can get overwhelming.
How do you get started in the boating world as a total beginner?
Why Boating?
There are tons of activities that you can enjoy on your boat, which is part of the reason why boating is so popular. Whether you’re competitive or easygoing, and whether you’re a loner or a family man, there are options available to you.
Before you can get into boating, you should have some kind of understanding of what you’re trying to get out of this hobby.
Some of the most common options include:
· Racing and sports. For some people, boating is all about adrenaline. They want to race on a sailboat, or get a speed boat and blitz around the water, or they want to engage in sports like water skiing. These are excellent opportunities to test the limits of your endurance as well as your ability to navigate on the water.
· Fishing. For others, boating is merely a secondary hobby that enables the primary hobby of fishing. And people can love fishing for many different reasons. For some anglers, it’s a competitive sport. For some, it’s a source of food. And for some, it’s just a nice way to relax. There’s no wrong way to approach it.
· Silence, privacy, and nature. Some boating enthusiasts want to spend more time on the water so they can have access to silence, privacy, and relaxation. They want to spend more time in nature, most often by themselves, so they can get away from it all.
· Socialization. Boating can also be a social hobby. If you have a family, you can take them out on the water with you. If you have friends, you can throw a party. And if you don’t have family or friends, you might be able to build a stronger network by getting to know the other boaters in your area.
Preparing for the Costs
Next, you’ll need to think about the costs of boat ownership.
· The boat. Obviously, the boat itself is going to be your biggest expense. Depending on what you’re looking for, you might be able to buy a used vessel for just a few thousand dollars. If you’re looking for a megayacht, with all the bells and whistles, you could end up paying millions. Most people want something somewhere in the middle, which probably means you’ll need to think about taking out a boat loan. Make sure you can afford this with your current income.
· Fuel and maintenance. You’ll also need to think about costs associated with fuel and maintenance. It costs money to continue operating your boat, especially if it frequently needs repairs.
· Docking, storage, etc. There are costs associated with docking and storage as well. You may be able to store your boat on your own property, but if you can’t, you’ll need to rely on external services.
· Insurance. Depending on where you live, boat insurance may or may not be a legal requirement. Either way, it’s a good investment to make.
Licensing, Permits, and More
Depending on where you live, you may or may not need a specific license to operate a watercraft. This is usually dictated by the state government, so review your local rules and consider beginning the process of getting your license if you’re prepared to get deeper into this hobby.
Networking and Trial Runs
At this point, you’ll be ready to start taking trial runs and networking with other people who are into boating. The best way to learn about this hobby is to talk with people who are already immersed in it. Head to your local marina, join a boating club or meetup, and see if you can find a mentor or a guide to teach you the basics.
You should also consider renting a boat, and potentially many different kinds of boats, to see how it feels to operate. This way, you’ll have much more meaningful information that you can use to make the right purchasing decision for your future hobby needs.
When you’ve done all this, you’ll have more knowledge, more experience, and a better understanding of what comes next. At that point, you’ll be ready to start researching different types of boats, attending boat shows, and eventually making a purchase.
From there, the sky’s the limit; you can start practicing your favorite hobbies, test the limits of your knowledge, and find peace on the open water.
