How to Have the Time of Your Life When Owning a Boat

Discover the secrets of getting the most out of owning a boat with the boating activities, insights, and tips shared in this article!

The sales of boats, marine engine products, and related services are on the rise in the United States. The sales of new boats reached about 280,000 units in 2019.

If you’re one of the lucky few to own a boat, but you’re new to the world of boating, you might want to head out on the water right away. Before you do, it would benefit you to learn more about boat care, important tips to keep in mind, and some exciting boating activities to explore.

Owning a boat is a big deal, and it’s easy to have a blast when you’re prepped and ready for a day on the water. Here’s what you need to know about getting ready for your next boating adventure.

Boating Etiquette

When you’re having a good time and cruising on the water, it’s easy to forget or ignore certain rules, like the slow-no-wake signs. But doing so can get you in trouble and annoy other boaters and property owners.

It’s important to remember that you’re sharing the water with others, and you’ll have to remain courteous. That means you should know all the rules and etiquette. 

You have to respect other boaters, swimmers, and the environment. Pay attention and respect slow-no-wake zones. They exist for a reason, and you don’t want to be the person responsible for property damage due to negligence.

Maintenance

Once you’ve got a handle on the rules and boating etiquette, you’ll want to make sure your boat is in good shape before taking it out on the water. 

A quick maintenance check ensures your craft is in good, running order. You should look over the engine, the hull, the topsides, and the electrical components. Inspect any moving parts and give the upholstery a good cleaning, if necessary. 

On bigger boats, you’ll also want to check the HVAC systems and plumbing. You’ll want the cabin clean, too, especially if you’re taking other passengers with you. 

Before boating season, go over a checklist just to ensure everything is good to go. Make sure you have enough safety gear and that everything is still in good condition. The last thing you want is to find yourself unprepared for an emergency. 

You may even want to invest in an EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon).

Fun Things to Do on a Boat

Now that we’ve covered the rules and boat maintenance, it’s time to dive into all the exciting activities you can do with your craft. Of course, there may be certain types of boats that are best for these activities, and we’ll mention that here as well.

Day Cruising

This is, by far, one of the most popular activities to do on a boat. Day cruising means you’re essentially taking the boat for a spin on the water, and may not even have a particular destination in mind.

If you’re bringing the family, make sure to have plenty of snacks and water. You might want to pick up a few waterproof bags (dry bags) for your phones, electronics, and other items you want to keep dry.

Bring plenty of sunscreen, and remember to reapply as needed. You also might want to toss some motion sickness medicine into the emergency kit, just in case.

Wakeboarding

One of the great things about owning a boat is that you have access to all sorts of watersports, like wakeboarding, waterskiing, parasailing, and more.

Few things are quite as exhilarating as wakeboarding. If you want to make it even more exciting, install some wakeboard tower speakers and turn up your favorite music.

The best boats for wakeboarding and waterskiing are watersports boats. These boats produce the best waves and wakes.

Waterskiing

Much like wakeboarding, waterskiing is a popular activity many people with watersports boats enjoy. Once you get the hang of it, you can have a blast on the water. 

Both sports take a lot of upper body strength, so you might feel a little sore the next day. It’s definitely worth it to try these watersports at least once in your life, though!

Dinner at the Dock

After a long day on the water, you and your family are probably ready to grab a bite to eat and relax. The good news is that there are plenty of restaurants on the water that encourage boats to come ‘dock and dine.’ 

Boat-friendly restaurants are one of the many perks of owning a boat. These restaurants are usually casual, family-friendly, and feature magnificent views of the water. 

Look up some restaurants near you that offer dock and dine services. It could end up becoming your favorite place this summer.

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

Is the ocean or the gulf calling to you? If so, and you prefer to explore under the water, you might want to look into boats that are great for snorkeling and scuba diving. 

Dive boats with platforms and ladders are great for snorkeling and scuba diving. Deck space is a must if you’re bringing heavy scuba gear along.

Fishing

Fishing is great fun in the summer and a relaxing activity the whole family can enjoy. You don’t need a fishing boat to go fishing, either. 

The key to having the best time while fishing is to find the best spots for the fish you’re trying to catch. Determine when that type of fish is most active and plan on being on the water. You also might want to look into different types of fishing rods and the best bait to use.

Owning a Boat Is a Blast

We hope these tips on boat ownership gave you some good ideas on how to start enjoying your life on the water to the fullest. Owning a boat is so much fun, as long as you follow the rules of the water, plan well for the day, and know what you want to do—even if it’s just cruising around. 

Are you looking for more boat advice or tips to make the most of the season? Explore the other sections on our site to discover more great content like this!

Feature image courtesy of Pixabay