Boating for Beginners: New to Boating? We Can Help!
Being new to something can bring a certain amount of undue shame. I wish things didn't work out that way, but they often do.
If you're new to boating and looking for boating advice for beginners, this guide is here to help. You should never feel overwhelmed or daunted by one of the best forms of relaxation.
This blog is intended for newbie boaters to learn boating tips and tricks to help them gain experience on the water and get comfortable.
Some of the old salts might laugh at the information contained, but everyone would do well to remember that there was a first time for all of us and it often isn't pretty. A previous article on pulling into the slip and dock bumpers covers just how harrowing that experience can be.
To make a long story short, it was completely harrowing. Perhaps if I knew then what I know now, I wouldn't have put myself into such a situation simply to prove something to my own ego. There is nothing wrong with being new to boating and needing a bit of advice. With that reiterated, let's dive in.
Boating for Beginners: New to Boating? Better Boat Can Help.
Safety First
I always aim to cover safety first. Why? Because, safety first. The truth is that boating has never been safer or easier to use.
A safety essential on board
2 Pack Air Horn Refills for 1.4 Ounce Horn
An air horn is a required safety signaling device for most recreational vessels. Keep refills stocked so you are always ready when you need them on the water.
I hesitate to use the term 'idiot-proof' because I'll inevitably be proven wrong, but modern boats definitely have nicer facilities and electronic assistance to make operation a breeze. Leaky boats are a thing of the past due to near-bulletproof construction.
Just like a life jacket, all the electronics in the world won't save your skin if you don't remember to inspect them, charge them or, worst of all, forget to bring them.
Things like EPIRB have made boaters lost at sea almost a thing of the past, but they need to be prepared for use in dire circumstances. The ocean is easier to navigate than ever before, but she can still be a rough customer who takes no prisoners. Stay wary, not scared.
Start Small
If you're new to boating, the absolute best advice I can offer is to start small. I don't dare recount the number of times I have had a friend attempt to get into boating only to mortgage their house and buy a beastly boat that they didn't end up enjoying.
They either pay the costs of a seldom-used boat or lose out on their investment. It's sad but true.
So that's why boating advice for beginners number two is: Start small. Perhaps you find that time on the water isn't for you? The cost is easily recouped for a smaller vessel like a dinghy than it would be trying to sell a 60-foot yacht.
How about if you find boating is your new passion? Small boats are much easier to launch and retrieve, so you'll probably find yourself using them much more often.
BOAT: Bring Out Another Thousand
Boating isn't as expensive as most people would have you believe, but it definitely isn't cheap. Like any hobby on Earth, it's a simple fact that a boat will require cash to maintain.
Keep up with routine maintenance
Boat Exterior Cleaning Kit
Regular cleaning is one of the simplest ways to protect a boat's finish and catch problems early. A dedicated exterior cleaning kit gives you the right tools to stay on top of upkeep without breaking the budget.
In the case of boats, that money is used for maintenance. Avoiding upkeep is what leads to breaking out another thousand when small problems develop into huge ones.
Keep your vessel clean, inspected and in good working order and you'll only be putting in a paltry sum to continue enjoying it.
Neglecting problems is not a good way to live, and that's doubly true when talking about a boat.
Notice some mildew? Address it as soon as possible before it weakens the stitching on your sails. A ripped sail is going to cost much more in the end. Keeping a Boat Exterior Cleaning Kit on hand makes it easy to stay on top of maintenance before small issues become big expenses.
A bottle of wax sealant will cost much less than the bundle you might drop on a destroyed paint job. The point is clear.
Enjoy The Ride
Boating isn't as complicated as it might seem. Dip your toes in, don't be scared to ask questions, and believe in your own ability to handle whatever is thrown your way.
Like most things in life, experience comes with time. Spend time on the water perfecting your technique, but trick yourself by masking it with something you enjoy. Going out on the water to enjoy deep-sea fishing, for example, means that the ability to operate by wind power even while solo is simply a side-effect.
Don't put too much pressure on yourself or make the situation any grander than it needs to be. Half the secret is to simply let yourself enjoy where you are and what you're doing. You'll stumble along the way, like everyone has. But the true sailor picks his head up and keeps on moving forward.
Ready to keep your boat in top shape? The Boat Exterior Cleaning Kit is available at betterboat.com.
