Your boat is an investment. From scenic coastlines and painted sunset cruises, to high energy watersports, time on the water can offer new and memorable experiences. Before you launch your boat for the first time, here are some things you will probably want to take care of.
Depending on what state you plan to operate your boat in, you may need to take a safety education course or obtain a boating license. Check your state’s license requirements and any state where you plan to operate your boat.
Typically, if a boat is motorized, it will need to be registered by law. Check your state’s registration requirements. Here are some of the steps you can take to register your boat.
Depending on what state you live in, you may not legally be required to have boat insurance. However, if you finance your boat or are storing it at a marina, they may require proof of insurance. Policies vary, but typically boat insurance covers a number of situations and incidents, including:
To see what your boat insurance policy covers, you should carefully review it with your local insurance agent. Researching and comparing boat insurance quotes from different insurance carriers can be a major time investment. At Cross Private Client Insurance, we work with top carriers. From fishing boats to yachts, our team can help find options for you.
From insurance to receipts to registration, you are going to need a place to store all of your paperwork related to your boat. For documents that need to stay on your boat, look for a waterproof pouch. For other paperwork, designate a file or drawer to keep things all together.
You will need to think about where you will keep your boat in the summer as well as in the winter months when the weather can be harsher. Depending on the size of your boat, you could store it in your garage for the winter or you may need to look into commercial storage options. Many marinas offer storage options.
Before you store your boat, don’t forget to winterize it. Some marinas offer this service. Even if you are having a professional perform these tasks, you will want to remove any loose or valuable items before it goes into storage. This could include electronics, personal flotation devices, and more.
Don’t make the rookie mistake of putting the wrong type of fuel into your tank. Be sure you know if your boat needs gas or diesel, and communicate that if someone else is filling up your boat. Pay attention when you fill up your tank to avoid any spills. Boats have vented fuel systems, which is different from filling up an automobile. Before filling your boat, ask all passengers to move to the dock.
Even if you have owned a boat before, take some time to learn the basics of your new boat. Also be sure that your vehicle has enough power to tow the boat you have purchased. You can check the owner’s manual of your vehicle to see the vehicle’s maximum towing capacity.
Backing your trailer down a launch ramp takes practice. You can prepare by practicing backing the trailer up in an empty parking lot or driveway.
Before you arrive at the boat launch, check:
Remember to unplug your boat trailer lights if they are not waterproof. Remove any tie downs that secure the boat to the trailer, but don’t remove the winch line from the bow eye. Slowly back the trailer down the boat launch ramp, until the boat starts to float on its own. Be careful not to submerge the exhaust of the vehicle towing the trailer. Be prepared to handle the boat once it is in the water, either by having a person in the boat, or using a rope.
Keep the trailer winch locked until you are ready to float the boat off the trailer. After you have launched, check the bilges for any leaks.
There are a few items you will want (and should have) onboard your new boat.
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This article is for general informational purposes only and is not to be relied upon or used for any particular purpose. Cross Insurance shall not be held responsible in any way for, and specifically disclaims any liability arising out of or in any way connected to, reliance on or use of any of the information contained in this article. The information contained or referenced in this article is not intended to constitute and should not be considered legal, insurance, accounting or other professional advice, nor shall it serve as a substitute for the recipient obtaining such advice. The views expressed in this article are that of its author and do not necessarily represent the views of Cross Financial Corp. and its subsidiaries and affiliates (“Cross Insurance”) or Cross Insurance’s management or shareholders.