Quick Tips for Novice Boat Owners 

You pulled your first boat home, you’re ready to call up some folks to have fun with it, and that’s great! But before you do, there are some simple things you should know.  

If you’re new to boating, a handful of basics may not cross your mind yet. So with that in mind, here are some tips for new boat owners to get you ready for your first outing out on the water, and for what follows. 

Pack a Bag

Before you go anywhere you plan on staying for a while, it’s always good to pack a bag. For boating, a waterproof bag with a handful of essentials should always be onboard. Pack some basic items that’ll help take care of you and yours in case you get stranded. 

These basic items should include:

• Water bottles
• Sunscreen
• Flashlights
• Towels

• Flare gun/flares
• Energy bars
• Multi-use tool
• First aid kit

Get a Towing Membership

If you’re planning on boating on a larger body of water such as the open sea or a lake with a marina, consider signing up for a towing membership. Like boat insurance, you may never need to use it, but it’s better to have it just in case. If unexpected trouble happens out on the water and you’re stuck, it’s good to know exactly who to call. And in some cases the annual membership is actually cheaper than one tow, so it’s worth having it available to you.

Stock Up on Safety Equipment

Depending on your state, certain safety equipment will be mandatory on your boat. For starters, it’s always a good idea to have enough personal flotation devices that fit everyone onboard. You should also carry emergency signaling equipment such as flares, floating orange smoke signals and other visual distress signals. Check online or with your local boat dealer for more about your state’s requirements.

Take a Boating Course

Regardless of whether or not your state requires one, it’s a good idea to take a boating course if you’re new to piloting a boat. It can’t hurt to learn as much about boating as you can.

Don’t Forget Routine Maintenance

A good routine maintenance schedule helps keep your boat running at its best. Change the engine oil and keep the gearcase fluid on an outboard motor fresh. At the end of the season, be prepared to winterize your boat to protect it when it goes into storage.

Maintenance also includes cleaning your boat regularly. Rinse your vessel thoroughly after every use, and get a good outboard flush kit to clean out your engine’s cooling system. Finally, open up all of the compartments after every ride so they can dry thoroughly and to prevent mold.