New Boater - Where to Begin?

[billie226]

Although we ride Harley Davidsons, my husband and I have admired boats for the last 25 years.
For the last 6 months, we have been visiting boat dealers and have decided that a cruiser would suit our purpose.
My question is: what is the best way to begin to learn what I need to know in order to practice safe boating?
We have approximately $100,000 to spend. Any suggestions are welcomed and appreciated

 

[jacksonjrs]

Re: New Boater - Where to Begin?

Where to learn safe boating: Take a boat's safety course You can search your local Coast Guard and find a course near you. They usually cost about $25 and take roughly 8hrs. You will get a good start on what it takes to boat safe and fun. And than you practice. Also it helps to find someone thats been boating for awhile to help you out.

 

[Boss Hawg]

Re: New Boater - Where to Begin?

Where to learn safe boating: Take a boat's safety course You can search your local Coast Guard and find a course near you. They usually cost about $25 and take roughly 8hrs. You will get a good start on what it takes to boat safe and fun. And than you practice. Also it helps to find someone thats been boating for awhile to help you out.

We have approximately $100,000 to spend
Wow- yeah, spend the few bucks on the boaters course
Any & all questions will be answered

 

[RickJ6956]

Re: New Boater - Where to Begin?

Read everything you can find about boating. As suggested, take the course.

How big of a boat are you planning to buy? What will you use it for?

Consider that your $100k can be spent on a new boat, or you can go back a few years to perhaps get something bigger with more features.

BTW, I wouldn't spend the entire $100k on the purchase unless you're prepared for the inevitable preventive maintenance fees, repair costs, dock fees, winterization, winter storage, fuel, and other costs of boating. It's not an inexpensive endeavor, and the purchase is only the beginning.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: New Boater - Where to Begin?

take the safe boating course, then rent a few boats, see how you like it. before spending that kind of $$. it will also give you a feel about each different type boat.

 

[CaptNCamille]

Re: New Boater - Where to Begin?

Also try USPS.org for courses. They are free except for the cost of the book.

Here is a series of free on line videos which are very good.

http://www.boattest.com/Resources/view_news.aspx?NewsID=2872

Finally, if you are buying used, make sure you get a survey from a good qualified surveyor, and have a good mechanic check out the engine(s).

Best of luck to ya!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: New Boater - Where to Begin?

i believe he ment USCG not USPS.

 

[CaptNCamille]

Re: New Boater - Where to Begin?

nope, USPS.org meaning the United States Power Squadron.