What To Know Before Buying A Boat

Buying a Boat

If you are thinking of purchasing a boat, make sure you have all the necessary knowledge. From dealing with emergencies to reading the tides, here’s what to know before buying a boat.

HOW TO INSPECT THE BOAT

Before you leave on a long fishing trip or a short cruise across the lake, you have to know how to conduct a proper boat inspection. The inspection will mostly cover safety equipment, such as life jackets (one for each person), signaling devices (both noise and visual), and working lights. You’ll also want to make sure you have all the tools required for emergencies, enough fuel and oil, and a fire extinguisher. Make sure you know how to check for all of these things before you buy a boat so you can have a better experience when you reach the water.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

A good boater always knows how to be safe on the water. While we all hope you never use them, be sure to understand all the emergency procedures, including overboard recovery, hypothermia recovery, and where you will go if medical attention is required. Know where life jackets and throwable flotation devices are located so you can be prepared for any situation.

HOW TO READ TIDE CHARTS

If you live near a coast, the tides will be an important part of your boating schedule. This is especially important if you plan to fish in nearshore or intertidal areas. The tide can make a big difference on your success rate. Know how to read tide charts, and you’ll have a better idea of where and when to fish. This knowledge can also help you to be a safer boater, as you’ll know what areas you can access at any given stage of the tides.

THE COST OF INSURANCE

The cost of boat insurance can vary depending on the type of boat you own, its size, motor, level of coverage, and your area. For example, in Florida, where boats can be used year-round, insurance will likely cost more than insuring the same boat in Michigan, where winter keeps boats off the water for roughly a quarter of the year or more.

BOAT TERMS

Left, right, front, and back may work fine for your car, and it may get you by when you’re boating with your family. But good boat owners have a strong understanding of the common terms associated with nautical language. You don’t have to be a Navy captain, but you should know the differences between bow, stern, port, and starboard, as well as topside, hull, transom, and other basic boat terms.

WORLD-CLASS BOATS FROM SCOUT

Find the right boat by browsing the world class models here at Scout. With a large selection of high-quality vessels, we can help you find the right craft for your specific needs. From large offshore vessels to small fishing crafts, we have the perfect boat for you and your family!

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