Who you, a Guru? After you read these 143 Boat tips, you'll be one. But we're looking to recruit a Guru to blog, write a 101 tip Boat book, and become a leader of this community.
Hot topics for both consumers and webmarketers on WebmasterRadio.FM
Every Wednesday, 4PM Eastern.
Buying Sailboats
Beginning sailors are often strongly cautioned not to run out and buy a sailboat. Why? Simply put, buying a sailboat can be an expensive mistake if you don't know what you are doing. For those who do want to take the plunge, however, buying sailboats doesn't have to be just for the rich or the seasoned sailor. Consider the following points:
Do your homework. With all of the sailing forums on the Internet, you should be able to gather quite a bit of information on buying sailboats.
Start small. You don't need the newest sailboat to enjoy the water. Start out by searching for a sailboat that is around $1000 or so. You can always sell it later or trade up.
Consider your needs. What type of sailboat do you want? What do you plan to do on your sailboat?
Window shop. Just because you don't have a lot of sailboats for sale in your area, doesn't mean you can't check out prices. Check on-line Internet auctions, and pay attention to what is selling and how much it is selling for.
Save Tip
Comments
Tip Rating
Know Your Boat’s HID Number
Whether your boat is new or used, it should have what is known as a Hull Identification Number, or HIN. This number is similar to a Vehicle Identification Number on a car, and is essential for recording a boat’s history, especially in the case of major repair or accident. The HIN is a unique set of 12 characters and all boats built after 1972 have one. It is found on the back of the vessel in the upper most, right-hand corner. The HIN may also be written on the title or registration, or in the packet of insurance information. Even though your boat has a HIN secured to its exterior, you should write down the number and keep it in a secure place off the boat such as a safety deposit box. That way, if your boat is stolen, you’ll be able to help the authorities locate it.
Save Tip
Comments
Tip Rating
Boat Safety Equipment
Boating safety should be at the forefront of every boater's thoughts before he or she ever enters the water. Any vessel, whether it be a personal watercraft or ski boat, must have adequate boat safety equipment, including the following:
Bailer or bulge pump-While your state may have limitations on the requirements of one of these items, it is to your benefit to have at least one of these on board.
VHF Radio-This will allow you to call for assistance and access weather updates.
Radar or GPS-This, along with a compass, will help you with navigation.
Compass-This should be standard boat equipment for every boat.
Auto Radio Transmitter-Every offshore vessel should have one of these.
Fire Extinguisher-Preferably rated A,B, & C.
Flame Arrestor-An absolute must for in-board motors.
Personal Flotation Devices-There should be a flotation device for everyone on board, and these should follow the state boating regulation rules.
Save Tip
Comments
Tip Rating
Obtaining Boating Safety Certification
The first step in boating safety is passing a boating safety test and receiving a boating safety certification. Potential boaters can obtain a boating safety certification on-line through a boating safety course that is sanctioned by individual states. Official boating education courses offer boaters access to a boating safety manual that is developed according to individual state's specifications. A boating certification card will be issued to anyone that passes the official boating safety exam.
Manuals can typically be downloaded from the Internet.
Boaters can choose to take the exam in the comfort of their own home for a fee.
Some courses offer home study VHS and DVD education videos.
Potential boaters can also find out information about boating safety courses in their area.
Save Tip
Comments
Tip Rating
Added Technology And Features For Your Boat
When you visit a new boat showroom looking for the perfect boat, make sure you discuss additional options and features that can be added to your purchase. Keep in mind you’ll need to take a variety of items with you when you boat and you’ll want a way to store them out of sight. Ask your boat dealer about storage features that can come with you boat. Some luxury boats also come with removable carpet inserts for easy cleaning. Also, consider that you’ll be on your boat for long periods of time so seating should be comfortable, and you may want a place for taking late afternoon naps. Additional features that will make your boating fun and comfortable include: flip-down drink holders, entertainment consoles and digital audio capability. Wake enhancing technology is also an added option for luxury boats. By adding this feature to the boat, wakeboarders have more power to control the height of the wave creating an even more exhilarating experience. Companies like Malibu Boats have wake enhancing options like the Wedge or the Power Wedge.
Save Tip
Comments
Tip Rating
How To Buy Ski Boats
Before you head out to shop for ski boats, you may want to do a little research. Whether you are shopping at a dealership, an on-line auction, or purchasing a used power boat or ski boat from an individual seller, it pays to understand that there can be quite a big difference from one ski boat to another. Consider the following features:
Engine Differences-Ski boats can be outboards, inboards, inboard/outboards, or v-drives. While inboards are probably most often associated with ski boats, the v-drive offers several positive options, including an under the boat propeller and no bow rise.
Seating-How many passengers will you typically carry in the ski boat? Don't exceed the maximum weight capacity.
Function-You can find boats that are strictly considered ski boats, or you can look for a fish and ski boat, which often has fishing accessories, such as pedestal seats, etc.
Money-Before you shell out any money, consider the extras you may have to buy, such as life jackets, insurance, etc.
Survey-You can have the boat inspected and a boating survey taken for your own piece of mind and, if necessary, for your insurance company.
Save Tip
Comments
Tip Rating
Bimini Covers For Your Boat
Even though enjoying the sun is one reason people buy boats, sometimes it’s nice to have a little shade on the water (or a way to be protected against a rain shower). A bimini top is one option to consider. A bimini top offers a partial roof over your boat and usually comes with a high-quality fabric that may be UV resistant. These tops can be stored on your boat when not in use. When you by a bimini top, make sure the parts—such as straps or fittings—are durable and able to stand up to wet conditions. Bimini tops also come in a variety of colors and fabric designs so you’ll be able to find one to match your boat and your personality.
Save Tip
Comments
Tip Rating
Boat Costs And Memberships
The first thing you’ll need to decide when buying a boat is what your monthly budget will allow. There are a range of prices to consider—from several thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars—based on the size, features and uses of a particular boat. Fortunately, many entry-level or "beginner" boats are quite affordable and some cost even less than $200 per month.
But, when buying a boat you must consider additional costs, too. Here are a few additional things you should be prepared to pay for or buy:
*Accessories for the boat including life jackets, horns, monitoring systems and gear associated with skiing or boarding.
*Storage for the boat including renting space at a rack facility or a marina slip.
*Insurance for your boat that will vary according to length and type, cost and coverage options.
Save Tip
Comments
Tip Rating
Buying Boats: New, Used, And Dealers
Did you know that many used boats come with added features that will cost you more to have if you buy a new boat? Here are some things to consider when deciding between a new and used boat:
You’ll save money initially if you buy a used boat, but you will have to make sure you are prepared to spend some along the way on repairs and necessary upgrades.
A new boat will have the added benefit of a full warranty.
Buying a boat at a showroom will allow you to compare features and designs side by side.
Buying a new boat may be considered less of a risk to financial institutions who are financing the purchase. That may mean you’ll pay a lower down payment and less in interest for a new boat.
LifeTips is part of ideaLaunch, the hub for a group of websites offering
solutions that help clients improve mind share, market share and profit online.
