For many people, buying a boat is the ultimate dream. Owning a boat has long been portrayed as the ultimate luxury in life. Have you ever watched a movie in envy as the lead character sails happily into the sunset? Or have you ever saw waterskis at the beach and wished you could have one too? The good news is that there are many different types of boat available. And no shortage of water, either. So how do you go about deciding which is the best option for you? And what other equipment do you need to go with it? Read on to find out everything you’ll need to know about buying a boat for the first time.
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Choose Your Type
Are you the adrenaline junkie with a love of extreme sports? Or the quiet retirement type? Maybe you’re just looking for something to go fishing in. Your personality is what will ultimately decide the right boat for you. Look around online at the different types before settling on one. Buying a boat isn’t so different to buying a car. First, you’ll need to work out whether you can afford to pay for the whole thing up front. If not, there are a lot of credit options available. Shop around for the best deal for you. You’ll also need insurance in case of accidents. Take into account whether you’ll need room for additional passengers or not.
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Safety First
So, all the paperwork is done, and you’re the proud owner of a new boat. What next? You might be tempted to dive right in (not literally), but there are a few things to be done before you can set sail. First of all, taking a safety course is highly recommended. In fact, some states require it by law. You want to get to grips with your new boat, learn valuable skills and avoid future accidents. You’ll also want to invest in some basic safety equipment. Essentials include life vests, kill chords and safety harnesses for everyone on board. A popular option is the rip curl life jacket.
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Registration
A lot of the time, you’ll have to register your new boat with your local authority. If your boat qualifies as a second home, you may be entitled to a tax relief. Some councils require you to seek permission before you can legally sail your boat on certain waters. These are all questions you will have to ask and is dependent entirely on your location.
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Take To The Water
It’s finally time to enjoy the fruits of your labour. For your first trip out, though, it is recommended that you take an expert along with you. This is to ensure everything runs smoothly, and you are comfortable on deck. They can talk you through the different ways to deal with wind conditions and changes in current. After that, the world is your oyster!
Owning a boat is super fun and will expand your horizons. Explore new territory and enjoy the freedom that comes with it.
