Beginner’s Guide to Boating: A How to Guide

Beginner’s Guide to Boating: A How to Guide

David Tuffley

Published by Altiora Publications at Smashwords

www.altiorapublications.com

© Copyright 2013 David Tuffley

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover - Mark Twain

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

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About the Author

David Tuffley PhD is an academic at Griffith University in Australia. When he is not working, he likes nothing better than getting out on the water. The East Coast of Australia where David lives has some of the finest freshwater, inshore and offshore boating opportunities in the world.

David Tuffley’s Profile & other eBooks: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/tuffley

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tuffley/

Contents

Preface

Introduction

Chapter 1: What boat to buy?

Chapter 2: Buying a used boat

Chapter 3: Where to buy

Chapter 4: Boat financing

Chapter 5: Insurance & registration

Chapter 6: Maintenance

Chapter 7: Emergency repairs

Chapter 8: Boat equipment

Chapter 9: Getting on the water

Chapter 10: Rules of the ‘road’

Chapter 11: Boat safety

Chapter 12: Etiquette for guests

Chapter 13: Children

Chapter 14: Emergencies

Conclusion

Glossary of Nautical terms

Preface

Beginner's Guide to Boating is everything an absolute beginner needs to get out there on the water and start enjoying life far from the madding crowd, out where it is just you and the sea and sky.

If you're planning on buying a boat or already have one that's not being used, it's time to learn how to use it. You can start this great learning journey by reading Beginner's Guide to Boating.

Beginner's Guide to Boating is a simple and no-nonsense approach to recreational boating. It’s a manual that you will find useful from start to finish.

This book lets you in on the secrets to boating success. For starters, the book lays out the fundamentals of boating by discussing the general topics every boater needs to know. This book gives you the knowledge and motivation you need to finally get your boat out on the water.

One of the first things discussed is how to buy a boat. There are many different kinds of boats, each used for a different activity. Knowing what type of boat you want depending on what you plan to use it for is the first step. Also, this book will give you the tips on how and where to buy a boat, including information on financing.

Setting up your boat is also discussed in this book. There are many things to consider before getting your boat out on the water. Ensuring safety and having the right equipment on your boat are only a few things you'll need to do first. It's important to make sure you, your guests, and your boat are sea-ready.

To cater to the many boating activities, Beginner's Guide to Boating goes into detail on boat types. You will learn what boats are used for each kind of recreation. If you're not sure on what type of boat you want, your search ends here. You will know what boat type is best for you.

Introduction

Being out on the water, whether it is freshwater or salt has a special appeal for almost everyone. There is something deeply embedded in human nature that loves the water. Maybe it is because our bodies are 50% water in the first place, or maybe it is because our evolutionary ancestors were semi-aquatic, finding plentiful nourishing food and an agreeable lifestyle from living next to and swimming in the water.

Whatever the reason, the attraction of boating for many people is undeniable. Perhaps you have harboured a desire to own a boat and be able to go out on the water whenever you feel like it but do not really know how to go about it. After all, boating is not without its dangers for the unprepared and the foolhardy. You want a primer to get you started. This book has been written for you.

Boating is much more than just launching a boat, starting the engine or hoisting the sails and off you go. Experienced sailors make it seem easy. Well the good news is that while there quite a lot to know, it is mostly all common sense that can be learned through a combination of reading and practical experience.

Boating can be a rewarding solitary activity, or something you do with a close friend in the nature of a hunting expedition. Or you can do it as a family or with a group of friends and have loads of fun. The possibilities and locations are endless.

Boating reduces stress and enriches your life in countless ways. It doesn’t matter if you’re learning to water ski, relaxing as you try to catch a fish, or just lounging on deck and enjoying a sunset, boating enriches your quality of life.

In the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Scandinavia and many other parts of the world, around 90% of people live an hour or so from a navigable body of water. Boating is a convenient form of entertainment that requires minimal travel time.

There is something very relaxing about being out on the water. Surveys of what people like to do for stress-reduction show that boating is in the top three.

Boating is an active life. Rather than go to the gym and behave like a rat on a treadmill, you get the healthy exercise you need whether it is waterskiing, swimming, rowing or just getting the boat into and out of the water. Just breathing in the fresh air from the deck of your boat can have healing qualities. We have long known that freshly caught and cooked fish is good for you.

This book explores all aspects of boating from choosing a boat to boat safety. Whether you are interested in boating for recreation or as a way to connect with family and friends, with our help, you’ll be on the water in no time. Even if you have little or no boating experience, you will soon be able to enjoy this great activity like more experienced sailors.

Chapter 1: What boat to buy?

How to finance your boat is the first issue to consider. The type of boat you buy will ultimately be determined by how much you can afford. Conservatively assess what you can afford and use that as the starting point.

There are several options for buying a boat; buy one from your savings or take out a loan. Most boat dealers’ offer financing, or you could secure a personal bank loan.

There is a thriving second hand boat market in many parts of the developed world. People upgrade to a new boat and trade in their old. There are some good deals to be made on second or third hand boats in good condition.

So what are the basic types of boat?

Bass/fishing boat

As the name suggests, these boats are designed for recreational fishing. Most fishing boats are powered by outboard motors, and many also have a trolling motor mounted on the bow that allows silent, low-speed movement to where the fish are without scaring them away.

Bass boats are usually constructed from aluminium or fibreglass, though there are still some wooden boats worth considering. Aluminium is the material of choice. It is very strong but light. It can be carefully driven up onto the beach without damage and needs a smaller motor because it weighs less than a fibreglass boat. An aluminium boat is also easier to transport and requires a smaller vehicle for towing. In Australia, an aluminium boat is known as a ‘tinnie’.

The most common size of fishing boats range between 16 and 20 feet long and provide anywhere between 50 and 200 horse power in the motors. Almost all will have bait and fish well for storing your catch as well as separate compartments to store rods, reels, and tackle.

Aluminium bass boats can be cheaper than the fibreglass variety. The price will vary from place to place, but it will be priced to be affordable for people on average incomes. The most popular size of aluminium fishing boats is 17 feet with a 50 horsepower motor.

Fibreglass boats generally have more eye-appeal. They come in a variety of colours and are capable of much higher speeds than their aluminium counterparts. A fibreglass boat handles rough waters more easily and is generally used when high performance is required. If you are looking to do professional angling, you will want a fibreglass boat.

The price range for a new fibreglass boat begins higher than for an aluminium boat, and goes way up at the fancy top end. An average rig would be