What skills should I learn before I purchase My first boat?

RutgersAl

Member
Jun 16, 2020
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In the market for a >30 foot Searay Sundancer, probably years 2010-2014. Hoping there will be fewer things that go wrong with a newer boat. Im reasonably handy and can change oil, air filter, and other minor items for the car. But I usually pay a mechanic to do the more heavy duty stuff. What skills should I learn before I purchased my first boat?
 
How to keep your cool and never yell at your wife!

There is a corollary to this one ........there is very little that happens on a boat that you need to hurry up to fix, if you plan ahead and anticipate, you should never need to raise your voice in giving instruction to whoever is helping you with lines on the bow. Trust me...it is a lot more fun that way!
 
Rule of thumb maintenance is 10% of purchase price. It will be lower some years; but big ticket items will pop up. The best skill I find is not be shocked when you put in $500 worth of fuel or have a nervous breakdown when you pay your yearly moorage fee. Seriously first skill is for you, and if you have others that will drive the boat to all take a boating courses on navigation and handling. If you are at a marina that allows people to work on their boats a few beers will get you a lot of advice.
 
Al, welcome to CSR. You didn't complete your profile info so I don't know where you live and will be boating. I'd suggest finding a boating safety course in your area where you can take the course in a classroom setting.

The online courses are OK, but the exchange of information you will pick up in a classroom is invaluable. Your wife should take it with you for two reasons:
-you both will hear and pick up some different things during the discussions and you can talk about those later.
-she will know what you are talking about when you ask her (as opposed to "TELL HER") to do something on the boat like putting fenders or dock lines out.

A third thing you pick up from both of you taking the class together is that both of you will increase your confidence level and your level of competence.

Then go have fun!

By way of a P.S., I've taken boating safety courses five times and I always pick up something from the classes.
 
O.P. You didn't mention if this was your first larger boat. If it is, one of the best investments you can make, is to hire a captain for a day, and let her show you how to dock, anchor, use the radio, deal with emergencies, etc. And as @Gofirstclass mentioned, make sure your first mate is along for the ride.
 
At one marina gas pump a rental boat came in and scraped all along the dock. Gas person said "Rental boat they put training paint on them" If you do not want to use the training paint get lessons on how to drive boat.
 
It's a bigger boat to start out with. Maybe try something around 20 feet for a year to see if you even enjoy boating. Everything is more expensive with a bigger boat including the damage when you screw up. Definitely take some courses and get training before you write the check. Operating a boat is not driving a car. There are more requirements for safe operation, more systems to understand and maintain and there are hazards that you never encounter in a car. Hire someone to give you the benefit of their training and experience once you buy your boat. Learning through trial and error is not a good idea.
 
It's a bigger boat to start out with. Maybe try something around 20 feet for a year to see if you even enjoy boating. Everything is more expensive with a bigger boat including the damage when you screw up. Definitely take some courses and get training before you write the check. Operating a boat is not driving a car. There are more requirements for safe operation, more systems to understand and maintain and there are hazards that you never encounter in a car. Hire someone to give you the benefit of their training and experience once you buy your boat. Learning through trial and error is not a good idea.
Our fist boat was 28 feet at the water line and a 10.5 foot beam. Went slow at docks and made sure there was some one in area when we landed. No damage but I had a lot of fenders and lots of ropes. If windy I waited unless the wind would aid us in landing. Fuel docks will help you land if you ask. Transient slips will help if they have some one. You home marina will help if it is during the day and you tip well.
 
It's a bigger boat to start out with. Maybe try something around 20 feet for a year to see if you even enjoy boating. Everything is more expensive with a bigger boat including the damage when you screw up. Definitely take some courses and get training before you write the check. Operating a boat is not driving a car. There are more requirements for safe operation, more systems to understand and maintain and there are hazards that you never encounter in a car. Hire someone to give you the benefit of their training and experience once you buy your boat. Learning through trial and error is not a good idea.

Thx for your post. I should have mentioned that I rented a 21’ Boston Whaler Bowrider throughout the summer, and it felt as though I was piloting a bathtub. Hence my desire to purchase something bigger. I will definitely hire someone.
 
O.P. You didn't mention if this was your first larger boat. If it is, one of the best investments you can make, is to hire a captain for a day, and let her show you how to dock, anchor, use the radio, deal with emergencies, etc. And as @Gofirstclass mentioned, make sure your first mate is along for the ride.

This will be the first boat I purchase so I will definitely hire a captain to show me the ropes. I did rent a 21’ bowrider at various times during this past summer, but it would be helpful to get a captain’s feedback and advice. Thx so much for your recommendation.
 
Al, welcome to CSR. You didn't complete your profile info so I don't know where you live and will be boating. I'd suggest finding a boating safety course in your area where you can take the course in a classroom setting.

The online courses are OK, but the exchange of information you will pick up in a classroom is invaluable. Your wife should take it with you for two reasons:
-you both will hear and pick up some different things during the discussions and you can talk about those later.
-she will know what you are talking about when you ask her (as opposed to "TELL HER") to do something on the boat like putting fenders or dock lines out.

A third thing you pick up from both of you taking the class together is that both of you will increase your confidence level and your level of competence.

Then go have fun!

By way of a P.S., I've taken boating safety courses five times and I always pick up something from the classes.

thx for your great suggestions. I’ll be boating in Barneget Bay, NJ, and plan to join a nearby marina in Brick or Toms River, NJ.

I was ready to take a boating classroom course, but it was cancelled due to COVID. Looking forward to classes starting up again, hopefully in the spring.
 
While the logic of a "newer boat" and "fewer problems" might make sense at face value, in reality all boats break at some point.

So I guess step #1: Once you find the boat you like that passes a survey, don't be discouraged if a problem pops up after a month of usage. We've all been there, and it's part of boat ownership.

As for things to learn:

* Do you know how to use a fire extinguisher? If not, practice.
* Since you're handy, do a search and learn what experienced mariners carry for spare parts. This can make the difference between aborting a trip, or only having a 30 minute delay. (It's a good idea to carry these things regardless of your mechanical skill level.)
* Navigation and rules of the road.
* Learn about weather patterns where you'll be boating.
* Become incredibly familiar with all emergency equipment and how it should be stored.

I've been boating since I was a little kid, and I learn new things on every voyage.
 
While the logic of a "newer boat" and "fewer problems" might make sense at face value, in reality all boats break at some point.

So I guess step #1: Once you find the boat you like that passes a survey, don't be discouraged if a problem pops up after a month of usage. We've all been there, and it's part of boat ownership.

As for things to learn:

* Do you know how to use a fire extinguisher? If not, practice.
* Since you're handy, do a search and learn what experienced mariners carry for spare parts. This can make the difference between aborting a trip, or only having a 30 minute delay. (It's a good idea to carry these things regardless of your mechanical skill level.)
* Navigation and rules of the road.
* Learn about weather patterns where you'll be boating.
* Become incredibly familiar with all emergency equipment and how it should be stored.

I've been boating since I was a little kid, and I learn new things on every voyage.

Great suggestions. Thx!
 
All great post above.
Do the same routine every time this includes pre safety checks, leaving / coming back to the dock, pump out, washing, maintenance... etc.

Dont be in a hurry!

Also involve your boating partner in all aspects of running and maintenance of the boat the more you learn together the better you will enjoy being a boater. ( other than the cost for those electronics or stereo upgrade) ;) somethings just dont need to be discussed.
 
You asked what skills you need to learn before purchasing a boat. If you are smart and careful in general, you will learn as you go. The important thing is to understand what you don't know and work with in your limits. I knew nothing of boats 25 years ago when I bought my first 28 foot twin engine Sundancer. I took it slow and boated with friends who were experienced and took a Coast Guard Auxiliary boating safety class. I did all my own MX but always researched and sought out knowledge before I waded in over my head on repairs and servicing the boat. I've learned so much over the years and made a few blunders but I've saved tens of thousands of dollars doing my own servicing and in general enjoyed every minute. You will find most of the help you need right here on CSR. Happy hunting
Carpe Diem
 

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