After you purchase a boat, before you take it out, it is necessary to thoroughly read your boat and engine’s operations manual. Ensure that you follow all the instructions given in the manual carefully. One should be aware of all the operation know-how’s before setting out on a sail. One wrong move and it might lead to a major damage of your boat machine. Also, to prevent accidents, prepare a pre-departure checklist and include in it all the points that you have to make sure of before you start out. Make sure that all supplies, charts, tools are aboard. Take all the necessary things which you would need in emergency situation like cell phone – etc.

Sometimes, the boat you purchase may have a manufacturing defect. In other words, it may be damaged when you buy it. In such a case, you may contact the manufacturers and work out a solution with them, either to have the boat replaced with another one or to get it repaired. Usually, a boat looks perfect upon observation, but may have minor problems which would lead to major billings later on. To prevent this, a Marine survey should be done when one purchases a boat. Different types or surveys are available like pre – purchase survey, insurance survey, damage inspection, appraisal inspection – etc

The major cause for the damage of the boat is poor maintenance. It includes caring for your boat properly when not in use and operating it correctly when in use. For instance, if you have not stored your boat carefully in a covered place, you may find that it has been damaged by some mischievous boys or some rodents may have made their home in your boat. It prevents the boat from environmental damage as well. Dirt on the bottom of the vessel should be cleaned regularly. Too little oil can cause the metal to overheat and damage the motor. Care of the operating parts of the boat, the engine and the various screws and valves is very essential. Any lack of proper care of these parts may cause damage to your boat necessitating expensive repairs.

Prevention is better than cure. But, as boat damage is inevitable, in spite of all the care taken, once the major causes of damage to a boat are known, it is possible to prevent the damage by addressing each of these causes in a proper manner.

Beginning with the engine, check for the loose parts and fix them up. Lubricate the propeller shaft and fill the fuel tank with fuel and good fuel conditioner.
Talking about outboards, disconnect the fuel line and let it run until the motor stops. Use appropriate flush kit according to the owner’s manual. For inboard and inboard – out drive motors, make sure to flush the cooling system and drain all water from the engine. Change oil filters and refill them according to the manual.

Clean the boat thoroughly both inside and outside. Remove all the things you have on boat like electronics, life jackets, fire extinguishers, etc. Pump the holding tank for bathroom waste as dry as possible. Cover the boat in a way making sure the existence of air circulation. For outside storage, construct a tarp support system, that will prevent it from snow and rains.
Different ways are available for boat storage. Make sure to pick on a way which falls in your budget and is most convenient for you.

Trailering is one of the less – expensive less-expensive way to keep a boat in your driveway or backyard. A boat trailer has the added advantages of allowing you to boat on different bodies of water, and have delight days in winter to fish or cruise and can save fees for winter boat storage. Be sure to check your vehicle owner’s manual for safety rules, tips and complete instructions on boat towing capacity. This will help make sure you’re selecting the appropriate boating equipment for the model you’re buying.

Rack storage is for a good way for smaller boats. A rack storage facility keeps your boat in a covered shed filled with trailer-like cradles.
Boat Marina is the best way for the owners of larger boats and also for the owners of small boats who starve for convenience. Boat Marina offers many facilities likes connections for electricity, wash down water, telephone, Internet and TV at the dock. Boat marinas can be great fun as well, with slip-holders often getting together for parties, cookouts or just friendly socializing.

Cradles are also a good option. Provided , the cradle has been designed according to your boat. Never use a cradle designed for some other boat. It might damage your boat. Steel and wooden cradles are mostly opted for.
Shrink-wrapping your boat is an increasingly popular way to prevent weather damage and bird or rodent.

When you purchase a boat, the first decision is to buy new or used. Used boats obviously cost less but may have fewer features and more wear than a new boat. Additionally, new boats often come with warranties. Buying a boat is similar to buying a car and shopping around for the best deal and the best financing can save you a lot of money up front. If you’re buying a new boat, dealers often charge a “commissioning” fee to cover the installation of any special equipment, tuning the engine and other post-purchase items. You will also have to pay sales tax and some states have a personal property tax that must be paid on boats over a certain size.

Most boat owners a responsible about budgeting for the initial purchase and outfitting of their boats, but underestimate the ongoing costs, which are the bulk of the costs of owning a boat. Insurance is the most important of these costs and the most complex. Getting quotes from several companies will ensure you get the best rate. Also, agents that specialize in boat insurance will be able to help you understand any language specific to boats that you may not be familiar with.

Dockage is another ongoing cost, unless you are lucky enough to own waterfront property. Slip fees vary by size and amenities offered. For example, in San Diego a slip with water and electricity for a 32-foot boat costs around $300 per month. Many boat owners also do not realize that if they want to tie up at a different marina or dock than their own that there may be a docking fee.

Maintenance is such a persistent ongoing cost that it has become almost a joke among boat owners. Before you purchase your boat, you should study the owner’s manual and the manufacturer’s website to get an accurate idea of yearly maintenance costs. Maintenance costs include more than just engine maintenance. Consider the costs of replacing sun-faded fabric, hull painting and sail replacement as well.

Finally, you need to estimate gas costs. Many a novice boat owner has been tripped up by assuming that gasoline costs the same at a marina as it does at the gas station. However, gas costs are marinas are significantly higher than at the gas pump. Visit a few marinas to get a sense of what boat gas actually costs.