Owning a boat is rewarding and comes with much excitement for a first-time boat buyer. Here are some things to consider before buying a boat for the first time.

Type of Boat

You must determine what you want in owning a boat. Consider how and where you will use it because this will dictate your experience on the water.

Research and write down the key features that are important to you, where you plan to use it, and the distance you want to go before you start shopping. This will narrow down your search between the types of boats on the market.

How to Choose the Right Boat Type

Some factors to consider when choosing the right boat that meets your needs:

• Size: How many people can the boat accommodate at a given time? If you imagine cruising with a group, you’ll have to consider a larger boat that’s able to host all your guests. 
• Use: Boats have different uses and user experiences. Consider how you will use your boat and choose a boat that meets your needs or interests.
• Trailering: Will your boat need to be towed? Do you own a vehicle with towing capacity? Only go for a boat that you can handle.
• Location: Consider where you will use the boat. Deep seas mean a deep hull, unlike shallow waters that need smaller boats.
• Storage: Where will you store your boat? Your local marina comes with a cost and be sure to consider the space constraints if you have a personal dock.

Where is the Best Place to Buy New or Used Boats?

There are many places you can shop for new or used boats. From showrooms to private sellers, here are some options to consider.

• Online Marketplaces: Online marketplaces offer many possibilities with private sellers. 
• Dealerships: Just like cars, you can visit a dealership to purchase a boat. They’re the professionals who typically hold inventory. 
• Local Marina: You can visit your local marina to look at the boats available for sale and contact the seller for more information.
• Boat Shows: Pay a visit to the local boat shows to learn more about the boating market, dealers, and brands.

When is the Best Time to Buy a Boat?

If you want the best deal, avoid buying during the height of the boating season (late spring into summer). Instead, consider buying a boat between November and February to get the best deal.

The Difference Between insurance and an annual Sea Tow Membership

One of the biggest misconceptions out there is that a Sea Tow membership can be included as towing coverage through an insurance policy. That is NOT the case. An annual Sea Tow membership is never included in any insurance policy. A Sea Tow membership is a standalone, more comprehensive option that boaters can purchase IN ADDITION to their insurance coverage. Annual membership offers members a full suite of on-water assistance options above and beyond just being towed. Priority service, towing to repair facilities when needed, towing to the port of your choice within your home area as opposed to just the nearest safe port, local navigational assistance, etc. Visit the FAQ section of our website to lean more about the common questions we hear regarding insurance.

member benefits beyond 24/7 towing

As the premier leader in on-water boating assistance, Sea Tow members receive the most comprehensive benefits available. Membership includes a full suite of on-water assistance services for every boat you own, rent lease or bareboat charter. Learn more about our membership options today. To find the Sea Tow closest to you, use our service locator or call our Customer Care Team at 800-4-SEATOW.

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Size Matters.

An anchor that’s too light pulls as conditions change, one that’s too heavy is tough on the back. Follow your manufacturer’s suggestion for size and size up if you’ll be in rough or windy waters.

Style Counts.

The Danforth style sticks well in sand, mud and gravel. The plow style is best for rocky anchorages. Ask your local Sea Tow captain if you’re unsure what style to use in the area you’ll be boating in.

Add Some Chain.

Adding chain between the anchor shank and anchor line lowers the angle of the line pull to help absorb the shock of a tossing boat. Six to eight feet is standard for small craft. For larger vessels, use one half the boat’s length.

Head Up-Current.

Head up-current or up-wind (whichever is stronger) before dropping anchor. Hold position far enough ahead of your desired anchor point, then lower your anchor to the bottom and begin letting out line.

Lower Smoothly.

Know how deep the water is where you plan to anchor and let out 5 – 7 times the depth so you have enough scope. Never toss the anchor over the side. Instead, lower it from the bow at a steady pace.

Anchoring is a basic skill that every boater needs to know and master, even if don’t anticipate doing it often. If you’re new to the water, make sure you learn the basics before you head out.

UNMATCHED MEMBER BENEFITS

Sea Tow has been the premier leader in on-water boating assistance since 1983. With Sea Tow, you pay one annual rate and receive the most comprehensive member benefits available. Membership includes a full suite of on-water assistance services for every boat you own, rent, bareboat charter, lease or borrow. Learn more about our membership options today. To find the Sea Tow closest to you, use our service locator or call our Customer Care Center at 800-4-SEATOW.

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Easy Boat Docking Steps

1. Get Ready to Dock

Slow down and take your time. Save yourself from a ‘crash landing’ at the dock and make sure you have all your docking essentials at hand to avoid a scramble. Make sure your fenders are out, your lines ready, and that nothing is blocking your visibility. If you have a crew, discuss the docking plan and ensure each person helping knows their part in the docking process. Lastly, remember the golden rule, never approach anything faster than you want to hit it!  

2. Assess Your Surroundings

First, you must understand how your boat moves. Then, pay attention to these three factors: 

• Space. Know how much space you have to comfortably maneuver your vessel around the boat docking area. 
• Traffic. Watch out for boat traffic coming in or out and pay attention to how other vessels are docked. There’s a big difference between an open pier and a busy marina.
• Wind and tides. Stay privy to the tides and weather forecast, especially if you’re new to an area. Never try to fight mother nature, instead, use the current and wind to your advantage where possible.

3. Approach the Dock

Take it slow and steady, no one is rushing you. Once the dock is right ahead of you:

• Approach the dock appropriately for your tie up location. You may need to come in parallel or at a more severe angle considering current and wind. You may be going head in, stern in, or a parallel side tie.
• Instead of staying in gear until you want to stop or change direction, practice clicking in and out of gear and let the boat coast.
• Watch your crew and guests and ensure no one tries to jump to the dock or attaches a line to the wrong spot before you are ready.

4. Tie to the Dock

Now that you are in position, put the boat in neutral.  Most times you will look to get a midship line attached first to hold the boat against the dock or utilize it as a spring line. Depending on your overall situation you may then utilize that first line and your engine to keep you alongside the dock while you secure the rest of the lines.  Next, you will want to secure the stern and bow, in that order as quickly and safely as possible.

congratulations!

One of the hardest parts of docking the boat is over.  Take a breath, ensure the boat is in neutral and continue with your engine shutdown and other dockside tasks.

The Safest Way to Dock a Boat

The marine environment is dynamic and a lot can happen while navigating weather that can suddenly turns ugly, ensuring your passengers are safe and getting the boat to the dock without major incident. These boat docking tips will help you land safely:

• Use the radio to communicate with the dockmaster before entering the port as appropriate.
• Stop at a different location to unload passengers and gear before heading to your dock.
• If you don’t feel comfortable docking due to location or weather conditions, DON’T DO IT!  Back off, reassess, ask for help and even look for another location to dock until it is safe to go to your normal docking location. While it may be inconvenient, it is a better option than damaging your boat, other boats, marina facilities or injuring yourself or your passengers.

How Sea Tow Can Help

These tips are sure to help you achieve boat docking safely–but what happens if you run into engine trouble or out of fuel while out on the water? Sea Tow is standing by 24/7 to help get you back to boating or home safely.

As the premier leader in on-water boating assistance, members receive the most comprehensive benefits available. Membership includes a full suite of on-water assistance services for every boat you own, rent, bareboat charter, lease or borrow. Learn more about our membership options today. To find the Sea Tow closest to you, use our service locator or call our Customer Care Center at 800-4-SEATOW.

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Bow Lines originate from a cleat at the front of the boat, run through a chock on the forward gunwale, and attach to a cleat or other tying fixture on the dock or bulkhead. Secure this line so the boat cleat is even with or slightly ahead of the tying fixture. Secure bow lines first when possible. In a slip or berth, two bow lines are generally used. These usually originate from the same cleat on smaller vessels.

Stern Lines originate from cleats or chocks on opposite sides of the transom. Use the line closest to the tying fixture when securing to a dock or bulkhead. For slips or berths, use both stern lines. Attach stern lines after securing bowlines.

Spring Lines keep wind blowing parallel to the dock from pushing your boat away from its secured position. The direction these lines run from the boat determines their designation as “forward” or “aft” spring. Forward springs are rigged from the stern and run one-third or more of the vessel’s length toward the bow. Aft springs are rigged at the bow and run toward the stern. Pull on the forward spring to bring the stern closer to the dock or bulkhead. Pull the aft spring to bring in the bow.

Your Surroundings are very important when docking. Be certain to consider wind strength/direction, wave/wake action, and tidal stage when securing dock lines. Bow and stern lines should be set with minimum play while allowing for rising or falling water. Spring lines should be nearly tight at low tide.

When Buying Dock Lines nylon is generally the best way to go. Nylon lines are strong, smooth, easy to handle and stretch enough to absorb considerable shock. For vessels less than 27 feet, 3/8-inch diameter should do the job. Larger boats should add 1/8-inch diameter for each additional nine feet in length. Thicker lines wear longer but stretch less! Now that you have the lines, how do you tie them? Read on here.

UNMATCHED MEMBER BENEFITS

Sea Tow has been the premier leader in on-water boating assistance since 1983. With Sea Tow, you pay one annual rate and receive the most comprehensive member benefits available. Membership includes a full suite of on-water assistance services for every boat you own or rent. Learn more about our membership options today. To find the Sea Tow closest to you, use our service locator or call our Customer Care Team at 800-4-SEATOW.

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Stay connected.

You can follow the weather on your phone with various apps, check in daily on local TV, hear an updated weather forecast every 15 minutes on some radio stations or go online to check the latest NOAA forecast. On the water, you can also use your VHF-FM weather radio or VHF transceiver with built-in NOAA weather channels. Any of these, or better still, a combination of options, should ensure you catch the most recent forecast.

Easy access to updated weather projections is a big plus, but it still doesn’t ensure you’ll stay warm, dry, and comfortable.

Cloud cover can tell you a lot.

Most thunderstorm and squall activity approach from the west or southwest. On hot, humid, summer days especially, check out the western and southern horizons at regular intervals just to see what might be brewing in the distance. Low, flat, dense clouds can signal an approaching storm front with steady rain while tall clouds that develop quickly and rise to towering heights or form an anvil shape often indicate thunderstorms or a squall on the way. Expect them to move in the direction the anvil is pointing.

Lightning – even in the distance – is a sure signal to find safe harbor. Be aware that it has the ability to reach out several miles both ahead and behind the actual storm and, thus, can put you and your crew at risk even if there are blue skies overhead.

sense pressure changes.

Larger vessels often carry a barometer aboard so skippers can instantly see changes in pressure. A dropping barometer signals inclement weather on the approach while a rising barometer foretells high pressure and clearing skies (which can also bring brisk winds). While there’s nothing better than instrumentation, most seasoned boaters can sense rapidly falling barometric pressure. At the point you can feel it, it’s time to decide where you’ll head should conditions on the water deteriorate.

As hot air rises on hot and humid summer days, cooler air rushes in to fill the void. A sudden cool or freshening breeze accompanying expanding or rising cloud cover on a hot afternoon is a sure sign that foul weather is approaching or developing. In fact, most find this one of the surest tips-offs that things are soon to change, so heed this warning, make-ready, and ensure you are within a reasonable distance of safe harbor.

Observe nature.

Lastly, look to wildlife to provide weather clues. Fish often feed ferociously on the dropping barometer that proceeds a storm so be sure not to overstay your welcome no matter how productive the blitz. Seagulls and terns will often head ashore to hunker down before bad weather arrives, and mammals like seals, manatees, and sea turtles will likely make themselves somewhat scarce as well.

bottom line.

If the clouds are approaching and you suddenly find yourself feeling very alone on the water, that’s your cue to clear the deck and get to safety. No cruise, fish, or fun is worth risking your safety when the weather turns rotten. Lesson learned? Head to shore at the first sign of weather trouble.

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Here are ten boating tips to consider before leaving the dock:

1. Have a checklist. Before leaving the dock, have a pre-departure checklist to review all critical systems (i.e.: engine check, battery levels, fuel levels, etc.).

2. Don’t solely rely on the fuel gauge. Boaters should keep a fuel log so they know how much fuel their boat uses, when they last filled up, how many hours the boat has run, and how much fuel is left.

3. Follow the rule of thirds. Be sure to have enough fuel to allow for: 1/3 of fuel to head to the destination, 1/3 of fuel to head back to the dock and 1/3 of fuel “just in case.”

4. Check the charts. Review the intended voyage plan and be aware of sandbars, shallow areas, channel and buoy locations, etc. so you don’t run aground, and there are no surprises.

5. Carry extra lines and fenders. Both are needed when rafting up with friends or when tying up at a waterfront restaurant.

6. Safety first. Captains should inform passengers of their boat safety rules such as where life jackets are located and that they must remain seated while the boat is underway. This helps to avoid distracting the captain during the voyage.

7. Keep two anchors aboard. You never know when one might get away, so always have a spare and make sure it’s the appropriate size for the boat and where the hook will be dropped.

8. When in doubt, slow down or stop. Trying to figure things out while underway can often lead to hitting something or running aground.

9. Be courteous. Boaters should always watch their wake and wave when fellow boaters pass by. It’s one big community on the water, so be a good neighbor and be friendly!

10. Always have a backup plan. No one ever plans on needing help on the water. Having an on-water assistance membership with Sea Tow is guaranteed peace of mind that if anything happens out on the water, someone is standing by to come help.

Unmatched Member Benefits

Sea Tow has been the premier leader in on-water boating assistance since 1983. With Sea Tow, you pay one annual rate and receive the most comprehensive member benefits available. Membership includes a full suite of on-water assistance services for every boat you own or rent. Learn more about our membership options today. To find the Sea Tow closest to you, use our service locator or call our Customer Care Team at 800-4-SEATOW.

The post 10 Boating Tips to Consider Before Leaving the Dock appeared first on Sea Tow.

Here are ten tips to consider before you head out on the water.

1. Time for a tune-up. Make sure you tune your engine annually to ensure that it’s running at its best.

2. Check your prop. Propellers are most efficient when they’re matched to your boat. The right prop can help increase your fuel efficiency.

3. Keep the prop and hull clean. Barnacles and other sea growth often make a home out of your boat which in turn will certainly slow it down and affect your fuel economy.

4. Idle less. Engines today are fuel injected, so when they’re started, they’re ready to go in a couple of minutes.

5. Lighten your cargo and tanks. Take stock of what you have aboard then clean out what you don’t need. Don’t run with a full freshwater or fuel tank unless necessary. Added weight = more drag.

6. Watch your wake. A big wake is a big sign that you’re burning a lot of fuel. Reduce your speed and burn less.

7. Eliminate the drag. Canvas and bimini tops are great for sun protection but taking them down before you’re underway can improve fuel efficiency.

8. Trim Properly. Given the conditions, the right trim will undeniably help your boat run much smoother.

9. Plan ahead. The better you navigate, the less you’re running your engine, concurrently, the less gas you burn.

10. Become a Sea Tow member. Benefits include exclusive member-only discounts, like savings on fuel at participating marinas.

When refueling, ALWAYS be sure to follow the proper precautions to do so safely.

Good rule of fuel thumb? Follow the thirds… 1/3 of your fuel to your destination, 1/3 back home, and 1/3 in reserve.

Sea Tow members receive free fuel delivery as a benefit of membership. If you run out of fuel while on the water, your local captain will get you back up and running.

BONUS TIP!

Find your sweet spot. Maintain a fuel log and keep track of your engine hours when you fill your tank and how many gallons you take on at each refueling. With this information, you can calculate your gallons per hour. Then keep an eye on your tachometer to find the RPM where your engine runs most efficiently.

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Which boating knots should you learn first?

Here are four you can’t live without.

1. Cleat Hitch: This is the first knot boaters should tackle. Most often used to secure vessels to cleats along docks and bulkheads, it takes seconds to tie, doesn’t slip, and can be quickly released under load.

2. Clove Hitch: Use this knot to temporarily secure your vessel to a rail or for securing a fender line (fender whip) to a toe railing. Note that this knot can loosen after a while. Add a double half-hitch (below) after tying the clove if you need more holding power.

3. Double Half Hitch: As the name implies, this knot sees a second half-hitch tied right up against the first and forms a running noose that’s easily adjusted to be larger or smaller. Use it to secure a line tightly around an object like a dock piling or to keep a fender whip from slipping.

4. Anchor Hitch: A strong knot used to secure a rope to an anchor, it’s also easy to untie. Add a double half hitch or seize the tag end of this knot to really lock it in place.

Fortunately, these boating knots can be mastered in minutes. Armed with this basic knowledge and a Sea Tow Membership, you can cast off with confidence knowing you can tackle whatever the day brings.

Sea Tow Can Help

Sea Tow has been the premier leader in on-water boating assistance since 1983. With Sea Tow, you pay one annual rate and receive the most comprehensive member benefits available. Membership includes a full-suite of on-water assistance services for every boat you own, rent, charter, lease or borrow. Learn more about our membership options today. To find the Sea Tow closest to you, use our service locator or call our Customer Care Center at 800-4-SEATOW.

The post Four Knots Every Boater Needs to Know appeared first on Sea Tow.

Wakesurfing, different from wakeboarding, allows an individual to use the wake of the boat as their personal wave. The rider often starts out holding a short rope until they are positioned in the curl of the wake, then the rider lets go and starts to surf freely on the wave.

While there are multiple wakesurfing boats and accompanying technology, here are some examples that caught our attention.

Because of the wakesurfer’s proximity to the spinning prop on a boat, it’s both dangerous and in some states illegal to wakesurf behind a boat with a conventional engine facing backward. However, thanks to the innovative Volvo Penta Forward Drive engine, multiple boat manufacturers now offer wakesurf-ready boats. This means the engine’s prop is facing forward and tucked under the boat’s hull for safety.

Jet boats are also popular choices for the sport. These boats don’t use a prop for propulsion, but a jet of water like that of PWC’s.

Even pontoon boats are coming on the wakesurfing scene. The Montara Surf Boss was unveiled in 2019 and was the first legal wakesurf pontoon boat in the world. Similar to a forward-facing drive, the prop is tucked under the boat and faces forward for safety.

If you want to try something new and fun this summer, consider wakesurfing as an option.  When you get out there be sure to #WakeResponsibly. Watch where your wake is traveling and stay far enough away from shore and other boaters to not disrupt their boating enjoyment or do any damage.

Learn more about wakesurfing from our friends at Discover Boating.

peace of mind on the water

As the premier leader in on-water boating assistance, Sea Tow members receive the most comprehensive benefits available. Membership includes a full suite of on-water assistance services for every boat you own or rent. Learn more about our membership options today. To find the Sea Tow closest to you, use our service locator or call our Customer Care Team at 800-4-SEATOW.

The post Have You Tried Wakesurfing? appeared first on Sea Tow.

I don’t know about you, but I seem to go through them a lot faster than I expect. Sure, I know they need to be tented tight so the rain and snow runs off without collecting. I also realize colors can fade on boats that are stored outside, and that better fabric should bring better results.

Is there that much difference between one boat cover and another?

“You’d be surprised at the range of quality,” says Carie Bores, Director of Sales/Customer Service at Westland Industries and Great Lakes Boat Top. “There’s a lot more to it than you might expect,” she explained. “Plain polyester is fine for indoor storage and cooler climates. It’s comparatively inexpensive and water-proof but not very breathable, sun resistant, or colorfast. It should serve its purpose in areas where dampness and constant sunshine aren’t a problem. If you go the basic polyester route, you’ll need to install some type of vented support pole or venting system. This allows the moisture escape to reduce mold and mildew.”

According to Bores, by comparison, Sunbrella^®  is a much better overall cover material. It has superior color fastness, water resistance, and breathability. With this fabric, the fibers are dyed in a color solution before being woven instead of having the color printed on after the fabric base cloth is made. “It’s the king of all boat cover materials,” states Bores. “For southern states, especially, it’s really the best choice.”

Once you figure out which boat cover is best for your vessel, it’s still vital to get the fit positioned just right.

You’ll want to make sure the cover isn’t pulling, and that any sharp edges or corners are buffered with a little soft padding. If water puddles in places after it rains purchase additional support poles and get those installed to make sure the cover is tented enough that the water rolls off completely. If it doesn’t, any fabric will eventually tear from the stress.

“It’s also important to check straps or tie-downs every so often when trailering,” reminds Bores. “If the straps loosen up, the plastic clips may start beating the side of the boat – and your cover could balloon on the Interstate.” Nobody wants that. To be on the safe side, remove the cover if traveling 100 miles or more.

The post What’s The Deal With Boat Covers? appeared first on Sea Tow.

TRAILERING

Trailering is ideal for those who don’t expect to be on the water every week during the boating season. It’s also great for those who love to fish, explore new areas, or need to keep expenses in check. In a state like Florida, you can easily trailer from your home base to the Gulf Coast, East Coast, Intracoastal Waterway, or even the Keys. Long Island, NY, is similar in that you can cruise or fish the rocky waters of Long Island Sound, hit the south shore bays and beaches, or head out into the open Atlantic.

Another plus of trailering includes the ability to pull your vessel from the water at a moment’s notice. Whether it’s because of an approaching storm or for engine or hull repairs, trailering provides mobility. Hate bottom painting? Then trailering is definitely for you. Since the hull dries out while above the water, there’s really no need for an undercoat as nothing will be growing on your vessel’s hull.

There is a time investment to consider. Any time you exit a body of water, you’ll need to scrub and wash down thoroughly. Removing any sign of foreign matter is important to aesthetics and performance. Overall, it doesn’t take much extra effort to do a full cleaning after a day on the water.

Hooking up the trailer takes time and requires some strength in most instances. You may also have to pay launch fees at the ramp plus yearly insurance and registration fees. Trailer maintenance will cut into your wallet or pocketbook as well. Still, these factors shouldn’t add up to the seasonal cost of mooring or docking, so if you are looking to save money trailering is definitely the route to go.

docking

Docking is more expensive than trailering, but it does offer a lot in terms of convenience for boaters of every type. The price per foot to dock for the season varies widely based on the number of local slips available, amenities at dockside, location, and more. In popular boating areas, it’s not unheard of to see docking fees top $4,000 per year even for small craft. Some marinas also offer rack storage, which adds to the price but keeps your vessel high, dry, and available during open hours with a quick call ahead.

With docking, things really boil down to ease of access and basic amenities. If possible, you’ll want to tie up in a secure location with as much protection from the elements as possible and access hours that match up to your boating routine. You’ll find it comforting to know that other boaters or facility staff will be around to notice if a knot slips, a line comes loose, a door is left open or your bilge pump fails, and you’ll likely have easy access to electricity, freshwater for washdowns, a dock box for storage, plus local restaurants, shopping, etc. For those who dock, ease of access for loading and unloading is another big plus – there’s no dinghy rides back and forth. That’s also a benefit when you want to get dressed up for a night on the town. Many boaters also enjoy simply hanging on their vessels while striking up conversations and friendships with nearby boaters. It’s a nice gig if it’s in your budget.

mooring

Think of mooring as “no frills” docking. Essentially, you tie up to a predetermined mooring ball that is generally a short dinghy ride from a dock. and once hooked-up, both you and your boat are on your own.

The big benefit to this approach is the cost savings. In some areas, mooring can cost as little as one-third the price of docking. Compared to trailering, it’s nice to have a home base on the water and there are no launch ramp shenanigans with which to deal.

Many who appreciate mooring say they love the feeling of being at anchor. They can sense the gentle roll of small waves in a protected harbor, get a great view in all directions from their vessel, and find being away from the pilings creates a quieter atmosphere.

Getting back and forth from your vessel is the big drawback to this method. In many mooring situations, you can use a launch service to ferry back and forth, but few such services run 24/7. If no service is available, you’ll be providing the power, either with oars or a small motor. The idea is to find a mooring spot that has access to a nearby courtesy dock. There, you can load and unload gear and passengers, use restroom facilities, and have access to pump-out facilities.

MEMBER BENEFITS BEYOND 24/7 TOWING

As the premier leader in on-water boating assistance, Sea Tow members receive the most comprehensive benefits available. Membership includes a full suite of on-water assistance services for every boat you own, rent lease or bareboat charter. Learn more about our membership options today. To find the Sea Tow closest to you, use our service locator or call our Customer Care Team at 800-4-SEATOW.

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