If you’re new to boating, either planning to invest in your own boat or renting a Yacht to PWC for the first time, certain aspects of this fun and exciting activity can be quite over-whelming.
Content
- Insure My Boat
- Boat Maintenance & Organization
- Building Portal
- Boat Rentals & Charter
- Boat Storage & Winterization
- Types of Boat
- Marine Electronics & Instruments
1 – Insure My Boat
Boat insurance policies are written to give the Yacht to PWC protection against fire, theft or accidental damage. Are all boat insurance policies the same – no they are not! Get the proper insurance coverage in place to protect the physical structure (vessel, the hull, and the motor) and give the boat owner 100% peace of mind while on the waterways and seas.
A low-cost third party boat insurance plan is more practical for those less concerned about protecting the actual yacht, motorboat, sailboat, or fishing boat, but still wants insurance protection in place.
2 – Boat Maintenance & Organization
Yacht or PWC, big or small, every boat should get a once-over inspection before launching to ensure all systems are go. Responsible boat care is the ultimate insurance and a critical factor of on water enjoyment. Small repairs and routine maintenance don’t need to be difficult or time-consuming.
A regular maintenance schedule and a little elbow grease are certain to ensure the mechanical and electrical systems run efficiently.
Motor-driven yachts, sailboats, or PWC’s that are kept well-maintained are more efficient at retaining the aesthetical appeal and avoids gradual deterioration. How much maintenance is too little, and conversely too much?
3 – Building Portal
Boat kits, design patterns, and boat plans are made for amateur DIY construction and include a full selection of building tools, accessories, and supplies. All boat kits come complete with building specs, notes, and step-by-step instructions.
Boat plans for small, paddle; power, row, or sail boats are built from aluminum, steel, fiberglass, plywood, and wood epoxy. Stitch and glue plans are a great choice for the complete amateur.
Boat building plans and how-to information can help the backyard home builder construct a rowboat to sailboat from scratch with ease.
4 – Boat Rentals & Charter
Enjoy Jet Ski, sailboat, or powerboat rentals on the pristine inshore or offshore waters anywhere in the country. Brief instructions can be given to those not familiar with boat handling, or rent a boat with a captain for a more relaxed time.
Rent a boat with everything that you need from navigation charts to help explore safe boating areas to stereos, ice boxes and fishing tackle to enhance the experience.
Ski & Wakeboard boats are built for fun and speed; pontoon boats are fuel-efficient, quiet, easy to drive, and reliable family fun, and fishing boats are perfect for local bass lakes to challenging marlin or sailfish offshore.
Whether it is a carefree cruise, skiing, swimming, fishing, or picnicking on a secluded beach, there is so much to explore on the waterways.
5 – Boat Storage & Winterization
Whether you are looking for a traditional storage unit, high-and-dry boat storage or outdoor trailer storage for the coming winter, there is a variety of boat storage and winterization option to keep the yacht to PWC safe and protected.
Leaving your boat in its marine berth for the winter can be convenient, but is certain to be the most expensive option. Alternatively, trailing the boat home for the winter will take a certain degree of effort, leaves it open to the weather, and takes up a significant amount of space. Fortunately, there are hundreds of indoor or outdoor storage facilities across the country that can help to give the preferred protection throughout the off-season.
Boat storage facilities are great for a worry-free temporary stay, or for long-term storage. Storage locations offer a variety of security features, from well-lit surroundings, electronic gates to 24 hour video surveillance. Covered and extra large spaces ensure the yachts to PWC’s are protected from the elements, and include the convenience of easy, drive up access.
Whether you enjoy sitting back motoring around in a speed boat, or simply want to float on the water while waiting for a bite on your line, here are a few of the many recreational watercraft available for you to use.
6 – Types of Boats
Many different types and models of watercraft are available on the market. A preferred model should relate to the intended use. Is sailing and cruising around leisurely the perfect choice, are you addicted to fish boats, or is there an interest in water sports.
Bass Boats
Bass boats are 16-23 feet in length and built with low profiles for freshwater fishing and accept two or three anglers. These boats are purpose-built for bass fishing in shallow waters (inland rivers and lakes). The V hull is constructed in fiberglass or aluminum. Trolling to high horsepower outboard engines at mounted and range anywhere from 50-250 HP. Bass Boats are easily accessorized with console electronics, keel protectors, rod holder, radio and compass.
Bay Boat
Bay boats are built for use in shallow bodies of water, such as near shore, estuaries, or shallow bays. These low profile boats are 18-24 feet in length and constructed in fiberglass. Bay boats are similar to flats boats with the exception of slightly deeper hulls and higher sides. Most are fully outfitted for fishing and have 1 to 3 livewells in place for bait.
Bowriders
Bowriders are usually 16-35 feet in length with an open and spacious seating in the bow area. This type of runabout is used for day cruising, fishing, or families and powered by outboard or stern drive engines (stern drive is the norm). A swim platform off the stern is perfect for swimming or pulling wake boards or skis. Bowriders are ideal for beginners or families.
Cabin Cruisers
Cabin Cruisers are usually 24-65 feet in length and include an inboard or outboard configuration. These cruising powerboats are outfitted with a variety of comforts such as a sleeping berth, galley, and bathroom. Shore power system, power generators, water heaters, air conditioning, and heating are some of the available amenities. Large, inboard models are steered with a rubber and require a higher level of skill to handle.
Catamarans
Catamarans are built with two hulls and not the classic single hull. Sailing and power catamarans are common. Multi-hulls come in a variety of sizes and shapes from small trailable models to off the beach boats, and larger cruising and racing boats.
Although the multi-hull boats are stable in open water, they still have the potential to capsize if permitted to lean over (or heel) too far. Sailing techniques can vary from the single hull alternative, mostly because they turn much slowly, but sail faster.
Power catamarans with better fuel economy, faster speeds, and stable ride offer a great choice for offshore fishing.
Center Console
Center consoles are 18-48 feet in length with a central and open steering console area. They are built for the calmer freshwater to rough offshore waters to pursue sport fish. A center console boat is fitted as standard with fishing related gear, outriggers, gunwale rod holders, fish lockers, and baitwell. A T-top cover in canvas, fiberglass, or aluminum gives shade in the helm area.
Cuddy Cabins
Cuddy Cabins are usually 20-28 feet in length and include a small cabin for seating or storage. Cuddy cabin boats are ideal for cruising, water sports, fishing, and family boating. They can portray a sleek look, especially those with a low-profile cabin.
Constructed in fiberglass or aluminum, these boats are highly maneuverable and nimble. Cuddy cabins may accommodate a compact sleeping area, with plumbing for cooking, sink, or toilet.
Deck Boat
Deck boats are built with a V-shaped hull and wide beam which results in a very stable platform for cruising, fishing, or water sports (tubing, Wakeboarding, and water-skiing). Stylish and sporty, the deck boat is usually 25-35 feet in length and comes with an open deck area and plenty of seating. Constructed in fiberglass or aluminum, these power boats have plenty of oomph and stern-drive or outboard powered.
Dinghies
A dinghy (sailboat, rowboat, or inflatable) is usually 7-12 ft in length and powered by sails, small outboard motor, or oars. Dinghies are easily towed or carried on a larger boat, such as a motor-yacht, cruiser, or houseboat. They make it a simple process to get ashore when the mother ship isn’t able to get close to the shore or it is difficult to maneuver in port. A dinghy is also great for learning to sail and used as companion boat for fishing smaller waters or on camping trips.
Flats Boat
Flats boats are built to navigate the extremely shallow waters (2 feet deep or less), and range from 14-18 feet in length. To help maneuver in the shallow waters a push pole is used. Angling is done using an open platform. Shallow coastal bay areas are a common sight of flats, and give a great opportunity to fish for bonefish, permit, sea trout, and tarpon.
Houseboat
Live on the water with a 25-150 foot houseboat which offers many of the home creature comforts. A spacious houseboat has many modern amenities with full dining, living, bedroom, and kitchen areas. Houseboats are a practical choice for coastal waterways, lakes, and rivers on a relaxing cruise. This type of vessel has a barge-like hull and low freeboards which limits the use to quieter bodies of water.
Inflatable Boat
Inflatables are split into two categories: Rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) or Roll-up Inflatables. The inflatable boat is a practical choice for freshwater or saltwater, and used for water sport, fishing, or general cruising. Depending on the type and size of boat, they are powered using an outboard engine (2-250hp) and vary in length from 6-14 feet. Roll-up inflatable’s are quick to deflate and easy to store and transport.
Jet Boats
A high-performance jet boat relies on a single or multi jet-drive to propel the boat. Jet boats are 14-23 feet in length and highly maneuverable. Because nothing protrudes beneath the hull, these boats are great in shallow waters and often used for water sports. A high-end jet boat can perform and appear quite similar to a Bowrider, with thrilling maneuverability, swim platforms, and generous seating.
Jon Boat
A multi-purpose utility boat like the Jon boat is perfect for shallow waters and is constructed in wood, fiberglass, or aluminum. At 10-18 feet in length and having 1 to 3 bench seats to make them practical for hunting or fishing. The flat bottom makes them highly stable and gives great strength. Whether hauling, hunting, or fishing, the Jon boat is a great all-round choice.
Kayaks
Modern kayaks are built with performance-minded features that make it easy to paddle on the canals, lakes, rivers, estuaries, or sea. Get complete durability, storage space, and seating. A preferred kayak is based on skill level, waters paddled, transport, and storage. Common types of kayak include sit-in, sit-on-top, inflatable, fishing, whitewater, and tandem.
Pontoon
Pontoon boats are 15-32 feet and built with multiple tubes (or pontoons) to support the full length of the platform. The hull design offers a very stable ride with shallow drafts. Pontoons have couch-like seating which makes for a comfortable ride. While the pontoon boat is usually favored for leisure trips on inland rivers and lakes, they are also used for water sports (with a powerful engine) and fishing. Pontoon boats are powered by a stern-drive or outboard engine.
PWC (Personal Watercraft)
Personal watercrafts are built for watersport enthusiasts seeking fun, adventure, and thrills. PWC are powered by jet drive and perfect for water-skiing and tubing. They come in 1 or 2 person models to family units intended to seat up to 4 riders. PWC models can vary from 9-13 feet in length and are easy to transport, maintain, and store.
Runabout
A runabout is a popular entry-level boat for water sports, fishing, or family cruising. Runabout is a common term used for small powerboats at 14-24 feet in length. They are built with an open style, small windscreen, and forward controls. The majority of runabouts are powered by a stern-drive or an outboard motor. The hull construction is either fiberglass or aluminum.
Ski and Wakeboard Boat
Ski and Wakeboard boats are specifically built for water sports and are 18-28 feet in length. Ski boats have powerful inboard engines and designed to tow 1 or more skiers. A Wakeboard boat has a unique shaped hull to help create the large wake to enable a wake boarder to make jumps, tricks, and other aerial actions. These boats are also great for pulling inflatable tubes or similar toys.
Trawlers
Trawlers are built with displacement hulls to make them a perfect choice for long-range cruising because they are more efficient at passing through the water, run on less horsepower and are more fuel-efficient. On-board facilities for sleeping and cooking mean these 26-50 foot boats are spacious enough for weekend excursions with friends and family.
Utility Boat
Utility boats are rugged, value-packed, and high-strength. Used as workboats or for fishing, the utility boat is 12-18 feet in length and constructed in aluminum with an outboard engine. A smooth, dry ride comes with reliable performance to make the utility model a great choice for the complete novice, while also being low-cost to maintain.
Walkarounds
Walkarounds give complete access to the angler to walk-around the deck. A popular choice for fishing expeditions, they are outfitted with a central console, stowaway seating, livewells, rod holders, and steps to the forward deck. They are usually 18-30 feet in length and practical for large bays and coastal waters. Constructed from fiberglass or aluminum, these boats with full-length decks are powered by an inboard or outboard engine.
Windsurfer
Windsurfing is a fun, dynamic, and fast sport that has the ability to combine sailing and surfing. A windsurfer has a sail and rigging attached to a 265-335 cm board. Windsurfing gives the option to compete in an exhilarating sport and enter freestyle or racing event which involve many different types of stunts.
7 – Marine Electronics & Instruments
Modern marine electronics and instruments offer an absolutely essential service to boaters when it concerns navigation, collision avoidance, safety, and weather reports. A varied selection of gadgets makes it that much more fun and enjoyable on the open waters.
Below are several of the most familiar marine electronics:
Navigational Charts
The most up to date navigational charts for the intended cruising itinerary and weather reports are critical for the extended off shore cruise.
Echo Sounder
An echo sounder relies on sound waves to help calculate the depth of the sea bed beneath the motor or sail powered boat.
GPS Receiver
Get precise details of a ship’s location by using a Global Positioning System (GPS). Satellites are a quick and reliable option to track the boat’s location in any body of water.
Radar
Radar is a type of object-detection system that is designed to calculate the ship’s distance from land, while also helping to determine the speed of objects, altitude, and direction of other objects (ships or floating).
Auto Pilot
An autopilot is a combined electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic system that helps steer the ship on a long cruiser in open waters.