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Boating Safety Tidbit:
Boater Checklist
- Does your boat meet all safety regulations?
- Is your boat seaworthy and capable of handling
the prevailing water conditions?
- Do you have an approved lifejacket for every
member of your party?
- Do you have safety flares and a waterproof
lighter?
- Do you have two buoyant towlines?
- Do you have an anchor?
- Do you have a sound-emitting device, such
as a horn or whistle?
- Do you have paddles or oars?
- Do you have tools to perform minor mechanical
repairs?
- Do you have a first aid kit?
- Do you have a fire extinguisher?
- Do you have sufficient fuel?
- Have you checked for fuel system leaks or
fumes?
- Do you have water and nourishment?
- Do you have protection from the elements -
sun, wind or rain?
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Boating Guide
What You Need to Know to Buy a Good
Used Boat
by: Adam Lenk
More than 60 percent of first-time boat buyers purchase
used boats rather than new ones off of the show room floor.
For many, this is a practical solution to save money,
especially when you're not sure how well you are going
to take to boating or how often you will feel like devoting
time to your new leisure pursuit.
While buying a used boat has many advantages, it is also
important to make sure that you are getting a good buy
for your money and not unloading a faulty vehicle off
of someone else's hands. For first-time buyers this is
often the most difficult task because they lack the knowledge
that only years of boating experience can bring.
One of the most important things to consider when buying
a boat for the first time is exactly how you are going
to use the boat and how many people you will be transporting
on it. Different boats have different uses and different
weight specifications, be sure that the boat you purchase
is compatible with your needs.
Once you find a boat that meets your particular needs,
you need to inspect the mechanics of it to make sure that
it is operational and in good condition. It is better
to take someone with you who has knowledge of boats, but
if no one is available, you should be able to do a fairly
decent job of sizing the boat up on your own if you follow
a few pointers.
You can easily tell if a boat has been properly maintained
by taking a quick look at the appearance of the boat.
If the boat looks shabby, chances are that the owner did
not take much time or effort to maintain the mechanical
aspects of the boat as well. Lift up any objects on the
boat to check for discoloration or moss.
Also look at the metal and wooden surfaces to see if they
show any signs of corrosion or improper maintenance. Check
the riggings to see if they appear strong and in good
condition. And look to see if the bulk heads are secured
with a laminate. If the bulk heads are loose, do not purchase
the boat.
Once you inspect the initial appearance of the boat, it
is time to get into the engine compartment. Check to make
sure the engine is clean and rust free. Check the oil,
the batteries and make sure the bilge pump is in working
order.
After you have looked the used boat over thoroughly, have
the owner take you out on the water for a test spin. Do
not worry about inconveniencing the owner. If they truly
want to sell the boat, they will not mind to take a little
time to show off its performance. After all, they would
likely not buy a used boat without seeing it in action
either.
Buying a used boat can be a great experience if you take
the time to select the boat that is perfect for you. Be
sure to take that time and to consider all of your prospects.
After all, buying a boat is not something that you do
everyday so invest wisely.
About the Author
By Adam Lenk with Boating Pro Shop
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