What should a first time boat owner know?

First Time Boat Owner Checklist

• Secure boat insurance.
• Learn how to trailer your boat.
• Learn how to launch and retrieve your boat.
• Determine where you will store your boat.
• Understand basic maintenance requirements.
• Stock your boat with the proper equipment.
• Follow a pre-departure checklist.

What should you do before going on a boat?

5 things beginners must know before boating

1. You have to get a license and registration. You may have to get a license and registration depending on your situation.
2. You’ll want to take a class.
3. You’ll need to learn to use boating gadgets.
4. Make a checklist.
5. Check the weather and tell someone your plans.

What must you carry on a boat?

5 Must-Have Safety Equipment for Your Boat

• Life jackets and wearable personal flotation devices (PFDs) An accessible, wearable PFD (Type I, II, or III) is a life jacket that must be available for each person on board.
• Throwable flotation devices.
• Fire extinguishers.
• Visual signaling devices.
• Sound signaling devices.

How often does a boat need an oil change?

every 50 to 100 hours
Most manufacturers recommend you change your boat’s oil every 50 to 100 hours of operation. Sometimes this is translated to once every year, whichever comes first.

What is the problem with using your boat engine to drive onto a trailer?

NOTE – While many people drive the boat onto the trailer, it isn’t advised. Using the engine to assist trailering erodes the ramp bed, can lead to debris being sucked into the engine, and can cause an accident! Make sure you drain all water from the boat – the bilge, the live well, the trailer lights, etc.

What should you do before launching from a dock?

Before launching from a dock:

1. Make sure to warm up your engines for a few minutes.
2. Also, check the oil pressure and other items on your pre-departure check list.

Does boat insurance cover hitting a rock?

Does boat insurance cover me if I hit a rock? If you have comprehensive insurance or property damage coverage built into your policy, your boat insurance will cover collision with rocks, logs, and other marine obstacles.