Those of you who own boat will want to make sure
you get watercraft coverage. Often times, people
don't realize that they need this type of coverage
for their boats. There are many boat owners that
don't even realize this type of insurance is
even available.

You need boat insurance if you own a boat, it's
that simple. Before you buy boat insurance, here
are some things you simply must know.

- Many states now require that you carry watercraft
liability coverage. What this coverage does, is
protect you against any damage that you cause to
other people or their property with your boat. This
insurance will also cover you for vandalism, theft,
fire, stranding, sinking, and even collision. You
should always call your insurance agent and see
what's required with your state and what policies
they cover.

- There is also optional coverage that you should
really consider. One type of coverage that you
should strongly consider is Wreckage Removal. In
most areas, the removal of sunken or wrecked
boats is required by law, and the responsibility
of the owner to pay for the removal, which can
easily be very expensive.

Wreckage Removal coverage will pay these costs for
you. You should also consider adding coverage
that will pay for repairs and mechanical failure
as well, along with towing charges - should you
ever need to be towed back to the shore.

- Not all insurance companies cover everyone who
operates the boat. This is something you should
always ask about, find out who is covered when
operating the boat. There are several companies
that will only cover the owner of the boat. Make
sure that the insurance agent defines who is
covered when operating the boat.

- When you shop for boat insurance, call your
current company first, then check with other
companies to see what type of rates they offer as
well. Always remember that insurance agencies
are in competition with each other, and they'll
work with you to get you to join them. Let one
know about a better rate that you've been quoted
and see if they'll go one better.

Before you shop for boat insurance, think about
the investment you have made with your boat. Boats
are not cheap, replacing or repairing them isn't
cheap either. Therefore, you should always make
sure you get the coverage you need to protect you
against anything that happens with your boat.

Those of you who have the money and plan to keep
one boat forever, should buy it new. If you happen
to be on a budget and skeptical about owning a
boat, you should buy it used.

Buying used is great for some, although it isn't
always the most glamorous decision. The oceans
and lakes are filled with boaters who are far
wealthier than most. Many boaters go well beyond
their means and finance their boats at extreme
levels.

What really counts with a used boat is being out
there on the water. Someone who is out there
every weekend on his beat up boat is a great
boater. A businessman who only has time to ride
on his 60 foot yacht once or twice a year isn't
considered a boater at all.

If you look around the water, you'll se that the
little boats are the ones that move, while the
big boats are the ones that never move. Those
that are too busy earning money and never have
the time to go boating shouldn't really have a
boat at all.

New boats can lose half of their value in less
than 2 years. With a used boat, the previous
owner has already fixed the problems that are
associated with new boats. The previous owner
has also already hassled with the dealer to get
the warranty service taken care of.

A used boat normally hasn't be used very much
at all. A boat will sit a majority of the time,
which is nothing like a used car. You can find
many boats with less than a couple hundreds hours
of engine time. For the sake of comparison,
look at how many hours are on the engine of your
car.

A used boat will already have scratches and
dings, so you won't feel half as bad when you
add a few of your own. When you purchase your
used boat, you should leave at least a grand to
outfit the boat and make any necessary repairs.

A used boat will normally come with dock lines,
life jackets, spare props, a radio, safety
equipment, and other nice additions. New boat
owners will have to pay hundreds of dollars
for these kinds of things.

The wild card is, of course, whether or not the
previous boat owner did the proper maintenance
of the boat. Prior to buying you should always
get the boat surveyed to be sure that it's in
reasonable condition. This way, you'll know
your getting a great used boat.

Selecting the right fishing boat can be a real
challenge and also a lot of fun for someone who is
new to boating. If you haven't experienced buying
a boat before, it can also be a daunting task to
say the least.

Before you start looking, it's important to consider
the purpose of your fishing boat. A fishing boat
serves but one purpose - fishing. You have to
decide if you plan to fish in the ocean, or in other
bodies of water, such as lakes. This is very
important, as there are different types of fishing
boats available.

If you plan to use your fishing boat for ocean
cruising and overnight stays, it would be ideal to
buy one that has a hull. This design is meant for
rough waters, riding the waves, and providing more
comfort for anglers while they fish.

When you buy a fishing boat, you should know if it
includes a warranty. If it does, you should really
study the warranty as not all are the same. Buying
your boat from a dealer is always a smarter decision,
as dealers will provide repair services is the
boat is found to be defective.

It's also important when buying a fishing boat to
note if the boat is certified by the NMMA. This
agency will guarantee that the certification they
give to every boat passes the agency's standards
of excellence.

When it comes down to it, you should do more than
just look around when it comes to a fishing boat.
You should learn how to look for the best details
to ensure that your boat is worth the money. If
you take the time to look around, you'll find a boat
that you can truly be proud of.

Everyone out there likes the idea of a shiny new
boat. While buying a new yacht is an accomplishment
in itself, you shouldn't spend over your budget then
be unable to take it anywhere. When you buy a
yacht, always look at what comes with the boat
and decide if it's everything you want.

Types of construction

GRP
Almost all cruising yachts out there today are made
of GRP construction. GRP material is long lasting,
strong, and easy to repair. Osmosis is the only
real problem here, as the blisters it leaves can be
sometimes costly to repair.

Steel
Steel is always a great a idea, as it is by far the
strongest material. There have been steel boats ran
into reefs and banks and received just a few mere
scratches. Even though steel has many advantages,
rust is the true enemy here. You must keep all
surfaces thoroughly painted, primed, and ready to
avoid all types of rust.

Aluminum
Although rare in the normal cruising market,
aluminum is very popular with the construction of
top quality custom built yachts. If you are looking
for an aluminum constructed yacht, always make sure
that it wasn't constructed by an amateur yacht
builder - as this can cause major problems later on
down the road.

Wood
Even though it's the most traditional building
material, wood still has a lot to offer. If you get
the right kind of wood, it can last just as long as
any other type of material. The maintenence costs
are very high with wood, especially if you do your
own painting.

Ferro-cement
Concrete type boats have been around for a long
time. A cheap method of hull construction, it was
very popular in the 70's. If done properly, it
can be a very strong method of yacht construction.

Rigs
The most popular choices of yacht rigs include sloop,
cutter, and ketch - in that particular order. Sloop
has the virtue of simplicity, while ketch and cutter
rigs will split the sail plan into more easily
managed areas. A ketch rig can sail under mizzen
and headsail alone, while cutter rigs can offer a
simple twin headsail with downwind option.

Essentials versus desirables
Before you begin looking for a yacht, make a list
of what you must have then make a list of what would
be nice to have. There are many additions and add
ons you can get for yachts, although they can get
very expensive in a hurry.

When you shop for a yacht, always plan out your
budget before you even start looking. A nice yacht
can cost a lot of money, which is something you
may need to save up for. Yachts are great to sail
on, especially for those who have a lot of money
to spare.

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A boat trailer is something you really can't go wrong with, as it is a dual purpose device. It provides a convenient way to store the boat, and also allows you to explore new areas by taking
your boat down the road. Good trailers must perform both duties equally as good.

Most people buying boats are into getting the boat, and not the trailer. They are more than
willing to spend money on a boat, then end up getting a cheap trailer. If you want the most
from boating, these tips will help you with buying a trailer.

- The total weight of the boat, gear, and motor should be in the mid range of trailer's carrying
capacity. You shouldn't pick a 2,500 capacity trailer if you have a boat with the same weight.

- Go for larger diameter tires and wheels. The larger tires will rotate less times per mile,
producing less heat and wear on the tread. The wheel bearings will last much longer as well,
as they rotate less times per mile.

- You should look for trailers with "drive on" capabilities. These drive on trailers will allow
you to drive the boat onto the trailer, close enough to the winch so that you only need to
winch the boat up a few inches.

- Select trailer lights (for the highway) that are protected and sealed against water.

- Pick your trailer based on the environment it will be operating in. If you plan to launch in
salt water, you'll need a trailer for that purpose. There are many types of trailers available, each
one designed for a specific type of boating.

Although most are protected against weather and rust, you should always pick the one designed for the type of terrain you will be using your boat with. This way, you have no worries about your trailer not doing the job it should be.

There are some trailers that include a spare tire, which is an excellent investment for those who
plan to travel long distances. Even though it can be hard to find trailer tires in the dark, it's still great to have a spare if you get a flat while you travel.

All in all, a boat trailer can save you a lot of time and money. You can store your boat on your
trailer when it isn't be used, even take it to other lakes or oceans. A trailer will open up new roads for you and your boat - all you have to do is find one that you need.

Once you've made the purchase on a brand new boat you'll be very excited - as you should be! The first thing to do is celebrate with your family and friends, you deserve it. You shouldn't rush out on the water immediately after the purchase, as
you have some things to take care of first.

If you are new to boating, you should take a safety course first. There is a lot to know about boats. Being out on the water is a lot of fun, although there are things you should know and things you should always be aware of.

After buying your boat, you should register it and re-title the boat and trailer if you need to. Pay your sales tax and apply any up to date registration stickers if you need to. Also, make sure you buy the proper insurance for your boat, as it will
protect you while you are on the water.

When you make your first trip on the water, you should do so with an experienced boater. You can have them show you turning in tight spaces, even trailering and docking. Practice docking in different currents and take the helm with the boater there to help you. Get comfortable at the helm enough to where you'll feel comfortable taking others out for a ride.

The world of boating can be very fun, offering you many things to do and a lot to see. Boating offers plenty of freedom as well, especially for those who are completely new to boating. Your first boat purchase is very important, as it opens up new doors in life. Your family will enjoy boating, all you have to do is give it a chance!