Buy a boat,” they said… But what they DIDN’T say are the mistakes many first-time boat buyers make.
We wanted to find out, so, we recently turned to Quora and asked: “What are some of the most common mistakes that beginner boaters make?”
Here’s what we discovered:
A few mentioned how people buy boats that are bigger than they can handle, with quotes like “Go too big, too fast, too soon” (Peter Weike) and “Not knowing how to handle a boat but doing it anyway as they have seen how it’s done in the movies” (TVPiles).
However, sticking to your budget and choosing a boat that matches your skills is the smart move. This way, you avoid overspending and ensure you can handle the boat safely and confidently.
How To Choose The Right Boat For You?
Georgia Peanut commented “I’ve seen people forget to put the drain plug in before launching the boat, no life jackets , dead battery or batteries, no paddle, contaminated fuel, no fuel…The list goes on and on”
Making rookie mistakes like failing to check the marine weather forecast, as Maria Omega mentioned, running aground, forgetting to keep up with regular maintenance, hitting the dock, running out of gas, forgetting to put in the drain plug, overloading the boat, and getting lost can lead to a lot of trouble on the water.
Before taking the plunge and purchasing a boat, it’s wise to brush up on some basic boating skills. With just a bit of know-how, you can steer clear of many common mistakes and ensure smoother sailing ahead.
Mastering Basic Boating Navigation Techniques
“The most common mistake is not knowing the rules of the road, who has the right of way, and how to properly proceed. They don’t understand the signals that tell you what a vessel is or what it’s doing.” Silver Surfer wrote.
Our article Boating 101: Right of Way Rules is a helpful reminder for beginner boaters, regardless of experience level.
Brodie Brickey commented: “Not knowing how to turn a boat around in tall waves or swells… Most of the time they will try to turn in the gut instead of the top approach. Bad mistake. Another is not having proper safety gear.”
It’s baffling why some boaters underestimate the importance of safety gear. Time and again, we’ve witnessed small children on the water without life jackets—a reckless and illegal choice. Ensuring everyone’s safety should be a top priority for all boaters, and neglecting this fundamental precaution is not only foolish but also dangerous. Our article, Boat Gear For Beginners – What You Need To Get Started is a gentle reminder of keeping everyone safe while out on the water.
Another popular answer was “Standing in an anchor chain loop” Dominic Lawson wrote “Not ducking on a tack. Not standing in the centre of the tender!”
And we have witnessed this firsthand, as I’m sure many of you have, when Chris ward wrote… “A group of lads had hired a power boat for the day. They stopped at a beach and went into a bar. After a few beers, they came out only to find the boat had drifted away. “How did that happen? said one, “I left it in gear”
And finally the last word goes to Danielle who wrote some words of wisdom ….”Lack of respect for the infinite impartiality of the ocean.”
Setting off on the journey of boat ownership requires more than just enthusiasm—it demands knowledge, caution, and respect for the elements. From avoiding rookie mistakes in purchasing the right boat to prioritizing safety gear and understanding the rules of navigation, there’s much to learn for beginner boaters. As our Quora contributors pointed out, overlooking these essentials can lead to costly errors and even jeopardize lives on the water.
Always stay informed, and above all, never underestimate the strength of the water, whether you’re on the ocean, sea, lake, or river. When you’re boating, you’re at the mercy of its currents and forces.
More for you to read:
Weathering The Storm: Essential Boating Safety Tips
Mastering The Waves: A Guide To Obtaining Your Boating License
National Safe Boating Week: Navigating Waters With Confidence
