What to Do After Buying a New Boat

If you are reading this, it’s likely that either you have just bought a boat or are thinking about buying one and want to be prepared for all of the responsibilities that may come with the big purchase. From fishing to exploring new destinations, time on the water can offer new and memorable experiences. Before you launch your boat for the first time, here are some things you will probably want to take care of.

Learn If You Need a Boating License in Your State

Depending on what state you plan to operate your boat in, you may need to take a safety education course or obtain a boating license. Check your state’s license requirements and any state where you plan to operate your boat.

Register Your New Boat 

Typically, if a boat is motorized, it will need to be registered by law. Check your state’s registration requirements. Here are some of the steps you can take to register your boat.

• Learn the registration requirements of where you will operate your boat.
• Fill out the registration form. Most states allow you to do this online. You will likely have to provide proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale or a title.
• Note the expiration date so you can apply for renewal.
• Be sure all registration numbers and/or decals are displayed on your boat properly and are the adequate size.

Insurance for Your Boat 

Depending on what state you live in, you may not legally be required to have boat insurance. However, if you finance your boat or are storing it at a marina, they may require proof of insurance. Policies vary, but typically boat insurance covers a number of situations and incidents, including:

• Collision
• Boat Accessories
• Fire
• Theft

To see what your boat insurance policy covers, you should carefully review it with your local insurance agent. Researching and comparing boat insurance quotes from different insurance carriers can be a major time investment. At Cross Insurance, we work with over 100 different carriers, from national names to local companies. Whether you are looking to insure your pontoon boat, fishing boat, sailboat, or another type of watercraft, our team can help find options for you.

Keep Your Boating Information Organized  

From receipts to registration to insurance, you are going to need a place to store all of your paperwork related to your boat. For documents that need to stay on your boat, look for a waterproof pouch. For other paperwork, designate a file or drawer to keep things all together.

Choose Where You Will Store Your Boat 

You will need to think about where you will keep your boat in the summer as well as in the winter months when the weather can be harsher. Depending on the size of your boat, you could store it in your garage for the winter or you may need to look into commercial storage options. Many marinas offer storage options.  

Before you store your boat, don’t forget to winterize it. Some marinas offer this service. Even if you are having a professional perform these tasks, you will want to remove any loose or valuable items before it goes into storage. This could include electronics, personal flotation devices, and more.

Understand How to Safely Fuel Your Boat 

Don’t make the rookie mistake of putting the wrong type of fuel into your tank. Be sure you know if your boat needs gas or diesel, and communicate that if someone else is filling up your boat. Pay attention when you fill up your tank to avoid any spills. Boats have vented fuel systems, which is different from filling up an automobile. Before filling your boat, ask all passengers to move to the dock.

Learn How to Launch and Dock Your Boat  

Even if you have owned a boat before, take some time to learn the basics of your new boat. Also be sure that your vehicle has enough power to tow the boat you have purchased. You can check the owner’s manual of your vehicle to see the vehicle’s maximum towing capacity.

Backing your trailer down a launch ramp takes practice.  You can prepare by practicing backing the trailer up in an empty parking lot or driveway.

Before you arrive at the boat launch, check:

• Your boat has been properly connected to the trailer
• Drain plugs have been installed
• Buoys/fenders have been tied on
• Mooring lines are attached and can be easily accessed
• Load all equipment into the boat

Remember to unplug your boat trailer lights if they are not waterproof. Remove any tie downs that secure the boat to the trailer, but don’t remove the winch line from the bow eye. Slowly back the trailer down the boat launch ramp, until the boat starts to float on its own. Be careful not to submerge the exhaust of the vehicle towing the trailer. Be prepared to handle the boat once it is in the water, either by having a person in the boat, or using a rope.

Keep the trailer winch locked until you are ready to float the boat off the trailer. After you have launched, check the bilges for any leaks.

Add Safety Supplies to Your New Boat 

There are a few items you will want (and should have) onboard your boat.

• Life jackets for all passengers on board
• A throwable floating device
• U.S. Coast Guard approved, marine-type fire extinguishers
• Audible signaling device (such as a whistle or an air horn)
• Visual signaling devices (such as flares)
• Anchor with line
• Bailing device
• First aid kit with gauze, cold packs, variety of adhesive bandages, etc.
• Knife
• Flashlight
• Oars or paddles

 

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This article is for general informational purposes only and is not to be relied upon or used for any particular purpose. Cross Insurance shall not be held responsible in any way for, and specifically disclaims any liability arising out of or in any way connected to, reliance on or use of any of the information contained in this article. The information contained or referenced in this article is not intended to constitute and should not be considered legal, insurance, accounting or other professional advice, nor shall it serve as a substitute for the recipient obtaining such advice. The views expressed in this article are that of its author and do not necessarily represent the views of Cross Financial Corp. and its subsidiaries and affiliates (“Cross Insurance”) or Cross Insurance’s management or shareholders.