FAQ's

 

 

faq's :

Frequently Asked Questions

Which type of boat is right for me?
One of the terrific things about boating is that there are boats designed for different activities. Recreation boating is a common choice for many boaters. In this case, boaters wish to buy a boat which will serve as a fishing, skiing and picnic boat.

Performing a boat comparison can help to narrow down your search. Do you enjoy fishing on the local waterways? Are you looking for a boat to use for waterskiing, wakeboarding and exciting watersports? Are you looking for a craft designed for family boating? Or a powerboat for racing? Do you want a boat for a little of everything? There is a boat that's right for you. Consult our Boat Selector tool to choose the boat that is right for you. This boat buyer guide can help you choose the ideal boat for your specific needs.

How big of a boat will I need?
The size of boat you choose depends on how many people will be boating with you and where you plan on boating. Make sure you anticipate these things accurately to ensure boater safety each time you're under way. Every new boat has an "NMMA capacity plate" that tells you how many people you can safely have on board. If your choice comes down to a question of 2-4 feet in size, buy more if your budget allows. Doing this will allow you to keep your boat longer as your needs change. Choose a boat that is no more that 26-feet long if you plan on trailering your boat to different waterways and boat marinas. Consult our Boat Selector tool to choose the boat that is right for you.

What about power needs?
When deciding what engine you will need on your boat, it's best to consider what you will be using your boat for. Water skiers will need more power, where fishing buddies probably use less. Today's buyer can also choose from new-tech engines that are more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly. It's best to compare boats with different engine sizes and consult a boat buying resource, like the Boat Selector tool, to make the best choice.

What will it cost?
Buying a boat doesn't have to be painful - there's a boat for every budget. Boat owners are often surprised that their dream boat cost less than they'd expected! New boats and pre-owned boats bought at a reputable dealership can be financed, so you can take advantage of monthly payments. As with cars, pre-owned boats typically cost less than a similar new model. Consult the boat buyer guide on our web site for a general overview of the costs associated with owning and operating a boat.

Should I buy new or used?
We suggest that you shop new first. You will gain insight into which type of boat is best for you and the market price. You can then do a boat comparison on similar pre-owned models. With this information, you can zero in on your perfect boat!

If I buy used, how do I know the boat is in good condition?
Get a qualified marine surveyor's inspection. Surveyors will check all systems, as well as the hull structure and can ensure that boat maintenance has been upheld. Call several insurance companies in your area for recommended surveyors.

What is the best time of year to buy?
The best time is when you are ready! You can find a great deal on a boat at any time of year. Boat shows are great places to shop - you can compare boats from a wide variety of brands and dealers, and can often take advantage of special show pricing and financing offers. Just be sure you've done some homework and identified the right type of boat for your needs before you buy.

How do you find a good dealer?
Shop around a little ... boat shows are also ideal for finding the dealer that suits you best. Choose a dealer who is Marine Industry Certified and is convenient to where you'll be using your boat. The dealer who goes out of his/her way to get you on the water, knowing you are qualified and ready to buy, should get high marks.

Where can I learn the waterway rules?
Boaters' education courses are available through the Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadrons, Boat Us, Boat-Ed.com, BoatingSafety.org, and BoatSafe.com.

What is a good simple boat for a family who wants to ski and fish?
Check out bowriders, deck boats, or something of that nature. Family boating needs can be addressed when using our Boat Selector tool to learn the difference between various boat types. You should arrange to take a boaters' education course through the CoastGuard or Power Squadron.

How do you go boating with two small children?
You'll need help of an additional qualified adult. If you are the helm, you'll need someone to watch the children. It's a wonderful opportunity for everyone to work together as a crew. Consider practicing a "baby overboard" drill. Bring a doll to the boat, put a life jacket on it as you would the baby, throw it overboard and practice rescuing it until everyone feels comfortable with the procedure. Make sure to always establish boating safety rules with the children prior to hitting the water!

Which boat types are appropriate for different types of activities?
Boating offers a wide variety of fun recreational activities…fishing, waterskiing, cruising, canoeing, racing, exploring, or just relaxing with family and friends enjoying the natural beauty of the great outdoors. Figuring out how to buy a boat that is right for your activity of choice is easy with the help of our Boat selector tool and boating activities information.

Are there any special rules we need to follow when boating with friends and family?
Whenever you invite guests aboard for the day, a weekend or an extended cruise, you should explain to them in advance what is expected of them, especially if they are not experienced boaters. Familiarize your friends and family with boater safety and emergency procedures before leaving the dock. Explain fueling procedures, docking and undocking plans, etc. Make sure someone onboard is able to take over for you and operate the VHF radio to ask for help should you become disabled.

Where can I obtain information about parking facilities, directions and types of launch ramps?
Our boat marina locator has a huge database of information about parking facilities, directions and types of launch ramps. Whether you're looking for a family boating center or a place for freshwater fishing, we'll help you find an easy way to take your boat out on the water.

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Do you recommend any specific types of family boats?
Boating fun is something that's easy to enjoy with the entire family.

In general, almost any kind of boat can be used to enjoy time spent with family and friends. So, when deciding which type of boat is really right for your family, also consider other activities you plan on doing together- do you want to go waterskiing, enjoy freshwater fishing, or go on overnight trips? Our boat finder tool can help you narrow down different family boats based on these activities, as well as the type of boat propulsion, boat length, the maximum number of people you'd like to have on board.

What are the Federal Personal Flotation Device (PFD) Requirements for Children?
As of 2002, it is now a Federal requirement that all children under 13 years of age aboard a recreational boat must wear a US Coast Guard-approved PFD on all federal waterways. Specific PFD requirements vary from state-to-state, however, so be sure to check with your local state boating officials for additional information.

It's an essential boating safety precaution to make sure that young children wear life jackets when onboard. In fact, it is estimated that proper use of lifejackets could prevent approximately two-thirds of all boating-related drowning accidents in children ages 14 and under.

Besides PFDs, what other special safety considerations should be kept in mind when boating with children?
Active supervision of children is a key boating safety factor. Keep an eye on your kids at all times, ensuring that they stick to safe areas where they are not likely to fall overboard, and do not cause instability in the boat by roughhousing.

Also, remember that children learn best through example. As an adult, you should follow best practices for safe boating by completing a boating safety course, never boating under the influence, and conducting regular vessel safety checks.

Last, but not least, be sure that there's a team plan in place for what to do in the event of an emergency, including man overboard, fire on board, or a boating accident. Family members should be informed of where safety equipment is located, and how to operate communications devices. And at least one other family member should be also able to operate the boat in the event that the primary operator is injured. Please see our boating safety page for additional safe boating information.

How can I make my family boating experience truly enjoyable?
Family boating means teaching your kids the basics of boating by giving them a hands-on learning experience! Educate them about boat terminology, familiarize them with basic navigational procedures, and show them how basic safety equipment works such as whistles, flares, fire extinguishers, and even the radio.

Another fun- and not to mention efficient- thing to do is to give each family member an onboard duty. Family boating responsibilities can range from going over a pre-departure checklist to serving as a lookout, and can also help instill your children with confidence. Working as a team is a great way to strengthen family ties.

If you plan on a longer family boating expedition, be sure to pack plenty of food and snacks to keep your kids happy and comfortable. Kids may need a break from the water at times as well, so card games, books, board games and other toys can help to keep kids occupied. It also helps to have a project or destination in mind, whether it's finding the best skiing spot on the lake or stopping by a favorite inlet for a bit of sunbathing or sand castle-building.

Where can I find a family boating center near me?
If you're new to family boating, one of the first questions you may be asking yourself is where to find a local family boating center. You'll be surprised to learn that there's probably a boating location closer to you than you think!