Owning your first boat is one of life’s greatest pleasures if being on the waters is important to you. For many people, a boat represents a sense of freedom. It brings an element of adventure into your life while bringing you closer to nature.
If you’re a yachtsman serious about racing, the thrill of sailing your own yacht beats many other sports. Perhaps angling for the big game fish is more your scene. Having your own boat means you can get out there fishing whenever the fancy takes you. But have you thought about buying a winch rope or a toolbox to ensure your boating experience is all smooth sailing?
There are many reasons for being a first-time boat owner. Whatever they are, having the right gear will go a long way to ensure smooth sailing. Read on to find out what are some of the items every boat owner should buy when purchasing their first boat.
1.Trailering Gives You More Flexibility
Having a boat trailer gives you access to a variety of waterways. You can choose to go to different lakes every weekend. Or, head on down to the coast for a jaunt on the waves. A boat trailer gives you flexibility. And, it makes it so much easier to launch your boat into the waters.
Most boating sites have a boat ramp which gives you access to the water. Simply reverse the trailer until it’s submerged in the water and then prepare to offload your boat. The same applies when you’re finished boating. You can load the boat onto the trailer from the water rather than try to load it up from land.
2. Did You Remember the Winch Rope?
You’ve decided to purchase the trailer but how about the winch rope? Using the winch hook is essential when using a boat trailer. So, you’ll need to ensure you’ve got winch rope that’s durable, reliable and safe to use.
These ropes are lightweight but can have a lift capacity ranging between 9 and 11 tonnes. So, no matter how big your boat is, you’ll be able to get the right winch rope to do the job. Make sure it’s designed with specific configurations you need. You could also find a manufacturer who’ll fit it onto your trailer, saving you the hassle.
3. Safety Gear for You and Your Companions
Being the captain of your own boat comes with responsibilities. No matter how small your boat is, you need to make sure you have the right safety gear. In fact, most countries stipulate strict laws for safe boating.
You need to have life jackets for yourself and anyone else on board with you. Flotation devices are essential as well as a basic first aid box. Visual and sound signalling devices are also necessary. If you’re planning to be far offshore, a VHF radio will be handy.
4. Maintenance Tools for Minor Hiccups
A toolbox on board will be very useful for those days when the engine decides to give you hassles. Or, your sail mast comes loose. Perhaps a hinge needs to be tightened or the track for the sail is dented. Whatever the problem, you’re likely to encounter something that requires a tool to fix it while you’re out on the waters, so keep that toolbox on hand.
Another important item that falls under maintenance is your regular cleaning items. You’ll find a broom, a bucket, a scrubbing brush, cloths, soap and wax all useful. In this way, you can be boat-proud when your boat is kept in top nick.
5. Boat Covers for Protection
Your boat is often an expensive investment. Keeping it covered and protected extends the lifetime of your boat. Many boat owners find outdoor storage a cheaper option than paying for space inside. By using a mooring or boat cover, you’ll be able to keep your boat safe against the elements.
A boat cover will not only keep the interior of your boat free from rain, snow or dirt but it will also keep the external coatings safe from too much UV-related damage. Boat covers can also be designed to be used during trailering.
In Summary
It’s very easy to get caught up in the excitement of buying your first boat. But if you want your boating experience to be free of troubles, being prepared is vital. Items such as a trailer may be obvious, but you may not think about a winch rope until your boat is ready to be launched. Or, forgetting to have a screwdriver on board could be the reason you come short while out on the waters.
Other items go without saying. Safety gear is a must-have if you don’t want to fall short of the law. Most boat owners go out to sea without thinking about cleaning down their boat when they return to shore. If you’re serious about keeping your boat in good condition, then cleaning materials is a necessity. And, for those times when you’re not using your boat, a cover will not go amiss.
Make sure every trip on the waters is smooth sailing by having all of these items when you buy your first boat.
