General Boat Questions

Did you know that electric motors on boats have been in continuous use since 1899, mostly on submarines? Today, electric boats are growing in popularity for the same reasons as electric cars.  They eliminate the issues with emissions in the water and can be part of the global effort to be more green. In this […]

If you are thinking about going boat shopping, you might be surprised when you see the wide range of prices you could pay for a new or even a used boat. If you do not want to break the bank, you will likely be looking for an affordable boat. When considering the purchase of a

Looking for a boat you can tow? Here’s a list of popular boats that weigh less than 2,000 pounds! Let’s get started. How Big is a 2,000-Pound Boat? If you are looking for a boat that is 2,000 pounds or less, you will likely be looking at minimal options when it comes to boat type.

Boating rules can differ state by state. One thing that you might be wondering before you hit the open water in any form is whether or not you need a boating license. Well, you’re in luck! We have compiled a list below that outlines the boating regulations in each state. Let’s get started! Here Are

There is a lot of different boating equipment that you’ll need to keep yourself safe out there on the water. Here are fifteen different items you should have on your boat at all times – and the reasons you should have them! 1. A VHF Radio cb radio transceiver station and loud speaker holding on

When you buy a boat, it goes without saying that you will also need a trailer. A trailer is necessary for taking your boat back and forth to different locations as well as launching it and taking it out of the water. Most people who store their boats also do this on a trailer. So

A title is a state-issued legal document that provides proof of ownership. If you have a clear title issued in your name, then you own that property. A title helps deter theft and allows you to prove a vehicle or boat is yours legally. One of the most common and well-known pieces of titled property

Boating is an enjoyable activity. Most people think about boating during the day while the sun is shining, but others choose to boat during the evening. Evening boating can be an entirely new experience whether you choose to watch the sunset over the water, watch a fireworks show, go out for a late meal, or

If you own a boat, you will likely be looking at your storage options. If you don’t have a slip in a marina or your own personal dock, you might be looking for land storage when your boat is not in use. Not everyone has access to indoor storage options so you might be wondering

If you are a new boat owner, you will likely be doing everything that you can to maintain and protect your investment. Protecting your investment includes regular maintenance and care. You should also perform regular cleaning tasks for your boat. One of these cleaning tasks should be the proper cleaning for your boat seats. Here’s

You might have noticed that boats can be seen spitting out water. You might also wonder why this is. Why Do Boats Spit Out Water? Boats typically spit out water to keep the bilge free of water. Water builds up over time inside the bilge and the bilge pump automatically pumps the water out again.

Do you ever dream of going on a fishing expedition for days at a time? Have you ever wanted to go out on your boat and just unplug yourself from the work for the weekend? Do you dream about living on a boat and waking up to the sunrise on the water? There are plenty

Towing a boat can be difficult for first-timers. There is a lot to learn, and not everyone has the right truck, car, or SUV to safely tow a boat. In this post, I’ll try to make things easier for you. I’ll talk about what you need to know about towing a boat and will give

If you ask any experienced boater about buying a boat, most people will tell you it’s better to buy used vessels. But buying a pre-owned watercraft can be tricky as most owners only sell to get rid of their boat. So how do you get value for money when shopping for a used boat? In

Let’s look at the common issues to check when your vessel’s AC stutters. At the end of this piece, you will know the basics to keep your air conditioner in top shape. 1. Read the User Manual (All Of It!) Before troubleshooting your marine air conditioner or any other equipment, read and understand the user

A quick inspection of your steering system can spot a problem before it leaves you stranded. If you are underway and notice a problem, it is best to return to a safe port or dock if possible. If you have a complete steering failure, then you will have to use your judgment. If you do

Are you planning on buying a boat or already own a vessel and can’t find a befitting name? This article provides tips and tricks to help you choose a unique boat name so it stands out in the dock. But first, can you give your boat the same name as other watercrafts? Let’s find out.

Staying in shape is very important. With an increase in focus on fitness and health, if you are taking a long boat trip, you might have issues staying healthy and continuing your workout plan. This can be very difficult for those who are regular runners, gym enthusiasts, or other health-conscious people. This can be especially

If you are planning on getting rid of your old boat, even if you think it is junk, you might have some options available that can earn you some money for getting rid of it. Most people, who get rid of boats that are broken down eyesores, often think they are not worth anything and

If you own a boat, you likely do everything that you can to take care of it and ensure it stays in a high-quality condition. But even with the proper regular maintenance, there is still something that can ruin the quality of your vessel and that is pests! How To Avoid Pests On Your Boat

There are many maintenance tasks that you should regularly accomplish to maintain the value of your boat as well as keeping it in good working order. One of these important maintenance tasks includes polishing your boat. How to Polish Your Boat (In 7 Steps) Polishing, or buffing, your boat can seem like a daunting task.

Nothing ruins a nice trip out on the water like seasickness. If you are a person who suffers from this affliction, you might avoid boats at all costs. Luckily, there are things you can do to help reduce or avoid seasickness while out on the water. By successfully avoiding seasickness, you will be able to

Boats are expensive assets, and many finance companies insist that new owners have insurance. Even if people buy their boats outright, they often decide to insure them anyway.   So how much does boat insurance cost?  Let’s find out! 3 Typical Boat Insurances Cost Examples As we will see in a second, many factors go

The answer to how much do boat trailers weigh varies, of course, depending on the size as well as the make and model of the trailer. In this post, I’ll provide you with 9 common boat trailer examples. They will give you a feel for what each size will weigh. Let’s get started! Average Weights

Buying a used boat is a fun experience, but it can also be stressful. If you’re considering buying a used boat, take the stress away by following checking these 18 areas before making your final purchase. I’ll be breaking these areas down into three categories consisting of: The condition of the boat. The boat’s maintenance

Buying a boat can be stressful and expensive, but it can also be fun and exciting. Read through our boat buying tips so that you can reduce your stress and get a great deal on your next boat purchase. Our 10 Best Boat Buying Tips Buy during the off-season: When you buy off-season, you can

What’s the difference between an aluminum and fiberglass boat, and what are the advantages of each type of boat? Both materials are widely used in the boatbuilding industry, although fiberglass is preferred for most boat builders. We’ve researched this topic to show you the advantages and disadvantages of both materials when buying a boat. At

You can keep boats outside in the winter if you provide adequate protection against harsh weather. But you can’t simply park the boat on your driveway as most people do during the boating season. Leaving your boat outside during the cold season can damage the boat. In fact, there are multiple factors to consider when

The huge initial capital and depreciating nature of boats make many people think more than twice before signing the contract. In this article, we look at both sides of the argument and how to save cost if you plan on financing your own boat. Are boats a good investment or a waste of money? Boats

What is the fastest and easiest way to sell a boat? This is a common question boaters ask when they need to upgrade, downgrade their watercraft or stop keeping one altogether. In this article, we dive deep into everything you need to know about selling your boat. To get top dollar for your prized possession,

Owning a boat is financially intensive for many people, and the biggest part of the upkeep is the maintenance cost. Before investing in a watercraft, it helps to know what to expect regarding the maintenance. We’ve researched this topic and provide a detailed checklist of the top maintenance considerations before you buy that boat. The

Not all water is created equal. Freshwater and saltwater, in particular, have different properties, and saltwater isn’t always boat friendly. Here’s what you need to know about problems with boats in saltwater: What Are the Effects of Saltwater on a Boat? Most yachts and boats are used in freshwater and have a construction that is

One of the most frustrating parts about lighting options at night are the bugs that are attracted to the default white lighting in most boats. Here are 9 lighting options for your boat that won’t attract bugs! 9 Light That Doesn’t Attract Bugs (With Great Reviews!) Below are nine different boat lighting options, ranging from

Most people only use their boat in the summer season and then tuck it away for winter. While this is generally the thing to do, Boating during the winter season is a perfectly viable way to get more use out of your boat. Here are some ways you can make sure to have a great experience!

When looking at different methods of travel, there is no doubt that safety is often the first thing on our mind. With a large portion of the population afraid or nervous when confronted with the idea of air travel, you might be wondering: Are Boats Safer Than Airplanes And Cars? Boats and airplanes are a

If you plan to pass through the Panama Canal, you will need to be aware of the necessary requirements which include vessel size, costs, and other considerations. Can All Boats Sail The Panama Canal? Here are the maximum dimensions for boats on the Panama Canal: Measurement Maximum Size Length 950 ft. Width 161 ft. Height

Buying a new (or used) boat is one of the biggest financial transactions in your life. It’s important to carry out a thorough inspection before putting money on the table. In this article, we cover the essential things to remember when inspecting a new boat. This checklist will help you determine the state of the

Living on a boat all year long may seem like a fantasy. Something to think about, but that doesn’t actually happen. This is incorrect. It is estimated that there are thousands of people who live on boats full time. Here are the most popular types of boat people use for full-time living. 3 Sailboat Types

Boats are allowed on many lakes all over the world. However, several factors determine the boats allowed, the time boaters can use the lake, and the activities allowed in the water. In this article, we reveal the different rules guiding the use of boats on some of the most popular inland water bodies in this

If you’ve ever seen the critically acclaimed 1975 film, “JAWS,” you’ve probably asked yourself about the validity of large sea creatures attacking your boat. It is common for people to fear open water and the animals that lurk beneath, but how common is it for an animal to attack your boat? Here’s a Rundown on

The average boat is replaced every ten to twenty years.  However, some boats will last much longer than that, but this will be determined by how the boat is used and how well it is maintained. The three main types of boats are made from: Aluminum Fiberglass Wood Let’s dive into each type of material

Waves are a complex subject involving everything from fluid dynamics and gravity to wind and boat wakes.  In this article, we’ll tackle your boat’s role in creating waves and the issues surrounding them. Do Boats Make Waves? Of course, boats make waves, but we call these special waves “wakes.”  Waves and wakes can cause harm

So, you have decided to buy a boat, but now what?  A boat is a large purchase, and before you make that decision, you need to make sure it is the right one. There are many things to consider before buying a boat.  Being an informed buyer is more likely to make you a smart

If you buy a boat, it becomes your possession, and you dictate what happens to the craft. A boat lease only allows you to use the watercraft for a specific period, after which you have to renew the lease contract or return it to the leasing company. Here’s a list of the things you need

An important consideration before choosing the right deck boat is the weight. This is especially important if you wish to buy a trailer-able boat considering the towing capacity of your vehicle. What is the average weight of a deck boat? At dry weight, the average weight of a deck boat is about 3,100 pounds and

Having a boat is fun, but you need something to haul it to the water. For that, a durable boat trailer is your best bet. However, many new boat owners have no clue about the cost of boat trailers. We have researched this topic and show everything you need to know about the pricing of

To determine how much powerboats are worth, you’ll need to compare the price with other boats of similar size and build. It’s not only the specific model, age, and condition you need to look at.  For instance, you might value a boat with an autopilot system higher than you’d value a boat without one. Used

With an increase in environmental awareness, many of us are asking ourselves: what’s my environmental impact. You might not think about your fun family boating trip as having any real impact on the environment, but you might be wrong. Here’s the Rundown on Boats and Pollution: Boating can cause pollution and have a heavy impact

When you are out on the water, you will want to make sure you know the proper navigation rules that come with being a boat operator.  Below, we have included the basic and most important Navigation Rules of boating: Passing Rules For Boats Whether a boat should pass on the right or the left depends

Regardless of your disposition and love of sailing, speed is exhilarating and can turn an adventure into a high-speed thrill. You may have the fastest boat on the market, but you’re probably wondering what will make it go even faster. Here’s an Idea of Boat Speed in Saltwater and Freshwater Conditions: With all other factors

While this sounds like a straightforward question, the answer is complex and the subject of much study and debate. Boats come in many shapes and sizes, from one-person kayaks to cruise ships that carry thousands of passengers. However, when we talk about the largest impact on fish, we are talking mostly about motorboats. While there

Here’s a list of the things you should always bring to your boat. We have written extensively about all types of boats for a long time, and these are the things we believe should be standard equipment for all captains. Here are the things you should always bring on a boat: 1) A Handheld Horn

Many people love spending time on the water, especially on the high seas. But only a few know the boats that can withstand the harsh reality of the saltwater environment. We have researched the different boats designed for saltwater to help you make an informed choice when choosing a watercraft: Can All Boats be Used

The flags on a boat can signify many different things. Mostly, they can seem confusing to a layperson or a new boater. Flying the wrong flag at the wrong position can confuse other boaters and result in a fine! Here’s what you need to know about how and when you can use flags on a

One of the quеѕtiоnѕ that mоѕt реорlе аѕk iѕ, “how do I get a job оn a boat?” It сеrtаinlу iѕ a fun job, and it leads to a lifеѕtуlе of traveling the world while making lоtѕ of mоnеу while living rent frее. Who wouldn’t want to enjoy loads of entertainment on their job? With

Boating can be a great way to enjoy a warm summer day. Spending time with the people you love out on the water can be a great, relaxing, and fun activity. However, most people forget that boating can be dangerous if the proper precautions are not taken. This guide will help you stay safe when

Both commercial and recreational watercraft use horns and sound signals to indicate their intentions to other boaters. Sound signals are used in place of other signals that you might see in other vehicles, such as turn signal lights or other visual indications. Utilizing the proper sound signals is a part of the navigational rules that

Whether you buy a new boat or an older boat, you’ll likely have to deal with depreciation. But just how much will your boat depreciate over time? In this post, we analyze 7 popular boat types from popular boat brands. I’ll give real examples of boats so you can see what to expect when you

Boat navigation light rules can be a little difficult for newcomers to understand.  This is probably because these light rules can change depending on a wide variety of factors. Failing to comply with these rules can leave you open to enforcement violations as well as lawsuits.  Also, knowing these rules will help keep you and

A title is different than a registration. A title is legal proof of ownership, while registration is more like the license plate on your car, it proves you have paid the appropriate taxes and fees and the boat is legally permitted to be on local waterways. In this article, we will discuss titles. Why Do

All boats are different, so average boat prices can be hard to define. I’ll do my best to demonstrate all of your options and the prices associated with them! The number of different boat categories seems to be never-ending, and the differences between different categories can often be very subtle. Here are some of the

There are several types of boat lifts on the market. If you are new to boat lifts, you should definitely check our article about the 4 boat lift systems boaters should know about! Most of them work in the same way, and these tips should cover very general operations. It is always a good idea

Not all boats are on trailers. Even when they are, it isn’t always convenient or even possible to get them on the trailer.  A big benefit of using a lift is that your boat will not get covered in slime and biological growth. For these reasons, many people turn to boat lifts. There are many

Getting a boat license can be inexpensive and easy, or it can be expensive and time-consuming.  The difference will be in the type of boat license you need. There are three main licenses that people need to concern themselves within the United States, and one of them technically isn’t a license at all. However, even

If you do not have space and facilities to keep your boat at home or on your own private property, you will need to think about renting storage space. And your storage space might need to change in summer and winter, depending on where you live and what type of facilities the storage companies have

Boat maintenance is crucial to keeping your boat in good working order. One problem for new boat owners is not knowing how to maintain their new purchase. This guide will help you take care of your boat to extend the lifespan of the boat. It will also help to ensure that you do not encounter

I myself lost an anchor while out on the lake. It had been an accident, but we were prepared. I was so incredibly thankful we had a spare! This article will break down the different types of anchors, their uses, and which will work best for your specific needs! 1) Fluke Anchors Let’s start with

Fiberglass is currently the most common material used to craft small recreational boats and other watercraft. Chances are, if you have purchased a recreational boat, it is made of fiberglass, also known as Glass Reinforced Plastic or GRP. In this article, we will look at how long fiberglass boats last and the factors that impact

A keel is basically a structural component of a boat or ship which looks like a fin that extends at the bottom of a boat on the center-line. A keel of the boat is usually the first component that is constructed while building a boat. The main purpose of a keel is to offer both

I’ve dreamed of living in an RV as well as living on a boat for many years.  Luckily, I’ve had the chance to spend time in both and I’ve been out on the water almost as much as I’ve been out in the woods. Writing for this website has also given me the chance to

I’ve often contemplated moving into a houseboat or an RV.  In fact, I’ve spent hours upon hours daydreaming about it, reading about it, and watching YouTube videos about it. One problem that always seemed to worry me was the legal issues that I assumed would come with this type of alternative lifestyle. Can RVs and boats