As a new boat owner, you’re undoubtedly excited about the possibilities that come with your vessel. But before you set sail on your maiden voyage, it’s essential to make sure you’ve covered all your bases to ensure both your guests’ safety and your enjoyment aboard. Take it from the yacht sales in Florida pros at Aspire Yacht Sales—the more prepared you are before you set sail, the more fun you’ll have!
Luckily, with careful planning and preparation, you’ll be ready to cruise on the water in no time. One of the best things to do as a new yacht owner is to create a custom checklist of all the necessary items and equipment for your unique boating needs. And don’t forget to research local, state, and federal regulations and compliance requirements. It’s crucial to both your safety and that of others on the water to do so.
With our extensive yachts for sale in Fort Lauderdale, we’ve become experts at helping new boat owners navigate getting on the water for the first time. Now it’s time to ensure you’re prepared to enjoy the Sunshine State’s waters responsibly and safely. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of the top things every new boat owner in Florida should do.
1. Register or Document Your Boat
If you’re eager to set sail on your newly purchased boat, the last thing you want to worry about is legal trouble. Before you rev up your engine, ensure you’ve got all the correct paperwork onboard by checking with the appropriate state and federal agencies.
For instance, if the U.S. Coast Guard documents your vessel, you’ll always need to have the original certificate on board (no sneaky photocopies). Even if your boat only visits a state’s waters for a brief stint, many still require you to register it with them.
But documentation isn’t the only game in town — you’ll also need to display all the correct decals and state registration numbers. Keep in mind that documented boats require not only name and home port decals but also a number assigned by the Coast Guard displayed on the interior hull. These numerals — at least three inches high in block-type Arabic font and preceded by “NO.” — must be affixed permanently so that any attempt to tamper with them leaves noticeable scarring.
2. Get Insurance
Searching the many yachts for sale in Florida and buying the perfect boat is exciting. But don’t forget about the importance of having the right kind of insurance from day one! Just like with your car, you want to have peace of mind knowing that you’re protected in case of any unexpected events on the water.
Of course, boats have their own set of unique risks and liabilities, so it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the different types of coverage available. From environmental protection to damage coverage, you’ll want to ensure you have the proper protection for your particular vessel and boating plans.
To get started, consider contacting specialized marine insurance companies or brokers who can provide expert advice on the best coverage options for you. And if you have a smaller boat, don’t forget to check if your homeowner’s policy can offer any coverage, with umbrella policies also available for increased liability protection.
While not legally required in Florida, having insurance for your yacht is essential and highly recommended. Consult with a specialist in yacht sales in Florida to understand your options and choose the best coverage for your needs. For more on insurance, check out our blog on it here.
3. Be Sure to Put Together a Vessel Information Folder
Keep all your critical yacht-related documents in an easily accessible folder on your boat. This folder should include registration or documentation papers, insurance policies, manuals, and any receipts for maintenance or repairs.
4. Start a Maintenance Log
A well-kept maintenance log will ensure that your yacht remains in top condition. Record all maintenance tasks, repairs, and equipment upgrades, accompanied by the date they were completed. This log helps you stay on top of maintenance and improve resale value when it’s time to look for another yacht for sale in Florida.
5. Learn How to Fuel Your Boat Properly
New boat owners must learn the proper fueling process for their specific yacht. Ask your yacht sales in Fort Lauderdale expert to guide you through the steps. Always check fuel compatibility charts and know your fuel tank capacity to avoid overflow.
6. Learn Your Boat and How to Operate It Correctly
Learning to operate your new boat is a crucial yet exciting step toward becoming a boat owner! While starting the engine and steering may seem like basic skills, there’s more to piloting a boat than meets the eye. Take docking or launching, for example, not to mention learning navigation and understanding boat rules and regulations are all key to a safer and enjoyable boating experience.
Even seasoned boaters switching to a different type of boat (say, from powerboat to sailboat) can benefit from brushing up on requisite skills. Since a single-engine sailboat operates differently than a twin-engine powerboat, everyone must start somewhere. Crawling before walking is an excellent way to approach learning your new boat and developing invaluable skills.
And don’t forget, crewing for other boat owners or taking a boating education course such as the ones offered by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, United States Power Squadrons, and more are great ways to expand and enhance your boating knowledge.
7. Learn How to Tow and Launch Your Trailer Boat
If your yacht requires trailering, you must learn the proper techniques for towing, launching, and retrieving your vessel. Practice makes perfect, so get comfortable before hitting the open waters. Now that you’ve covered the basics, it’s time to embark on your Florida boating journey and enjoy a world of sunshine, water, and adventure! Whether you’re staying locally in Fort Lauderdale or cruising the shores of the Sunshine State, there are countless yachts for sale in Florida to choose from at Aspire Yacht Sales!
