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Tips On How To Prepare For Sailing Trip

Going on a sailing trip is certainly very relaxing and entertaining, no matter if you have recently completed your sailing course and you want to test you skills, or you want to take you family on a big adventure on the sea. Preparing for the trip is essential, as this way you will reduce the risk of accidents and make sure that your children have everything they need. If you plan to rent a boat, then you will have to take several extra safety precautions: in the end, it is a boat you are not familiar with. Here are some important tips you need to pay attention to:

1. Make Sure You Have All The Travel Documents With You

If you plan a long trip and you want to visit other countries as well, then make sure to take all the travel documents with you, from passports and visas to boarding passes. This is a vital aspect, and the documents are the first thing you need to pack: without them, your sailing trip may be compromised. Make sure to store them in a safe waterproof container where they can’t be lost or damaged and have several extra copies with you, just in case!

2. Get The Basic Medications

If you or somebody in your family suffers from a chronic ailment, make sure to get all the necessary medication: there is nothing more dangerous than finding yourself in the middle of the ocean, realizing that you have forgotten your pills at home. In addition to this, always have some NSAIDs with you, antibiotics and a first aid kit, in case of emergencies. Also, sunscreen and other products that offer protection against sun rays are equally important.

3. Make Sure The Boat Is In Good Condition

The boat should not be neglected either, as this is an important part of the preparation process. Basically, all you need to do is to have the engine and the electrical system checked by a reputable mechanic, and to make sure that all the minor repairs are completed before you depart. Minor problems can worsen at sea, and this can endanger your life: look for gouges, dings or leaks and repair them as quickly as possible. The sails and the water systems must also be in good condition!

4. Be Prepared In Case Of Accidents

Every rented boat must come with a safety equipment that must be fully functional, and this equipment must include life vests for adults and for children. If accidents happen because the rented boat was not properly checked before it was given to you, then this is the provider’s fault and you should seek legal advice . If it turns out that the boat provider is indeed the one to blame for your unfortunate accident, you might be entitled to compensation: it is his duty to make sure the boat is fully functional and, most importantly, safe to operate.

In conclusion, packing for your next big sailing trip can be very difficult but these pieces of advice should help you. At the same time, it would be a great idea to contact your sailing provider for a list of travel items, tourist attractions and other tips on what to pack for your little sea adventure.

A lot of people go to the lake on a regular basis, but they are stuck on the shore, watching other people enjoying themselves on the water, in their boats. Owning a boat seems out of reach. Read on, it might be easier than you think!

Purchasing a boat is much like purchasing a car. Most boat dealers will finance your boat, and unlike that new car, the payments on your boat loan could be less than $200 a month. It all depends on how much you want to spend – you can purchase some boats that cost lots more than a new car! Another option is to secure a personal loan.

If you have looked at new boats, but you feel that purchasing one is not within your budget, you could purchase a used boat.There are lots of them on the market, at any price and any style.

Here are 4 steps to take while buying a boat

Step-1

Know the kind of boats available

A number of boat owners feel discontented since they did not purchase the right boat. It will be important to take some things into consideration before you purchase a boat to allow you to know what kind of boat is suitable for you.

Which boat is suitable for your character and traits? Are you aiming to travel quick and fast or do you aim to take a leisurely cruise from one place to another? Asking these questions to yourself will give you an idea on the different kinds of boat and allow you to decide on the most suitable boat for you.

Step-2

Deciding on a New or Used Boat

This decision is typically done when purchasing a large-sized vehicle and the answers are basically the same. A number of people opt for used boats since they dislike getting loans and making payments and simply like to have a good deal. Others also prefer new boats since they are looking for quality and want the assurance of having a warranty from the seller. Both choices offer their own set of benefits.

It does not matter if you opt for a new or a used boat since it will be necessary for the boat to be checked by a qualified marine surveyor. Normally dealers offer survey reports to buyers of boats or offer the services of their own surveyors. Do not rely on them. The survey reports may be old while surveyor is connected with the company, although it does not mean they are dishonest, it is more of a conflict of interest in the part of the surveyor. You can ask for a surveyor from the finance company or go through the yellow pages or look around online. It will also be necessary to find a good boat loan company that gives good payment terms

Step-3

Consider your budget

At the end there’s only one price that sets the obvious cost of owning a boat, your boat’s price tag and the interest rate that goes on top of your loan. Of course, there is also the not so obvious cost like the storage facilities, property taxes, sales tax, and insurance on the boat and maintenance in the long run.

Unless you are filthy rich, you would want to consider the expenditure of operating the boat itself. This might incur a yearly cost of operation, maintenance, replacement parts and upgrade. A ballpark figure would put about 10%-15% of your boat’s value with a yearly depreciation and increment in expenses mainly due to the AGE factor, quality and cosmetic wear and tear on the boat.

Step-4

Essential Safety Principles

It does not matter how experienced you are, it is recommended that everyone should go over some boating safety regulations before leaving. Boating is particularly hazardous since a number of existing factors are NOT applicable to circumstances that people deal with each day such as flying on a plane or driving a car. Although the water element is both enjoyable and fun, it is necessary to take some safety measures to avoid mishaps and disasters.

Final checklist

Is it clean?
Are there signs of rust and hull blisters?Is the paint peeling or intact?Are there signs of any previous repairs or cracks?
Did you try operating gear and steering systems?How about all the essential instrumentations?Start the engines and ask permission for a trial run!

Conclusion
As you can see, a lot more is involved in owning a boat than just plunking down some money and taking it home with you. There are many serious decisions to make before you actually purchase a boat. Learn as much as you can about the different styles of boats that are available, decide what your purpose is in owning a boat, and then choose a watercraft that is going to fit your needs.

Your boat should have an owner’s manual that will give you instructions in caring for your boat. Be meticulous about the upkeep, because proper maintenance could become a life and death matter.

Also, if you might consider upgrading to a larger or better boat in the future, that maintenance log will help you get the most out of your boat when your sell it.