Your Next Steps in Boating

Here we will assume you have spent a few hours aboard a friend’s boat and enjoyed the experience. You were not fearful of stepping off the pier and onto the deck, and you did not lose your lunch while bouncing around. As you gain experience and confidence, you may start having thoughts of doing this on your own and getting into boating on a regular basis.

Options for Moving Forward

At this stage, I would not recommend purchasing a boat. In a later blog, we will discuss that option at length. At this point, the best alternative may be to take a boating course. These programs are offered in most port cities and towns. As noted in Blog #1, I attended the Annapolis Sailing School and learned a great deal in the classroom and on a popular daysailer known as a Rainbow. With the reading and practical experience on the water, I gained enough confidence to take a daysailer out on my own. There are courses available for powerboaters as well. Many ports have a group known as the Power Squadron, which also offers boating courses.

In addition, you should start reading. There are many excellent books available for the basics of sailing and handling powerboats. I have listed a few books in the “Library” section on this website.

Gaining More Experience

Assuming you have completed a course in basic boating, you are now more attractive to friends with boats. You possess knowledge and experience. You know how to secure lines and tie a few basic knots. If sailing, you know how to raise and lower sails, the names of the sails, what a jib sheet is, and the best course in relation to wind direction.

The Benefits of Boating with Others

Now let’s look into the advantages of boating with others. Henceforth, we will refer to our boating friend as Bob. There are obvious advantages to boating with others like Bob, who have more experience. They take all the responsibility, while you observe, contribute, and learn.

If you continue in this mode, you should plan on sharing some of the costs. If you show promise and seem to be learning quickly, then Bob may consider offering you an ownership interest in his boat. This is a reasonable alternative when you get to the point where you can take the vessel out on your own. You and Bob must both be comfortable with your experience. If you choose such an alternative, you should have a written contract. It does not have to be anything fancy—one or two pages will usually cover the issues, such as sharing costs, time, and dates for boat usage, and insurance matters.

Exploring Alternatives

Boat partnerships are not uncommon, but everything should be written out in advance. If you want to continue boating but have no interest in a partnership, there are other alternatives for you to gain experience and enjoy the wonders of the water on your own.

The Boating Club Option

Boating clubs are the new rage and are popping up in many cities. The club typically owns several boats for use by the membership. You pay a monthly fee and make an appointment for a time to take out a specified vessel. You will have to prove to the club’s satisfaction that you are competent. This is where a boating course will be very helpful. In fact, some boating clubs may require proof of attendance in a course.

There are many advantages to club membership. First, the boat is clean and ready when you arrive. Second, you have no maintenance responsibilities or costs. All cleaning and repairs are covered by the club. Life jackets and lines are on board, and in most cases, insurance costs are included. Additionally, the club maintains the slips and cares for the boats in the winter. The members simply pay and enjoy the boat.

Some clubs have only small day boats, which are not for overnighting. Others may have a larger fleet with overnight boats available.