Boat Ownership for Beginners
Are you new to boating? If so, welcome aboard! This guide for first-time
boat owners is designed to help you get started. If you need more advice on boating, you are always welcome to consult the experts here at Howell’s Marine Sales & Service. We welcome boaters from all over southeastern Ontario at our dealership in Chatham, ON.
Getting Licenced and Insured
Here in Ontario, the first step to becoming a boater is to obtain your Ontario boating licence. In order to qualify for a licence, you must take an approved boating safety course, then pass the official Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Card exam. Both the safety course and the exam can be completed online for one-time fee of $59.95, and your boating license is valid for life.
While boat insurance is not mandatory in Ontario, it is highly recommended! For example, many marinas will ask for proof of insurance before storing your boat at their facility. Boat insurance provides coverage in the event that your boat is stolen or damaged, and some policies may also protect you from liability if someone is accidentally injured on your boat. You can expect to pay about 1.5% of your boat’s total value on insurance premiums each year.
Stocking Up on Equipment
When you purchase a boat, you will need to purchase a few pieces of equipment to go with it. First and foremost, you should have a full complement of safety gear. That includes a fire extinguisher, signal flares, a first-aid kit, a VHF radio, and a lifejacket for each passenger.
Meanwhile, most boaters also need a boat trailer to transport their boat over land. Boat trailers come in a variety of models to accommodate boats of different shapes and sizes, so make sure to choose the right trailer for your boat – and for your vehicle! It’s important to make sure your tow vehicle can handle the weight of your boat and trailer before you start trailering.
You might also want to consider investing in a boat lift, which is a great way to add some extra protection to your boat when it’s docked in water or on land.
Learning the Ropes
Now that you have everything you need to start boating, it’s time to learn the ropes! The user manual provided with your boat is a great place to start. Read the manual from cover to cover, taking note of all the operating and maintenance instructions that are specific to your boat model. Remember to keep the manual stored on your boat for future reference.
When you’re ready to start practicing, we recommend heading down to the lake in the early morning, when it’s not likely to be crowded with other vessels. This will give you plenty of time and space to feel comfortable as you get used to operating your boat. Explore all the features of your boat, make sure everything is working as it should, and experiment with turning and braking at different speeds to get a feel for how your boat handles.
You should also make an effort to get on top of boat maintenance from the very start, while your boat is still in new condition. This will give you the best chance of avoiding costly maintenance issues down the road. Simple tasks like flushing the motor and keeping up with regular oil changes will go a long way toward extending the lifespan of your boat!
If you need a helping hand with boat maintenance, you can always call on the service department here at Howell’s Marine Sales & Service. Our technicians are the foremost experts on marine power in southwestern Ontario! We proudly serve Chatham, ON, near London.
We hope this guide gives you confidence as a first-time boat owner, and we wish you the best of luck. Happy boating!
