Renting a boat is one of the best things you can do for a vacation, or even just as a hobby. Unfortunately, there are a few glaring errors that mark you out as a boating beginner. Luckily for you, we have already thought of that – and put together this article to save you from boat-rental-embarrassment. Important things to consider, so you don’t make basic but vital boating mistakes on your next trip. Look at this list of Boating Mistakes.
So what are the 7 boating mistakes that you should never, under any circumstances, commit? Read on and find out…
7 Common Boating Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common boat-rental errors we see far too often at Lake Powell Boat Rentals. Avoid them or face the ridicule of your fellow boaters!
1 – Not Putting the Plug-In
This is a common boating problem That most new boaters don’t even think of. You need to put the plug into the drain before you leave the docks. Fishing Talks have an entertaining story about a first-time boat owner having to swim in Lake Huron in April because they forgot to put the plugin.
2 – Putting too much Weight in
Second, on our list of boating errors to avoid are those who consistently overload the boat. Stick to the recommended weight limit. Often, it is there to stop you from drowning. When the boat is too heavy, it sinks lower into the water, putting the passengers in danger.
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3 – The Anchor?
The anchor needs to be far enough out so that it touches the earth. The US Coast Guard says the line ought to be 7 times longer than the water’s depth. Otherwise, you will end up putting an anchor out for no reason, floating from your perfect spot, and possibly off course.
4 – Not Starting in Neutral
This is the simplest, yet the most tiring, of things to go wrong on board a boat. Boating Safety suggests that most stalled boats that are reported don’t work because they have been started in gear[1]. Just like a car; this won’t work. Shift to neutral and you should be good to go.
5 – Gas-less
Running low on gas in a boat is a different story than what it is in a car. If you are out on the open sea, and you run out of fuel, there might not ever be another boat in your ‘lane’. It is the equivalent of suffering a breakdown in the Australian Outback. Make sure that you have enough fuel before you leave – or at least that the radio works!
6 – Accurate Charts
Some new sailors don’t know how to read the charts. That’s fine… but boldly winging it and hoping you don’t get lost at sea doesn’t cut it. If you don’t have up-to-date charts, you can run into danger. If you don’t know how to read them, stay within sight of the land.
7 – Weather Forecasts
The further you go out to sea, the more likely the weather is to change on you. Meteorological speaking, the earth and the water conduct weather patterns in different ways. You can check the weather before you go – but up-to-date, real-time weather information is better.
If you love it and want to be able to do this all the time, I highly recommend looking at the many boats for sale out there. You might find a great deal!
