Owning a boat can give you the freedom to go anywhere you choose, have a home away from home, spend quality time with friends and family, learn new skills, possibly gain a return on your investment, and sounds like a dream. The reality is, owning a boat can be a huge responsibility and often lead to financial burden if you don’t plan properly. One aspect that always catches people off guard is the time and attention needed to maintain a boat. There isn’t a week that goes by that I’m not spending time caring for my boat in some capacity, ensuring that it’s always in top shape – just ask my wife.
Knowing the costs associated and the amount of work it takes to keep your vessel running in an environmentally friendly manner is critical to being a responsible and happy boat owner – and proper attention and maintenance can save you money in the long run.
As waterman and environmental enthusiasts, it’s critical that we educate ourselves to fully understand the boats we own, responsibilities, and time commitment that comes along with it:
Things to consider before purchasing your own boat:
- Do I have the appropriate budget to maintain, store, clean, insure, register, service, and fuel my boat as required?
- Do I have a safe place to store this vessel when it is not in use (in the water, in your yard, at a marina, on a lift, or in a dry storage Facility)?
- Am I capable of safely towing a vessel to the local boat ramp/launch site? Do you have the appropriate towing capacity on your vehicle? Are you comfortable with towing a boat on open roadways with other vehicles surrounding?
- Have I taken a boater safety course? Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1988, must have a Boating Safety Education Identification Card to legally operate a boat in Florida – find a local class at https://myfwc.com/boating/safety-education/courses/
- Who will help to maintain or service my vessel/trailer should something go wrong (identifying a certified mechanic for the type of vessel, trailer, or motor you have is important)? Knowing how to replace a trailer tire or swap out a wheel bearings/hub becomes necessary.
- How to appropriately clean and/or service my boat while keeping the environment in mind (using non-phosphate, biodegradable cleaners, dispose of hazardous waste properly, minimize boat cleaning and maintenance while in the water, Spill-proof your oil changes, do not add soap to a spill or contamination, prevent oily discharge from the bilge, “Stow it, don’t throw it”, and when fueling, stop the drops!) Source: Discover Boating-2024 National Marine Manufacturers Association Additional Eco-Friendly boat maintenance tips:
-Fill portable fuel tanks on shore, never fill them on board. Take them ashore or on a fuel dock where spills are much less likely to occur.
-Do not overfill fuel tanks as fuel expands as it warms.
-Close the vent on portable gas tanks when the engine is not in use or when the tank is being stored.
-Recycle fluids, when possible, by using a drain pan to capture used engine oil or outdrive oil.
-Avoid pumping out raw sewage if your boat does not have an installed toilet. Instead consider using a portable toilet which should later be emptied at a pump-out station or proper disposal site. Note: It is illegal to dump untreated sewage anywhere within the US three-mile territorial limit.
-Keep a supply of oil-absorbent rags on board, properly dispose of used oils and filters, and keep used solvents separate from used oil.
-Wax your boat to create a protective layer, wash topside only (if boat is washed while in water) and use Non-toxic cleaners.
-When painting your boat, use ‘Hard’ bottom paint as it reduces the amount of toxic paint which sloughs off your boats bottom. Antifouling paint is often expensive and very toxic so avoid use if possible.
-Use a Tarp or Drop-sheet when painting/sanding your vessel to make hazardous debris collecting simple and easy.
-Mix paint and other liquids on shore instead of over or near the water.
-Properly dispose of old paint, solvents, thinners, and other hazardous materials at an appropriate household waste facility. In the US, recreational boat waste can be disposed of for free at any household hazardous waste drop site. For the locations nearest you, call The
Hazardous Waste Hotline (US), 1-800- 633-7585. Source: US Coast Guard Sea Partners, 2024
Basic Boater Safety Reminders:
• Make safety your #1 priority.
• Create a checklist of U.S. Coast Guard Required items/equipment for your vessel.
• Always wear a life jacket (Children under the age of 6 must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD at all times when in a vessel less than 26 feet in length).
• Be especially careful when operating personal watercraft (jet ski, wave runner, jet boat, etc.)
• Enroll in a Boater Safety education course before you go exploring.
• Do not overload your boat. Know your vessels weight and person capacity.
• Maintain safe/appropriate speeds. Be observant of No Wake Zones.
• Obey channel markers, bouys, and other aids to navigation (Avoid Collision).
• Watch out for low water areas, submerged objects, and wildlife while navigating.
• Always have a passenger serve as a lookout in addition to the boat operator (Post a lookout).
Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 2024
Owning a boat could be the BEST or WORST decision and investment you can make. Please put thoughtful consideration into whether you have the time, funding, support, and energy to properly care for your vessel. Remember, owning a boat can have lasting impacts on your wallet, the environment, and surrounding wildlife. Be sure this is an investment
you are willing to make!
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