Boating Guides

Free expert guides for buying, owning, and maintaining a boat. Written by boaters, for boaters.

Buying15 min read

How to Buy a Boat: The Complete Guide

Step-by-step from searching listings to closing day. Budget, survey, sea trial, negotiation, financing, insurance, and closing checklist.

Buying10 min read

Marine Survey: What to Expect and How to Prepare

What surveyors check, how to read a survey report, red flags vs. normal findings, and how to negotiate after the survey.

Ownership12 min read

First-Year Boat Ownership Costs: The Real Numbers

Marina slip, insurance, maintenance, fuel, winterization, bottom paint, and the expenses nobody tells you about. Budget templates included.

Maintenance10 min read

Boat Maintenance Schedule: What to Do and When

Monthly, seasonal, and annual maintenance tasks for outboards, inboards, sterndrives, and sailboats. Printable checklists.

Safety12 min read

Marine Weather for Boaters: How to Read a Forecast

Wind, waves, tides, barometric pressure, NOAA alerts, and how to make a Go/No-Go decision. Everything you need to stay safe on the water.

Safety8 min read

VHF Radio for Boaters: Channels, Protocol, and Emergencies

Channel 16, DSC, Mayday calls, pan-pan, securite, and proper radio etiquette. Every boater needs to know this.

Skills10 min read

How to Anchor: Scope, Technique, and Common Mistakes

Choosing an anchorage, calculating scope, setting the hook, anchor types, and what to do when it drags.

Ownership8 min read

Boat Insurance: What You Need and What It Costs

Agreed value vs. actual cash value, liability, uninsured boater, navigation limits, hurricane haul-out, and how to reduce your premium.

Maintenance10 min read

How to Winterize Your Boat: Step-by-Step

Engine winterization, water system antifreeze, battery storage, shrink wrap vs. cover, and spring commissioning checklist.

Buying8 min read

Boat Financing: Rates, Terms, and What Lenders Look For

Marine loans vs. personal loans, down payments, survey requirements, documentation requirements, and how to get the best rate.

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