Celebrate with family and friends. You just got a boat!
Do not rush out onto the water. Take care of the following items first.
Take a boating safety course if you have not done so already.
Buy a copy of the book Chapman Piloting: Seamanship And Small Boat Handling. It's available at most boat stores, book stores and online. Chapman Piloting is "the bible" for all boat captains and a valuable reference.
Complete all repairs indicated in the survey.
Regardless of condition, immediately do a round of annual mechanical maintenance. This way you know all of the critical systems are working and ready. This maintenance would include changing the engine oil, engine oil filter, lower unit oil, fuel filter, water separator, cooling system impeller, changing the spark plugs, changing belts, lubrication of all greased fittings and cleaning/adjusting the carburetor. On the trailer, repack the bearings and check the brake fluid.
Register and re-title the boat/trailer. Pay sales taxes. Apply up-to-date registration sticker.
Buy proper insurance for you boat. Be sure to get a quote from BoatU.S. They generally offer very competitive boating insurance.
Get towing insurance through TowBoatUS or other such company.
Have a safety inspection done by the local U.S. Power Squadrons or Coast Guard Auxiliary. Display the inspection sticker on the port side window.
Install theft-prevention gear (propeller and outdrive locks, chain down your spare trailer tire, engine kill switch, etc.)
Write an operations checklist and develop a boater's routine. Follow the same procedures in the same order every time. This way will you will best remember the many steps involved on any boat trip.
Your first trip on the water should be with an experienced boater. Have them show you how to turn in tight spaces, dock and trailer the boat. Spend a few hours at the helm getting to know the boat. Practice docking in different currents. Get comfortable enough with the boat so you can confidently take others out.
Your second or third trip out can be with family and friends.
Plan to run your boat at least every two weeks. The best maintenance plan includes running your boat on a regular basis. Remember, boats do not sit well!
Buy a shop manual for your engine (available at most boating stores.)
Make up a tool box and first aid kit to leave on your boat. Carry extra fuses, propeller, belts, light bulbs, shop manual, etc.
Install an engine hours meter. Develop a schedule of regular mechanical maintenance based on your owners manual and shop manual. Strictly follow the maintenance schedule to help keep you from getting stranded.
Make several copies of the ignition, cabin and trailer keys. Keep on set at home, one in your tow vehicle, one on your key chain and one stashed in the boat. Nothing will ruin you day faster than forgetting your keys! Make sure your boat keys are on a floating key ring.
The "Boat Honeymoon": Most boaters go through a several month honeymoon. They want to be on the water every possible minute. This is normal. Watch out, though. Don't burn yourself out on boating.
Too much of a good thing is bad. Don't compromise your relationships, bank account or other responsibilities because you just bought a boat. Pace yourself. You'll be a boater for a long time if you don't over do it in the beginning.
