Owning a boat is one of those things that sounds a lot simpler before the deal is done. Once you’re handed those keys, your mind unlocks a million more questions, concerns, responsibilities and fears that hadn’t once occurred to you before. 

Luckily, you know it can be done. Not just that, but it can be done alongside reaping all the benefits of owning a boat and having the freedom to go out on the water whenever you want. You just need to learn a lot of lessons, fast.

Here are three. 

UV Exposure is Almost as Bad as Water 

Most people know the somewhat jarring fact that water is not healthy for a boat, despite the fact that boats generally spend most of their lives…on the water. But what a lot of people don’t realise until they have a boat – or, more specifically, until they notice the finish is starting to fade, chalk or crack – is that UV exposure (yes, just sitting beneath the sun) is also really bad for a boat. 

Outside of trying to find a shady spot to moor the boat, there are a few things you can do to mitigate the risk of UV ruining your boat’s protective layer. The best option is a lasting boat paint that offers protection against environmental stressors like UV exposure, water, salt, and sweetwater. One application lasts a long time, even under considerable foot traffic, offering a much-needed defense to your boat. 

Another thing you can do to protect your boat from excessive UV exposure is regularly clean it in order to reduce salt build-up, which can magnify UV rays, and invest in a custom boat cover. 

Get a Key Float

This is one of those things you generally have to find out the hard way, so consider this a firm warning. It’s all too common for boat or housekeys to go overboard – and, when they do, there’s a very good chance you’re not getting them back. 

Either that, or you’ll spend the better part of the day snorkelling down to find them.

A key float goes on your keyring and, as the name suggests, means that they float on the surface rather than sinking to the depths if and when you fumble them overboard. It’s almost as important as having enough life vests on board. 

Knowing How to Tie Knots is Not ‘Old Fashioned’

It’s hard to say where this misconception first came from, but the idea that modern day boat owners don’t need to know how to tie a variety of boating knots is a major (and dangerous) misconception. There’s a good reason why so many different knots exist, and that reason doesn’t go out the window just because you’re not singing sea shanties with a pirate on your shoulder, or just because you’re a recreational boat owner rather than a professional. 

A basic boat safety course will teach you the foundations – which knots you need to master first, and what they’re used for. After that, don’t assume you know everything you need to know. Do some research, stay open-minded, and don’t default to knots that work find for your shoe laces. 

Embracing the Adventure of Boat Ownership

Owning a boat is not just a commitment; it’s an adventure filled with challenges and rewards. By understanding the importance of protecting your vessel, ensuring you don’t lose essential items like keys, and mastering the art of knot tying, you’ll find yourself better equipped to navigate the waters.

As you continue to learn and grow as a boat owner, you’ll not only protect your investment but also enhance your experiences on the water. Remember, every lesson learned is a step towards mastering the beautiful and exhilarating world of boating.