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Boat safety is essential for the boating enthusiast. Here are ten tips to help you be a safe boat operator.

1. Plan ahead...use your head.

Find out from the Coast Guard, your local Department of Natural Resources officer, or your boat dealer about the laws and regulations in our state regarding the operation of a PWC. Check the weather forecast before you leave shore, and monitor weather radio while on the water. Storms can come up quickly in summer, and lightning is very dangerous for boaters. Because water is a conductor of electricity, get off the water quickly when lightning is near.

2. Read the owner's manual.

There are valuable tips about your boat in the manual. Take the manual, a tool kit and crucial spare parts with you when you ride. Seal them in a watertight container to prevent damage.

3. Use ALL the right gear.

Don't be an idiot. ALWAYS wear a life vest or flotation device when boating. You must have a device for each person in the boat. Always carry emergency gear, like a first aid kit, a flashlight, extra batteries, extra clothing and blankets and maps. And don't forget the sunscreen and sunglasses.

Make sure you are equipped with a throwable personal flotation device in case someone falls overboard. Other important gear would include a tow line, jumper cables, extra paddle or oar, fire extinguisher, something to use for bailing in the event that your vessel takes on water, and audible and visual distress signaling devices such as a whistle, air horn, orange smoke device and flares.

4. Practice in a safe place.

If you want to be a safe boat owner and enjoy your boat more, practice operating the boat. Practice safe acceleration, stopping, turning and awareness of your surroundings.

5. Take a training course.

Many times, dealers offer training courses to teach safe and fun operation of personal watercraft. The United States Power Squadron, United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, United States Sailing Association and the American Red Cross all offer boating courses. Sign up for the courses that are available, from novice to skilled operators.

6. Don't ride in restricted areas, or at restricted times.

Some lakes restrict the locations and times that boats can be operated. Know the rules and follow them willingly.

7. Stay sharp and maintain control.

NEVER do drugs or drink alcoholic beverages while boating. Make sure your speed matches your operating experience, weather conditions, boat traffic and potential hazards.

8. Do a pre-trip inspection.

Check your controls, lights, fuel/oil levels and the hull before you begin your trip. Do this EVERY TIME you begin your trip, even between trips on the same day. Remember that this is a recreational unit, but rough use can break things. When fueling, open up the bilge and engine compartments to allow fumes to escape. Do the most obvious thing and check your drain plug.

9. Avoid boating alone.

Just as you should never swim alone, you should avoid going boating alone. Boating is great fun, but carries its own dangers. Create a "float plan," which means you tell someone where you are, where you're going and when you expect to return.

10. Get insurance protection for peace of mind.

Make sure you have the best boat insurance coverage for you. This will protect your unit from damage, and protect you from liability in case others are injured or the property of others is damaged while you're boating.

By doing these ten tips, you'll have the best chance at having fun on the water!

Original Article

Boat Share - How to Reduce Boating Costs

There are many different ways to save money when owning a boat. Boat sharing is one great option. Whether you're simply sharing with a friend or family member or joining a club where you part lease a boat, there are a few good ways to save money.

Sharing a boat with a friend or family member is the simplest option. This will effectively halve your upfront and ongoing costs. Considering most people rarely use a boat alone it makes good sense to share the burden. This also gives you the ability to spend more than you were originally planning which gives you the opportunity to buy a bigger or newer boat. Boat costs are ongoing and can really sting the back pocket. Sharing with a friend is an ideal way to keep these costs down to a minimum.

Another option to save money is to join a boat lease/share organisation. Quite simply, these clubs ask for an annual fee that entitles you to use a certain boat a set number of times a year. Usually the number is around 10 days a year which seems quite minimal, but I have yet heard of a person who has needed to exceed this quota. This option allows you to have no hassles as the boat will be serviced, moored and looked after with no effort from you. This option also allows you to lease a boat that may be much more expensive than you could ever afford. Ultimately the lease/share option allows you a hassle free boat to use throughout the year at your convenience.

Remember before buying a boat that it is a costly experience. Not only will you be faced with upfront costs for the boat and purchasing fees, you will also be burdened with ongoing costs such as insurances, licensing fees, mooring fees, servicing costs etc. Try to go halves or thirds with someone you know or consider leasing a boat out at your convenience.