Boating is a great hobby in Florida to escape the heat, but it comes with some costs that beginners may not anticipate. Beyond the initial expense of purchasing a boat or joining a boat club, there are ongoing costs for supplies, maintenance, and equipment. Boating supplies, in particular, can be more expensive than you might expect. From safety gear to navigation tools, these essentials can add up over time.
Boating Safety Card
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, must have a Boating Safety Card. BoatUS offers a great free online safety course you can complete before you even start boating. Florida Fish and Wildlife also has classroom options if you prefer an in-person course.
Common Boating Costs to Expect:
- Fuel: Boats consume a lot of fuel, especially if you’re covering long distances or participating in water sports. Fuel prices at marinas can be significantly higher—often $2 more per gallon compared to regular gas stations.
- Maintenance: The annual cost of maintaining a boat can be as much as 10% of the purchase price. Boating is not cheap, and these costs need to be factored in.
- Storage: If you’re not part of a boat club, storing your boat—whether on a trailer or in a marina—comes with additional costs. Keeping the boat at your residence can save a lot of money, storing it on the water will cost a lot of money.
- Insurance: Like cars, boats need insurance, and the rates vary depending on the type and size of your boat. Florida tends to have higher insurance rates; expect to pay around $1,000 per year.
- Upgrades and Repairs: Common upgrades such as trim tabs, depth finders, and GPS systems are costly but can greatly enhance your boating experience.
Essential Boating Features and How to Use Them
1. Trim Tabs
Trim tabs are small, adjustable plates located on the transom of your boat that help improve balance, get on plane faster, and increase performance.
- How to Use: Trim tabs can correct a listing from passengers or gear. Make small adjustments and get comfortable with how they work. Be cautious about pushing the bow too far down, especially in rough water.
2. Outboard Trim
Outboard trim refers to adjusting the angle of the outboard engine, which helps with fuel efficiency and staying on plane.
- How to Use: Trim down when starting from a standstill or cruising at slow speeds. Trim up at higher speeds to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency. Be mindful not to trim too high, as the propeller could lift out of the water.
3. Reading Depth
It’s easy to run aground, even when you think you’re in deeper waters.
- How to Read It: Watch for changes in water color or how waves break in certain areas. Use navigation apps like Navionics to check depth ahead of time. Always go slower in new areas, especially if you have an out-going tide where if you do get stuck you will have to wait for the waters to rise again.
Docking, Boat Ramps, and Trailers
If you’d like to skip some of these tasks, consider joining Freedom Boat Club where maintenance, storage, and launching are handled for you. If you own a boat, though, you’ll need to get used to these skills, especially at busy ramps.
Docking
- How to Dock: Practice docking at a quiet, public dock when no one is around. Use short bursts of throttle to control speed, popping in and out of gear. Go slow—there’s no need to rush, and slower speeds will reduce the damage if you do bump something.
Boat Ramp
- Using a Boat Ramp: Patience is key at boat ramps. You’ll encounter slower people and those in a hurry. Don’t rush for someone else’s sake. Practice using the ramp during less busy times to get comfortable with the process. And always remember the drain plug!
Trailer
- Towing and Storage: Towing your boat can also be stressful, especially when traveling to unfamiliar locations with tight turns. Scout your route beforehand to make sure you’re comfortable. Practice backing up in an empty parking lot, and watch how others use ramps for extra learning.
Off-Shore Boating vs. Inshore Boating
Boating in the St. Johns River or Intracoastal Waterway is a completely different experience from boating in the Atlantic. Inshore, you’re close to help, marinas, and other boaters. Offshore, you’re more isolated, and the stakes are higher if something goes wrong.
Inlets
Running inlets when heading offshore can be challenging. Some inlets become dangerous during incoming tides. Always check the tide schedule and weather conditions before using an inlet. Start with calm days to get a feel for it, and slowly test rougher conditions once you’re comfortable. If the inlet looks unsafe, don’t go out. Pay attention to small craft advisories as well. If you are off-shore and the conditions are bad getting back through the inlet, wait for a bigger boat to break up the chop and you drive through his path.
Taking Things Slow
One of the most important tips for new boaters is to take things slow. Almost all boating mistakes happen because of rushing.
Docking
The slower you go, the less likely you are to cause damage. Boats don’t have brakes, so if you come in too fast, you risk hitting docks or other vessels. Practice makes perfect, so find an empty dock to practice. You will not always have calm conditions to dock in so try and practice with some currents.
Navigating Channels
Channels on maps aren’t always perfectly accurate. Be cautious and check your depth when passing through. If you’re unsure, follow another boat through. Make sure you know whether it’s a “red right return” for your area. In Florida, follow no wake, we have a good amount of manatee no wake zones.
New Areas
Exploring new waters is one of the best parts of boating, but take your time. Locals usually know the area well—if you see them avoiding a spot, it’s best to do the same. Always check depth charts and navigation apps before heading out to avoid any surprises.
Boating Etiquette
Just like driving, boating has its own set of unspoken rules.
- Passing: If another boat crosses your path and is on your starboard side, you should yield to them. If two boats are passing head-on, it’s generally a port-to-port pass. Always be mindful of your wake, especially around smaller vessels.
- Be Respectful: Give space to other boaters, there is plenty of water for everyone to enjoy. Give a wave to other captains, keep your music at a reasonable level, and always enjoy yourself.
- Littering: Never throw trash overboard. Let’s all help keep our waters clean.
Boating is all about enjoying the water safely and respectfully. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned boater, these tips will help you have a great time while keeping yourself and others safe on the water. Happy boating!