motor yachting for beginners

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Motor boats for beginners: Everything you need to know

• Isobel Smith

Looking to get into motor boats? Discover the options available that’ll see you out on the water in no time

Speed, comfort and style – these are the mantras of motor boat fans. You can go from flying through the waves at 35 knots to lying on a sunpad at some remote anchorage, drink in hand, and still make it home in time for tea.

Motor boats are a great way to get out on the water and it’s fairly easy to pick up the basics. Read our guide to find out more…

Boat training

The first step to enjoying motor boats is taking the necessary boat training that’ll teach you everything you need to know about boat handling.

The RYA has a number of courses on offer , ranging from complete beginners, all the way through to those looking to test their motor boat skills in more demanding conditions.

The RYA’s level 1 course is a great place to start for a complete beginner, but if you have some experience already, then taking the RYA level 2 course may be a better option. Either course is no longer than two days, with level 1 costing around £200 and level 2 around £340.

There are hundreds of RYA training centres throughout the UK that offer the necessary training and you can use the RYA’s online tool to find your nearest venue .

Hiring motor boats

Once you’ve developed a love of boating, it’s not surprising that you’ll want to spend more and more time out on the water. Hiring a boat is a commitment-free way to enjoy the sport without costs such as maintenance and mooring fees.

Many centres across the UK will allow you to hire a small RIB for either a few hours or up to a week. You can expect to pay up to £50 per hour for motor boat hire, depending on the make and model and around £140 for a full day.

Buying a boat

Many people dream of buying a motor boat and depending on what you’re looking for, you can pick up some models of smaller boats on the market for just a few thousand pounds.

Take a look at an online brokerage site to see average prices and search MBY’s boat reviews to find a model that suits your needs. If you’re not sure which boat would be best for your needs you can ask our motor boat forum community for recommendations.

Boat membership

Boat membership schemes are a great alternative to owning a boat as you can get experience out on the water without the financial commitment. All you have to do is pay a joining fee and then a fixed monthly sum to use a boat.

The majority of boats involved in boat memberships will have one owner member and up to seven memberships per boat. Once signed up, you can use an online calendar to book your time on board.

There are three different types of membership boating: single, flexible and crewed. If you want to use the same boat then single boat membership is a good option, while flexible gives you the chance to skipper a boat of your choice when you want.

On a crewed membership scheme you can join a skippered boat with similar people for 10 days throughout the year or make private crewing arrangements.

Prices will vary but RIBs will set you back around £300 per month, while a 40ft sportscruiser  could cost you up to £1,000 a month, in addition to fuel costs.

Boat sharing

Another alternative is shared boat ownership , whereby you share the purchase and running costs of a vessel with others, making it significantly cheaper than buying a motor boat outright on your own.

The boat is managed for you so you can focus on being out on the water rather than administration and maintenance.

Chartering motor boats

Chartering a yacht is essentially hiring a boat for a fixed period of time in a specific location, ranging from exotic destinations halfway across the world to holiday spots in UK waters.

Countries such as Greece, Turkey and Croatia are extremely popular charter destinations but there are hundreds to choose from.

Depending on the size of boat, location and whether your charter includes crew you can pay anything from £500 pp upwards.

Beginners Yachting Guide

March 24, 2021 By : Administrator

From our Nomad: Life on Water Series

We all dream of a gorgeous luxury vacation at one point or another… someplace where you can feel the sand between your toes, hear the rush of the ocean waves, and simply relax. Maybe your dream includes adventure sports like jet skiing or parasailing, or maybe you’re more interested in simply exploring new destinations. Perhaps you want to float between islands in the teal waters of the Caribbean, or maybe the deep jewel tones of the Mediterranean call to you like a siren song. 

Maybe you’re looking for more than just a vacation, but an entirely new lifestyle…Yachting is the solution. 

Yachts come in all sizes and types and charter for (or book to go to) all kinds of destinations. Yachting can be a luxury vacation, a new lifestyle, or even a new vocation. Yachting is a rich world of exploration and enjoyment for just about anyone (not just the uber wealthy!) 

In this beginner’s yachting guide we will cover all of the basics about yachting including:

What is Yachting?

• History of yachting

Who goes yachting?

Where do yachts go, what kind of yachts exist, what amenities do yachts have, how do i book a yacht, how much does it cost to take a yacht vacation, who crews a yacht, how do i work on a yacht.

• Yachting guide terminology

Safe Yachting Guide

And much, much more. So if you want to uncover all the secrets in the yachting world, let’s dive in to this yachting guide!

One of the most important parts of yachting is staying safe while overseas. We always recommend travel medical insurance that includes adventure sports coverage. To learn more about travel medical insurance and what plans are available, click here!

Yachting is the use of a boat designed for recreation or leisure to cruise or race.

Yachts are boats that differentiate from working boats like shipping or fishing boats because they are specifically tailored to include luxurious amenities and travel to various vacation destinations. 

Boats that are considered yachts can typically house up to twelve guests in staterooms onboard, as well as crew members like deckhands and stewards to keep the boat in “ship shape”, or clean and ready to sail. 

Yachting can be a short charter for a vacation of one or two weeks, or it can be an entire lifestyle. 

History of Yachting

No yachting guide would be complete without a bit of history. While sailing has been around since before recorded history, yachting has its roots in more recent nautical history. 

The first mentions of the word “yacht” appear in reference to boats designed for racing in 17th century europe. Boat racing became the pastime of the royals and the wealthy in England, Holland, France, and Spain. Eventually open ocean yacht racing became popular all the way to America and Australia. 

Yacht races are still commonly held to this day, and include various lengths from crossing small bodies of water all the way up to racing around the world. 

Yachts originally were designed as light, nimble ships in the water custom designed for speed. Their sizes ranged from that of a dinghy to ships that rivaled military battleships. These racing vessels were eventually classified into different sizes resulting in some of the terminology used to describe different ships to this day. 

These days yachts are not only defined as ships designed for racing. In fact, the majority of yachts are not designed for speed at all. Now yachts are known as the height of luxury in life on water, specializing in leisure over work. 

The simple answer? Anyone!

Yachts are designed for so many different types of lifestyles and people that there is no one kind of person that goes yachting. 

These ships are great for people who want to spend some time away from the hustle and bustle of a 9 to 5 job and enjoy being on open water for a few days. Yachts are also great for large families or groups that would like to vacation privately together. Yachts are even good for small families looking to explore many different destinations in one single trip!

As you can see, there is no single group or type to go yachting because each charter is tailor made for the person or group booking the ship. 

Like a tailor-made yachting charter, it’s also important to protect yourself with a tailor-made travel or expatriate medical insurance plan. Learn more about travel medical insurance that includes adventure sports in the video below!

Yachts can go pretty much anywhere where there is relatively smooth sailing water and reasonable access. Depending on their size yachts can be on smaller bodies of water like lakes such as the Ozarks and Great Lakes in the United States, or they can call the entire ocean home and sail around the world regularly. 

According to LuxuryDefined some of the best destinations for yachts include: 

• The French Riviera
• U.S. Virgin Islands
• Palm Beach, Florida
• Costa Smeralda, Italy
• St. George’s Parish, Bermuda 
• Newport, Rhode Island 
• Nantucket, Massachusetts
• Greater Victoria, Vancouver Island

Source: https://christiesrealestate.com/blog/9-of-the-worlds-best-yachting-locations/

Yachts typically have a “season” in which they are most active. Depending on their home harbour, yachts will be most active in the summer months (May- August in the northern hemisphere) or the winter months. Spring and Fall seasons are generally times in which the boat is resting or preparing for the next active season. 

There are many different types of yachts from those that sail exclusively with motors, to those with two hulls called catamarans. Here is a basic yachting guide for the different types of yachts and their definitions: 

Sailing Yacht: a yacht mainly propelled via wind and sails

Motor Yacht: a yacht propelled via one or more motors

Gulet Yacht: a hybrid yacht with both sails and motors

Open Yacht, Cruiser, Cabin Cruiser, Express Cruiser: an otherwise uncategorized standard yacht for cruising and entertaining

Luxury Yacht: a yacht that includes high-end finishes and features and the latest in modern performance technology. The term ‘luxury’ can precede any type of yacht, i.e. “luxury motor yacht”, “luxury sailing yacht”, etc.

Sports Yacht: a yacht geared towards fishing, water sports, or cruising with a sleeker design and more powerful motor for faster cruising speeds. The term ‘sports’ can precede other types of yachts as well, i.e. “sports motor yacht”.

Catamaran Yacht: a yacht with two hulls (pontoons) often made of fiberglass that can be used in shallow waters.

(source: https://vanislemarina.com/when-is-a-boat-a-yacht/ )

As you can see, yachts include a wide variety of types of ships with different methods of propulsion and design. Just like there isn’t one type of person that goes yachting, there isn’t just one type of yacht available. The opportunities and options are boundless when it comes to yachting!

Stay tuned for our next blog article all about sailing and the different types of ships that can be commissioned for vacation, or even a new lifestyle powered by the wind!

Basic yacht charters include provisions (food and consumables) as well as entertainment such as adventure sports equipment like scuba, snorkeling, or other water sports. Many yachts will include lifestyle amenities like wifi, cable TV, pools and jacuzzis, and indoor and outdoor seating or gathering areas to enjoy all the views the yacht will have to offer on charter. 

Amenities are dependent on the yacht itself, so be sure to clarify with your broker what specific amenities you want when booking your vacation, or hiring crew. 

Some of the craziest yacht amenities we’ve heard of include: 

• Tennis Court
• “Nemo Lounge” or underwater observatory
• Drive in Tender Bay
• Outdoor Cinema

(Source: https://luxatic.com/coolest-luxury-yacht-amenities-on-superyachts-that-you-didnt-know-existed/ )

According to boatinternational.com some of the amenities you can expect to be available on different yachts include: 

• Beach Club (water level rear deck)
• Salon Services

And of course, plenty of places to work on a tan.

(Source: https://boatinternational.com/charter/luxury-yacht-charter-advice/a-life-of-leisure-onboard-a-superyacht–1811)

Booking a yacht can seem like a daunting process, especially if you’ve never been before. Well, the experts at International Yacht Charter Group have put together a yachting guide to make it much easier. Here are their steps: 

1. Choose a Yacht Charter Specialist.

Find a specialist who makes you feel comfortable with the process and who willingly seeks your input. This is the best way to ensure you book the ideal charter yacht. Choose a specialist without ties to specific charter yachts; you want information on the whole range of options, not limited to a small “in-house” selection. The specialist should be experienced and very competent so that you will feel confident about your yacht charter booking.

2. Select the Yacht and Destination.

Browse online to start gathering information about all your yacht and destination options. You will choose between motor and sailing yachts as well as what part of the world you want to explore. The specialists at International Yacht Charter Group visit many yachts worldwide each year and have extensive knowledge about what will work best for individual clients.

3. Fill Out Paperwork.

Once the ideal yacht is chosen for the dates you want, it will be reserved with a yacht charter contract between you and the charter yacht owner. Booking a yacht charter is different from reserving a plane ticket or villa! A standardized contract is drawn up, which is then discussed in depth with your specialist. The signed contract and 50% deposit will prevent anyone else from booking the yacht.

4. Prepare to Travel.

Prior to boarding the yacht, your charter specialist and the Captain and crew will prepare the yacht for your vacation. You will have filled out a preference sheet regarding food, wine, and activities (as well as your arrival/departure information). That way the yacht will be provisioned according to your preferred items. The Captain will prepare a draft itinerary for your yacht charter based on your thoughts and ideas, which you are encouraged to discuss via email or phone prior to departure.

Before you depart make sure you purchase travel medical insurance for all travelers that includes emergency evacuation. You can see travel medical and evacuation plans here and get a fast and simple quote simply by clicking on the orange “Quote” button in the top right corner. 

5. Enjoy the Vacation!

While on charter, the Captain and crew are obviously your primary point of contact for questions about activities, meals, etc. Your Captain and crew act as concierge for your land-based adventures and on board activities. It’s recommended to discuss plans in advance whenever possible. Overall, a private yacht charter means there is no fixed itinerary, and typically some plans change en route.

Source: https://internationalyachtchartergroup.com/How-to-book-a-yacht-charter.php

You can contact international Yacht Charter Group to book a yacht by simply filling out their contact form: https://internationalyachtchartergroup.com/contactus/contactus-landing.php

The cost of renting a yacht depends on the size and type of ship, and the kinds of amenities desired in a ship. 

According to worldwideboat.com, “the average weekly cost of a 100-foot sailing yacht is between $50,000-100,000. A weekly 80-foot catamaran charter runs around $40,000-100,000, and a week-long 100-foot motor yacht rental is anywhere between $50,000-80,000.”

A 100-foot yacht will typically comfortably house 12 guests in complete luxury, meaning each person can expect to contribute around $5000 for their week long vacation. While this is quite the luxury vacation, it is priced similarly to a high end all inclusive resort, and less expensive even than some of the high end cruise lines where your vacation is shared with hundreds of people!

If booking a yacht for a vacation isn’t the right choice for you, but you are interested in exploring the world or working on a yacht, this next section is for you!

Yachts can have crews anywhere from a single captain to nearly 100 people. Depending on the size and amenities of the ship, the crew will include many different positions. Yacht crews are divided into four different departments, or categories: deck, interior, engineering, and galley. 

On deck there are different levels of crew, the names of which are classically in the common lexicon including members like the captain, the first mate, and deckhands. 

The people on deck are responsible for the navigation and bridge operation, safety, maintenance of the exterior, communication, and tender and recreation activities. 

The interior department includes stewards and amenity specific positions like bartenders, salon services, masseuses, laundry, and finances. 

Those assigned to the interior are responsible for the service on board, cleaning and maintenance of the cabins and living spaces, event planning and entertainment, and the indoor amenities offered onboard. 

Engineering

The engineering department is responsible for all things related to the engine, electrical system, sanitation and environment control, planned maintenance, and troubleshooting issues on board. 

Engineering generally consists of a smaller department of a chief engineer and either several specialists or simply a 2nd under them. 

The galley department is responsible for all things food and beverage related. This department is always run by the head chef who will place provisional orders and with the help of a sous chef or other cooks will design and prepare a menu specific to the preference sheet of the guests. The galley is also responsible for provisions for the crew most often. 

Getting a job on a yacht starts with appropriate training. Depending on the department or type of work you want to do, the training can vary from a few weeks all the way up to getting licensed as a captain. 

Most deck crew have what is called a 6-pack captains license which allows them to captain the tender, or the smaller boat that takes people to and from the yacht when it is anchored. 

Generally, the interior crew and galley crew are required to have food handlers certifications as they are serving food and alcohol regularly to guests. 

After training, typically you would apply for positions in the months before a season and then maintain a position on a specific vessel for the entire season. Some crew management companies specialize in placement on different types of yachts, but typically the first year or two is spent on smaller vessels. 

Getting into the yachting industry can be difficult as there is always competition due to the shorter seasons of work. Yachting requires workers to be away from home for many weeks at a time as well as includes strenuous physical labor. This means most yacht workers are young, single, and highly independent. 

Before taking off on your new yachting job, make sure you have the right kind of international medical insurance. Learn more about international medical insurance to cover a roaming lifestyle at sea now!

Start your yachting career by searching for specific entry level positions in the department you’re most interested, and be prepared to travel!

Yachting terminology

Want to know more about yachting? Well, this yachting guide includes some terms we’re sure you’ll run into throughout your adventure:

1. Aft – The back of a ship. If something is located aft, it is at the back of the sailboat. The aft is also known as the stern. 

2. Bow – The front of the ship is called the bow. Knowing the location of the bow is important for defining two of the other most common sailing terms: port (left of the bow) and starboard (right of the bow). 

3. Port – Port is always the left-hand side of the boat when you are facing the bow. Because “right” and “left” can become confusing sailing terms when used out in the open waters, port is used to define the left-hand side of the boat as it relates to the bow, or front. 

4. Starboard – Starboard is always the right-hand side of the boat when you are facing the bow. Because “right” and “left” can become confusing sailing terms when used out in the open waters, starboard is used to define the right-hand side of the boat as it relates to the bow, or front. 

5. Tender- a vessel used for servicing and providing support and entertainment to a private or charter yacht. They include utilitarian craft, powered by oar or outboard motor, and high-speed luxury craft, supporting superyachts, powered by inboard engines, some using water-jets.

6. Charter- the practice of renting, or chartering, a sailboat or motor yacht and travelling to various coastal or island destinations. This is usually a vacation activity, but it also can be a business event

Now you know the lingo, it’s time to get off on your adventure!

Whether on crew or on vacation on a yacht, one of the most important things is safety. While yachts are remarkably safe on water, it’s important to always listen to crew members and follow instructions. 

By nature yachts can be slippery due to moisture on deck, difficult to balance due to waves and wind conditions moving the boat, and challenging to move through with smaller hallways and lower ceilings than typically seen on land. 

Before going on any yachting adventure, in addition to a yachting guide, it’s important to make sure you have the right kind of protection in your pocket. That’s where international medical insurance comes into play. 

Protecting yourself with an international medical plan, whether it’s just for a short trip of one or two weeks, or for an entire season offshore, is the most important step you can take to ensure your safety. 

Travel and expatriate medical plans can cover you in the event of injury, illness, trip cancelation, evacuation, and much more. Plans are less expensive than you think starting at less than $1 a day, and you can get up to $1 Million in coverage or more depending on the plan of your choice. 

Your safe yachting starts on dry land with your purchase of the right international insurance plan today. Click “get a quote” to get a quote now for your upcoming vacation, or explore plans by clicking on “plans” in the menu at the top of this page. 

Good Neighbor Insurance is always here to answer any questions you may have and make sure you get the best insurance for your situation. Call our Gilbert, Arizona office at 480-813-9100, or click “chat with us” to get started right away!

Happy yachting!

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Best Boats for Beginners

But first, let's look at some of the best boat types for new boaters.

5 Best Starter Boats

• Aluminum Fishing Boat
• Pontoon Boat
• Fish-and-Ski

Explore All Boat Types

Keep It Simple (KISS) Boating

When it comes to choosing the best boats for beginners, one overall theme should be in your mind: keep it simple. This naturally means different things to different people, but what’s important is that a beginner boater doesn’t bite off more than he or she can chew. Start with a large motor yacht or power cruiser , for example, and you’ll need to learn how to operate complex propulsion and electrical systems, electronics, and accessories. At the same time you’ll have to get your feet wet when it comes to things like docking a boat (see our step-by-step guide for the basics), marine navigation , and boat maintenance . That doesn’t mean first-time boat buyers never start off big—sometimes they do—but the learning curve can be very steep and if you go that route you should be confident you have the time and ability to handle it.

Start off with a very simple boat, however, and you’ll be able to master captaining it in no time. At the far end of the KISS spectrum consider a dinghy , for example. Its propulsion system can be as simple as a small outboard engine, a sail, or even a pair of oars. There’s nothing more to take care of than a hull and some seats, and while your capabilities may be limited, you should feel comfortable operating the boat after just a few trips. Of course, many of us will want to experience a bit more flexibility on when, where, and how we go boating than a dinghy can afford. There are still plenty of relatively simple boats to choose from, like aluminum fishing boats or small pontoon boats , which take no more than a season or two to learn from stem to stern.

Costs of Boats for Beginners

Another major thing to consider is the cost of boat ownership . While boating on the whole is surprisingly affordable compared to many other recreational activities, there can be some expenses beginner boaters don’t necessarily foresee. Variables like maintenance costs, insurance, and off-season storage can come into play, and no one likes to be surprised by unexpected expenditures.

For some people this will be a non-issue. But if you have a family on a budget, be sure to calculate out as many potential costs as you can before choosing a specific boat to begin with. That way, the surprises can be kept to a minimum.

Learn More About the Costs of Boat Ownership

All-Purpose Boats for Beginners

Beginner boaters may also want to consider flexibility and versatility as an important factor. Let’s say you know you love watersports , and you’re looking at dedicated ski or wake boats . That may well be the best move for you. But on the other hand, if you haven’t experienced other waterborne activities like fishing, and you think that may be of interest down the line, a fish-and-ski might be a better choice. Now let’s broaden things out ever farther. Let’s say you went wakeboarding once and enjoyed it, tried fishing another time and enjoyed that too, and are intrigued by the idea of taking the family out for a swim in the lake or taking a bunch of friends out for a day of coving. In that case, an even more versatile boat like a bowrider or a deck boat might be a smart pick.

The bottom line? As someone new to boating there’s a good chance you’re about to be exposed to a world of possibilities you never knew existed. And the best boats for beginners will allow that to happen quickly, easily, and economically. Before you know it, you won’t be a beginner boater anymore and when you decide to upgrade, you’ll have a much better idea of which size and type of boat is perfect for your needs and desires. And yes, we’re sure that you will, in fact, decide to upgrade and buy another new boat down the line. Because like we said, this is going to be fun – really fun.

Read Next: First-Time Boat Owner's Checklist

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• Best Boats for Families
• Best Small Sailboats for Beginners
• When is the Best Time to Buy a Boat?
• The Ultimate Boat Buyer's Guide
• Small Boats: What Are My Options?

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The Beginner Guide to Buying a Yacht – A Few Things to Consider

Are you looking to experience memorable journeys through calm pristine waters and go on your best private vacations in your own vessel? If so, it might be a sign from the stars above for you to purchase your very own yacht.

It may appear to be a simple task to accomplish at first. You pick a yacht, pay for it, and cruise away. However many buyers are unaware of all the nuances of purchasing their own boat that suits their taste, budget, and needs. In this article, we go over our ultimate beginner guide to buying a yacht to ensure you get to enjoy the experience when purchasing your very own boat.

Make sure you have a place to dock it

First things first, the most crucial part of preparing to purchase a boat is making sure you have a place to dock it. In some areas, finding a marina or harbour to dock your vessel can be challenging.

If your marina is in high demand, it is worthwhile to ascertain how long it typically takes to obtain a dock space for your new jewel, even if your yacht has not been purchased yet. This step may appear to be out of place, but it is not. Finding the perfect dock space will be the determining factor of whether you will have a good experience owning a yacht or not. At Simpson Marine, we help you to find a right berth in the location that suits you best as part of our yacht sourcing services.

Select a boat type that is appropriate for your needs

Now that you have a space for your potential vessel, it is time to decide which category suits your needs and desires. Before purchasing it, you should think about how and where you plan to use your boat regularly. Furthermore, you should know that there are advantages and disadvantages to every type of yacht.

A monohull may be ideal in some situations but not in others. When shopping for a catamaran to cruise the shallow seas of a tropical island, you won’t have the exact requirements as someone trying to cross the Atlantic. Purchase a yacht that is appropriate for the type of adventures you want to go on as well as the destinations you intend to explore in your future journeys. You can always charter a more suitable yacht for any additional activities that your boat is not equipped to handle on its own.

Look for a boat that suits your taste

Everyone desires a yacht that will satisfy both their needs and taste. Whether warranted or not, aesthetics plays a significant role in restricting your choices when purchasing your first yacht. Numerous yachts are unique, with profile and deck lines and interiors designed by renowned designers and architects and shipyards.

However, whatever yacht style you choose, keep in mind that your dock neighbour, or friends (!), will desire a more attractive vessel than you and vice versa. The world yacht owners is a competitive one. There are many types of yachts you can choose from. Traditional sailboats, spacious and safe catamarans, elegant motor yachts, and ultimately superyachts and megayachts for the elite experience. While some styles will never go out of style, others may so it is important to consider a design that is timeless and could easily resell in future, when upgrading for your next vessel.

Always prioritise your comfort and safety

It is vital to understand the comfort you desire. This is because the size and equipment of your yacht are directly tied to how comfortable you will be on board. Furthermore, you may require a crew to help you navigate and run the vessel, especially if you have no sailing experience.

A smaller boat will save you money in the long run, but you will have fewer options when it comes to amenities, space, and the ability to hire a crew. Another option is to go larger, which could result in an extremely comfortable yacht, but you’ll need a professional crew to operate it. This raises the overall cost of ownership and maintenance costs. Getting a commodious yacht comes with a cost. At Simpson Marine you may consider placing your yacht under our Yacht Management scheme that saves you all the hassles of daily operations – all you have to do is to enjoy your time at sea.

If choosing a superyacht is something you want to pursue, make sure you only choose among most reliable and credible superyachts for sale in the market. As with acquiring a brokerage superyacht, it’s critical to do your own due diligence and rely on the most reputed brokerage house with a confirmed history of yacht sales and deliveries and a team of professional brokers.

Estimate your annual budget

Yachting, as enjoyable as it is, can be a pricey pastime. As crucial as it is to know the price of your yacht, it’s also critical to understand how much additional fees will accrue over time. Maintenance, repairs, insurance, and mooring are all necessities for a boat.

As crews are involved, these costs can quickly rise as a result of the size of the yachts involved. As long as you know what type of boat to look for, what aesthetics you want, what comfort and performance standards you have in mind, and how much money you have to spend, then you are more than ready to buy your first yacht!

Resolve the finance and administrative issues

Several factors go into the selection process, including the home port, sailing area, and whether or not the company has any commercial ties to the area. Additionally, you can choose from a wide range of flags of convenience, including those from your home nation. Your experienced broker will be able to assist you in making a decision, or they will direct you to an expert in the field.

To discuss your yacht purchase plans you can discuss directly with Simpson Marine who has the reputation of the longest operating yacht dealer and broker in Asia.

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Best boats for beginners: 4 affordable options for your first boat

• How to start boating: Everything you need to know to get afloat
• Top stories

Our resident used boat expert Nick Burnham picks out four of the best boats for beginners from the likes of Fletcher, Regal, Axopar and Marex…

This morning was spent watching an old video of Smuggler’s Blues 2 (my boat) while finding reasons not to get on with my proper work. I’d filmed it over a weekend aboard with my partner Marianne after an exceptionally busy couple of weeks.

It was a Sunday morning, we’d only just got up, and over breakfast I was opining that boating can be whatever you want it to be: thrilling, adventurous, exciting, sociable, fun, restorative – you choose.

However, you do actually need to buy yourself a boat first. So for those still considering a first step afloat, here are four great examples, from an affordable 22ft cuddy to a fast 37ft weekender with a 31ft Scandi cruiser in between.

The one thing they all have in common is that they are simple, user-friendly beginners boats for first-time buyers to own, drive and maintain.

4 of the best boats for beginners

Fletcher 22 GTS

Built: 2002 Price: £19,950

There’s a lot to be said for starting small and working your way up. Not only does it keep the budget manageable, it keeps the boat manageable too.

At just 22ft, even a novice could soon be managing this little craft single-handed with a modicum of training – helpful if guests (or spouses) are not so enthusiastic about getting hands on.

However, it’s also big enough to extend the horizons beyond merely day boating , and the diesel engine keeps the running costs under control too.

Of course smaller boats come with smaller, well, everything – and it’s in the cabin that you feel the pinch most keenly on the Fletcher 22 GTS. It is basically a cuddy, so there’s not enough height to stand up and there’s not enough space for a separate toilet compartment.

But accept those limitations and it’s a perfectly useable cabin. There’s a nice little dinette where you can tuck yourself out of the weather, and if you drop the table and slot in the infill cushions, you’ve got a very decent double bed.

There is a chemical loo under one of the seats too, so compact though it is, all the important bases are pretty well covered.

The cuddy cabin has a convertible dinette and a portable loo

Outside is where the priority clearly lies in the layout of this boat. Again, it’s compact, but it’s easy for a family to enjoy. There’s a little swim platform with a ladder and the seating wraps sociably around the aft section of the cockpit, with a fridge and a sink to starboard.

It’s also quite high-sided, adding a sense of security that’s vital for those taking their first steps afloat. At the business end, there are two seats for helm and navigator and a walk-through windscreen to access the foredeck.

Performance

Lift the back seat and you’ll discover a Yamaha 370 STI engine. The big news about this is that it’s a diesel. That means it offers lower consumption and running costs, as well as much easier availability of fuel at the dockside.

Churning out about 160hp, it ought to be good to take this affordable family cuddy to a top end of around 30 knots.

As with all Fletcher sports boats, the ride and handling are conspicuous strong points

Norman Fletcher, founder of Fletcher International Sports Boats, was a powerboat racer who understood a good hull. That’s why all Fletcher boats punch well above their weight when out at sea.

Specifications

LOA: 21ft 7in (6.6m) Beam: 8ft 6in (2.6m) Draft: 1ft 8in (0.5m) Displacement: 2 tonnes Fuel capacity: 280 litres Engine: Yamaha 370 STI 164hp diesel Location: Essex Contact: boats.co.uk

Article continues below…

Secondhand buyers guide: Best starter boats under £20,000

Saxdor 200 sport test drive: £25,000 boats don’t get any cooler than this.

Regal 28 Express

Built: 2014 Price: £79,995

If you need something that feels a little more like motor cruising and a little less like camping, then the 25ft mark is where it all starts.

Often referred to as ‘pocket cruisers’, this is the size where increased volume creates the space for the basic essentials of comfortable onboard living.

Features like standing headroom, a separate toilet and a dedicated (rather than convertible) bed make all the difference.

The layout on this type of boat is inevitably pretty ubiquitous, simply because it’s what works best. There’s a U-shaped forward seating section that converts to a double berth or creates a dinette for meals.

Further aft, where a rising roofline generates adequate headroom, there is a small galley opposite the toilet compartment. It features a single burner hob, a sink with pressurised hot and cold water and a fridge and microwave.

Move aft again and, beneath the forward end of the cockpit, there is sufficient space for a permanent double berth. That takes the sleeping capacity to four but, more importantly, it means that if you choose to cruise as a couple, you are not continually having to convert the seating before bedding down for the night.

It features a permanent mid cabin, a convertible dinette and a lower galley and heads

A canopy turns the cockpit into quite a versatile living area. Removable sides mean you can use it as a bimini top for shade too. Another neat feature is the twin aft benches, which face each other across the table. The backrest of the aft seat pivots forward, creating an aft sunpad and locking into various positions.

You can lock it up for dining, leave it half way for chaise-longue-style lounging or lie it flat and use it for sunbathing.

A Mercruiser 350MPI V8 petrol engine sits snugly beneath the aft deck. That 350 figure refers to the capacity in cubic inches (5.7 in litres). It puts out a smooth and potent 300hp, which is enough for 30 knots plus and a reasonably economical 25-knot cruise.

With convertible seating and multi-part canopies, the cockpit is pretty versatile

The high, narrow hull requires a little tab work to keep it on an even keel in a crosswind, but this is a decent performer for its size.

LOA: 28ft 8in (8.7m) Beam: 8ft 6in (2.6m) Draft: 3ft 3in (1.0m) Displacement: 3.5 tonnes Fuel capacity: 276 litres Engine: Mercruiser 350 Magnum 300hp petrol engine Location: Torquay Contact: One Marine

Axopar 37 Sun Top

Built: 2017 Price: £154,950

The joy of this (and indeed any) Axopar is its innate practicality. Low-sided and heavily fendered by a chunky grey rubbing strake, it’s surprisingly confidence-inspiring.

The aft end of the Axopar 37 is entirely customisable when ordered new. A raised sunpad is one option, bringing enough height for a small two-berth cabin beneath.

An alternative is the flat aft deck behind the rear cockpit seating, creating a wonderful watersports arena. Whichever option the buyer chooses, you get a forward cabin ahead of the helm.

Duck into here and you’ll discover a wide open-plan environment with a double berth in the bow, a single seat and a galley area. There’s also a proper plumbed-in sea toilet down here, nestling discreetly inside a small wooden cabinet.

The cabin is bright and comfortable for two but lacks a separate heads compartment

It’s clear then that this is not designed to be a dedicated family cruiser. The focus here is alfresco fun. In addition to that impressive aft deck, the long bow space provides a set of sunbathing cushions on the cabin top.

There’s also a central cockpit space with four forward-facing seats opposite another three helm seats that swivel 180 degrees to face aft across the table.

As the sun-top version, this boat features a large hardtop with a fabric opening sunroof but other notable deck options include a cabin version which closes the cockpit off for year-round recreation.

The Axopar 37 is built for twin outboard installations. The smallest option is a pair of 200hp motors for a top speed of around 40 knots.

However, we tested the Axopar 37 with the same option as this boat, a pair of Mercury’s super smooth Verado 350 motors. And in that form, you can expect a 47-knot top end and a very easy 40-knot cruise.

Even on a 2017 model, Axopar’s prowess in day boating practicality is clear

Speed is fun but only if kept firmly under control. That’s particularly true for first-time boaters where crew confidence is paramount, but you need have no worries here.

Our man in Mallorca described the hull as “so adept, so unflappable and so flattering that it’s easy to drive fast in a big sea and still feel utterly safe and in control”.

LOA: 36ft 9in (11.2m) Beam: 10ft 10in (3.3m) Draft: 2ft 9in (0.9m) Displacement: 2.9 tonnes Fuel capacity: 770 litres Engines: Twin Mercury 350 Verado 350hp outboard engines Location: Poole Contact: Salterns Brokerage

Built: 2019 Price: £235,000

Almost a quarter of a million pounds might feel a little steep for a first boat, but it’s important to understand that people have all sorts of different budgets, and this boat works so well as a first boat that if you have the means, it’s actually a very sensible investment.

UK dealer Wessex Marine has confirmed that several have been supplied as first boats, including one to TV presenter James May .

On a Scandinavian designed and built boat, you expect plenty of cruising practicality and you get it.

In addition to a pair of very decent double cabins, plus a heads compartment and galley, the 310 features a really well protected cockpit. In all regards, it is a very safe and capable small cruiser.

Marex’s proven quick-rig canopy system makes the 310 ideal for year-round use

The cleverness of the cockpit arrangement starts with the canopy system. The open-backed hardtop has two manual sliding roofs extending fore and aft from a central bar.

You can open or close these in seconds by simply twisting the release catch and pulling. But the real pièce de résistance is the side canopy system. That hardtop extends almost to the transom, providing the perfect location for hanging the aft canopies.

Once unclipped, a split on the centreline means that both sides slide along what are effectively curtain tracks, disappearing into dedicated vertical lockers. ‘Voila!’ as they say in Norway.

The fact that these are so easy to deploy makes the large comfortable dinette aft of the helm seat particularly handy for year-round use.

A single Volvo Penta 4-cylinder D4-300 was the standard engine, but many buyers (this one included) upgraded to the larger and more powerful 6-cylinder D6-370.

We described it as a “fine match for the 310”, topping out at 35 knots and cruising at just under 30 knots.

As a premium Scandinavian cruiser, the helm is superb

The Scandinavians design their boats to be used pretty much every day and that’s why the helm position is ergonomically so good.

It’s also well protected by large windscreens, enabling the helmsman to fully enjoy “an engaging and lively driving experience”.

LOA: 31ft 0in (9.5m) Beam: 10ft 6in (3.2m) Draft: 3ft 2in (1.0m) Displacement: 4.5 tonnes Fuel capacity: 440 litres Engine: Volvo Penta D6-370 370hp diesel Location: Poole Contact: Wessex Marine

4 more beginners boats from the April 2022 issue

Bayliner 742.

Built: 2014 Price: £40,000

In the 1980s Bayliner sold on price – undercutting the competition and gaining a name for themselves as the cheapest way into a new boat. As is so often the case, however, you got what you paid for or, more accurately, didn’t get what you hadn’t paid for.

It’s fair to say that the reputation was broadly comparable to Skoda’s at the time. But just like Skoda, the company has gone through something of a renaissance, and whilst the prices are no longer bargain basement, neither is the quality – both manufacturers are turning out a pretty solid product these days.

Still the budget end of the market, it’s the frills that are reduced these days, not the quality. It’s why the cabin of this boat, first introduced to the UK at the London Boat Show in 2014, has plenty of smooth gelcoat on show rather than soft vinyl and polished wood.

But it serves its purpose just fine as a space to get out of the weather or enjoy an occasional overnight stay. There’s even a proper plumbed-in sea toilet here.

There’s a fair bit of GRP on show but it’s a perfectly decent cabin for overnighting

The same applies to the cockpit: it might be a little more functional than expensive competitors, but you can’t fault the layout or the facilities. There’s a canopy frame that folds and stows beneath the aft seat, and a cockpit wet bar behind the helm seat includes a proper fridge and a hob.

There are some neat details too, like a section of the sunpad aft that lifts to provide a backrest if required, or folds to create a walk-through from the swim platform. The passenger seat backrest also folds forward to extend the seating along the full length of the cockpit.

Bayliner offers a variety of engines from a two-litre diesel right through to a 6.2 litre V8 350 Magnum. This boat treads the middle ground with a punchy but relatively (it is a boat!) economical Mercruiser 4.3 litre V6 giving 220hp.

Functional cockpit is large, comfortable and equipped with a proper little wet bar

It’s a small, light boat, so don’t expect to be crossing the English Channel in a Force 5, but for coastal cruising in sensible conditions it’s perfectly sufficient.

Length: 24ft 6in (7.5m) Beam: 8ft 4in (2.5m) Draught: 3ft 4in (1.0m) Displacement: 1.9 tonnes Fuel capacity: 196 litres Engines: Mercruiser 4.3 litre V6 220hp Contact: Salterns Brokerage

Sealine S330

Built: 2017 Price: £209,950

Launched in 2014 and designed by Bill Dixon, the S330 was a very important boat for Sealine . When the original Kidderminster company went into administration in 2013, the brand was bought by the Hanse Group in Germany, and whilst the F380 was the first Sealine it launched, that boat was a design inherited from the British company.

The S330 was the first Sealine that Hanse developed from scratch. The boat proved to be a great success, so much so that it spawned a C330 Coupe version that remains in production today as the mildly upgraded Sealine C335 .

Sealine kept the layout traditional inside, with the usual cabin at each end separated by the saloon and galley set-up that has worked for the brand and countless others for years. There is a factory option to lose the forward bulkhead but most got the separate forward cabin.

It’s nicely done though, large hull windows offer both light and view (the former augmented by skylights), and headroom is great. This boat has the popular walnut finish to bulkheads, although oak and cherry were also offered.

The forward cabin is surprisingly light and spacious with good headroom too

The hardtop came as standard, so you won’t find a completely open version, but Sealine has been careful to retain the feeling of being outside. Not only does the roof slide almost all the way back, courtesy of having a fabric centre section, but the aft section slides forward to meet it. You can also remove the clear vinyl panels above the fixed glass sidescreens.

Three forward facing seats at the helm is a great feature, and there is plenty more seating around a table further aft.

Sealine launched this boat with a pair of Volvo Penta D3 220 220hp engines, which is exactly what this boat has got. A single Volvo Penta D6 was an alternative, and more recently Sealine launched a twin outboard engine version called the S335V. When we tested the boat at launch with the 220s, we achieved a credible 33 knots.

Few 33ft boats offer such a good balance of price, accommodation and style

Calm seas made it difficult to assess the seakeeping but we certainly enjoyed the handling, describing it as a ‘brilliant hull and powertrain’.

Length: 33ft 10in (10.3m) Beam: 11ft 6in (3.5m) Draught: 2ft 9in (0.9m) Displacement: 6.7 tonnes Fuel capacity: 570 litres Engines: Twin Volvo Penta D3 200 220hp diesel engines Contact: Boats.co.uk

Doral 250SE

Built: 2003 Price: £47,500

A rare beast in that, although the styling has distinctly American overtones, Doral boats were actually made in Canada. Prevalent in the Nineties and Noughties, Doral actually dates back to 1979 and built a range of craft from speedboats up to 50-footers.

The standout feature of this boat is the finish and the colour of the woodwork in the cabin, which looks both classy and inviting, and a huge step up from the very plain and austere looking interior of the boat we tested in 2000.

The layout is entirely conventional for a boat of this size and type, with a dinette forward, a small galley opposite the heads and a double berth running transversely beneath the cockpit.

There is standing headroom at the bottom of the steps, and although the shape of the boat means that you lose this further forward, the nature of the dinette is that you’d be sitting by this point anyway.

A smattering of wood lifts the look and feel of this Canadian built compact sportscruiser

Almost all mid-20ft sportscruisers are constrained to an 8ft 6in beam in order to maintain the ability to be towed on the road but Doral has been particularly clever in how it ekes out the maximum amount of space.

No side decks is an obvious win, access to the foredeck being granted via steps and an opening windscreen. More intriguingly, Doral has fitted a sliding section of cockpit seating, meaning that if you’re happy to lose a little bathing platform space, you can slide the aft portion out over it and drop in infill cushions. In fact, this example has the extended platform, reclaiming some lost ground.

We tested a 250SE with a 260hp Mercruiser V8 petrol engine and achieved a very sporting 37 knots! Subtract the extra weight of the diesel engine (and the extended bathing platform), add a little back for the extra 40hp of the Mercruiser 300hp diesel and you should still be the right side of 30 knots.

A full beam cockpit with a sliding aft bench makes the most of every inch

We found the handling of the 250SE to be ‘excellent’ apparently, with no heavy slamming. Like all tall narrow boats of this genre, it relies on the trim tabs to maintain an even keel in a crosswind.

Length: 28ft 8in (8.7m) Beam: 8ft 6in (2.6m) Draught: 3ft 5in (1.0m) Displacement: 3 tonnes Fuel capacity: 245 litres Engines: Mercruiser 300hp diesel engine Contact: One Marine

Fairline Targa 30

Built: 2001 Price: £69,950

The Targa 30 is the final evolution of a successful Fairline model that dates back to 1994, when it was introduced as the Targa 28. Two years later it morphed into the Targa 29 with little changing beyond a longer bathing platform.

But the Targa 30 variant introduced a new cockpit layout with a sunpad, and windows (rather than portholes) for the cabin, although bizarrely these were optional extras.

The layout echoes smaller sportscruisers with its U-shaped dinette forward, galley opposite the heads and a mid cabin aft. However, the extra length, and in particular the 10ft beam, make this a far more spacious area.

The galley is an L-shape, with room for a two-burner hob, an oven and a grill. Those hull windows are worth looking out for (although I’ve only ever seen one boat without them so they should be easy to find).

The mid-cabin is fairly tight but it’s a private escape from the open-plan saloon and dinette

A sunpad aft is the big news. Where the 28 and 29 had seating to the transom, the 30 shifts it forwards. However, Fairline cunningly claws space back via a neat swinging backrest to the passenger seating next to the helm, allowing it to be used as forward facing seating under way or join the cockpit dinette at rest. That sunpad also creates space for a very handy deck locker.

When new, you could specify your Targa 30 with a pair of 4.3-litre petrol engines (190hp or 205hp each) or a single 7.4-litre 310hp motor but the vast majority went out with twin diesels.

These 150hp AD31s gave the boat a perfectly respectable 30+ knots, but the KAD32 upgrade that this boat received doesn’t just give higher speed (past 35 knots when new), it gives far lustier acceleration due to superchargers bolstering low-end torque before the turbos spin up at higher revs.

The sunpad was a new feature introduced in the transition from a Targa 29 to a Targa 30

These boats handle brilliantly. Stable and fast, they don’t require excessive trim tab action, and spray management is great. For a 30 foot boat, it punches well above its size and weight.

Length: 31ft 2in (9.5m) Beam: 10ft 2in (3.1m) Draught: 3ft 2in (1.0m) Displacement: 4.1 tonnes Fuel capacity: 418 litres Engines: Twin Volvo Penta KAD 32/dp 170hp diesel engines Contact: boats.co.uk

First published in the April 2022 issue of MBY.

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5 Best Boats for Beginners for 2022

Table of Contents

Here’s our best advice for any new prospective boat buyer or owner: Don’t let the boat get in the way of learning how to be a boater. The easiest way to get frustrated or overwhelmed by boating is to start in a boat that’s too big, too expensive, or too complicated, or with a boat that’s unreliable. Instead, choose a starter boat that will help you ease your way into boat ownership .

Here’s our short list of the five best beginner boats to help you narrow down your options:

• Pontoon Boat
• Aluminum Fishing Boat
• Center Console

Already Own a Boat? Learn How to Offset the Cost of Ownership by Listing on Boatsetter

How to Choose the Best Starter Boat for Your Family

As you start to browse online boat marketplaces or visit local dealers, you’ll find a variety of entry-level boats to choose from. Here’s a few tips to keep in mind when selecting the best beginner boat for you and your needs:

Keep it simple

Larger and high-end boats are often equipped complex propulsion and electrical systems, electronics, and accessories. As a beginning boat owner, you need to focus on learning the rules of the road, basic boat-handling skills, how to launch a retrieve the boat from a trailer; in other words, Boating 101.

A boat with basic systems will let you stay focused on developing these skills.

Try before you buy

Would you buy a new car without taking it for a test drive? Didn’t think so—and the same idea should be true for boats. Most dealers will offer sea trials for serious boat shoppers, as long as inventory is in stock.

If you’re not ready to speak to a dealer just yet, or if you’re still weighing your options between different brands and models, a better alternative is to book a rental on a peer-to-peer marketplace like Boatsetter. With over 50,000 boats made up of over 20,000 different makes and models, you’ll be able to find a rental that’s comparable to the boat you’re eyeing to purchase.

Stick to a budget

Before you buy a boat, establish a budget that includes the cost of buying and financing the boat, fuel , maintenance and storage. Then stick too that budget.

Too often new boat owners underestimate the cost of a season on the water, or stretch that budget too thin. Boating is no fun if it’s taking too big a bite out of your wallet.

Get educated

Safe boating is always fun boating for everyone. Consider taking a boating safety and education course such as those offered by the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary , BoatUS , or by your state or local authorities.

Top Beginner Boats Options

1. pontoon boat.

Stable and easy to handle, a pontoon is a great way to get started on the water. Pontoons cover a huge spectrum of size and features, so it will be easy to pick a model that fits your budget, the water you’ll be boating on, and the activities that appeal to you.

Boatsetter Examples: The Manitou Aurora LE line is an example of a pontoon series that is designed to be easy to buy and to own.

2. Jet Boat

A jet boat offers the ultimate in powerboat simplicity. Its jet propulsion system eliminates a propeller, so there’s nothing to ding on the bottom. The jet drive also requires less maintenance than an outboard or a sterndrive powertrain, and is self-draining so it’s easy to prep for off-season storage. Operation is as simple as steering and controlling the throttle.

Boatsetter Examples: The best-selling Yamaha jet boat line includes runabouts, watersports and center console models.

3. Aluminum Fishing Boat

A good all-around aluminum fishing boat can be used for almost any kind of freshwater angling, including bass fishing . Choose a size that matches your budget and the type of water you’ll be fishing. These boats are easy to tow and launch, and can be upgraded with accessories as you gain experience.

Boatsetter Examples: A mod V hull aluminum model like the Bass Tracker XL is ideal for rivers and calmer water. For bigger water where choppy conditions are likely an aluminum boat with a deep vee hull like a Tracker Deep-V model is the better choice.

4. Center Console Boat

A popular choice for coastal boating, a center console model can be set up for fishing or with more seating and comfort amenities for day-cruising. Outboard power and a deep-vee hull are ideal for salt water boating, and center console models cover a wide range of size and price.

Boatsetter Examples: Wellcraft Fisherman and Bayliner Trophy center console models are a good entry point in this category.

5. Runabout Boat

A runabout, or bowrider , is a great choice for all-around family boating, and known to be one of the best beginner boats that can suit a variety of needs. A runabout can be used for watersports, for casual angling, for day-cruising and for just lounging at a cove or beach. Runabout models cover a huge range of size and price point. A dealer can help you choose a boat length that’s a good match for the body of water on which you’ll usually be boating.

Boatsetter Examples: Top entry-level runabout models are offered by Bayliner and Glastron .

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Charles Plueddeman  is a self-employed writer and photographer based in Wisconsin. A staff editor and contributor to  Boating Magazine  since 1986, he is the author of its “Off My Dock” column. In the marine realm he specializes in engine technology and trailerable boats. His editorial work has appeared in many national publications, including  Popular Mechanics, Men’s Journal, Playboy, Popular Science, Cycle World,  and  Harley-Davidson Enthuisast .

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Boating 101: A Beginner's Guide

Some simple guidelines to help keep you safe on the water.

Boating is a fun, educational, and stress-reducing activity that most people can participate in and enjoy. From sailing to water-skiing – or a Mediterranean yacht charter , boating can provide hours of enjoyment away from home. As with any water-related activity, however, there are precautions and rules that pertain to boating. These laws and guidelines are necessary to ensure the safety of all passengers and, in some cases, the environment. To ensure an enjoyable experience on the water and reduce the risk of dangerous situations arising, it is essential that newcomers educate themselves about some of the important aspects associated with riding or operating a boat.

Prior to taking a ride on a water vessel, prospective passengers and navigators should first become familiar with some of the terminology that is related to boating. For instance:

• Knots refer to the speed of the boat. The definition of one knot is one nautical mile per hour, which is 6,076 feet.
• A fathom is a unit of length equivalent to six feet, and a log is a record kept regarding the operation of the boat.
• The bow is the front section of the boat, and the aft or stern is the rear.
• The port side of a boat is the left side, while starboard refers to the right side of it.

Other important terms include the helm , which refers to the steering system, the hull means the structure or body of the boat, and a chart is the term for a map that a navigator might use.

Two of the most important terms that pertain to navigation are latitude and longitude. Latitude refers to coordinates running to the north or south of the equator, while longitude refers to coordinates to the east or west of the global meridian which is in Greenwich, England.

Propulsion related terms include the rudder for steering and the screw , which is another word for the boat’s propeller.

Safety related terms include the PFD, or personal flotation device , that is used to help keep people in the water afloat, and founder , meaning to sink.

Another important term regarding safety is the lifeline . This is a line or series of lines along the deck that a person can grab to avoid falling out of the boat, or going overboard . SOS is a globally recognized term for a signal sent out by ships in distress, and VDS means “ visual distress signals ” which is another way for a boat to signal for help.

When it comes to boating safety, the US Coast Guard rules require that PFD’s, or life jackets, are available for everyone on a boat that is younger than the age of 13. These rules are a requirement for yacht charters in New England and other U.S. boating tripsIn addition, they must be worn at any time that the boat is in motion. This rule applies in states that do not have child life jacket laws. Life jacket laws in Alabama, for instance, state that children under the age of 8 years old are required to wear PFD’s at all times while aboard any boat except when inside an enclosed cabin. For boaters in Alabama, the state law takes precedence over the U.S. Coast Guard rules.

Boat operators boating while intoxicated are subject to a minimum federal fine of $1,000, and may also face time in jail. The US Coast Guard also requires that boats have their registration number displayed on the port and starboard sides of the bow. Registration papers must always be carried on board and available for inspection. Boats 16 feet or longer must have visual distress signal devices, such as flares or non-pyrotechnic SOS lights. Fire extinguishers are required for boats with inboard engines, as well as boats longer than 26 feet. Powered ventilation systems are required by the US Coast Guard for boats with enclosed gasoline engines, as are navigation lights for boats 16 feet or longer. For environmental and health safety, the US Coast Guard also forbids the dumping of plastic related garbage into the water, as well as other potential pollutants such as oil. State governments also have additional rules regarding boating that owners and operators must become familiar with. These include more or less stringent regulations than the US Coast Guard provides, and also varying laws regarding activities that contribute to water pollution.

In addition to laws, there are also suggestions and guidelines that can improve the safety of boating enthusiasts. Carbon monoxide detectors are recommended for large boats with cabins and other enclosed spaces, especially those with gasoline motors. Flashlights, paddles, anchors, VHF radios, cell phones, and shark repellent, are all examples of equipment that may be necessary depending on where a boat is going. To help boaters learn how to stay in compliance with the law, and to get familiar with other guidelines that will ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the water, classes for boating exist around the country. Opportunities for enrolling into educational courses are available not only at colleges, but also at boating clubs and via websites online.

For more educational information about information and regulations related to boating, please visit the following links:

• US Coast Guard – Virtual Safety Check
• A Boater’s Guide To The Federal Requirements For Recreational Boats And Safety Tips (PDF)
• Required Boating Safety Equipment
• Safe Boating Checklist
• Scientific Boating Safety Association Boating Safety Manual (PDF)
• Boating Safety Program News and Courses
• Guide For Safe Boating Operations For Small Vessels (Under 26) (PDF)
• Definitions and Mnemonics for Sailors and Powerboaters
• Online Boating Courses

Written by Katja Kukovic

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• Motor cruising courses

Broaden your horizons and venture further afield with our motor cruising courses

If living on board, cruising the coast or venturing further offshore appeals, why not give motor cruising a go?  Motor cruisers have accommodation and cooking facilities on board, offering a degree of comfort while afloat. How adventurous you are is up to you!  Whether you are a beginner wanting to get to grips with your first boat, or a more experienced skipper simply wanting to increase your knowledge and confidence, there's an RYA course for you.

Our motor cruising courses can also help you progress to the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Certificates of Competence  which are recognised by maritime authorities worldwide and can be commercially endorsed for professional skippers and crew. 

Whatever your goal, find out more about our motor cruising courses below.   

Our practical on-the-water courses build confidence, teaching you everything from basic terminology and safety tips to how to skipper a motor cruiser and manage its crew.

This is an entry level course and can be run in conjunction with higher level courses for mixed ability groups.

A two-day course covering basic boat handling, engine checks and safety.

Take charge on short passages under instruction, with help and advice from your instructor.

For the more ambitious skipper to improve their skills, take charge and learn to make full use of the boat on longer, more complex passages.

Our navigation and other specialist short courses complement the motor cruising practical courses and will take your knowledge and confidence to the next level.

A basic introduction to navigation for new skippers, crew or anyone interested in getting out on the water.

A more comprehensive course recommended for inexperienced skippers and anyone thinking of doing the Day Skipper practical course.

Take your theory knowledge to the standard required for the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal and Offshore practical exams.

Unravel the mysteries of astro navigation, using a sextant, ocean passage planning, worldwide meteorology and electronic navigation aids.

Get qualified to use a handheld or fixed marine VHF radio with our course and exam.

From first aid to diesel engine, there are a number of related classroom and online courses you may find useful as you develop your knowledge.

• Certificates of Competence
• RYA Yachtmaster

An RYA Yachtmaster Certificate of Competence is the ultimate aim of aspiring skippers. It is a well known, highly respected qualification worldwide, proving your experience and competence.

You are capable of coastal passages

You are competent to undertake passages up to 150 miles offshore

You have the knowledge and experience to sail worldwide

With more than 100 different titles to choose from, there’s an RYA book, eBook or audiobook for every age, interest and ability. Visit our webshop for course books and a range of supporting titles.

Motor cruising can be a great way for the whole family to get out on the water. Check our course descriptions for minimum age recommendations.

Find out more about commercial endorsements, professional qualifications and what it takes to work on the water.

If you want to cruise outside of the UK you are likely to need an ICC. RYA course completion certificates can be used as evidence of your competence.

WaterCraft 101

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The 6 Best Starter Boats For Beginners (Read This First!)

If you’re a beginner boater and looking for your first boat, it’s important to note that there are various types of vessels for different applications. Choosing the right boat for your interests can be a challenging exercise, given the amount of choices available to you. When researching what is a good starter boat, the information can become quite overwhelming! Fear not, we’re here to help!

Here are our recommendations for the best six starter boats.

• Axis A20 in the watersports class.
• Lund 2070 Predator in the hunting and fishing class
• Ranger Z175 in the bass fishing starter class.
• Bayliner 170 Bowrider in the bowrider class.
• Stingray 208CR in the cuddy cabin class.
• Sun Tracker 20 DLX in the pontoon boat class.

To assist you in finding not only a good new boat but the right beginner boat that matches your particular interests, we have done some of the research work for you. Below are our suggestions for great starter boats that will give you good service and provide a quality but cost-effective means to begin enjoying your favorite water activities.

Table of Contents

1. Best Starter Watersport Boat

One of the primary reasons that many people buy a boat is water skiing, wakeboarding, and other water sports that involve towing something behind the boat that someone else rides. Water sports have become very popular in recent years, and consequently, the type of ships that have come on the market to cater to this increase in demand has grown considerably.

These boats are generally purpose-built for the function of watersports and they are termed ski boats or wakeboarding boats. They also have hulls and designs made to accentuate the wake or wave generated behind the boat.

These boats’ key features are low-end power to lift a skier out of the water and good top-end speed.

Because of the powerful engines required on these boats and the specific adaptations to produce an enhanced wake for watersports, these boats are generally quite expensive, even in the starter boat category.

One of the best that we have found is the Axis A20 , compact enough to store in your garage during the off-season. Don’t let its compact nature fool you, however, since the A20 comes packed with features that are more common on larger, more expensive boats.

This smaller boat is a pleasure to drive. The digital controls are intuitive and easy to use, and the finishes inside the ship are luxurious. It can carry 11 passengers, and at the price of a little under $74,000, this well-priced boat is a great starter watersport boat. 

2. Best Starter All-Purpose Hunting And Fishing Boat

A versatile hunting and fishing boat requires ample space on deck for moving around with rods or rifles and a place to load your quarry once the hunting or fishing day comes to an end. The boat needs to be able to negotiate both shallow and deep lake water to get to the prime hunting or fishing spots.

When hunting and fishing from a boat, you want a stable platform, maneuverability, and plenty of storage space for your gear, be it rifle storage, rod, and tackle storage, or both.

Boat manufacturer Lund has an ideal range of boats in this category suitable for a dedicated hunter or angler.

The Lund 1660 Predator , coming in at $15,000, is a very basic design boat where the outboard motor is tiller controlled. For a little more versatility, we would recommend the Lund 2070 for $25,800, which is a larger boat with a center console control arrangement that is more versatile and popular, especially from a resale point of view.

The Mod-V hull on the Predator series is excellent for shallow water but still provides good stability in choppy water. The boats have steady, predictable handling and offer a comfortable ride. For these reasons, they are our recommended entry-level choice for an all-purpose hunting and fishing application.

3. Best Starter Bass Fishing Boat

If you are looking for a dedicated bass boat that is both versatile and compact, and that comes with an affordable price tag, then the Ranger Z175 is the boat that we highly recommend.

Ranger boats are renowned in the bass fishing community for making superb boats for this application. Their reputation is for great ships and boats that hold their resale value better than most other equivalent boats.

The features required for a bass fishing boat are speed, a stable fishing platform, the ability to negotiate shallow and deep, wide-open water, a trolling motor, live well for fish storage, and reliability.

The Ranger Z175 offers all these features and more, including its ease of towing and storage. The boat will fit comfortably with its trailer in a standard garage at your home, which eliminates the need to spend money on additional boat storage fees.

The Ranger Z175 comes in at a price of just under $33,000, and with the value for money you get in quality with this boat, it makes it one of the best starter bass boats available.

4. Beginner Bowrider Boat

Bowriders are so named because they can carry passengers in a compartment at the boat’s bow end. These boats are generally made for cruising and can also find use as a general water sport boat.

They are considered versatile all-rounder boats and can even be used for general fishing applications as long as they are not too shallow.

Many bowriders are made for pleasure cruising (i.e. family boat), so many do not have the specialized wake generation designs that a ski boat may have. However, they are still respectable boats for general family recreation, such as fishing and towing the family behind the ship on toys or skis.

Most vessels in this class have premium upholstery and large amounts of packing space to cater to their people carrying capacity.

Bayliner is a famous manufacturer in the bowrider type of boats, and their Bayliner 170 Bowrider fits the bill in this category. It comfortably fits six people in the boat and, with the 130hp capacity, works very well for towing-type watersports.

These boats are general-purpose family fun boats, making them popular with families who enjoy many different water activities.

The affordable price of the Bayliner 170 Bowrider at $22,300 and its multi-purpose capability make it a perfect choice as a recreational boat that will provide fun for the whole family.

5. Cuddy Cabin Boat For Beginners

Cuddy cabin boats come in all shapes, sizes, and price tags. A cuddy cabin gives some covered, sheltered space in the hull of the ship. This space can be as simple as providing an onboard head or spacious enough to accommodate a sleeping bunk or two.

The more space in the cuddy, the larger the boat needs to be. The larger the ship, the larger the price, in most circumstances.

If you spend nights out on the water, such as for late-night fishing, then a cuddy cabin boat is ideal for providing some shelter, especially in the cold early morning hours before dawn.

For this purpose, the Stingray 208CR Cuddy Cabin is a tremendous starter-type boat! It is a perfect boat for the boat owner that wants an all-round vessel that can go for a great day out on the water and into the night. While it may not be a full-sized cabin cruiser, the cuddy cabin can easily accommodate two adults who may want to catch a few hours of rest. On the boat deck, you can rearrange the cushions to make space for a third person to sleep behind the cockpit’s dual bucket seats.

The suggested retail price on the Stingray 208CR is a little under $45,500. For a boat in this class with the capacity to sleep two people in the cuddy, this is a reasonable price for an entry-level boat.

6. Starter Pontoon Boat

A pontoon boat is a type of ship that floats on two pontoons, and is a perfect choice as a cruising and family boat. A pontoon boat can be used for many water activities including fishing, towing inflatables, and pleasure cruising.

If you want to hit the water with friends and extended family, this may be the boat for you. Pontoon boats have plenty of deck space and the larger ones can carry up to 15 passengers. This is the ultimate party boat!

One of the best things about pontoon boats is that a great entry-level boat won’t cost you an arm and a leg. If you’re looking for pontoon boat for fishing and cruising, we recommend the Sun Tracker Party Barge 20 DLX .

This boat is just under 22 feet long and can carry up to ten passengers at a time with plenty of seating and storage. There’s a nice swim platform area at the rear of the boat, and it also has a 7 foot Bimini top for when you want to get out of the sun.

The suggested retail price of the 20 DLX is just $19,995, making it the least expensive starter boat on our list.

Taking the step of buying a boat can be somewhat intimidating, especially for a first-time boat buyer. The best strategy to follow is to examine the purpose you want the boat for and then find an excellent entry-level boat within that class.

Most first-time boat buyers would be looking for something with some multi-purpose functionality to cater to a few different recreational activities focused around the water. However, if you intend to use the boat for one particular role more than others, it would be wise to choose a starter boat with a bias toward that type of function.

Whatever your boating needs, the best advice we can give you is to choose the best boat that you can for your budget. It is why the ships we have selected may not be the cheapest, but the ones that we felt give the best all-round value for money as starter boats.

Bryan is a Las Vegas resident who loves spending his free time out on the water. Boating on Lake Mohave or Lake Havasu is his favorite way to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of the city. More about Bryan.

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Navigating the Waters: Beginner’s Guide to Yachting

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Thank you for checking out The Captain's Log! Whether you seek the latest news from our company or the yacht manufacturers we represent - or want to glean insights and tips & tricks from our experts, count on fresh content to be posted regularly!

HI, WELCOME ABOARD!

Embarking on a yachting adventure can be an exhilarating and rewarding experience for beginners. Whether you’re drawn to the tranquility of sailing or the power of motor yachts, this beginner’s guide from Vital Force Yachting will help you navigate the waters and make the most of your yachting journey. Reason to learn more, and when you’re ready to set sail, join our sailing or powerboating school in New York and New Jersey.

Choosing the Right Boat

Before diving into the world of yachting, it’s essential to first determine what type of experience you’re seeking. Are you more attracted to the peacefulness and elegance of sailboats, or the power and speed of motor yachts? Understanding your preferences will help narrow down your boat options .

• Sailboats: If you’re enamored by the idea of harnessing the wind and gliding gracefully through the water, a sailboat might be the perfect fit. Sailboats come in various sizes, from small day sailors to large cruising sailboats, offering different levels of comfort and performance.
• Motor Yachts: If you prefer a more powerful and luxurious yachting experience, motor yachts are a great choice. These vessels are typically equipped with powerful engines, providing a comfortable and spacious onboard experience.
• Catamarans: For those seeking stability and ample living space, catamarans offer a unique option. With two hulls, catamarans provide more stability, additional living areas, and enhanced performance.

Boating Safety Essentials

Before your maiden voyage, you’ll want to make sure you understand the safety essentials of boating, including:

• Ensure all passengers wear life jackets and have access to flotation devices: Life jackets are a crucial safety measure to prevent drowning in case of emergencies or accidents. Make sure to have enough life jackets on board for all passengers, and ensure they are worn at all times, especially for non-swimmers or children. 
• Familiarize yourself with basic safety protocols and emergency procedures: Before setting sail, familiarize yourself and your crew with basic safety protocols and emergency procedures. This includes understanding how to operate safety equipment like fire extinguishers, flares, and radios. 
• Check and maintain navigation lights and signaling devices: Navigation lights are essential for safe boating, especially during low visibility conditions or nighttime trips. Regularly check the functionality of your navigation lights, ensuring they are visible to other boaters.
• Monitor weather forecasts and charts: Before embarking on any boating trip, it is essential to check weather forecasts and consult nautical charts. Weather conditions can change rapidly, and it’s important to be aware of potential storms, high winds, or other hazardous conditions.

Tips for Boating Beginners

As a beginner, there are a lot of fundamentals to learn before you can set sail on a longer trip. Follow these tips below to build up your confidence, learn about safety, and start mastering different boating techniques.

• Consider Safety Classes: Take a boating safety course to familiarize yourself with boating rules and regulations.
• Start With Small Voyages: Start with shorter trips close to shore until you gain confidence and experience.
• Master Techniques: Practice docking and maneuvering techniques in calm conditions.
• Focus on Navigation: Learn basic navigational skills using charts, compasses, and GPS systems.

Overcoming Boating Challenges

There are plenty of challenges you can encounter while boating. It’s best to prevent these obstacles when possible, and be prepared and ready to make smart decisions when they are not.

• Weather Challenges: Be prepared for changing weather conditions by keeping an eye on the forecast.
• Remain Vigilant: Stay alert while on the water and be aware of potential obstacles.
• Prevent Common Mishaps: Practice regularly to improve your sailing skills and increase your confidence.
• Lean on the Boating Community: Build relationships with experienced boaters who can offer guidance and support.

Join Our Sailboating or Powerboat School in NY and NJ

Embarking on a yachting adventure as a beginner can be both exciting and challenging. At Vital Force Yachting , we invite you to join our sailing or powerboat school , where our expert instructors will guide you on your yachting journey. Let us help you embark on a truly unforgettable experience. Contact us today to start your yachting adventure!

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