#39: Top 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Getting My Own Boat…

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This week we are talking about boat ownership My Spindrift was an unexpected gift from my grandfather I was not boat shopping and was not planning to have a large boat out here in Nelson However when he decided he wanted to pass the boat along I could not pass it up In the end there are things I wish I had known before getting Spindrift and I may have done a few things differently Other episodes related to this one EP 4 Off-Season Training What can I do during the off-season EP 23 Top 10 Sailing Knots EP 22 Top 5 Seamanship Skills to Master Top 10 things I wish I knew before getting my boat Projects Every project will take three times longer than you think You need to be a jack jill of all trades or have very deep pockets Equipment Prepare to order several sizes for all spare parts You will likely never find the one you need the first time around so save yourself some trouble and order several sizes from the get-go Sailing You think you will get out sailing more You won t You ll get sucked into boat projects that never end LOL But seriously get a good crew bank going as it always seems to be difficult to get people out Insurance Do your research and figure out what type of insurance you need Surveys are pretty much a must now so find a good local surveyor as well List Make specific checklists for your annual maintenance specific for your boat Include the little odds and ends that are specific to your boat Services Research which boating services are available in your area Marinas moorings divers surveyors marine mechanics diesel technician sail maker canvass repair etc Fixer-Upper As noted above projects take three times longer than you expect If you are not handy do not buy a fixer-upper You will be working on it far too long and will probably begin to resent the boat Weather amp Surroundings Look over weather patterns and find out about local hazards Get your hands on charts and talk to local boaters about where you are thinking of keeping your boat Sails Many used boats come with an extensive sail inventory They are often garbage and should be replaced Be prepared to invest in new sails They will make a big difference Keeping up with the Jones Don t change things on your boat because another boat in your marina has something fancy that you think you should have Take a couple of seasons to get to know your boat before you make upgrades and changes Often you will find that you don t need the extras that you thought you might Click here to visit this podcast episode