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So you’d rather spend your time on the lake, river, or ocean than the open road. We can’t blame you for your callings. But, even after you find your perfect boat, trailer, and equipment to fit your waterway of life, you’ll want to avoid embarrassing yourself with these boat fails as a new owner. 

You don’t want to commit these 5 faux pas boat fails as a new (or seasoned) owner

  • Not paying attention to waterway signage
  • Failing to check the forecast
  • Forgetting to give the anchor enough line
  • Forgetting to put in the drain plug
  • Trailering with your Bimini top up (or your engine down)

Perhaps one of the easiest to overlook issues (and most significant fails) of new boat owners, is the failure to pay mind to signage. As soon as new owners hit the waters, they might overlook signs dictating safety and traffic information. While it seems innocuous, disregarding the signs could mean a collision or worse.

Another of the common boat fails for new (or overly-confident) owners is neglecting the weather forecast. That, or they rely on land-based weather information rather than apps and sources that consider nautical information.

Now, let’s say you want to kick it with your friends, cast a line, or drift off to slumber town in the sun. That’s your prerogative. But to do so without disaster, you must ensure you don’t short-line your anchor. Forgetting to give your anchor enough line to match at least three times the depth of your location could lead to you drifting aimlessly.

Okay, chances are you won’t completely sink your boat should you forget to replace the drain plug immediately. However, it’s embarrassing to find your boat is filling with water and riding low in the water for want of your drain plug.

Remember folks, your soft Bimini top isn’t ready for highway speeds. Driving with your top up could be a recipe for early wear in componentry, or worse. I know you don’t want part of that top flying off on the highway and into a car or motorcycle. The same goes for your outboard motor.

Source: Discover Boating

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).