It's hard being a new boat owner. Here are the 10 tips I learned after buying my boat. I hope you don't have a steep learning curve as I did.

00:00 Intro
00:14 1) Not finding a boating mentor
Boating for divers (and everyone else): https://www.spearfishingmentor.com/p/...

00:45 2) Not reading their state regulations
CA Regs: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver...

01:29 3) Not having all the safety gear
** West Marine has a great selection: https://bit.ly/3FBT1GN **
PFD
Make sure it fits
Coast guard approved
First Aid super glue, emergency blanket, tourniquet
Check coast guard site
Radio, 16 for assistance 
Call 911
horns, anchor
GPS
Epirb
Throwable if over 16ft in CA
Whistle
Tow line, paddle
Navigational lights
Leak management offshore wax rings or wooden dowels

03:10 4) Not knowing boating etiquette
When in doubt, give space
Stay away from people and fishermen
Refuel in the parking lot, not on shore
Plan for the day no worried family
Put your boat fenders in your boat after leaving the dock

04:00 5) Not going slow
Swells
Other boat wakes
Weather changes fast!

04:34 6) Not having a checklist
Keep it on your phone
Stages of the day: trailer, boat launch, on the water, cleaning
Weather: wind, swells, period, storms, know what they mean
Boat maintenance before you go on the water

05:12 7) Not practicing with the trailer
It’s not easy
Look backward, not as much with mirrors
Have electrical hooked up
Going during offpeak hours

05:49 8) Don’t practice on a weekend during peak time
Take a day off and practice launching
Less boats = Safer
Rule: pretend something on the water will try to kill you today, always be ready

06:02 9) Not getting on plane, trim tabs
Know how to operate your boat
go slow, the driving is not intuitive like driving a car
Keep things smooth
Unplug the battery if you're storing your boat

07:37 10) Not taking care of your body and gear
Hydrate
Sun exposure
Careful when drinking
Bug spray if you’re in freshwater
Take care of your sunglasses 
Prevent rust, wd40

Please use your best judgment and boat safe!

#boat #boating #safety