Owning a boat (like a Stacer boat, for example) you've wanted for a long time is one of the most exciting things for a boat enthusiast. Yet, owning a boat comes with hard realities. One doesn’t often consider them before becoming a boat owner. These facts don't have to spoil your fun. But it does matter a lot to keep them in mind as you get used to boating.

Many experts and seasoned boaters will give you tips on how to care for and operate your boat. However, there are things about boating they may fail to mention. We’re here to tell you some of the things you should know when it comes to owning a boat for the first time:

Loading and Unloading Your Boat on Ramps

For newbies, loading a boat onto a trailer and unloading can be scary and a bit stressful. People scrutinize your every move. They tell you to hurry up. Some crabby boaters do too. This pressure can be nerve-racking. Ignore those people.

Taking the time to load and unload your boat on the ramp will help you learn the area and avoid mishaps. It’s the only way you’ll learn and master these techniques. Keep in mind that you have every right to be on the ramp. If you let the pressure from onlookers get to you, you’re likely to make mistakes. Those mistakes can take a long time to correct; so, rushing through the whole process will only make others wait longer.

Take the time to get it right. Pretty soon, you’ll learn to do it better. If you’re having a hard time, don’t be shy to ask for help. If people realise you’re a new boater, chances are, they will be empathetic and willing to help you load/unload the boat on the trailer properly. Plus, they can even teach you how to do this whole process so you can do it better on your own next time!

Don’t Go Overboard With Equipment

The rush of owning a boat is exciting. It might tempt you to add cool gadgets and new tech to your new boat. But we’re here to tell you that you should refrain from doing this. The reason for this is more of a matter of wise personal investment. You could sink thousands of your hard-earned money into your new boat. You might then realise that boating might not be for you or you grow to dislike your boat. You can't get all your money back even if you sell your boat or your gadgets. That's because boats and gadgets lose value over time.

Even if you end up falling hopelessly in love with boating and your boat, you’ll be learning how to boat for a long time. And we’re talking decades here. To begin with, you won’t even know what to do with all the gizmos you’ve purchased and they’ll just distract you from learning the core basics of boating. No matter what others may tell you, it’s best to wait for some time and do a lot of research before investing in new boat equipment/gadgets.

Encountering Issues At Sea

If you do find yourself with an issue while you’re at sea, find the nearest safe anchorage or harbour to dock your boat. It’s good to stop and fix issues, rather than fix them while the boat is on the move, especially when the engine is the source of the problem.

Stopping lets you fully concentrate on the task at hand. If you’re calling for help, staying in a fixed position will allow others to find you faster. Stopping the boat will also help you calm down and focus on one thing at a time. If in doubt, start with what you can handle and take it from there.

If you need engine servicing or you suspect that your engine has issues,  bring it to qualified marine technicians and engineers who can find and fix your engine problems.  They provide servicing and repairs for outboard and inboard engines so you can be assured that they can fix your engine issues.

Learn From Your Experiences

A lot of expert boaters will agree that no amount of ‘lectures’ or ‘written guide’ will match what you’ll learn from experience. While learning from others is important, your mishaps and experiences will teach you the biggest and the most memorable lessons that will stick to your brain for life. If you’re feeling intimated when it comes to boating, don’t be afraid of committing mistakes. Things will sometimes go wrong and that’s inevitable. The important thing to remember is that you’ve learned from those mistakes and used those lessons to get better at boating.