Want to do a little fishing? Well then the eastern coast of Florida is the hub of center console fishing boats. Whether fishing for tarpon or tuna, the fishing doesn’t get much better from Fort Lauderdale all the way down through the Florida Keys to the Key West.

Waftercraft Destination Spot

San Juan Island is good for island hopping in relatively protected waters. The sea life here is amazing as is the seafood and each island and town has a charm all its own. Highlights include Roche and Friday islands and Haro Strait where dolphins play every day.

Quetion: Am I required by law to install a kill switch on a personal watercraft?

Reply: The kill switch used is to comply ABYC standards. The regulation will apply to recreational boats under 26 feet with 115 pounds or more of thrust. The law took effect on 4 December 2019 and required manufacturers to install kill switches in all boats meeting the criteria manufactured after December 2019.

Here are some reasons you may want to buy a yacht slip opposed to renting.

• If you know you are going to stay in the local area, and the yacht slip would be a great home base for your vessel.
• You do not want to keep paying rent if you can build equity.
• You do not want to be at the mercy of someone else as a renter.
• If you buy a slip for a good price in an area that is in demand, you can easily rent the slip if you are going off cruising for a few months at a time
• Your investment is a good one when the cost and maintenance fees are within your budget, and you have reasonable expectation that the slip will appreciate in value.
• If demand is rising for slips in your area, then owning yours protects you against limited supply; and it is, therefore, a good investment.

Here are some reasons you may want to rent a yacht slip opposed to buying.

• If you are going to move or upgrade your yacht, renting could be the better bet because you’re not tied to that slip and any related annual maintenance fees.
• Depending on the purchase price and how you finance buying a yacht slip, it might be wiser to rent and invest your excess money another way that gives you a greater return.
• In some areas of the United States, boat slips are reasonably priced or even under-priced, whereas in other communities they are highly sought after and very costly. If it is not worth paying top dollar for a yacht slip, you may as well keep renting.

In between San Francisco and Los Angeles is the spectacular central coast of California. Big Sur has long been a getaway favored by those who want seclusion and no distractions aside from mountains, redwoods, and beaches.

The Florida Keys boating destination is found amid the approximate 1,700 islands that comprise the Florida Keys. There are beaches, stunning ocean views, and coral reefs as well as onshore accommodations here.

Wherever your adventure takes you, take a few minutes before your trip to ensure that your yacht insurance or boat insurance has you fully protected for the duration of your voyage.

When buying a boat make sure not to forget about insurance and to shop out price. When you are buying that new boat, do not forget about shopping around for just the right boat insurance as well.

Before you buy a boat, make sure you are financially ready for boat ownership. Do you have enough to cover the payments and maintenance?

What are the real numbers for operating the boat? Consider everything from what you will need on-board for safety and comfort as well as practical costs like fuel and docking or storage fees. Also make sure you add in the cost of Insurance

When planing on buying a boat, look into your options for new and used boats. Dig around a bit as to pricing, so you have a strong sense of market pricing – what’s fair and what’s overpriced or undervalued. In addition to looking through listings online, you might even want to reach out to a broker or boat dealer rather than deal with a private sale on your own.

If you are in the market of buying a boat, one of the best ways to explore your possible options is to visit a boat show.

You can glean a lot of information from the vendors and talk with other boating enthusiasts. Make sure to ask questions and use the show as an opportunity to get educated about boats, boat safety, and services like boat insurance.

If you have been dreaming about buying a boat you may have some ideas in mind of what you like. Make sure to write out your thoughts about the kind of boat you want and list the features you hope to have included.

Check over all your safety equipment and make sure everything is in good condition and well stocked. Replace expired fire extinguishers, replace and replenish items in your first aid kit, ensure all your life jackets and personal flotation devices are sufficient and restock your emergency food and beverage provisions. Test your GPS and other communications technology to be certain everything works.

Give your boat a good once over to check for any damage or problems. It’s wise to examine the propeller (because nicks or dents can strain your engine so replace damaged props), the drain plug, and the bilge pump. When in doubt, talk to your favorite marina technician; and while you’re at it, make sure you have a well-equipped marine toolkit and essentials for basic repairs and maintenance.