I read an entire reddit thread called "My first boat . . Any advice?" so you dont have to.

Hello! I’m Lizzy. I’m the executive assistant to Nancy Adair. I’m also very new to the boating industry AND since I’ve got absolutely no shame, I’ll ask the dumb questions. That’s what this blog is here for. You all can swing by the website under the cover of darkness and learn what I’ve learned. We can learn together. Then, when you get on your boat and sail away, you’ll look like you’ve been boating since birth.

First dispatch, the almighty reddit thread. After going through about 300 comments, there were a few things that stood out:

#1 Docking your boat.

So, think parallel parking but the road is liquid. Yeah . . . Lots of folks had lots to say about docking your boat. Its definitely the moment you are exposed to the most amount of embarrassment potential. All your friends and family loaded up on your new boat plus all your slip neighbors are watching you as you *try* to glide the vessel in and out of the slip. You are praying to the water gods that you don’t hit everything. Then you do.

“Driving a boat is actually pretty easy to learn. Docking is where you see the people who really know their shit. And those who don’t."

-bilgewax

Dock S.L.O.W.L.Y. Do not rush. Never approach a dock faster than you're willing to hit it. Just go slow. Seasoned boaters don’t rush. You’ll look like a newbie if you speed in and out of the slip crashing into everything. Also, practice!! You can practice navigating around buoys to get your bearings. Just go slow and practice. 

#2 Regular maintenance

I can tell you JUST from working with a yacht broker for the better part of a year, keep up with the maintenance of your boat!! Boats are JUST LIKE CARS, they need regular check ups and maintenance. In fact, a well maintained yacht can last for DECADES. A neglected boat will lose its resale value faster than you think. However, a well maintained yacht will retain alot of its value and make the resale process much smoother.

It doesn’t have to always be a big expense to keep up with either! Break out that manufacturers manual and learn about your boat. Watch you tube videos, read blogs and so on.The more you know about your own vessel the better. You can DIY quite alot. There are definitely things you’ll want to hire a professional to do, of course. But, part of the joy of boat ownership is caring for your vessel. So grab your copy of “Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance” and get to work. Remember, its the journey, not the destination . . .

#3 Cary lots of tools on your boat, and I’m not talking about all the dudes in the cockpit

various fuses

Bulbs

electrical connectors

spare plugs

jumper cables

Maps

Registration

Ponchos

Horn

first aid kit

Screw drivers

a Leatherman-like multitool

Allen keys

Flashlights

crescent wrenches

Electrical tape

zip ties

Duct tape

Hose clamps

Wire nuts and connectors

A quart of oil

I’m sure there are more necessities, but this list should get you well on your way

#4 SAFETY FIRST

Most folks highly recommend taking an in person boaters safety course. Some states actually require it!

“Don't wear shoes on your boat -- or at the minimum while getting in and out.”

-therealseeker

Make sure you have life jackets. Pay attention to the weather! If someone goes overboard, kill the engine. If someone is near you in the water, kill the engine. If someone is getting in or out of the water, kill the engine. Basically human plus water equals KILL THE ENGINE.

Stay SOBER. Some people think that they can drink like a fish and drive like a sailor. But, would you get drunk and drive your loved ones around in a car?? NO, so don’t be fooled in thinking you can do it in the water.

Don’t assume other boaters know the rules, because some don’t!

Also, learn your knots. More on that later

#5 Use it or Lose it

Don’t buy a boat then just let it sit in the slip for a year. Just like a car, boats are meant to be driven. Take your vessel out in the water AT LEAST once a month. You bought it to be used, so use it! If you own a boat and you can’t get out to drive it around regularly, consider renting it out to a captain to charter it.

But, if you really don’t get out to drive your boat around, maybe its time to sell. We can help you with that of course.

#6 Keep it clean

“Get a quality custom made cover and use it when the boat isn't being used. Sun, rain and dirt destroys more boats than anything else”.

-12B88M

As someone who has been washing boats on these docks, boats sitting at the slip get very very dirty FAST. Make sure you are getting a full washdown at least once a month. And yes, if you can cover it, fckn cover it. Weathering will siphon the resale value of your boat faster that anything.

And, lastly No bananas LOL