GETTING STARTED

Boating is fun and relaxing and really easy to get the hang of. But where do you begin?

An obvious start is to encourage friends to take you out for a day so you and the family can get the feeling of life on the water.

Alternatively you might think about hiring a boat. Most of our most popular waterways have commercial hire boat operations where you can rent a boat by the hour or for the day. These generally include aluminium dinghies powered by a small outboard motor or slightly bigger launches with inboard motors - either way they won't be very fast, but they will give you a great opportunity to experience what boating is all about first hand.

Another way to get afloat is through local boat and yacht clubs, many of which have training courses where you and your family can be shown the ropes. A phone call to one or two of these should set you on the right track.

Alternatively, you could pay a visit to the annual Boat Shows. They offer a great opportunity to see everything under one roof. Boat Shows present you with the chance to talk to the experts, see all the products, and do some comparison shopping.

But the easiest way to acquire sensible, straightforward guidance at any time of the year is to see your local BIA member. They'll point you in the right direction, and give you the best advice about what is right for you.


SELECTING THE RIGHT BOAT

What will you use the boat for? (e.g. recreation, skiing, fishing, cruising, sailing, commercial) Boats are designed to suit certain activities in terms of safety and performance.

1. Where do you plan to go boating? (e.g. inland, coastal)
Boats designed for inland water may not be suited to coastal waters.

2. What size do you need? (e.g. carrying capacity)
The right size boat will depend on the number of passengers, load capacity and boating conditions.

3. Are you equipped to move the boat? (e.g. launching, retrieving, towing)
Always ensure the car and trailer you use is capable of transporting your boat. Check the number of people needed to launch the boat.

4. Is the boat properly equipped for your needs? (e.g. safety gear, amenities)
The required safety equipment is essential for safety and worry free boating enjoyment.

5. What type of engine does the boat need? (e.g. outboard, inboard, jet)
Different types of engines are more suitable for certain uses and conditions than others.

6. What engine power is right for the boat?
Boats have both minimum power needs and maximum power limitations.

7. What should the boat be made of? (e.g. fibreglass, aluminium, wood, inflatable)
The hull composition you need may depend on how and where you use, maintain and store your boat.

8. Do you know how to operate the boat safely? (e.g. training, skill level, knowledge of rules and regulations)
It's important that you can handle the boat you want to buy.


DO YOU NEED A LICENCE?

You will if the boat travels at 10 knots or more.


WILL THE BOAT NEED TO BE REGISTERED?

It will if the boat is capable of 10 knots or more, or if it sits at a mooring or berth.

The need to know
To make sure you enjoy your time on the water safely, it's essential to choose the right boat.

And this checklist will help you do just that.

Keep in mind your capabilities and that of the boat you plan to buy. Once you've thought through the issues raised in this checklist, you should be well on your way to choosing a suitable boat for your needs. For more information, your local BIA member will be happy to assist you.

This information was prepared by the Boating Industry Association of NSW and the NSW Maritime Authority in the interests of safe and enjoyable boating.