Month: March 2021

It might seem like a crazy, fantastic idea, but using your boat as a home is more common than you think. For many people, living on a boat in a marina is the best approach to this lifestyle. Keeping your craft docked in this area provides a variety of benefits!

If you’d like to purchase a new craft, design one to fit your exact needs with our Build Your Scout tool. You can add features for fishing, watersports, entertainment, and more to best enjoy your boating experience! 

Benefits of Docking in a Marina

Here are some of the benefits of living on a boat in a marina:

Safety & Comfort

When you’re docked in a marina, you’ll never have to worry about your boat floating away or ending up on rocks. It will be safely secured, giving you greater peace of mind. You’ll also have more comfort since the boat will be resting in a stable and still marina as opposed to rocking waves.

Access to Amenities

Living on a boat in a marina also provides access to amenities like power. You can run a microwave, dehumidifier, or electric heater and not have to worry about draining your battery. Having access to the marina’s power source creates greater convenience when you are at “home” on your boat.

Maintain a Social Life

Staying in a marina also provides access to neighbors, something you certainly won’t get living out on the water. You’ll walk past people every day and have more contact with your fellow boat owners.

Drawbacks of Marina Life

Here are some of the drawbacks of living on a boat in a marina:

Lack of Availability

Finding a marina where you can live on your boat may be tough. Most marinas don’t allow “liveaboards,” and the ones that do have extremely long waitlists. It’s not uncommon to wait several years to gain access to a marina where you can live on your boat.

High Rent Costs

Living in a marina isn’t free! You’ll also have to pay rent. Paying for a slot in a marina is often expensive as it is. However, paying to live in a permanent location within the marina can make that price skyrocket even higher.

Noisy Boat Traffic

While it can be nice to neighbors, you’ll also have to deal with noise from other boaters. If you’re a private person, having your craft next to another boat may not be for you. Plus, marinas are often highly-trafficked areas, and boat engines can be quite noisy.

Is Living on a Boat Right for Me?

If you’re going to live on your boat, a marina is one of the best options. But you need to think carefully before making this step. Take the following points into consideration when making this decision:

• How long do you plan to live on the boat? Is this a retirement option or simply a short-term adventure?
• Consider the local climate. Depending on where you live, you may need to invest in an air conditioner or a heating unit.
• How are your handyman skills? Living on your boat requires general boat maintenance knowledge and a do-it-yourself attitude.
• Understand the costs. On top of marina fees, there are waste management, fuel, maintenance costs, and more. Be sure you are prepared for these expenses.

Live on a Luxurious, Comfortable Boat

If you’re going to live on a boat in a marina, make sure you have a quality vessel from Scout Boats. All of our boats are built to the highest quality, and they come loaded with luxuries and amenities that make boat living more enjoyable!

Build Your Scout

The weather is warming and spring is right around the corner. Across the country, countless boats are being pulled from winter storage and getting towed, hauled, and shipped to the water. You may be anxious to take your craft for a ride, but before you do, take some time to ensure your boat is prepared for your next excursion. Here, we’ll discuss how to get your boat ready for spring!

If you’d like to purchase a new craft, design one to fit your exact needs with our Build Your Scout tool. You can add features for fishing, watersports, entertainment, and more to best enjoy your boating experience!

Wash the Hull

Before doing anything else, give the hull a nice wash. Remove any dirt, dust, sand, or grime that may be attached to the exterior, and consider applying a coat of wax to the hull. This will not only make your hull look great, but it will help protect it through the upcoming spring, summer, and fall.

Wipe Down and Vacuum the Interior

The interior is next. Take a vacuum cleaner and clean out the interior, then wipe down the seats and upholstery with a high-quality cleaning product. A product intended for marine use is best, as it will protect your seat covers from sun damage.

Test the Bilge Pump

You don’t want to wait until you’re on the water to find out that the bilge pump isn’t working. Give it a test before leaving for the lake or sea. Simply pour some water into the bilge and turn the pump on to make sure it’s going strong.

Charge and Test the Battery

Whether you detached the batteries for the winter or left them on the boat, you should now charge them so they’re ready for your first adventure. Make sure all batteries are functioning as needed and replace any that are weak.

Test All Lights

Many boaters never think about the lights until they’re on the water and it starts to get dark. Take a moment to test the lights on all corners of the boat and replace any bulbs.

Get Out Your Safety Gear

Take all of your safety gear out of storage and place it in the boat. Check everything for quality. If anything needs to be replaced, head to the store and purchase what you need.

Double Check Your Registration

It’s easy to let your boat registration lapse. Before going out on the water, make sure your boat is licensed. While you’re at it, check that insurance is up-to-date and paid.

Locate the Drain Plug

Finally, don’t forget the drain plug. Every year, boaters launch their craft without the drain plug in place. Avoid this embarrassing mistake by finding the plug and putting it in place before heading to the water.

Purchase a High-Quality Craft from Scout Boats

It’s important to know how to get your boat ready for spring. If you’re searching for a new craft, purchase a high-quality boat from Scout. We use the finest materials and expert craftsmanship to build exceptional vessels. With innovative hulls, high-quality designs, and a wealth of luxury features, Scout Boats will keep you happy for years to come!

Build Your Scout

A boating emergency kit should be well-stocked with a variety of items. The following tools will help ensure you’re prepared for almost any situation. Read on to discover what to include in your boat emergency kit.

If you’d like to purchase a new craft, design one to fit your exact needs with our Build Your Scout tool. You can add features for fishing, watersports, entertainment, and more to best enjoy your boating experience! 

First Aid Kit

A first aid kit should be one of the first items you get when preparing a boat for the season, as it’s very important for emergencies. If an injury occurs on the water, it’s essential that you deal with it quickly, and a first aid kit helps with this response. A good first aid kit will have bandages, gauze, sterile wipes, tweezers, and many other important medical items.

Flashlight and Extra Batteries

Even if you only boat during the day, a flashlight with the appropriate batteries is essential. If you happen to get stuck overnight, or if you need to inspect a dark corner of the boat, a flashlight will be extremely handy. Test the flashlight before placing it in the boat and have at least two battery exchanges.

Fire Extinguisher

Fires can occur on boats, and they’re possibly the most dangerous boating hazard possible. Boats carry many flammable liquids, so a fire extinguisher that is properly maintained could, quite literally, save your life. Make sure your fire extinguisher is up-to-date and not expired.

Radio Device

A radio device that can be used to call for help is crucial. You can either have a radio that’s attached to the boat or one that is handheld. Either way, be sure that you know how to use the device before going on the boat. Know what radio channel should be used for emergency communication and have the radio tested and serviced before the boating season.

Tools

You’ll want to keep a variety of tools on your boat so you can fix any small problems that may arise. Keep pliers, screwdrivers, channel locks, and a ratchet set on the boat so you can deal with mechanical problems. 

An Extra Rope

When it comes to boating, you can never have too many ropes. Extra ropes can be used in emergencies, such as to tie to another boat that will pull you to shore. Keep an additional rope on hand so you never run out.

A Supply of Non-Perishable Foods

If you get stranded on the water, you’ll be thankful that you took the time to stash a small supply of food. Canned and dried items can be stored conveniently in your boat and they can help you get through a long stretch of waiting for help.

Purchase a Luxury Craft from Scout Boats

It’s important to know what to include in your boat emergency kit. If you want to have a safe and outstanding boating experience, a craft from Scout Boats can thoroughly enhance your time on the water. With refined features and advanced technology that are customizable using our Build Your Scout tool, you can create a craft that suits your exact needs.

You want your boat to be enjoyed by the whole family. But sometimes, it’s hard to convince the kids to go along on a boat ride. They may get bored, hungry, or plain grumpy after a few hours without entertainment. However, these fun activities for kids on a boat are sure to keep them happy all day!

If you’d like to purchase a new craft, design one to fit your exact needs with our Build Your Scout tool. You can add features for fishing, watersports, entertainment, and more to best enjoy your boating experience!

Pulling a Tube

Most kids (and adults too!) love riding on a tube behind a boat. This activity is extremely fun for kids, and it’s often a favorite summer activity. If you’re having trouble getting kids on the boat, entice them with a tubing trip and they’ll come running to the dock!

Fishing

For some kids, fishing seems boring and slow. For others, it can be the highlight of their trip. Bring along kid-friendly fishing gear and let your little ones reel in a catch. The best strategy to keep a kid’s interest is to fish in areas where there are lots of small, active fish.

Beach Picnic

Staying on the boat all day can get tiresome. Break things up by stopping for a beachside picnic. Pack food, beverages, and a blanket to have a simple picnic that will be enjoyed by the whole family. You may also want to bring a beach umbrella to protect everyone from the sun.

A Slide

A slide is a fun and easy-to-use addition to your boat. There are a variety of slides that attach to the rail of your boat and give kids a fun activity that could last for hours. Be sure to place the slide somewhere near the entrance-point of the boat so kids can slide over and over again with ease.

Swimming

Simply stop the boat, drop anchor, and jump in. Swimming is great exercise, and kids will love jumping in the water and cooling off. Be sure everyone is safe and make sure little children have their lifejackets on at all times.

Teach Them About the Boat

Kids are curious. They always want to know how and why things are done. Tap into this curiosity and make them more interested in boating by teaching them about the craft. They may not be able to operate the boat, but, depending on their age, you can show them the controls, teach them knots, show them the wells, and help them get familiar with your craft.

Look for Wildlife

If your children are learning about animals and fish at school or home, a wildlife activity is perfect. Ask them to keep an eye out for birds, fish, mammals, and other creatures you might see while boating.

Purchase a Boat from Scout!

These fun activities for kids on a boat are sure to keep them entertained all day long! If you want to have an outstanding boating experience, a craft from Scout Boats can thoroughly enhance your family’s time on the water. With refined features and advanced technology that are customizable using our Build Your Scout tool, you can create a craft that suits your family’s exact needs!