8:47 PM Thu 7 Jan 2010 GMT
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'No need to be a millionaire to enjoy the waterways, this fellow is having just as much fun aboard his Horizon dinghy as the guy at the helm of a superyacht. - so your going to buy an aluminium boat'
Telwater Boats
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As previously mentioned, we decided to publish a three part series with the aim of assisting the first timer, the complete novice intending to 'get with it' and become a boater.
This series will be split into three parts; those purchasing an aluminium trailer boat, those who want the fibreglass equivalent and those who believe bigger is better and intend to skipper at least a 30-footer or larger.
I'm not going to just hand out my opinion, I'm calling on expert assistance across the board, from boat builders to engine mechanics, outboard technicians to boat brokers, all aimed at ensuring the advice is 100 percent accurate.
To start the series off, we're here to help out the first timer who sees him or herself at the helm of a trailerable aluminium boat, either new or second-hand.
For the complete novice who may not have a close boat-owning friend, a sound piece of advice is this; visit a boat ramp on a sunny weekend morning and 'hang around.'
You will find that nine out of 10 boat owners love showing off their boats and are more than happy to talk about them.
Ask questions, look at the different styles of vessels, note the horsepower of the various engines and their relevance to the size of each craft.
You will learn a lot by looking and asking questions.
As promised, I stated earlier that I would call on expert advice to aid the would-be boat buyer.
The man only too happy to help is none other than Ken Evans, a man who is as familiar with boats and marine engines as, well, as Hugh Hefner is with Playboy centrefolds!
A qualified electrician, former marine dealer, boat racer, world record holder and currently Director of Government Liaison and Training Services, Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific for industry leader Mercury Marine, Evans really has 'been there, done that.'
Ken rates an aluminium boat as ideal for the beginner for several reasons.
'Let's face it, the beginner is quite likely to perhaps run aground, slam into a wharf or jetty, it's all part of the learning experience,' he points out.
'With an aluminium boat the likelihood of serious damage is far less; do the same things in a fibreglass boat and repairs can turn out to be rather expensive.
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Can't you just see yourself here? Don't delay, buy that boat and join the happy throng like this crew aboard a Savage Ranger. - so you're going to buy an aluminium boat? - Telwater Boats
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'Low maintenance requirements is another plus for the 'tinnie', (the affectionate local name) no cut and polish demanded as with a 'glass boat, just regular hosing down with fresh water can keep them in showroom condition,' Ken added.
Ken also points out that aluminium boats are much lighter in weight than similarly-sized fibreglass boats.
'That means less horsepower is needed to deliver the same performance and that means lower capital cost and more economical fuel use,' he explained.
'Additionally, the lighter weight means the boat is easier to launch and retrieve at the 'ramp and easier to tow behind the family sedan,' he added.
Some of Ken's advice might seem rather simplistic, but it's always possible for a novice to get 'carried away' with the excitement of a new boat purchase.
'For example, don't 'blow your budget' and take on a boat you can't really afford,' he says.
'Bigger is not better if it puts a strain on the budget.
'Also, ensure your purchase suits your needs; if you're a dedicated angler, look at the wide range of specialist fishing boats on offer.
'If choosing an engine and a trailer to suit the boat of your dreams and you feel that's a difficult task, check out the array of what the industry terms BMT (for boat/motor/trailer) packages.
'With a BMT package all the work has been done for you; the boat has had the correct engine fitted and it will be mounted on a trailer to suit.
'However, if you decide to make the choice yourself there are some points to remember; do not over power or under power your planned purchase; over powering has both safety and insurance issues, and determine with expert help that any trailer selected is a good fit for the boat,' Ken added.
Ken also recommends that intending buyers seek out a marine dealership that is a member of its relevant boating industry association.
'Dealerships that are members of their local industry association adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and this offers protection to purchasers,' he explained.
Of course, that ugly word mentioned earlier, 'budget', could mean the first time boat buyer is in the market for a second-hand or 'pre-loved' boat.
Here again there are some simple points to be aware of.
'Be very, very careful is buying privately, particularly if the seller is unknown to you,' Ken Evans says.
'For starters, there's no warranty or back-up when buying privately and there's always the risk if buying someone else's debt.
'Boats, just like cars, are stolen, re-birthed and on-sold to the unwary.
'In some parts of the world there is a REV (Register of Encumbered Vehicles) system in place to guard again this; in Australia, the state of New South Wales even allows an on-line check at
www.revs.nsw.gov.au
'It's always better to be safe than sorry,' he adds.
Ken also offers some sound advice when inspecting a second-hand boat.
'Most aluminium trailer boats are outboard powered, so look closely at the engine and its cowl or cover,' he says.
'If it's knocked about and scarred, chances are the engine has had a tough life.
'Take a look at the propeller, if there is scarring or chips out of the blades, chances are you up for the expense of a new propeller.
'Check the vessel's battery; if the terminals are corroded and the connection rusty it signals neglect and if that is the case the boat has probably been neglected as well.'
When you have successfully completed your purchase, there are some relatively simple points to always be aware of.
Firstly, don't be ashamed of being a novice or boating beginner; even the experts started out that way.
Be aware of tides, current and wind and the effect they can (and will) have on your boating.
I recall two incidents which left apparent beginners with embarrassment and expensive repairs through not being aware of tides and winds; one boat was seemingly tied correctly by a bow line off a wharf.
However, the wind changes, the boat swung 360 degrees which out it beneath the wharf, the tide came in and the wharf structure smashed the vessel's windscreen and bow rail.
The other incident was a boat tied tightly to a ferry wharf at high tide; the tide dropped and the boat was left hanging mid-air, two-metres clear of the water's surface!
Both these incidents could have been avoided had commonsense been applied.
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Many manufacturers produce boats 'just made' for anglers as is the case with this highly-efficient 459 Barra Pro from Stacer. - So you're going to buy and aluminium boat? - Telwater Boats
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Ken Evans also recommends that very boat owner ensures the correct equipment is on board at all times.
'Adequate ropes, fenders, effective anchor and chain (two is better than one), life jackets, flares and, depending on your locality, and ideally a VHF marine radio,' he suggests.
'And always have a tide chart on board for the area you area in,' he added.
Finally, make yourself totally aware of the 'rules of the road' as applied (and enforced!) by the maritime authority in your locality.
At all times, keep in mind that you are a beginner, that's nothing feel bad about.
While on your learning curve, never attempt a bar crossing, never! And when you ARE experienced make sure everyone on the boat is wearing a life-jacket.
If you are not sure what a bar is, generally speaking it's a sandbar which forms where a river empties into the ocean; depending on tidal and wind conditions at the time, they can be very nasty and many highly experienced skippers strike trouble on bars.
Some of the aforementioned points may seem difficult to the complete novice; believe me, they're not.
Never put buying a boat into the 'too hard basket.'
If buying from an authorised marine dealership, admit freely you're beginner and they'll be only too happy to assist in every way imaginable.
So come on, make that decision, but the boat and come out and join us, it's a move you're unlikely to regret.
by Bob Wonders
Click on thumbnails to enlarge and find more photos:
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Double Is Pt, QLD
