How to Get Started with Recreational Boating
July 23, 2024

Getting Started with Recreational Boating: A Guide for Families

Recreational boating is a fantastic way for families to bond, enjoy the great outdoors, and create lasting memories. If you’re new to boating, the process of getting started can seem a bit daunting. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. This beginner’s guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get on the water safely and confidently.

We’ll Cover:

  1. Understanding Boating Basics
  2. Choosing the Right Boat
  3. Safety First: Essential Gear
  4. Learning to Navigate
  5. Maintaining Your Boat
  6. Planning Your First Outing

1. Understanding Boating Basics

Before you leap head-first into the world of boating, it’s important to understand some fundamental concepts.

Types of Boats: Recreational boats come in various types, each suited for different activities. For family outings, consider bowriders, center consoles, or dual console boats. These options offer plenty of space and versatility for everything from fishing to water sports. Bowriders are great for water sports and cruising, center consoles are perfect for fishing, and dual console boats provide a mix of both, with additional seating and comfort.

Boating Terminology: Get familiar with basic boating terms. Knowing the difference between the bow (front) and stern (back), port (left) and starboard (right), and other essential terms will help you communicate effectively and navigate safely. Understanding terms like “aft” (toward the back of the boat), “beam” (the width of the boat), and “draft” (how deep the boat sits in the water) can also be very helpful.

Licensing and Regulations: Each state has different requirements for boating licenses and safety courses. BoatUS has all of the information that you could ever need in regards to boating safety and regulations for your state, including free boating certification courses. You can head to their website to get your free certification for South Carolina by clicking this link.

2. Choosing the Right Boat

Selecting the right boat for your family is crucial. Here are a few factors to consider:

Size and Capacity: For families, a boat between 21-24 feet is usually ideal. This size offers enough space for everyone while being manageable and cost-effective. It’s also easier to tow and store, which can save you money in the long run.

New vs. Used: Deciding whether to buy a new or used boat depends on your budget and preferences. New boats come with the latest features and warranties, while used boats can offer great value if they’ve been well-maintained. When buying used, look for boats with service records and consider having a marine surveyor inspect the boat before purchase.

Ready to look at boats? Longshore Boats offers an exceptional experience with on-water orientation, a deluxe Coast Guard package, and complimentary Captain’s training. Serving customers for over 30 years, we ensure your purchase is seamless and enjoyable. Check out our inventory and find the perfect boat for your family today.

Budgeting: Set a realistic budget that includes the purchase price, insurance, maintenance, fuel, and storage. Longshore Boats offers a range of financing options to help you get the boat that fits your budget. Take a look at our boat financing calculator to estimate what your payments might be. Remember to factor in costs for safety gear and registration fees as well.

Boat Brands: Consider reputable brands known for their quality and customer service. Longshore Boats carries trusted brands like Robalo, EdgeWater, and Chaparral, which are known for their reliability and performance.

3. Safety First: Essential Gear

Safety is paramount in boating. Here’s what you need to ensure a safe outing:

Life Jackets: Every family member should have a properly fitting, Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Kids must wear them at all times on the boat. Even strong swimmers need life jackets, as unexpected conditions can occur on the water.

Safety Equipment: Ensure you have all necessary safety equipment on board, including fire extinguishers, flares, a first aid kit, and a throwable flotation device. These items are essential for handling emergencies and complying with boating regulations.

Emergency Plan: Have a clear plan in case of emergencies. Make sure everyone knows what to do if someone falls overboard, if there’s a fire, or if medical assistance is needed. Discuss these plans before setting out and conduct regular drills, especially with younger children. It is also vital to fill out a float plan and leave with somebody on shore in case of an emergency or you don’t return at your planned time. We offer a free, easy-to-use downloadable PDF float plan that you print and fill out before your adventures on the water.

Communication Devices: Carry reliable communication devices such as a VHF radio and a fully charged mobile phone. In remote areas, a satellite phone can be invaluable. Make sure you know how to use these devices and keep them in good working order.

4. Learning to Navigate

Understanding navigation is key to safe boating. Here are some tips:

Boating Courses: Enroll in a boating safety course. These courses cover essential skills and knowledge, and many are available online. The U.S. Coast Guard and other organizations offer excellent courses that can be completed in a few hours. BoatUS offers free, state-specific boating safety courses that you can take from the comfort of your home.

We offer a Longshore Ladies in Boating class and a Longshore Youth Boating Bootcamp to help women and young adults gain confidence, skills, and learn about safety on the water. All of our boats come with a complimentary captain service, where you get to spend time with a captain to work on anything you desire. This is a great perk for first-time boat owners, as well as experienced boaters who want to learn a new skill or learn more about their new boat. 

Practice: Start in calm, familiar waters and gradually build your skills. Practice docking, anchoring, and handling different weather conditions. This hands-on experience is invaluable for building confidence and competence.

Know the Rules: Familiarize yourself with local boating regulations and navigation rules. This includes speed limits, right-of-way rules, and how to interpret navigation aids. Always carry up-to-date charts and a reliable GPS system to help you navigate safely.

Weather Awareness: Always check the weather forecast before heading out. Be aware of changing conditions and know the signs of approaching storms. It’s better to cut a trip short than to risk being caught in bad weather. In fact, the National Weather Service has a great website for marine weather forecasts with potential weather warnings for the coastal waters of the continental United States.

Understand the Tides: The tides play a major role in your boating experience. When the tide is high you can worry less about how much water you’re drawing. When the tide is low, you can see more objects that are hiding, there may be more of a sandbar exposed if you’re looking to hang out, and there may be some places you can’t go because it has become too shallow. Tides also affect the current, which can make docking easier, but it could also make it more challenging. For more information on tides, this site will keep you up to date  https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/map

Chart your Route: Understanding where you are going, especially if you have never been will help your trip go smoothly. Being able to see how deep an area is and know if the tide will be a problem helps you not run aground. All boaters run aground at some point, be prepared with something like https://www.boatus.com/ to get you out of sticky situations. 

5. Maintaining Your Boat

Regular maintenance is essential to keep your boat in good condition and ensure safety on the water.

Routine Checks: Inspect your boat regularly for any signs of wear and tear. Check the engine, battery, and other essential systems before each outing. Look for leaks, corrosion, and other potential issues.

Cleaning: Keep your boat clean to prevent damage and prolong its life. Rinse it thoroughly after each use, especially if you’ve been in saltwater. Don’t forget to flush the engine. Regular waxing and polishing can also protect your boat’s finish.

Professional Maintenance: Schedule regular professional maintenance. Longshore Boats offers comprehensive maintenance services to keep your boat running smoothly. Annual inspections and tune-ups can prevent costly repairs and keep your boat in top condition.

SIDENOTE: Ready to schedule maintenance? Longshore Boats provides premier boat service and repair for models of all sizes and brands at competitive pricing. We are a certified Yamaha, Mercury, MerCruiser, and Volvo dealership, so we can help when it comes to warranties. Contact our award-winning service department to schedule an appointment and keep your boat in prime condition.

Winterizing: If you’re not using your boat during the off-season, proper winterization is crucial. This includes draining the fuel system, adding antifreeze, and covering the boat to protect it from the elements.

6. Planning Your First Outing

Planning your first boating trip is exciting, but it requires careful preparation.

Choose a Destination: Pick a family-friendly destination. Charleston has many beautiful spots perfect for a day on the water. Research local attractions and plan a route that suits your family’s interests and skill level.

Pack Wisely: Bring all necessary gear, food, water, and sun protection. Don’t forget the life jackets and safety equipment. Pack extra towels, blankets, and a change of clothes in case you get wet or the weather changes.

Check the Weather: Always check the weather forecast before heading out. Postpone your trip if conditions look unfavorable. Safety should always come first, and it’s better to wait for a perfect day than to risk your family’s safety.

Brief Your Crew: Make sure everyone knows their role and responsibilities. Assign tasks such as helping with docking, keeping an eye out for hazards, and managing the anchor. Clear communication and teamwork are key to a successful outing.

Conclusion

Getting started with recreational boating is an exciting adventure that promises fun and memorable moments for your family. By following this guide, you can ensure a safe, enjoyable, and budget-friendly experience on the water. Remember, the key to a successful boating experience is preparation, safety, and a willingness to learn.

Ready to start your boating journey? Visit Longshore Boats, Charleston SC’s premier boat dealership. We proudly serve Charleston, SC and surrounding areas. Our expert team is here to help you find the perfect boat and provide all the maintenance support you need. We offer a range of boats from trusted brands like Robalo, EdgeWater, and Chaparral. Contact us today to learn more and start making unforgettable memories with your family!

Buy Your Next Boat Quickly and Easily
With Longshore Boats

Our award-winning staff will help guide you through every step of the boat buying process

Contact us

What our customers say about us

google
Deft Buffalo
January 22, 2025

Many thanks to Stephen and his team for enabling my family's sportfishing and sunset cruising dreams into reality. No doubt the 2025 Edgewater 325cc full of warranties and technologies is exciting. More impressive are Longshore's full service, knowledge, friendships, networks into Charleston boating, factory connects and simplicity of the sale. Keep up the great work Stephen. Cheers.

google
Cliff McCann
October 25, 2024

Hector made the boat buying experience fantastic. He is a consummate professional. He is always available for consultation and always has the answers. I highly recommend him if you are looking to buy a boat.

google
Amanda Stockton
September 21, 2024

Longshore Boats in Charleston, SC exceeded our expectations with their exceptional service and top-quality Chaparral 21 SSIOB. Our sales representative, Thomas Drayton, was incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and made the entire buying process a delightful experience. From start to finish, Longshore Boats demonstrated their commitment to customer satisfaction, and we highly recommend them to anyone in the market for a new boat.

google
Keagan Stockton
September 21, 2024

Great boat, great price, great service. Love it. Thanks you Thomas

google
Liam Stockton
September 21, 2024

I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. We are first time boat owners and Thomas Drayton took care of us every step of the way. Knowledgable, professional, easy to work with. Closing took about five minutes…so easy!!! Highly recommended.

google
David Billingsley
September 17, 2024

…. I recently purchased a used Edgewater 185 CC from Longshore Boats and I’m extremely happy with not only the boat, but with all my dealings with them .. My initial email contact was promptly answered by Hector Chavarria from sales, who not only answered all my questions, but did a FaceTime walkthrough of the boat .. throughout the entire buying process he made himself always available and followed through on all my requests .. a big “shout out” to Bennet for promptly dealing with a title issue for the trailer and also to Rose for her efforts .. buying a boat online can be a daunting and perilous experience ! .. not so with the folks at Longshore Boats ! .. A big “Thank You” to them all from an old man up in Pennsylvania fishing for those walleye and steelhead ! …. d. billingsley

google
Ben Seabrook
September 14, 2024

I purchased a new Robalo 226 Cayman Bay Boat from Longshore Boats. Hector Chavarria was my boat advisor. He handled everything for me. He was fantastic! This is the second boat I’ve purchased from Longshore. I love the boat, I think Longshore Boats and their staff is great, and Hector does a great job for me. I highly recommend Longshore Boats and Hector if you’re in the market for a boat.

google
Barbari Griesse
September 9, 2024

We had an exceptional experience working with Hector during our boat purchase. From the start he was knowledgeable, attentive and went above and beyond. His expertise made the process smooth and enjoyable. I highly recommend working with Hector!

google
Dan Cremer
September 9, 2024

Hector knows his trade and helped me to make an informed decision. My favorite part is that service doesn’t end at the sale. He regularly checks in with me even 6 months after we completed the sale. I have piece of mind knowing that I can always reach out to him with questions and advice.

google
Frank Bowdoin
August 11, 2024

What a great time we all had when Longshore Boats invited us out to Bulls Bay Island for an afternoon of fun, food and games. Anchoring at an island and having food and drinks cooked fresh for everyone, come on it doesn’t get any better than that. Thanks for a great day Longshore crew. You show your customers a great time.

google
Matthew
August 2, 2024

Great buying experience! Thomas was great to work with!

google
Todd Vanderweyden
August 2, 2024

My experience with Longshore Boats has been fantastic and I highly recommend them. Hector, my sales rep is incredibly responsive and attends to all my needs. Hector second to none and his service team is great.

google
Mark Lipsmeyer
July 30, 2024

Thanks to the Longshore team for putting on a fantastic event. We had an incredible experience and look for to next year's event. Thanks so much!

google
Key West
July 30, 2024

Thank you so much! The guys in the service department, Dan McBride and Thornton Lacy, did a phenomenal job. I had company coming in for the weekend and, of course, the boat wouldn't start. It needed an ignition switch kit. The guys at Longshore Boats showed me how to remove my old switch kit, and then they fit a new switch kit into my existing bezel. The boat was up and running in no time. Thanks guys!

google
Joe Stein
July 29, 2024

We attended the 2024 Longshore Rendezvous on Bulls Island this past weekend and had a blast. Allie was very hospitable and there were guys at the ready to help if you had issues with anchoring. It was also nice to catch up with Chris. Weather was perfect, lunch was great and the shells were abundant. It was nice also to chat with fellow boaters. There were close to 20 boats and everyone spaced boats accordingly. Also some very nice giveaways. We really appreciated the invite and look forward to next year. Thanks again, you guys are awesome! Joe

google
Miguel Rodriguez
July 29, 2024

What an awesome event and community! Many thanks to Longshoreboats for having the event local this year, it was a blast!

google
Aaron Siegel
July 18, 2024

I purchased a Robalo R160 from Hector and the entire transaction was seamless! He was an absolute pleasure to deal with from my initial information gathering call to him personally delivering the boat to my driveway! If you’re looking for a boat he’s “The guy”. Really appreciate all his hard work and time.

google
Art Beyer
July 10, 2024

This was a first time boat purchase and couldn’t have gone better. Worked with Thomas Drayton who was always available to take questions and work with me through the details. Everyone at Longshore including the manage Steve and Thornton and Dan in service have been extremely helpful and friendly. I highly recommend Longshore Boats and encourage you to reach out to Thomas if looking to purchase.

google
Wendy Nyberg
July 10, 2024

I cannot express enough how professional and thorough Thomas Drayton was throughout the purchase of my boat at Longshore. From the moment I showed interest in the boat, he provided me the best customer service possible. My transaction could have been a difficult one as I was purchasing the boat from out of state and then transporting it to another state. He assisted with all aspects of the sale and went above and beyond to make sure all services and upgrades I did were executed to the highest level. I have bought several boats from other dealers in the past, and hands down the service and customer first attitude was far superior at Longshore. Id like to also give a shout out to Hector Chavarria on his assistance in providing his knowledge to me on the appropriate electronics and boat trailers, etc. I’ve had my boat for a few months now and I am convinced the best choice I made on this journey was choosing Longshore and working with Thomas and Hector!

google
David Troy
June 26, 2024

Hector was professional, honest and extremely responsive. I purchased a boat long distance and it was terribly unsettling to send so much money to someone I didn't know and then hope everything turned out fine. Hector never ghosted me, he always answered the phone or called back and he met all my expectations.

google
Stewart Geyer
June 7, 2024

Dan went unbelievably over and above for us. New customer for life.

google
Erin Simmons
May 30, 2024

We stopped by Longshore boats on a whim one Saturday morning. We got lucky and got Hector as our sales person. Hector has been incredibly helpful from searching for the perfect boat for our family to the purchasing a boat, and has continued to provide helpful information as a recent boat owner. He is honest, knowledgeable about boats and boating in general in this area. He made this experience seamless and we’re very grateful. We would recommend Hector and Longboats.

google
David Stedman
May 29, 2024
google
Kevin Jordan
May 25, 2024

Hector Chavarri provided amazing service when I bought a used boat from Longshore. Very knowledgeable and went above and beyond with everything he did. Highly recommended!

google
jim
May 24, 2024

From selection to delivery, effortless and enjoyable. All the people at Longshore really go the extra mile. I just took my maiden voyage on my new 23cc and it was a pleasure. Steven , the general manager, even arranged for a captain to accompany me on my first trim. Dan took me thru the boat and made sure I was comfortable with the operation. Thanks guys, see you all on the water.

google
Will Summers
May 24, 2024

The customer service was absolutely outstanding, the front desk guys were very knowledgeable and helpful!

google
Joel Trewartha
May 16, 2024

Called Thornton and the team at Longshore for a trolling motor install. They got me in and out in less than a week from when I called them and did a great job! Highly recommended

google
Martin Little
May 14, 2024

Thomas Drayton and Longshore Boats are an A+ crew. They worked greatly with us on our new Chaparral 23 SSI for us to boat with in Charleston. They made the sale very easy, and followed through on their word. Thanks!

google
David Campopiano
May 13, 2024

I just took delivery of my fourth boat from Longshore Boats on Clements Ferry in Berkeley County. This one was a 246 Cayman Robalo. The Team at Longshore has demonstrated to me a willingness to work through logistics, customize the boat to your needs and make the whole experience enjoyable. My sales advisor was Hector Chavarria who found me the right boat and arranged with his sales partner Thomas Drayton to find the right buyer for my existing boat to complete the transaction. It was a win win for all of us. Longshore handled all of the paper work on both boats and provided an experienced captain to deliver the new boat with a 4 hour session on the water. It was a team effort including Stephen Parulis, the GM who helped negotiate the two party transaction. If you are in the market for a new or used boat, I strongly recommend visiting Hector at Longshore. He has a wealth of experience and knowledge in boating and fishing. As far as service, Longshore has serviced all of my boats over the years and has allowed me uninterrupted use of my boats on the water. A special thank you to Steven Ellliot for prepping the new Cayman and making it sea worthy.

google
Matt Sloan
May 13, 2024

Absolutely fantastic. I was having a terrible experience with a competing firm who did not seem to want my business. I walked into Longshore and met with Hector. No appointment. Just wandered in. Hector was super responsive. He talked me out of a bad decision and within an hour solved my problem of getting rid of my existing boat and sold me a new one. I did not expect to buy a boat that day but thanks to Hector everything fell beautifully into place. He has since gone out of his way to help me with a few customer service matters. He is a pleasure to work. I love Longshore.

google
Jeff Kaplan
May 6, 2024

Our family just purchased a previously owned 2021 Robalo through Longshore Boats. We got a wonderful deal and the buying process was enjoyable and stress free. Everyone on staff was great. Our Sales Rep Tom Drayton was attentive and responsive throughout the process. His ability to answer our questions and address our requests made it all possible. The boat was delivered today and we couldn’t be more pleased. We strongly recommend you visit Longshore if you are considering purchasing a new or used boat.

google
Tony Scruggs
May 6, 2024

Wow! What a fantastic company to work with. First class in every aspect. The general manager Stephen Parulis was a pleasure to work with. No pressure and very honest in every respect. I purchased a 270 Rabalo and this boat is just perfect for the Charleston lifestyle. No one could match the deal, not even in a Nationwide search.

google
Edward Conklin
May 6, 2024

We have been considering a new boat for almost six years. During this time frame we have talked with most the other dealers in the area, attended all the boat shows and did all the research. One thing remained consistent during this time frame, the professionalism of Longshore Boats experts. Our experience was amazing, no pressure, no overselling, always returning phone calls and texts. Following up as needed. I asked a lot of question and they never made me feel as I was overstaying our welcome. Once we decided to move forward with the purchase and since taking possession of our boat, our experience continues been exceptional. They go over and above our expectations. And they still answer the calls and questions at all times of day. When service is needed, they make it seamless. My recommendation if you are looking at a new boat, make sure you stop at Longshore boats.

google
Mark Rosenberg
May 2, 2024

Longshore Boats is a first class operation from sales to service. If you are in the market for a Chaparral, Robalo or Edgewater, ask for Hector Chavarria. He has been there a while and he took great care of me with a Chaparral! Thanks Hector!.

google
Craig Adams
May 2, 2024

Longshore boat dealership is a great place to buy a boat. Thomas Drayton our salesman made my experience very enjoyable! He is knowledgeable on all the products, he was hands on cleaning and detailing our boat and making sure it was safe and ready to go boating! I highly recommend buying a boat from Thomas at Longshore Boats!

google
Griffin Morrow
May 1, 2024

Thomas was great to work with as we worked through the boat purchasing process. He is very knowledgeable on all boats available through Longshore! Highly recommend Thomas and Longshore!!

google
Zoher Alimohamed
April 26, 2024

The whole experience buying a boat was incredible! The entire staff was so nice and helpful for us throughout the process. Highly recommend Longshore to anyone looking to buy a boat. Especially, working with Thomas was great! He was always quick to answer questions and answer calls when we needed him. 5/5 for sure!

google
Tony Doar
April 25, 2024

Stephen & his team are the folks you want to sell your boat. They handled my transaction from start to finish, bringing a qualified buyer in just a few weeks. Look no further than Longshore Boats if you want to work with professionals. Thank you Stephen. Tony Doar, Charleston,SC

google
sean peache
March 29, 2024

I had an amazing boat buying experience with Hector! He was honest and completely transparent through the whole process. He was professional and just a great guy to work with. If you don’t go through Hector when you purchase your next boat, you’re missing out!

google
Tip Simons
March 13, 2024

Very friendly, professional, and thorough.

google
Forrest Dangerfield
March 12, 2024

We just bought our first boat from Longshore and Hector was our salesman throughout the process. I wrote a request for additional information on the boat I was interested in on a Saturday and didn’t expect a response until Monday. However, within minutes, Hector reached out to me and scheduled a time for me to come in that day. He had the boat ready within 45 minutes and never pressured us not anything other than what we wanted. He made the experience feel comfortable and welcomed my two young children who accompanied us to the dealership. Hector coordinated with the financing companies for us and also helped get our insurance process rolling. After purchasing the boat, he also set up a personalized lesson with an experienced captain. Hector was wonderful and we highly recommend him to anyone wanting to buy a boat without feeling pressured into anything other than what you want.

google

I am a very happy costumer as I had the best possible experience buying my first Robalo boat at Longshore Boats. Hector Chavarria and the team at Longshore Boats answered all my many questions and guided me through the whole process. Hector has all the important “As”: Availability, Affability, and Ability. He connected me with captains, local fishermen, and others to make my boating experience more enjoyable and safe!

google
charles welsh
February 29, 2024

Many thanks to the folks in the Parts Department!! Always quick to locate the parts needed to keep my business moving.

google
Jhoana Jimenez
February 28, 2024

bianey made ordering Robalo parts such a easy process!!

google
Christopher Helmke
January 14, 2024

What a great experience we had purchasing a Robalo from Longshore Boats. Our sales rep, Hector Chavarria, helped us every step of the way answering all of our questions. Since we were coming from NY, he effectively coordinated our time to see and test drive the Robalo. Very accommodating and kept everything fast and friendly! Thank you Hector!

google
CaptainWaterfront
December 13, 2023

Hector is the best! I’ve bought and sold many boats over the years and have never had anyone close to the level of care and attention Hector provided! He acted as my eyes as I had a lot of work done while I was in back home in Maryland. I knew his eye was as good as my eye and probably more critical! A true pleasure dealing with Hector, who I now consider a friend! They just don’t come any better! 10 Stars!! Thanks again for all your attention to the details! You’re a one off!! 👍🏻👍🏻

google
Jennifer
December 6, 2023

Hector was super attentive and knowledgeable. It was our first time getting a boat and he definitely did a great job. Highly recommend Longshore Boats

google
Jay Miles
December 5, 2023

Thanks for making my boat shopping experience seamless. Hector answered all my questions and was invaluable in recommending the right accessories for my boating goals.

google
Bob Horner
December 5, 2023

I never leave reviews, but today I do it because Longshore Boats broke the bar and all my expectations. Héctor is a highly professional and great person. Thank you, Héctor, for everything.

google
Bob Boselowitz
September 19, 2023

I have had my Chaparral for three years. It has been a great boat. Unfortunately, I recently had a major issue with my Yamaha engine and at the same time with a hatch on the boat. The boat and the engine are still under warranty. However, when there was pushback from Yamaha and Chaparral, Stephen Parulis (who was my salesperson when I purchase the boat and is now Longshore's GM) and Michael in service, worked hard to ensure that my boat and engine issues where covered and repaired. I appreciate their diligence with Yamaha and Chaparral to get my engine and boat repaired. Thank you Stephen and Michael!