9 things I wish I knew when I started boating

These are the 9 things that everyone needs to know before they start boating - some things we wish we knew and others are what our customers say time and time again.
We hope this list helps you to get out on the water and to get boating!

[@Al8minium]

"Don't ever procrastinate about buying a boat"... I would love to have that problem!

[@andyrbush]

One thing for sure about boating, you will never be short of experiences and stories to talk about. Great advice in the video but you left out what a lot of boaters discover, and that is that fiberglass shrinks. We started with a 25 foot boat and soon it was too small for us and friends, so we bought a 34 foot, and that shrank too. Only when we got to 38 foot was there enough room for everyone.

[@Boatscouk]

Yes that’s true 😂

[@glenf4115]

:)

[@SquiggyWigginz]

Hahaha. Just like my wife's diamonds!

[@jacktyler7599]

Quite so. And the dinghy takes longer to pump up, it's heavier to put away, and the shower block is more distant. The solution of course is to begin young and then keep trying to stay that way, which boating will help with.

[@garylake1676]

Great advice, I have bought my past two boats from the Essex guys, once from Essex, once from Poole, and the last one I have owned for six years now, it's a fifty-foot and I am happy going solo on long trips if the skipper is confident, then your passengers will be relaxed, and the only way you get confident, is to keep making mistakes.

[@dazknight9326]

I love my boat. A 20 ft 1970 Aqua Sport. Just be ready for trailer and boat maintenance.

[@jacktyler7599]

This video is a wonderful gift. And all true. We purchased a week's sailing course on the water, to see if we liked it. Our last boat took us to 53 countries and island nations, just the two of us. We dared nothing more initially than to dip our proverbial toe in the water. Look what that has given us in return.

[@Boatscouk]

🥳🥳

[@frazzzz1066]

and that is absolutely spot on , although i only have a leader 805 we have memories that truly money cant buy , i could have an awful week but the second i step on my boat im in heaven ..... nothing matters its something that you just have to experience , GET IN THERE

[@ivybutler07]

Fantastic video presentation and message. It’s what I needed to hear, because I have been over thinking. I wish many more years of continued success to you, and your company!

[@Boatscouk]

Thanks Ivy 🙏 yes just get a boat any cheap boat is my advice and try it 🥳

[@patriciab3739]

Love it... few years old now, but you should do another one !!!!!! Amazing. 08.06.2023 😎

[@mfld719]

Great advice be It buying a boat ,a car of your dreams or whatever else.One life,live it!

[@marktuck3832]

Thank you for putting this out there, I've now joined the Bolt On Another Thousand club . Found your points really useful in making my decision

[@mac301060]

Thought this would be a usual dull list - best explanation of why should should own a boat I have ever heard.

[@Boatscouk]

Ah thanks Mac

[@dospalmascb]

Fantastic advice, thanks. We wanted to buy a boat 25 years ago, for various reasons didn’t, now it’s time.

[@Boatscouk]

Enjoy !

[@brandonyoung4595]

Good stuff!! Love number 9 and completely agree!

[@mrboaty7162]

Great video , I would just add if I may be so bold , number ten ….. the most critical part of owning a boat especially if you intend moving up or down the scale in size or value later ……”Look after and maintain it properly “ , sounds an obvious point but you will be amazed how many people spend 100’s of thousands or even millions on a yacht and think their the first ones that will be able to run it cheaper than anyone else by skimping on service and general maintenance, use non approved service agents cus their £15 an hour cheaper , cut the washing and cleaning guy down to once every two months and barely ever over winter , leave it two seasons between haul out and anodes change and bottom paint, skip the odd genny service, don’t bother fixing the washer / dryer , “ah sure a few stains on the carpet don’t matter” , I ll get round to that leak in the bilge another time “ etc . And then they want to sell up and you’ll know this phrase better than anyone James …”my boat is the best on the market , it’s fabulous , beautiful …etc” , buyer or dealer rocks up and “oh dear , sorry that’s not what I was expecting “ , walks away thinking , that boat is going to be a car crash in terms of reliability and continual problems . And it’s not they want to offer a cheaper price for it , they just don’t want the hassle and the uncertainty it brings so walk away , fast forward 12 months and it’s still for sale only the price has come down and down and is now less than trade and still can’t sell it. Believe me no one wants your poorly maintained money pit . On the other end of the scale you see boats immaculately presented , full dealer service history , bills as long as your arm for years worth of maintenance , well put together log book , manuals all neatly stacked and in order , boat decluttered and show presented , boom !!! Sold

[@Boatscouk]

Yes I agree - Mr Boaty 😊

[@davedavids9619]

Great list and I agree completely. Boating is all about emotion, there is simply no logic to it. Face it. you could sit in a comfortable home, which is standing firm in a storm, does not move at all, you can get in your car and go out into town, but in a boat...............you are in for the ride. And yet, once on the boat you enter a different dimension, where the simplest of simple things become valuable again. However, it is important to get the whole family behind it and to embrace it, because if they don't................you will be a bachelor on the water. My wife was used to taking our 28' boat out on a Sunday, for a BBQ, swimming etc until I decided that we had to buy a bigger boat and go live on it in the Med. She did like the idea of going all over the Med, but was scared at first, did not know how to handle a much bigger boat, did not think she was capable of it, but then Tristan Mortlock came up with his yachtmaster series so I signed her up for that. In less than 3 days Tristan taught her how to handle the boat, gave her confidence and now she loves being on the boat and being in charge of it. I just sit back and relax, only take over when it is above her comfort level. You can see the video on youtube in episode 7 of the yachtmaster series, Corfu Greece. So yes, it is just a matter of following your dreams, buy the boat and go for it, you will not regret is at all. If you regret it................boating is not for you. And for those who still don't know for sure............if you want sea view when you wake up in the morning ? Buy a boat ! Oh, and by the way............I love our dish washer on board 😀😁

[@clivecro4971]

You make absolute and complete and utter sense James. I have just shared this video with my wife for her to watch and she is extremely logical, completely OCD and as tight as arseholes. 🤞 hopefully this will back up everything I have been saying to her about how important the making of wonderful memories is over anything else in life. I need to speak to you about our first boat please can you help?

[@Boatscouk]

Ha ha - yes it’s true. Yolo . Email me direct [e-mail]

[@TradeWindgng]

Absolutely great video and yes i do agree with all the points thanks for sharing.

[@thomasandersson1284]

James, you are so right, ex. the cost is one of the most common questions we get from friends, Princess V42, and we never know cause as you say we own the boat and took that decision at that time and never discuss the cost. I´m really interested in mechanics and do almost all maintenance by myself, and that´s because I prefer to know my "mint condition" of the boat. Thanks for your very nice videos, better than most of the other very long boring boat videos out there!

[@glenf4115]

You are living the dream. The V42 is an amazing machine.

[@leehammond8681]

Absolutely agree James, spot on.

[@Boatscouk]

Thanks Lee. A bit of fun 🤩

[@philr7813]

I've just bought my very 1st boat, a lovely little Sealine S23 based at Bray on the Thames. Can't wait to get going on it!

[@Boatscouk]

Great boats - when you want to go bigger - I will trade you up . [e-mail]

[@tomcrutchfield5591]

Had a good chuckle at this James. It was an excellent way to pre-empt all your objections. Biggest issue for you in sales is buy TODAY…you dealt with that. Then costs ongoing….you covered all points on sales well…..good job…. Those returning year after year pitch mortgage monthly. Good vlog.

[@Boatscouk]

Thanks Tom 😎

[@timogaleon1630]

All good points. So true!

[@TheBlueOwl21]

Very good positive advice !

[@markastbury1890]

Wow .. we tick all the boxes but we won't bug you till next year ..OM ME Favourite boat as well Squadron 58.. that's the one for me BUT ..an older one mush ..great info ..just confirming what me n the Mrs always sorta knew .. I am AM SOOO UCKIN KIN Excited .. we sell the lot ... And we're with ya 😁👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@HennieMartens]

Great video! Important points.

[@Boatscouk]

Thanks Hennie 🙏

[@tommy8867]

great advice James, love the channel

[@Boatscouk]

Thanks JT 🥳

[@djsargex7777]

Great advice!

[@spscorse]

Great advice you explain it so well

[@Boatscouk]

Ah thank you

[@MaddogKernan]

Great advice by the way it really made sense..

[@johnpro2847]

2:20 I bought an inflatable Kayak .. I have fun with this in sheltered waters.

[@garypattle5699]

To right I remember being a kid and my dad had a Shetland boat 18ft was great fun even let me drive it keep it down benfleet creek I do miss that boat

[@cstwong]

Great video; makes perfect sense

[@Boatscouk]

Glad to hear it!

[@MaddogKernan]

Me and my wife are hiring a boat next year for going out on the norfolk broads and we were discussing whether to get a boat and my advice to her was lets hire the boat which we are then decide because boating isnt for everyone but i spent many years of my youth in either canoes or 2 person sailing boats at school, i loved being on the water thoroughly enjoyed it..

[@Boatscouk]

You will love it !

[@MaddogKernan]

@@Boatscouk oh yesss definitely

[@MaddogKernan]

Me and my wife made the plunge and got a 30 foot kingfisher yacht this weekend a spur of the moment thing but we are both excited , we are aware its not perfect it needs a bit of looking at inside but its going to be our project every weekend before the summer comes so we can take it out. My wife has said am i going to show her how to pilot it i said oh yeah of course its not just me using it lol, we definitely wont be needing a bigger boat lol..

[@Boatscouk]

You will love it !

[@stonecold2653]

That magical story made me cry.

[@user-nf9qg6zc2d]

Brilliant 👍

[@wayne6220]

Very good advice, thank you.

[@Boatscouk]

Thanks Wayne 🙏

[@rainerliedtke1580]

Those a great points you make James - even though I was smiling when listening to the OCD examples. Well, you mention Princess a couple of times and I've got a brand new Y75. Now, is it OCD when after 1 1/2 years already 2 fridges are broken, we have constant issues with the passerelle, all kind of issues with pumps, serious problems with Raymarine stuff, replacement of all 3 wiper units and also a malfunction with one of the AC units - not to speak about 15 (!!) broken LED outside lamps and numerous smaller things - or is it more the lack of (former) quality which builders are facing coming from cost and market pressure? So far everything was fine in terms of reclamation and warranty treatment (big round of applause to both Princess Yachts as well as my dealer Princess BeNeLux) but in general I am still a bit disappointed by an almost iconic brand like Princess. So my advise to your maybe item #10: do what they all say: don't buy a brand new boat but get a 2 years old one because then the first owner removed all the nitty gritty problems.

[@Boatscouk]

Thanks Rainer. They are not OCD issues. I sympathise with you but it’s difficult to beat that new boat feeling sometimes although there are always snags with new boats.

[@rainerliedtke1580]

@@Boatscouk LOL - you're right! And let's not forget the smell of a new boat: priceless ;-)

[@glenf4115]

True! Buying as second or third owner the issues are all sorted out. The components you mention are mass produced and are not Princess specific so we as consumers would assume they would be reliable. Any issues with the materials, GRP or woodwork (the items that Princess built) ?

[@novachrono2236]

Reason #10 life is too short, live to its fullest. Im on my 30s.. working on this dream. Thanks and great advise.

[@Boatscouk]

I agree ☝️

[@knighthawk3559]

Great sales pitch

[@knighthawk3559]

@@crisdeugzman3711 wank3rs

[@leobrown6875]

Great video

[@michaelfoster6]

Thank you!

[@user-de6kh6uu2x]

Is it possible to get a half decent/safe sea boat for under £3k?

[@user-oc7ei7qn5n]

Great salesman!

[@tonyadeney1245]

nice reviews ------------- not sure if my computer sound output seems a little low //// good tips used to do dinghies sailing when young /// worked tv movies retired now ... -- on website you can check audio levels ////looking to buy a larger rib boat maybe 30 feet --- semi rigid ... cheers ... /// my experience buy small basic learn the basics well and then see if you like it ---- oddly start slow until confident what the boat does ----- did sailing got caught out a few times ----- everything calm speed up everything calm ... speed up ///// oooooops where did that gust come from ..... knocked out of boat pulled back in lesson learnt .... ///

[@Boatscouk]

😂

[@seymouryachts4583]

Great video James

[@Boatscouk]

Thank you 😊

[@garethevans9789]

Sound advice. Inflation is out of control >%10. One question: What about qualifications and insurance?

[@Boatscouk]

None required in uk - although we advise lessons !

[@pmzphillips]

agree thank u

[@MrArchie800]

Nothing wrong with being a procrastinator given that I had no interest in boats before these vids randomly appeared on my youtube feed (and I was stupid enough to start following your feed and the Aquaholic one (which also randomly appeared)) !! I can't believe I'm actually now thinking (procrastinating if you will) about chartering one of your boats to see if I like it enough, with a view to take it further. Procrastination from a standing start is pretty good - and TBH is a sign of good marketing.

[@Boatscouk]

Wow - that is funny. If you go boating - I promise you will thank me forever 😎😂

[@bunksunbound5785]

This has made me think even more about trading up now!

[@Boatscouk]

If you love boating - then move on up the scale. Glad you liked the vid !

[@zztuber]

100 percent agree

[@familyadventures2086]

I enjoy boating, because once you leave the marina and out on the water all of your problems are left on shore. It’s an adventure and akin to a mini vacation. 42 foot Ocean

[@Boatscouk]

I agree 👌

[@justthink5854]

buy a blow up boat yesterday! don't wait. 2 meters max

[@brettsawyer1527]

Couldn't agree more, but boats are ocd magnets. The amount of people that spend £££ on a survey to walk away because antifouling isn't flat or some other irrelevant bs. I've come to the conclusion that some Brits are not happy unless they are moaning. Love boats, love life. Don't waste it.🙌

[@Boatscouk]

Thanks Brett. We agree - if you can park the OCD - you will have a much happier boating life 😊

[@duncanritchie2216]

Sound advice & salutary lessons there - you’ve just nudged a procrastinator across the line.

[@Boatscouk]

Great ! Enjoy !

[@DOLEWDREW]

🤔Being emotional rather than logical is a luxury that I simply cannot afford😥❗😂🤣

[@Boatscouk]

😂

[@rogerdinnis3816]

Great presentation but you didn't mention anno domini! Age is also a rather large factor.

[@chrish2996]

Hi James. Crucial priceless information. Been looking at tons of your boats via Nick Aquaholic. I've had 2 boats already (only under 35ft). This channel is awesome so i will be binge watching. Thanks 😊

[@Boatscouk]

You will be our first binge watcher ! Thank you 🙏

[@dbc7772011]

I am the second! Truly valuable insightful information. I believe there are millions of us watching KZbin video dreaming about boating. These nine tips certainly struck me as the perfect reasons to overcome the obstacles for me pulling the trigger! Don’t worry about the size, get over my OCD, boating is emotional, you’ve nailed it!

[@motodxb]

U had me till u said lose ur OCD lol. Thanks for a great video

[@Crimetvuk]

Thanks for the information it will become a great help in the very near future, I’m on the Suffolk coast and am purchasing a smallish boat so am spending most of my time watching anything todo with boats in the uk to learn as much as I can. the wife keeps rolling her eyes as it really does not interest her at all 😂 I have just become one of your 7.35k subscribers 👍👍

[@Boatscouk]

Thanks Lee. As you are so close to our Essex HQ - why not pop down and look round ? We have 12 acres of boats for sale . A nice day out 😊👍🏻

[@Crimetvuk]

@@Boatscouk thanks for the invite 👍 I will definitely have to come and have a look. Your at Wallasea?

[@dianneodonoghue2372]

You focus on sea boating. We are just embarking on our first boat on the river and would welcome practical advice nothing how to navigate the trips out to how best to organise a tiny galley to be comfortable aboard for a few days.

[@Boatscouk]

My advice is take and easy and only stay onboard for one or two nights until you get used to her

[@quentint8742]

I have one rule. If it floats, it boats.

[@jackmorgan1677]

I have a rule too; If it flies, floats or f*cks, rent it.

[@brucemiller1696]

@@jackmorgan1677 🤣🤣🤣 Rules to live by. 👍💪

[@Unitedflyier]

I’m one of those procrastinating. Can’t make up my mind what to buy.

[@Boatscouk]

My advice is to spend a bit less than budget. Buy something that’s easy to resell like the main brands. Keep it as new as possible. Then go and play and if you enjoy upgrade. When you upgrade you will know exactly what you want and your ox will be attractive to any dealer 😊

[@mortgagemartin3987]

I am currently wanting to buy a boat BUT i have no experience at all, never had a boat, never spent time at sea, I just simply want a boat for some reason, where should I start ?

[@Boatscouk]

Send an email to [e-mail] with your answers to my 5 questions video and I will help.

[@mortgagemartin3987]

@@Boatscouk email sent

[@london_james]

Got to have plenty of cash for boating 😁👍

[@johnpro2847]

2:00 the 2nd best day of your life is when you buy your dream boat ..the best day is when you sell it. (old aviators adage)

[@Boatscouk]

……and then buy another 😂

[@keithadams812]

It's a shame and 2022 men are still ashamed of the size of their boat

[@mikeleahy244]

Speaking of OCD, can you keep people from walking behind you while talking about OCD? :)

[@Boatscouk]

😂 - who was that anyway ?

[@the1beard]

👍

[@sherms78]

Alrite James if I ever win the Euro lottery I'll be buying a boat from yourself. Enjoy your content 👍 I found you watching Nick from Aquaholic videos 🙂

[@Boatscouk]

Thanks Chris. Nick and I do lots of boat stuff together 😊

[@sherms78]

@@Boatscouk thanks for the reply, look forward to more content 👍

[@martynwaddington7703]

Much easier, which is the shortest word left or right, left!, which is shortest word port or starboard, port!, now pair the answers! Colour of port is, red! 👍

[@59patrickw]

Hi James first just have fun love it well if your not having fun just think you could be stuck on a motor way for hours / broken down , then you found boating it is fun sun rise and sun sets at sea you cant see better

[@Boatscouk]

Thanks Patrick . Yes one of our Range Rovers broke down this week whilst ‘delivering fun’ - these videos are much more fun 🤩

[@poursafaie]

All these advice points are a little balanced to the favour of a sales person... felt like you were describing your favourite fish 🎣

[@Boatscouk]

I do like fish 😊

[@1975reispedro1]

I never seen anything poor in your channel. Keep it like it is please 👌

[@Boatscouk]

🙏

[@johnl5316]

9 things I wish I HAD KNOWN is the way to say it. If I KNEW who would win tomorrow, I could make $ on my bet. vs If I HAD KNOWN who would win , I could HAVE MADE $ on my bet.

[@Boatscouk]

Yes you are right 👌

[@frankiegregoriou2271]

You are right if you want to become a millionaire fast you bay a big boat or get involved to motor racing, all these assuming you are a Billionaire in the beginning 😂🤣😂

[@Boatscouk]

Just get boating is our advice Frankie 😊

[@jackmorgan1677]

@@Boatscouk As a boat dealer I would give that 'advice' also...

[@marty906]

So... get a jet ski.

[@heyzus]

why are people allowed to be on a boat without a lifejacket?

[@Boatscouk]

Personal choice - they should

[@SquiggyWigginz]

Where is Jake with his vape?

[@Boatscouk]

Nearby 😂

[@SquiggyWigginz]

@@Boatscouk We love Jake! ❤️

[@johnfebaines]

Boating can be dangerous....weather can turn, tides can affect your speed, boats can fail. It is not completely straight forward. Get trained.

[@Boatscouk]

We fully agree John 😊

[@madloop3217]

You could've been a bit more respectful to your Audience by sitting straight, speaking clearly and getting straight to the important points. I regret watching this tbh Edit: proof of 2% likes and God knows how many dislikes are out there

[@Boatscouk]

Agreed - will try harder next time mad loop