How Boating Is Good For You
Boating is fun and relaxing. And as it turns out, being on the water is good for your mental and physical health. How great it is that one of your favorite pastimes is good for you?
Let’s look at a few ways boating is beneficial for your health.
Helps You Slow Down
How many of us work, go to meetings, deal with traffic, and are always on our phones? Many people are overworked and always on the go, but everything changes when you’re on a boat.
Once you take that boat cover off and launch, you’re in a different world. There are no meetings and no responsibilities. It’s just you, your family, your friends, the sun, and the water.
Going boating is one of the best ways to unplug from the world and leave your concerns behind. Whether you go out on a boat for a weekend or just three hours, it’s a proven way to relax and unwind. Enjoy the experience even more by hiring a boat from a reputable boat hire service.
You probably should carry a cell phone with you in case of an emergency, but keep it turned off and only use it if necessary.
Puts You In Touch With Nature
Many say that boating is an ideal way to get outside and away from the stresses of modern life. Being on the water lets you enjoy everything nature has to offer.
Feel the warm sun on your skin, the waves under you, and the calming sound of wind in the trees. You also can see incredible sunrises and sunsets on a boat.
Family Time
Most of our downtime is spent on our devices or watching TV. For many of us, there’s nothing wrong with that on a limited basis, but these activities don’t allow us to bond with family members.
Going boating with your family is a way to do something together and feel a sense of togetherness as you make precious memories.
You also can use the opportunity to teach your children about boating and boating safety. One day, they’ll be ready to teach their kids these lessons, too.
Improves Mental Health
Boating and being outside has been proven to enhance your mental health. However, when you are always running around in your daily life, especially indoors and in the car, it can burn you out over time.
Taking a break with a few days or hours on the water can make a significant difference in your mental health.
Freedom And Adventure
Owning a boat can give you more self-esteem and pride because you can do so many things. You can take it to the ocean, lakes, and rivers around the United States. There are always new places to explore.
If you enjoy adventures, you can use your boat to find something new to do every weekend.
Social Events
Depending on how big the boat is, you can have social events on your boat, including business meetings, hobby groups, or just mingling with friends. You also can meet other people who boat and make new friends.
Fresh Air And Vitamin D
Sunshine is an essential source of vitamin D, which grows strong bones and improves one’s mood. Also, getting fresh air is good for the body and mind.
Just remember to have plenty of good sunscreen, so you and your loved ones don’t get burned.
Now that you know all the benefits of boating, perhaps you’ve decided you want to buy one. Below are some guidelines to help in your decision.
Determine A Budget
A common mistake new boaters make is to think their only expense is the monthly boat payment. There are other things you need to consider when making a boating budget:
- Gas
- Docking fees
- Marina fees
- Insurance
- Storage in the winter
- Accessories and gear
It’s critical to know your budget so you can purchase a boat that won’t stress you financially.
Think About New And Used
If you want to save money, consider a used boat. However, buying a used boat could mean more maintenance costs. Also, a new boat has a warranty.
There are few things more upsetting than buying a used boat and having it break down after a few weeks. A warranty with a new vessel gives you peace of mind for a few years.
You may find a newer used boat that is still in warranty or consider an extended warranty.
How Much Will You Use It?
Take a look at online used boat listings. You’ll often see people saying they bought this boat, but they aren’t using it that much. This can be an excellent chance to get a great boat at a reasonable price!
But you should ask yourself how much you will use the boat. This could cost you tens of thousands of dollars, so it’s essential to be sure it will be used.
If you only want to use the boat a few times per year, consider renting a boat instead.
Even if you don’t use the boat, you still need to pay for storage and insurance.
Think About Size
It’s also critical to know the type of boat and size you want. It’s easy to buy a boat, but not so easy to purchase the right one for your needs.
Consider these points:
- Will you use the boat on lakes, rivers, oceans, or all three?
- Do you want to be able to sleep on the boat?
- How many people do you want to fit on the boat?
- Do you want to have the boat stored at a marina?
- Do you want to use the boat for tubing and water skiing?
Talk To An Insurance Agent
Who wants to talk about insurance when buying a boat? It’s not fun, but knowing what good coverage will cost is essential.
Your homeowner’s insurance might offer basic coverage, but it probably isn’t adequate, especially if you have a boat loan.
You may need to have more coverage in these areas:
- Collision
- Comprehensive
- Bodily injury
- Property damage
Boating is a great activity and great for your body and mind, so we hope you try it today.
