Getting Started with Affordable Boating Gear for Beginners

Beginning boaters will need gear that is affordable and reliable. Here’s a brief guide to determine which equipment should be acquired first and why.

There are many potential equipment options for a new boat owner. However, if seeking budget-friendly boating equipment for beginners, this list can be abbreviated depending on the size of the boat and your boating priorities. Here three categories for compiling a starter list of affordable boating gear for beginners.

Safety

Affordable boat safety equipment for new boaters should be at the top of any list. These are must-have items like: life jackets, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, signaling devices, two-way radios, and such. Acquiring any other gear simply can wait until you can afford it. And even though you may be seeking the best value boating gear for novice boaters, do not skimp on quality. Check reviews online and talk to other boat owners to make sure this initial boat safety equipment is reliable for you and your passengers.

Control

The next category of budget-friendly boating equipment for beginners is anything that assists with boat maneuvering and operation. These items can include anything that contributes to power such as extra batteries, additional fuel containers, and a backup paddle. But, control also means remaining in place when the boat arrives at a destination so anchors, ropes, and docking bumpers also are inexpensive boating essentials for beginners.

Goal

Once boat safety and control are addressed, the list of affordable boating gear for beginners can grow to include the main recreational use of the boat. For example, if this boat is mainly used for fishing, then basic angling equipment such as a net, rod holder, pliers can also become cost-effective boating accessories for newcomers. Alternatively, if pleasure cruising is the objective, gear may expand to items such as a sun awning, coolers, or a boarding ladder. New boat owners can begin to assemble the gear needed by prioritizing and not rushing into purchases, possibly putting money down the drain. Oh, and a boat plug!

Andy Whitcomb

Andy is an outdoor writer (http://www.justkeepreeling.com/) and stressed-out Dad has contributed over 380 blogs to takemefishing.org since 2011. Born in Florida, but raised on banks of Oklahoma farm ponds, he now chases pike, smallmouth bass, and steelhead in Pennsylvania. After earning a B.S. in Zoology from OSU, he worked in fish hatcheries and as a fisheries research technician at OSU, Iowa State, and Michigan State.