Five Suggestions For Follow Before Going On A Houseboat Vacation
Firstly, you'll need to do a thorough search of all the different types and models of boats on the market. It's best if you can determine the main reason you're buying the boat. Is it for a long day trip in the ocean or for water sports purposes? Deciding on your main reason will help to narrow down your search for the perfect boat. Besides that, you should also be well aware of the maintenance cost that comes along with your purchase. Different models will require different care.
Interesting. Here we are, all by ourselves on the boat sale sites on a gray winter's day--a million miles from summer, no friends around -- and suddenly Brenda and Phil pop in and say "Hi." I answered aloud as I finished off the last bite of warm, peachy waffle. "Hi guys. Thanks for the jelly." Then I got to looking around and thinking. How could I believe there were no friends nearby? Just look. Look anywhere, everywhere.
During the prior two weeks in Scotland, I checked the BBC's weather report every night. And every night the weather and the forecast in Wales were the same. Rain, wind, and more rain. It was looking like a soggy six days were in front of us. But we were committed, had paid our outfitter in advance and there didn't seem to be anything we could do other than to make sure we moved our rain suits from our golf bags to our rucksack.
You also need to observe the upholstery and canvas for rips, tears, and worn areas. If the boat is more than a couple of years old and has a wooden floor under carpet, be sure to check for soft spots that may indicate rotting. They should resist the probe of an ice pick; if they don't, there likely is a problem. The fiberglass gelcoat surface should be free from 'dock rash'. A few minor scrapes may be acceptable, but if they are deep enough to go through the colored gelcoat, they may require some expensive fiberglass repair. Be sure to inspect the boat thoroughly.
On Location Tours also designs our next two choices. Central Park is so crowded with film locations, you'll think you've been there before. A Central Park Movie Walking Tour breaks it down for you and guides you through the famous Trump-Wollman rink featured in several films, the boathouse Cafe and the Bethesda Fountain from films like When Harry Met Sally and One Fine Day, and Tavern on the Green not just featured in films but frequented by real life celebrities. The tour lasts about 2 hours, and remember - it's a walking tour, so change out of those Sex and the City heels before you begin.
When buying a used boat, always consider the source of the boat or the parties involved. If you buy a boat from a private party it usually will not come with any type of guarantee or warranty. Buying a boat from a reputable boat dealer typically will come with a warranty and they might even service it for free for a period of time. If you buy a used boat from an online auction site such as Ebay, always make sure that the seller has excellent feedback above 96%.
Time is the most discerning prerequisite to becoming a boat captain. Applicants need 360 days on the water, at four hours each day, documented within the last five years. If your sea-time was spent under the command of another captain (licensed or not), you will need their signature on the documentation.
