Whitewater Marine

Whether you’re a coastal hiker, fisher or mariner, it’s important to know how to read a tide table for safe navigation. Understanding tide heights and when high or low tides occur can help you decide the best time to take out your Stacer Wildrider boat to explore tide pools, dig for clams, or anchor your boat or beach comb for shells. Knowing how to read tide tables can also help keep you safe. If you’re backpacking on the coast, for example, you need to have a tide table (along with a topographic map) to know what time of day you can safely round a headland that can’t be passed at certain tide levels.

What is a Tide Table?

A tide table shows the daily predictions for the local time of low and high tides and the height of those tides for a particular coastal area. The tide table is often shared in a tabular format.

Note that tide tables are different from tide charts, which typically refer to a series of maps that show hourly water levels throughout a bay or estuary.

How to Read a Tide Table

Look Up Daily Tide Information for Your Location

There are different ways to get information about daily tides for your particular area or location.

You can get free tide information from the Bureau of Meteorology website under the Tide Predictions page. It encompasses all the tide predictions in Australia, South Pacific, and even Antarctica. You can simply browse through the map to pin your location and it will show when the high tide and low tide will occur during the day.

You can also obtain a tide table booklet for your specific area. These are often available at marine shops, hardware stores, marinas, or sporting goods stores.

You can also look for tide tables in your local newspapers. You can find them printed beside the weather reports. If you prefer the techy side of things, you can download tide table apps on your mobile phone. These can be found in Google Play Stores or Apple App Stores.

Look Up the Dates You’ll Be Out

Once you find the location of interest, you’ll want to look up the tides for the dates you’ll be hiking, fishing or beachcombing. For example, let’s say you wanted to go to the ocean to fish for salmon in your fishing boat on a balmy day in July, a tide table is useful to figure out the best time for fishing. You may also want to know whether you can hike or camp along the beach or whether you can pass a rocky point at certain times of the day which can happen every day. The tide table information can be viewed in different formats, such as a graph or table. It shows the name of the place, the high tide and low tide information and the hours when these tides occur.

Make a Note of the Times of High and Low Tides

Before you look at the high and low tides, you have to understand what these terms actually mean. The chart datum is the average of low tide heights for the area, not the ocean floor, and it is set low so that tides don’t dip below it. Make a note of the times and heights of high tides and low tides, and the height difference in between. Remember that a high tide is predicted as how high above the chart datum the tide will be at its biggest swell. It’s indicated as a positive number and may be preceded by a plus (+) sign. For example, a high tide of ten feet (3 metres) means the tide will be ten feet higher than the average low water mark. Be aware that high tides may occur twice a day. These are called semidiurnal tides.

Low tide predicts the water level at its lowest point; because chart datum is an average, low tide can fall below this number in which case this will be indicated as a negative number, otherwise, it will just be indicated as a small number. Again, this may occur twice in one day and refers to the height of the tide in feet or meters about chart datum.

If you’re a fisherman, your fishing boat is likely to smell foul if you don’t clean it regularly; specially, if you let your livewell accumulate all the dirt, slime, and other nasty elements in it. Livewells are containers where you store all the fish you caught or a temporary shelter for your live baits. They can also be used as collectors of all the discarded bits and pieces of a fish including their scales, waste, guts, and even marine vegetation. Since this is a moist environment, bacteria and mould can grow which makes the livewell stinky and unsafe. If you don’t bother cleaning your livewell, you could very well kill the next critter that will inhabit the storage area.

Cleaning the livewell not only creates a healthy environment for fish but also helps to keep livewell screens, pumps, and lines clear of any obstructions that can inhibit water flow and cause the system to work inefficiently.

Livewell cleaning should be on the regular maintenance checklist of any fishing boat owner, and it’s an easy task with only a few simple steps to prevent it from going rogue.

Cleaning the Livewell

Many factors such as how often the live well is used, the typical water quality, and the species of fish placed in the well, determine how frequently the livewell systems should be cleaned. Here are some tips on how to effectively clean the livewell: 

If your livewell has an accumulation of fish scales, wastes, or any debris sitting at the bottom or just floating around the boat (if it’s filled with water) let the well dry completely and then suck up the debris with a vacuum so it does not get flushed into the pumps.

Remove the drain screens from the bottom of the well. Squeeze the perimeter of the plastic screen to disengage the retaining tabs. Leave them in the bottom of the well to soak in the cleaning solution. Make sure that you avoid using bleach since the chemical residue will leave behind harming the fish inside the livewell. Instead, use a mixture of white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide. The vinegar dissolves the scale while the peroxide kills the algae and bacteria.  

Plug the drain and pour the vinegar and hydrogen peroxide mix directly into the well. Then use a hose to fill the well with water just below the overflow drain. Turn on the livewell aerators and let them run for 10 to 15 minutes.

Use your brush or sponge to scrub off any stubborn areas, and then drain the livewell of the dirty solution and water. If any tough stains remain, scrub them with a paste made of water and baking soda on a sponge.

After the well has drained, plug the drain again and fill the well with clean water. Then run the aerators for another 10 to 15 minutes. This will flush out the system. When 30 minutes are up, drain the well completely.

Use your paper towels or a microfibre cloth to wipe any residue left on the bottom and sides of the well and replace the drain screens. Make sure the drain screens are clean. Leave the livewell lids open to let the well dry completely. Once it’s dry, your livewell is ready to welcome in your fish your bait.

Spring is finally here in Australia which means it’s the perfect weather to explore the outdoors. The weather is finally getting warmer which means you can finally hit the usual summer destinations like the beach and the ocean. And what’s a greater and more fun experience to do during spring than going on boat trips? If you’re a boater, this is the perfect opportunity to go out in the open waters and soak in the wonderful feeling of being outdoors after being cooped up indoors last winter. Take out your family boat and invite your loved ones for an exciting vacation exploring Australia’s finest nature destinations.

Here is a list of popular boating destinations that Aussies love to cruise along:

The Whitsundays, Queensland

The Whitsunday islands are probably the most popular travel destinations in Australia due to their beautiful white beaches, crystal clear turquoise sea, and a wide array of marine animals that tourists will see. Boaters love to island hop in this part of Queensland because of the pristine nature around them where they can relax and enjoy the view; plus, they can explore the islands as well.  Whitehaven beach, Hayman Island, and Daydream Island are the popular sites that tourists love to go to in the Whitsundays. If you want to spend the night here, there are several exciting nightlife and dining around the Whitsundays that are open every day of the week.

Sydney Harbour, New South Wales

If you want to boat around a metropolis area, look no further than the world-famous Sydney Harbour. With the magnificent views of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, boating in this harbour is totally Instagram-worthy.  You also get to see various commercial boats such as sailboats and cruise ships around the harbour. Plus, you can also see various critters out in the water. If you’re done boating around the harbour, there are plenty of shops and restaurants to go to on a food trip.

Corroboree Billabong, Northern Territory

The Corroboree is part of the Mary River wetlands and is one of the most sought-after boating places in Australia for observing local fauna species. The Corroboree Billabong is home to a large number of saltwater crocodiles, wild pigs, water buffalo, and various bird species. You can also fish barramundi and Saratoga here as well!

The Derwent River, Tasmania

If you want your travel destination to be in a freshwater ecosystem, why not visit the Derwent River in Tasmania? The river flows 200 km from Central Highlands and flows out into the Tasman Sea.  You can fish the famous Tasmanian Sea trout or do water sports such as water skiing and sailing. Indeed, this is the perfect place to go boating with a large group of people because of all the exciting activities you can do here.

Cape Jervis, South Australia

Cape Jervis is a great destination for exploring cool locations such as the historic Kangaroo Island, Investigators Strait or the Backdoor Passage. Located outside Adelaide on the Fleurieu Peninsula, this is a paradise for cruisers and boaters as they can also visit to see the Pages Islands in the Backstairs Passage. Not only that, but they can also get to see the Australian sea lion colonies that are residing there.

Fishing boat owners love their vessels, and they consider them their prized possessions. After all, these boats allow them to be close to the water, explore nature’s marine environment, and engage in hobbies such as diving, fishing, and watersports. Too many boat owners, their vessels are their most treasure companions in their aquatic life. Without their boat, there would be no more cruising through the gentle waves of lush and healthy coastlines, rivers, lakes, and ponds.

 Experiencing the loss of something loved is never easy. Many people will experience loss at least once in their lives, whether it’s the loss of loved ones, pets, or prized possessions. Loss invites grief, and it is a feeling that’s never easy to handle. Grief is a long-term event in one’s life that could take a long time to handle.

 The loss of a boat could be due to irreparable damage, theft, or the inability of the boater to continue boating due to injury. Boat owners can be overcome with grief if their boats sink. The best thing to treat such grief would be to visit a therapist, who can help bereaved individuals manage their emotions.

 Boat owners could lose their boats for several reasons. For instance, their vessels could have incurred severe damage that they have been deemed irreparable or unusable. Maybe their boats have been stolen, and would not be recovered easily. Or in other cases, injuries could afflict passionate boat owners, rendering them incapable of boating any further.

 Grief is not easy to overcome. The best way to handle the events of one’s life is best told by a psychologist or therapist. People suffering from bereavement should visit professional consultants who can help them deal with their emotions.

 Bereavement can come in five stages, whether it’s grief from the loss of a loved one, or a treasured possession.

 Here are the 5 Stages of Bereavement.

Denial     – This stage of grief is characterized by the refusal to accept or     acknowledge an issue. In other words, it’s an avoidance of a problem.     People deny their emotions or the fact of an event occurring so they can     avoid the responsibility of dealing with them. Denial also leads them to     believe that their problems are unreal, or at the very least, immaterial     and inconsequential. However, this first stage of grief is a true emotion     that leads to further phases of bereavement.

 Anger     – Boat owners who have lost their fishing boat can be overcome with negative     emotions at the event that had caused the loss of their prized possession.     This 2nd stage of grief is characterized by anger, irritability, and     explosive fits of negative emotions.

  Bargaining     – This stage of grief is renowned for the question it mainly asks – “What     if?” People who experience this phase of bereavement will replay the     events of their loss, and imagine scenarios that could have made the     situation better.

 Depression     – This stage is characterized by a lack of interest and energy. People     dealing with grief may lose interest in their hobbies and may choose to     simply not do anything.

If you’re looking for new boats for sale, you should visit your local boat centres for the best boat deals. While many trustworthy independent boat salesmen offer used boats for sale, certified dealers from boating centres are more reliable. This is especially true if you’re looking for brand new boats for sale. However, if you’ve decided to get a secondhand boat, you can get affordable ones from a boat dealer.

 Finding a boat dealer for used boats for sale can be a challenge. The difficulty is finding the boat dealer close to your location who sells the tinnie you need. There are many different boats and specs that not one vessel is the same. This is why it’s hard to find specific dealers. Plus, you also need to find a trusted one.

 Finding a trusted dealer is part of the challenge when buying a new boat. If you have close friends in the boating community, you can ask them if they know any trusted dealer for tinnie. If your friend is well-connected to the boating industry, he’ll know of a few of them. And you’ll be surprised how much reliable their knowledge is compared to a few internet searches.

 Once you’ve chosen a boat buyer, it’s time for you to get acquainted with them. If your boat dealer is someone you know, or if they’re a close mutual friend, you probably don’t have to worry about getting tricked. But if it’s a new dealer you’ve only known recently, it’s probably best to keep your eyes peeled. Be observant of the red signs and flags of unethical salesmanship.

Here are some red flags you should look out for in a boat salesman.

 Irate and Unapproachable

Sometimes, if a salesman seems annoyed or irritated, it’s probably because they had a bad day. But unapproachable and unfriendly salesman are notoriously bad at their trade. Refusing to connect with customers is a strategy to deflect questions. This is also common in salesman who goes straight down to business without connecting or building rapport with their customers. If a boat salesman wants their merchandise bought as quickly as possible, their boat probably has issues they don’t want buyers to know. Or at least, they want a buyer to notice late when it’s no longer in their hands.

 Scare Tactics

One unethical sales tactic is to try to scare your customers into buying your merchandise. This is very common in the field of vitamins or supplements, where salesman encourages their customers to buy their merchandise if they don’t want to catch some diseases. It’s the common “buy it or else” strategy. An example of this tactic in boat salesmen is when they encourage you to buy their boat immediately because they already have another buyer. Or that the price may increase the next time you come back.

 Refuses a Test Drive

Boating trips can be a wholesome and memorable experience when you’re going with your close friends and loved ones. There are so many activities you can do on the water such as snorkelling, wakeboarding, diving, and fishing. In fact, just simply launching from your boat trailer and going into the water on your fishing boat can be the highlight of your vacation.

 When you’re having fun in the water with your mates and family, it’s only natural if you want to take home a few souvenirs from the water, so you will always remember the fun times you had with your tinnie.

 If you are snorkelling in the open seas, there’s a chance you’ll come by something interested just lying around underwater. While you’re viewing the coral reefs and lush marine life of Australia’s beautiful underwater environment, you might find something shiny laying on the sand. If you feel like it’s safe to pick it up, go ahead! When all is said and done, and you’re packing up your boat trailer, you’ll always have something to remember this vacation by.

 Let’s take a look at the different souvenirs you can take home with you from your memorable boating trip.

 Coral Piece

Just a reminder that it’s never okay to pluck a piece from a coral, no matter how small the piece you want to get. If enough people do this, there will be lasting damage to the coral reef. Instead, if you see a piece of coral that’s been naturally separated from its main body, you can go ahead and pick it up. They may look like a piece of stone with tiny holes all over its surface.

 While coral pieces may not be worth much in terms of physical value, and there’s really not much you can do with them, they can still be a good reminder of the wholesome and memorable trip you had.

 Pebbles

These things come in different shapes and sizes, and each one is almost as unique as snowflakes. You can usually find them underwater when you’re snorkelling, and you don’t have to drive your fishing boat into the deep sea to find them. Sometimes, they could just be lying around the shore. If you find a unique size and shape that catches your eye, you can take it home with you. Underwater pebbles don’t have many practical uses other than being unique decorations for your house.

 If you own an aquarium, you can also gather a handful of sea pebbles and take them to your pet fishes back home. They’ll definitely like them as presents. Just make sure to wash and clean them before introducing them to your fish tank. Otherwise, you might introduce some pathogens or invasive species into your aquarium.

 Sea Shells

These are popular souvenirs. You can buy them from souvenir shops, or you can dive underwater and collect some on your own. These are popular as home decorations. If you’re creative enough, you can even collect a few and string them into a necklace or any other sort of jewellery. Just remember not to collect too many of them. Remember, you’re getting a souvenir; not hoarding materials.

It’s not recommended to set out into the deep waters on your fishing boat by yourself, let alone spend the night there. However, if you’re a passionate boater, chances are you’re going to do that once in a while. To many boaters, spending overtime on their boat at sea seems like something fun to do at least once in their lifetimes.

 If you wish to spend the night on your boat, away from civilization, at the mercy of the waves, make sure that you’ve packed everything you need from safety kits to overnight equipment. And more importantly, you must never forget to file a float plan to let your loved ones and friends know where you’re going, how long you’ll be gone, and what you’re doing. Include details such as the license number of your fishing boat, your boat trailer, the shirt you’re wearing, and what you’re bringing. Every detail helps.

 If you’re confident with your safety and experience in the water, spending the night on your boat in the water can be a fun experience. In fact, it’s like camping. You can do activities like stargazing, meditation, having barbecues, and fishing. Your options might be limited when it comes to dynamic activities such as jogging and hiking, but you’re never short of scenery to gaze upon. The open seas of Australia can be soothing to the soul to some people.

 Once you’ve got your safety gear packed, here are a few things that you can bring with you in your overnight getaway at sea.

 Sleeping Bag, Pillows, and Blanket

Unless your boat has a built-in lounge or cabin, you should bring something soft for yourself to lie down on. It’s not pleasant to sleep on the hard surface of your aluminium boat’s deck, and if you do, you’ll probably wake up with a sore body. Sleeping bags, pillows, and blankets are a must if you’re planning to spend an overnight getaway on your boat.

 Canopy

Don’t let a drizzle ruin your camping trip. If your boat doesn’t have a built-in roof, you can get one of those attachable canopies from your local boating centres. These things are useful when you’re boating on a hot day or spending overnight on your boat. They can help you stay dry when there’s a small drizzle of rain. However, if the wind picks up and rain comes, you should consider packing up and heading back to land.

 Flashlight

The sea can get really dark because it’s very far away from city lights. Make sure to bring a light source with you such as a flashlight or a hand torch so you can find your way around your fishing boat. You can also attach your light source to your railings to alert other boaters that you’re anchored on spot. This is especially useful if you’re planning to spend your overnight trip away from the docks, in the middle of the sea, far from any city lights or buoys.

In the list of the most popular hobbies in Australia, cruising out on a boat is definitely on top. This is because the country is filled with so many selections of lush and lively waterways, beaches, coastlines, lakes, and rivers. The aquatic bodies of Australia beckon to boat owners who wish to cruise through the waves. It’s not surprising that boating is a popular activity in the country.

 Cruising through Australia’s vast waterways unlocks so many opportunities for adventure. For instance, the open seas are perfect for boat owners looking for exciting adventures, and the calm waves of the inland waterbodies beckon to those who want to relax and have some peace. The waters are also lively enough to accommodate those who want to engage in watersports such as paragliding, wakeboarding, and skiing.

 The peaceful waves of inland waters such as rivers, lakes, and ponds are perfect for boat owners who want to relax and be close to nature. Fishing boat owners with peaceful personalities prefer to launch their boat trailer at their favourite lake or pond and enjoy the peaceful currents of the water. One of the favourite activities of inland boaters is fishing, where they cast out their fishing line and relax while they wait for a bite. On the other hand, if they prefer not to fish, they could simply enjoy the company of nature and engage in sightseeing and exploration.

 Boating is an activity that caters to people of different personalities. And because of the lush and lively waters of Australia, it’s not surprising that many people are starting to get interested in getting a boat.

 Aspiring boaters who want to get into the boating community usually ask the question of whether or not they should buy a brand-new fishing boat or a secondhand one. Both are good choices, and there are pros and cons to both choices.

 Secondhand boats are more affordable than brand-new ones. Because they are previously owned, their value tends to drop, as is natural for any secondhand items. However, this is not to say that used boats are defective, and need to be disposed of at the lowest price. Private sellers can put up used boats for different reasons. They might already have new boats and don’t need their old ones. In other cases, they might have given up on boating in favour of different hobbies.

 Brand-new boats for sale come at a higher price because their qualities and conditions are guaranteed to be optimal. They are safer to purchase, as they’re usually sold by certified boat dealers. Brand-new boats can also come with damages that may have gone unnoticed by dealers and manufacturers. Fortunately, many merchants offer warranties for such factory defects. Most boating centres also offer boating equipment such as boat trailers along with boat purchases.

Launch out from your boat trailer and have fun. Going out on your boat to explore Australia’s lush and lively waters is a fun and stress-free activity that you can do with your mates and family. You can go out fishing or enjoy watersports such as paragliding, skiing, or wakeboarding. Many people who own tinnies agree that going out on your boat is a good way to spend your vacation. It’s also a good time to bond with your families, friends, and acquaintances.

 If you own a boat, you’ll probably agree that boating is a fun and relaxing activity you can do once in your free time. Fishing and sightseeing are the favourite activities for boaters who just want to go out into the water without a plan. They simply plan to launch out from their boat trailer, sit in their tinnies, be close to nature, and enjoy the rocking of the waves.

 However, boating may not be for everyone. Many people who board boats can experience discomfort, especially when they do it for the first time. This is why boat owners and captains need to be patient with inexperienced passengers.

 An enjoyable day of going out on your fishing boat may be a stressful time for someone who doesn’t feel like they’re comfortable on a boat. Many people, especially those inexperienced in being on the water, do not know that they are prone to ailments when riding on a fishing boat. This is usually a medical or psychological problem, and not just someone wanting to get out of the boat because they don’t find the activity enjoyable.

Here are some boat ailments and their symptoms.

 Seasickness 

This refers to the feeling of sickness and nausea caused by the motion of a ship on the water. This is a type of motion sickness, and a similar ailment can occur to a person on cars, buses, rollercoasters, and aeroplanes. Aside from seasickness, another common type of motion sickness is carsickness. This happens when a passenger becomes sick from the motion of a car, and the symptoms are similar to that of seasickness on a boat.

 Seasickness can often be recognized by nausea, vertigo, loss of balance, slurred speech, and loss of energy. This type of motion sickness can be so severe that it causes people to faint. Otherwise, getting seasick is more of a discomfort than an urgent medical problem. However, it’s still recommended to take a person suffering from seasickness back to land. If a seasick person trips and falls overboard, their loss of balance and fatigue can make it hard for them to stay afloat.

 Seasickness can be remedied by massage, scent therapy, and seasickness tablets.

 Mal de Debarquement

This term translates to “disembarkment syndrome,” and is often called MdDS. This is a disorder that develops during or after being in the water, plane, or train. People who suffer from Mal de Debarquement syndrome suffer from long-term seasickness, dizziness, swaying, and disequilibrium.

This syndrome needs intervention from a medical professional.

 Vertigo

This is a condition where a person feels like a world around them is moving, even though everything is perfectly still. This usually happens after a boating trip, when a passenger has stepped out of the boat. They can still feel the rock and sway of the waves, and this feeling can allow motion sicknesses such as seasickness to persist. 

If you’re on a tinnie with your mates, chances are you have some gadgets with you that you definitely don’t want to get drenched. Nearly all phones, cameras, and other electronic devices meet their end when they’re saturated with water. This is especially true if they’re not waterproof.

 As responsible owners of these gadgets, we have to keep them safe while we’re boating. The last thing we want is our phones dropping to the deck and bouncing into the water. An event like this is completely avoidable.

 Let’s look at some common tips on how to avoid losing your gadgets while you’re boating.

 Get a Stable Foothold

Many people like to take pictures of their boat launching from boat trailers. This is where the trouble starts. Places like boat ramps in rivers, lakes, ponds, or beaches can be slippery. Not just the ramp itself, but the areas around it too. Slippery moss and algae tend to grow on moist areas, creating an unstable ground to stand on. If you find yourself on one of these unstable grounds, make sure to carefully step out. Grab on to something as you do. Do not pull out your phone or gadgets and take pictures of the scenery. Find a stable foothold first where you won’t accidentally slip and drop your phone into the water.

Another cause of unstable foothold is the deck of the fishing boat while it’s moving. The waves can rock the fishing boat violently, and I thrash you around if you’re not careful. Try not to stand while the boat is moving, or when the water is unstable. You could fall overboard along with your belongings. Try not to take pictures on a fast-moving fishing boat, as well. Water could splash all around you and drench your gadget. Or worse, strong splashes of water could knock your gadget out of your grip.

Waterproof Your Belongings

There’s a difference between waterproof and water-resistant. A water-resistant gadget can withstand small droplets of water splashing into it but will malfunction when too much liquid has been introduced into its system. Waterproof gadgets can be completely submerged in water. However, there’s a certain depth and duration that it can withstand. 

You can encase your gadgets in a waterproof zip bag to keep them safe from liquids. They may even survive if you accidentally drop them into the water. These waterproof diploid bags are easy to come by and are decently affordable. It’s a must-have for any aquatic adventures such as fishing, swimming, and boating.

Stow your Gadgets

You can take all the pictures you want while the boat is still in its boat trailer. However, once you’re on the water, it’s best to keep your gadgets stashed in a protective bag. Black garbage bags will work fine. Or if you want, you can get a waterproof bag you can strap on your back. If none of these is available, consider stashing your gadget in one of the fishing boat’s compartments. Make sure they’re dry, and that water doesn’t them easily.

Let’s say you’ve been looking for new boats for sale. Now, you’re planning to buy one, but you don’t know what to do with your old one? Excellent! Simply navigate your way to the nearest computer, fire up your browser, and put up an ad for “Used boat for sale.”

Of course, if you’re planning to keep your old boat, feel free to do so! If you have the space and the resource to maintain two vessels, why not? That’s two boats to brag about to your friends. You may even put it up for rent, or hand it to a charter entity (these are the guys who borrow boats to haul cargo around or whatever activity they might want it for – for a price, of course).

A lot of people are looking for affordable used boats for sale. If you want, you could be someone who can provide it to them. Plus, you can use the profits to get a new boat for sale from brands such as Quintrex and Stacer.

When you’re putting up your used boat for sale, make sure that it’s still in usable quality. In fact, go beyond that – make it a high-quality secondhand boat. That means you better had maintained it properly throughout your ownership. Once you’ve got that down, it’s time to set your used boat up for sale.

First and Foremost, Clean.

This is the very first thing you should do when you’re setting up a sale – clean your merchandise. In fact, as a boat owner, this should be the number one thing you do regularly.

Wash your boat with a good shampoo and scrub the deck with a good deck cleaner. Check for any slippery spots that are stubborn enough to remain throughout all that washing, and eliminate them. Use a high-pressure hose to wash out any stubborn dirt.

Check the underside of the seats and crevices for any pieces of gum and remove them. Check for tiny spaces between the hull as well. You might have had naughty passengers in the past who stuck plastic wrappers or junk food packs in there.

If you have barnacles or mosses on the hull, remove them immediately. This is an urgent matter. Nothing can ruin a boat’s appearance worse than a barnacle. Those tiny critters can trigger trypophobia, a human’s natural aversion to clusters of holes.

Make Sure It’s Legally Clean

Just like a car, a used boat should not have any outstanding tickets or legal responsibilities when put up for sale. Things like these can be inherited by the next owner. That last thing you want is an angry buyer banging at your door, or shouting loudly at your phone.

Make sure the licenses are fully paid and renewed.

Quality Check

Make sure to note any defects or issues your boat might have. Take note of everything from the smallest scratches on the underside of the hull to severe engine issues it might have.