Is There A "Consumer Reports" Type Of Magazine For Boaters?"

by Peter J. Wihtol

 

There had been two put out by the same publisher, but the one for power boaters, Powerboat Reports is no longer published. However the one for sail boaters, The Practical Sailor is still being published. The Practical Sailor website is found at www.practical-sailor.com. And even if you are a power boater you might consider getting a subscription to this magazine, because a lot of the equipment that is used on sailboats is also used on powerboats.

 

Beware Of The Popular Boating Magazines.

Their prime source of revenue comes from its advertisers. Thus they will paint a rosy picture of how wonderful, fun and easy boating is and they do not discuss the troubles, hidden expenses and problems, for to do so would and anger and lose their advertisers. Boats are demanding mistresses. One can save money by doing a lot of the work one's self. But doing a chintzy job and using substandard parts or putting off important preventive maintenance will often prove to be way more costly. This could also present a danger to you, your friends and loved ones riding on your boat. And this is guaranteed to happen in the middle of bad weather and terrible seas.

 

Other Ways To Learn About Boats, Engines And Accessories.

You can avoid trying to invent the wheel yourself and talk with other boaters. You can meet and talk with them at various boating organizations like the US Power Squadron or the US Coast Guard Axillary or hob-nob with other boaters at your marina or at a friend’s yacht club. Find out who has a boat similar to the one you would like to buy and get their comments and impressions. Additionally, boating clubs and organizations have personalities of their own. Before you join one, find out whether the personality of the organization is one that you are comfortable with.

 

Good Marine Mechanics Are Sometimes Hard To Find

In addition to boats you will also be buying accessories, find out what others have found to work best. Another seldom-discussed matter is finding the best choice for a really good marine mechanic. I've known boaters who have gone to the cheapest boat yard or marina and have had work done on their boat by low-paid novice mechanics. They have badly botched the job. And I've had friends who have gone to better boat yards and have had the same problems. Good mechanics are hard to find.