DeepWater Bill

It really doesn’t matter what your politics are. Anyone with any understanding of the world and country we live in can tell you that things have changed. And boy, do I mean changed. We have gone from living a relatively comfortable lifestyle complete with boating and fishing to a financial wasteland…. In just a couple of short years. We now live in a country where unnecessary expenditures (aka hobbies) just might well be a thing of the past, as eating regularly moves up the priority list.

So, how do you survive it if you are a boater/fisherman who wants to continue without completely going under ? The purpose of this article is to investigate that question and attempt to offer a few answers.

• I have an in-the-water boat and I can no longer afford gas and dockage …. What to do ?
The answer is kinda complicated but there is one ….. First is the obvious … your usage will be cut down and your gas buying reduced. Now for the dockage situation….. move to a cheaper dock, or pull the boat out and store it on land. But what if there are no haul-out facilities available? If you have a boat ramp nearby there are boat movers that have in-the-water trailers that can actually back down the ramp and load your big boat just as if it was a small trailerable one. Yep, we are talking about semi-trailers that are submersible. Now with the boat loaded up, you can move your boat to a cheaper on land storage location. Not a permanent answer, but perhaps it is helpful at least until the next election.

• I have to sell ….. I cannot afford to keep my boat any longer.

This is a bit tougher, but there are answers. There are always people available that will “steal” your boat for a price that might be quick but painful to swallow. And there is still some success out there for the heavily advertised boat being offered for sale. You can always donate your boat as a tax deduction to some worthwhile charity, or simply give it to a friend. The choices are not real attractive right now as we all know, but the more popular the brand name and the better the condition it is in will always help in moving it.

So what does the future hold for boaters/fishermen? It is indeed rather unsure to simply state the obvious. The 2012 election will probably have a great deal of impact on all areas of our e economy and boating/fishing will be in the mix. If your boating is recreational in nature, it doesn’t look real good for the near future. For those who earn their living from boats and the fishing industry, it will be tough but necessary. For the rest of us…….. down-sizing …. Infrequent use …. a change in hobbies …. All of these things may in fact be in our near if not long term future. We will continue to monitor and report on this situation as time passes and we will all hope for the return of “a better boating day”.

This article is being written for publishing on the blog www.deepwaterbill.com, and as such your comments and suggestions about this subject are welcomed and encouraged. Vendors with products and services that have something to do with this subject may email for inclusion in our blog.
As a lifetime boater, a Licensed Coast Guard Captain-100 ton Master, and the owner of several boats myself, I welcome your ideas, comments, and suggestions.

Thanks for your time and attention,

Capn Bill

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Power boats insurance offers, of course, differ from each other. Do not be easily fooled into signing up for a cheap one without really looking into the inclusions and coverage. Keep in mind that understanding the different boat insurance offers can mean not only saved money but also better safety for you, your family or your boating pals.

The kind of boat you will buy can certainly influence the type of insurance offer. Power boats insurance packages can depend on factors such as boat size, boat materials, racing power, and the like. Look into the market first before signing up for an insurance policy, so you can have a pretty good idea of the going rates and inclusions.

It is also essential that you do not just consider how power boats insurance offers look on paper. Be sure to also check the credibility and track record of the insurance company you are dealing with. Check with local agencies and ask around if the company is fair and easy to deal with after the insurance agreement is signed off by a boat owner.

If you are a serious boat owner, then a power boats insurance is necessary especially if you plan to really use your boat for various water sports like sailing, fishing, or diving. If you are a new boat owner, the right power boats insurance can also mean being able to have the peace of mind so you can fully maximize your purchase, not just for yourself but also for those who will use your new baby.