Start Your Boating Journey In The PNW

Are you looking to go out for the day, the weekend, or longer?

Are you going to be in the ocean, freshwater, or both?

Are you fishing, wake surfing, wakeboarding, or diving?

Answering these questions will help you figure out what boat is right for you.

Where will you keep your boat, and where will you launch it?
Depending on your vessel’s size you have several options. If you plan to store it at home, we recommend covering it, preferably in a garage or undercover. Home storage is free, but if space is an issue, consider rack storage for a monthly fee. Larger boats might require moorage at a marina or boat club also available for a monthly fee.

Launching your boat offers more options:
If moored at a marina or boat club, simply unplug and go. For home-stored boats, find the nearest boat launch on Google, check your city’s parks and recreation website, or click here.

Like a driver's license, Washington requires the driver to pass a test and/or complete a boater safety education course. Click here for Washington's requirements. 

Find a body of water near you and familiarize yourself with the rules of operating watercraft there. In the same way you learn to drive a car and learn the "rules of the road" and the ins and outs of driving, you should do the same with your boat.

If you can receive on-water instruction, we would recommend it!

At Union Marine, we provide several workshops throughout the year to teach new boaters the basics, so make sure you check our events page for information on upcoming classes. You can also utilize Union Marine's very own captain, who will take you through the ropes once you have purchased your boat.

Owning a boat opens you up to a world of possibilities you never knew existed and a new way of exploring. Once you learn what it takes to get your sea legs, it will be time to get out and use them!

When you purchase a boat it is essential to register it in your name.
In Washington State, boat registration is required within 60 days of moving to the state with the vessel or within 15 days of purchasing it out of state.

For detailed information on registering your boat in Washington, click here.
If you're outside Washington, visit Discover Boating for your state's boat registration requirements.

Just like registration, boat insurance is a requirement in most states.
Insurance costs can vary based on your provider, type of boat, status, and options. Many online providers offer coverage comparisons to help you find the best policy for your boat.
You might also qualify for a discount if you bundle your boat insurance with your current vehicle policy. For more details on boat insurance, click here.

If you purchase a new boat, it's likely to come with a trailer.
If it did not and you plan to transport your boat between bodies of water you'll of course need one.
Trailer costs vary by features and size. In Washington State, it is required for trailers to be titled, registered, and have attached license plates. Check Washington's Department of Licensing (DOL) for trailer registration requirements here.
Remember to include the yearly licensing fee as an ongoing cost of boat ownership.

The cost of boat storage and moorage can vary significantly depending on your boat's length.
Outdoor storage areas are less secure but more affordable than indoor storage if you can't keep your boat at home or in a garage.
Indoor dry storage provides a secure, weather-protected environment.
Marina moorage is ideal for larger vessels.
Undercover, wet storage, and enclosed boat houses keep your boat ready and protected from the elements with shore power ensuring charged batteries and heated interiors.
Use Google or click here to locate storage options and contact your nearest marina for moorage details and costs.


 

The accessories you need for your boat depend on the type of boater you are. However, investing in key safety gear is essential to legally and safely operate your vessel.

Type IV Throwable Flotation Devices: These ring or square flotation devices are designed to be thrown and grasped.

PFD's (Lifejackets): Required for every person on board, lifejackets are crucial for safety in emergencies.

Visual Signaling Devices: Smoke and flares are mandatory, with different requirements for boats under and over 16 feet.

Audible Signaling Devices: Handheld boat horns are essential as backups in low visibility.

Fire Extinguisher: Vital for preventing fires, even on water.

In addition to Coast Guard requirements, consider other safety equipment recommended by Discover Boating:

• Medical kit
• Anchor with a line
• Bailing device or bucket
• Oars or paddles
• Cell phone
• VHF radio
• Knife
• Snorkel mask
• Heavy-duty flashlight
• Skier or diver down flag
• Working running lights
• Weather update source

Safety for your crew and boat is paramount.

Maintaining your boat is arguably the most daunting aspect of boat ownership.
Starting with regular cleaning and lubrication is essential for preventative care. In Washington State, where boating is seasonal, winterization costs can arise.
Our experts at Union Marine can winterize your boat, minimizing your cost and effort. Get a quote here.

Annual boat maintenance typically costs around 10% of your vessel's value, though new boats may cost less. Key maintenance areas include the engine, hull, electrical components, and upholstery. Larger boats also require attention to plumbing and HVAC systems. Always refer to your manufacturer's guidelines for specific maintenance needs.

Knowing your vehicles towing capacity and assist features will tow your boat is extremely important. Ensure it can handle the boat and gear load. Next, choose the proper-sized hitch and ball to secure your boat safely. Proper towing equipment is crucial for a safe journey.

Preparing your boat trailer for the boating season can save you headaches and money. A blown tire can lead to severe damage or loss of your boat. Create a checklist to ensure your trailer is ready, including:

• Checking tire air pressure before each trip, especially after the off-season
• Ensuring all signal lights work & upgrading to long-lasting LEDs if needed
• Securing the boat with straps at the bow and transom
• Verifying trailer brakes (if applicable)
• Ensuring no loose gear that could fly out
• Double-checking loaded gear to avoid leaving anything behind

Congratulations on reaching the water safely!
You're now ready to launch your boat.
After your outing, load your boat and trailer back to their original place. For detailed tips on launching and loading your boat, stay tuned and subscribe to our newsletter!

Mooring refers to securing your boat to a fixed object like a mooring buoy, dock, quay, wharf, jetty, or pier, instead of using an anchor.
Mooring can be challenging, especially in tight spaces.
To moor at a buoy, you'll need a boat hook or line to secure your boat.
Key mooring components include a mooring anchor, mooring chain, and mooring buoy.

• Mooring Anchor: A fixed anchor, three times the weight of your service anchor, to keep your boat steady.
• Mooring Chain: Connects the anchor to the buoy, recommended at three times the water depth and a quarter-inch larger than your service chain.
• Mooring Buoy: A floating device marking where your boat is moored.

A common misconception is that a boat slip is the same as a boat dock.
While they are similar, there's a crucial difference.
Docks are like open parking lots while a slip is a dedicated space for your boat. 

As mentioned earlier, boat docks are more like open parking lots where anyone can park their boats requiring parallel parking with three sides open. Some docks also feature boat slips. Boat slips, often found in F, T, or L-shaped dock areas, provide a dedicated space, surrounding three sides of the boat for easier parking and a single entry and exit point.

Let's start with land storage options for boating season.
For smaller vessels boating season typically begins when freezing temperatures subside and continues until winterization is needed.
If you cannot store your boat in a garage or at home consider these alternatives for secure storage during boating season.

Union Marine provides Outdoor Dry Storage and Winterization options.
Space fills up fast so contact our service department to reserve your spot today!
*To protect your boat from the elements always keep a cover on it.

Indoor storage offers year-round protection from the elements with heated storage which guarantees the prevention of freezing.
While more expensive than outdoor storage, it provides enhanced security and protection for your vessel.

Commercial storage facilities or larger storage areas often offer rack storage.
Indoor or covered outdoor rack storage (sometimes uncovered) is usually inexpensive and ensures your boat is protected.
Rack storage is a reliable option for storage if space is a concern on your property. 

Moorage is ideal for larger vessels too heavy for rack storage and too big for a garage.
While outdoor storage is an option, it's not always convenient for launching.
Keeping your boat in the water is a practical solution.
Moorage fees and slip types (short-term, long-term, covered, or uncovered) can vary and affect prices. Remember, while in the water, haul-out fees for maintenance may apply.

Washington storage costs vary.
For boat-centric storage, expect $55-$60 per foot as a base and up to $250 per foot for indoor storage.
This higher estimate helps cover all bases and prevents surprise fees.
For non-boat-centric storage or moorage contact local storage companies for monthly rates.

The most important step for dry storage vessels is winterization at the end of the boating season.
Union Marine offers winterization services to protect your boat from freezing temperatures and rough weather.
We also recommend shrink-wrapping your boat to keep the interior dry and exterior protected from the elements. 

If you're reading this on the Union Marine website, you're likely a Washington State resident.
In Washington you must be at least 12 years old to operate boats (vessels) with 15 or more horsepower and 14 years old to operate a personal watercraft (PWC) like a wave runner or jetski.

NOTE: PWC includes wave runners, jetskis, and similar watercraft.

If you're not in Washington State, check out Discover Boating's website to see your state's requirements.

Sign up for boater education classes.

Many boating classes can be taken online. In the Puget Sound area numerous resources are available for in-person classes.
While we recommend these as a supplement, we suggest obtaining your boater safety license and certification through Boat-ed.com, the official Washington State resource.

Additionally, keep a boater's handbook on hand until you're familiar with the rules of the water. Pick up your handbook here.

You've done it!
You have your boat and your license—now get out on the water and enjoy your new vessel!

Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on year-round training and workshops at Union Marine. If you ever feel rusty or need a refresher, we've got you covered!