Life jackets for every passenger, fire extinguishers, flares, a marine radio (VHF), and an anchor [15, 24]. 3. Inspecting a Potential Vessel
Whether buying new from a dealer or used from a private seller, never skip a [14, 26]. If buying used, keep a sharp eye out for these red flags: buying my first boat
Check for "spongy" soft spots on the deck, transom cracks, or water drips around hatches [10, 21]. Life jackets for every passenger
Enroll in a boating safety course to learn navigation rules and local regulations [24, 28]. a marine radio (VHF)
Listen for knocks or pings. Check the oil for metal shavings or a "milky" appearance, which indicates water contamination [10, 26].