Boat days are the best days. Let's keep them that way.
From your first fishing boat to weekends on Lake Travis, here's your guide to buying, registering, maintaining and enjoying a boat in the Lone Star State.
Sunshine. Open water.
A few responsibilities.
Owning a boat opens up a whole new side of Texas. Morning fishing trips, afternoons on the lake and weekends exploring the coast.
But before you untie the dock lines, there's paperwork to handle, equipment to check and a few costs worth planning for.
Here's how to make boat ownership a little smoother.
Find your kind of boat.
Start with how you'll actually use it. A fishing boat for inland lakes has different needs from a vessel designed for coastal cruising.
Early mornings. Big catches.
Consider storage, fishing equipment, engine size and the waters you'll regularly navigate.
Room for everyone.
Popular for relaxed lake days. Think about passenger capacity, docking and storage.
Ready to explore.
Consider fuel consumption, maintenance, engine performance and where you plan to operate.
Let the wind do its thing.
Factor in sailing experience, rigging maintenance, slip availability and local water conditions.
Buying used? Do your homework.
Check the vessel's condition, maintenance history, hull identification number and ownership documents. Consider a professional marine survey for larger or higher-value boats.
Let's make it official.
Before taking your new boat out, make sure you understand Texas registration and titling requirements.
Texas generally requires registration for motorized vessels and nonmotorized vessels at least 14 feet long, with certain exemptions.
Verify the title, bill of sale and any required transfer paperwork before completing your purchase.
Boat trailers have separate vehicle registration requirements. Check with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
Store required registration documents where you can access them while operating your boat.
The boat is just
the beginning.
The purchase price is only one part of your boating budget. Plan for the costs that come after the exciting part.
Storage & docking
Will you keep your boat at a marina, in dry storage or on a trailer at home? Compare availability and ongoing costs.
Fuel & maintenance
Budget for fuel, oil, engine servicing, cleaning and routine repairs. Saltwater use can require additional care.
Registration & equipment
Account for required registration, safety gear, replacement equipment and any trailer expenses.
Insurance
Include boat insurance in your ownership budget, particularly if you have financing, marina requirements or significant liability exposures.
Good boat days start before you launch.
Texas waterways are made for adventure. A little preparation helps everyone get home safely.
Texas generally requires qualifying operators born on or after September 1, 1993 to complete approved boater education. Age, vessel and supervision rules also apply.
Carry properly sized, approved personal flotation devices and follow applicable wearing requirements, particularly for children.
Confirm applicable fire extinguisher, navigation light, signaling and other equipment requirements for your vessel.
Check the forecast before departure and stay alert for changing winds, lightning and storms.
Tell someone where you're going, who is aboard and when you expect to return.
A little maintenance goes a long way.
Boats need regular attention, even when they're sitting at the dock. Build a routine around your manufacturer's recommendations.
Give it a once-over.
Check fuel, batteries, fluid levels, bilge pumps, navigation lights and safety equipment.
Show your boat some love.
Clean the vessel, inspect for damage and follow the recommended flushing procedures for your engine.
Stay ahead of repairs.
Schedule engine servicing, inspect the hull and maintain your trailer and electrical systems.
Protect it between adventures.
Follow appropriate storage and winterization procedures, especially when freezing weather is possible.
One more Texas-specific tip.
If you move your boat between lakes, follow applicable rules for draining, cleaning and preventing the spread of invasive aquatic species.
Where you boat matters.
Texas offers everything from quiet reservoirs to open coastal waters. Different environments come with different responsibilities.
Know the local rules.
Check lake-specific speed restrictions, no-wake zones, launch access and water conditions.
Plan for changing conditions.
Consider tides, currents, saltwater maintenance and marine weather before heading out.
Read the dock rules.
Review slip agreements, insurance requirements, security and storm preparation procedures.
The adventure starts on land.
Check your vehicle's towing capacity, trailer condition, lights and proper load distribution.
Oh yeah.
Insurance.
You've researched the boat, found your favorite lake and figured out where to store the thing. Now let's talk about protecting it.
Texas generally doesn't require insurance for privately owned recreational boats. But lenders and marinas may have their own requirements.
Boat insurance can help protect your vessel and provide liability coverage. Depending on the policy, you can also explore protection for trailers, equipment and emergency assistance.
Hey Charley is independent, so we can help you compare available coverage options for the boat you own and the way you use it.
Enjoy the water.
We'll talk coverage.
Buying your first boat? Upgrading your current vessel? Getting ready for another Texas boating season? Let Charley help you explore your insurance options.
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