Boats are great, but they can also be a lot of work. They’re notoriously high-maintenance and often require extensive amounts of time. We at The Advantaged are here to help. We’re here to share our industry insider insight with you. So whether you’re a weekend warrior or a lifelong sailor, try these 5 hacks to make your boating life a bit easier.Go SlowYou’re definitely going to want to go slow when docking. Remember the old saying: go slow and look like a pro. Don’t be the guy who gets caught ramming into the dock. You may think it’s cool to whip your boat out of the harbor and into open waters like Mario Andretti. Trust us, it isn’t. Doing so can also cause a lot of damage. Take our advice and just go slow, especially if you’re new to the water. This hack will make your boating life easier in no time.

Learn How to Handle (and Back In) a Boat Trailer

Pulling into a crowded marina without knowing exactly how to maneuver your single screw boat is one of life’s least pleasant experiences. It’s important to learn how to handle your boat trailer. Here’s a practical bit of advice: when backing up a trailer, put your hand at the bottom of the wheel’s 6 o'clock position. The direction that you turn the wheel is the direction that the trailer is going to go.

Make Sure You Are Up To Code

This hack will make your boating life much easier. Nothing can ruin a lovely day out on the open seas like getting pulled over and fined or arrested. Make sure that you have a life-preserver for everyone on board, a fire extinguisher, a visual distress signal, and a sound producing device (like a bull-horn) on board at all times. This is for your own safety. And, aside from that, make sure your boat is registered and that all of your permits are up-to-date and easily accessible at all times. Failing to do so can result in some serious fines. Don’t get caught unprepared.

Know The Tides

Knowing the time and heights of high and low tides before you head out is incredibly important. It is often key to know when "to go or not to go" in and out of an ocean inlet or a tributary. It may also help you avoid groundings during low tide in unmarked areas. We’d suggesting taking a basic boating-safety-course over the weekend with your local FWC. It’s cheap and will give you peace of mind. You can thank us later for this hack to make your boating life easier!

Think Ahead

Always overdress (you get bonus points for having a stylish sailing outfit)! Weather conditions on the water are usually different than on land. When heading out for a day on the water, be sure to bring skin protection such as sunscreen and a "buff". Nothing can ruin a weekend of beautiful weather like getting bad sunburn. Also be sure to bring lots of snacks and water. Everyone is happier (especially kids) when they are well fed and extra water aboard is never a bad idea.These 5 hacks will make your boating life much easier. Want to know the best way to make your time on the water even better? Rent a luxury yacht in Miami! You’ll be sailing like never before. Check out our full selection above, or give us a call today at (786) 481-1357 and we’ll match you to the best boat!