​The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) advises new and current boat and Jet Ski owners to consider purchasing theft prevention devices and brushing up on some basic safety techniques to make sure their vessels stay right where they docked them
With an average of 775 watercraft and Jet Ski's stolen each month, theft costs boat owners and their insurance companies more than $40 million a year.
"Whether you own a motorboat, kayak, personal water craft or 40-foot wooden sailboat-make sure that your boat has the same level of protection as your car or truck," said Robert M. Bryant, President and CEO of National Insurance Crime Bureau. "The majority of watercraft stolen is under 20-feet in length and are never seen again by their owners," he added. "A few simple theft prevention devices could have kept them happily afloat." NICB recommends the following theft prevention guidelines that should leave boat thieves in your wake-guard against a fraudulent purchase, use common sense when disembarking the craft and keep up-to-date identification records.
Boat Fraud: Beware of the Sharks
Learn to recognize common fraud indicators.
-- If a watercraft is offered at a price below market value-be suspicious
-- When purchasing a boat, check that the Hull Identification Number (HIN) matches the HIN on the registration
Dock-It and Lock-It: Using Land Logic on Water
Thieves won't steal a watercraft if it takes too much time or creates too much noise.
-- Always dock in a well-lit area
-- Clearly identify and mark the vessel
-- Secure watercraft to the dock or buoy with a locked steel cable; detachable outboard motors also should be chained and locked to the boat
-- Always shut the engine off; never leave the keys in the boat when going ashore
-- Lock the craft's cabins, doors and windows when not in use
-- Equip the boat with alarms and activate them whenever leaving the craft
-- Disable the boat when docked for long periods by shutting off fuel lines, removing the battery or removing the distributor cap
Stranded with an Empty Dinghy: Keep Identification Records Current
Keep clear, up-to-date records on your watercraft and equipment.
-- Never leave registration, title or identification papers on the boat
-- Take photos or a video of the boat, including a close-up of the HIN
-- Record the serial numbers of all on-board electronics and equipment
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By Bobby Boop

Navigation is an important component of boating. It comes into play long before hitting the water, however. Finding your way through the challenges of buying a boat or Jet Ski also can be intimidating.
    Even for first-timers, buying a boat or PWC is not as tricky as it might seem. The steps are almost exactly like those needed when buying a car, something almost every American adult has done.
    Step 1: Wants and needs
    A boat purchase is often a long-term commitment, so it's important to get started the right way - by figuring out what kind of Jet Ski you're going to buy by balancing your wants and needs.
    Think about how you will use the PWC or Boat.
    Will it be primarily for weekend family fun on big lakes? If so, a traditional 3-seater runabout - the family sedan of Jet Ski’s - maybe the best choice. They are versatile, and many models are available at various price points.
    If you are looking for something for cruising with a lot of people, a deck boat might be the best option. Deck boats basically combine the sleek hull of a runabout with the large, open deck design of a pontoon boat. They are also pretty nice fishing platforms. Sounds somewhat like a minivan, doesn't it?
    If you need lots of room but do not care much for speed, a pontoon boat may be the way to go.
    Big cabin cruisers are the RVs of the water, getting you from point A to point B, and giving you a place to stay when you get there.
    Looking to go fast or turn heads? Sleek speedboats with massive engines are the Chevy Corvettes of the lake. Unlike a Vette, they might have room for more than two, but not much more room.
    If you need speed but do not want size, a 2 seater personal watercraft might be the ticket.
    If your want a more thrilling ride that is a little technical you might want to try a stand up Jet Ski.
    Step 2: The budget
    Once you decide on the type of Jet Ski or boat you want and/or need, it is time to decide how much to spend.
    The first consideration is the price of the boat or Ski itself. Like cars, two boats of similar size, shape and even engine power can be separated in cost by thousands - or even tens of thousands - of dollars.
    You do not have to spend much to get reasonably reliable on-water transportation, or you can spend a ton to get the ultimate in luxury and performance.
    Lenders are willing to finance boats for long terms - up to and even beyond 15 years in some cases - so monthly payments can be relatively low.
    However, other costs must be considered. Insurance and registration are annual costs. Storing a boat at a marina is another, sometimes significant, expense. Regular maintenance costs, as well as unexpected repairs, must be considered. Do not forget about accessories, such as electronic equipment, a trolling motor, and even an anchor.
    Finally, make sure your vehicle is capable of towing your boat or Jet Ski’s.
    Step 3: Research
    Today a car buyer can find out anything about any car, thanks in large part to the Internet. The Internet is also a great way to research boats and Jet Ski’s.
    All boat, PWC and engine makers have their own Web sites, although some are better than others. Many sites allow shoppers to "build" their own boat, down to color schemes and accessories.
    Internet-savvy car shoppers have one advantage over boat shoppers. Boat prices can be harder to find. Although a few manufacturers offer set, no-haggle prices on boat packages, many don't publish prices. To find out what a specific boat is going for, shoppers can skim Internet message boards.
    Step 4:
   Sealing the deal
    Once you find a boat or Jet Ski you want and can afford, it is time to close the deal.
    Haggling about the price is usually part of the process. Because haggling is time-consuming, and time is precious during a boat show, many dealers try to avoid the step by offering boats and Personal Watercraft at special "boat show prices" from the start. They might not be willing to cut any more bucks off the bottom line, but it doesn't hurt to ask, "Is that the best you can do?" at least once.
    Once the price is set, be prepared to shell out a nominal amount of cash as a deposit.
    Obviously, there is no way to take a boat or Jet Ski for a test ride at the Civic Center. Still, be sure your deal is contingent on an on-water test drive at a later date. Dealers are generally more than happy to agree. If you hate the boat, you will be able to choose another from that dealer.
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By Robert Boop