Tuesday Tips: Anchors up! How to prepare for boating season.

6/14/2016

It's summer, the sun is shining, the weather is warming up and that means it is boating season! Here is a quick guide put together by some of our agents to help get you ready for the water.

Prepping your boat for the season is by far one of the most important parts.

You want to make sure that your boat is ready for any adventures you might make.

This guide can be used for various types of boats and is for all levels of boaters, whether you are a beginner, just a passenger or you've been on the water for years.

Spring Preperation:

Get the boat serviced - Just like a car, your boat motor and other equipment that needs to be regularly serviced.
- Check engine fluids, change the oil, etc.
- Hours of use services (just like mileage)
- Check over the trailer lights, tires and runners
- Don't forget the fuel!
- Our agents suggest using Seafoam - get the details by clicking the link
- Electrical check (lights are hard to fix in the dark!)
Clean and gear up - Have your boat ready for just about anything
- Clean and polish any necessary parts
- Sail boats: check rigging and sails for loose strands, strays or tears
- Load up life jackets, safety gear, buoys
- First aid kit
- Emergency fuel
In the water - Make a lap to double check
- Ensure motor and controls are working properly
- Park the boat on lift or dock

and finally.... ENJOY!

End of season:

Clean the boat (wash, wax)
Winterize service if not stored in a heated garage/facility

How to prepare for boating season infographic

8 Comments

OceanOneMarine link

8/28/2020 04:16:28 am

Thanks for sharing your docks building ideas with us. It is useful information for docks services.

Rangitaiki River Rafting link

4/7/2021 04:19:43 am

It’s a great source of knowledge; I think it will be helpful for lot of people who are looking for learning more about the tips for anchors up and how to prepare for boating season are explained over here. Thank you very much for sharing this article.

Mia Evans link

7/15/2021 09:15:10 pm

Thanks for pointing out that we need to double-check when docking the boat and regarding its motors. I will keep that in mind now that we plan to hire professionals to construct a floating dock behind our home. It's because we moved into this property near the lake, and we plan to buy a boat next year.

Tex Hooper link

9/20/2021 07:41:22 pm

I like your trailer tips. I need to fix my trailer. It broke on the freeway.

Jesse Ford link

10/14/2021 06:20:35 pm

Thanks for the tip to winterize the dock along with other boating equipment at the end of the season. I just inherited a lakeside cabin from my parents, and I was thinking about getting a dock built to go with it. I'll be sure to keep these tips in mind when the time comes to keep it in good condition.

Millie Hue link

2/1/2022 06:57:19 pm

I like that you pointed out that regular services would be needed when you have a boat, just like how you care for your car. I will share this information with my brother who plans to get his own center console boat this year. It has been his goal to have his own vessel to go fishing or to go on an adventure on the sea which is why he has moved into an area near the coast two years ago.

Eli Richardson link

8/17/2022 01:00:15 pm

I love that you elaborated on preparing your boat for sailing and how to make sure it's in good shape. One of my friends said he wants to buy a boat this month and host fun parties on it, so I think he'd benefit from reading your article in advance. Thanks for the information on inspecting your boat regularly to avoid accidents.

Eve Mitchell link

9/12/2022 02:04:15 pm

Thanks for mentioning that you need to get your boat serviced regularly. My husband and I are thinking about buying a used boat so we can take our kids. Right now, we're trying to figure out what kind of accessories we need to make boating and docking easier.

Hello and welcome