With spring just around the corner, marked on the calendar for March 19th, now is the perfect time to start planning for the upcoming boating season. As the days lengthen and temperatures begin to rise, it's important to start gearing up for a season of maritime adventures.
This blog post will delve into the significance of early preparation for boating season this spring. From essential maintenance checks to updating safety gear, we'll explore how you can ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience on the water.
How to Prepare for Boating Season this Spring
1. Inspect Your Onboard Equipment
Spring is an ideal time to check the expiration date and condition of various types of safety equipment onboard.
- Visual signaling devices, like flares, expire after 42 months, so it's crucial to check expiration dates and replace outdated items. The U.S. Coast Guard recommends that boaters replace them on this 42-month cycle in case things like the casing are cracked, which causes the flares not to work in an emergency.
- The first aid kit should also get a thorough review every spring. Items that have expired or were used and never replaced should be replenished before the boating season begins.
- Spring is also a great time to check the condition of all life jackets and replace any that are worn out. Like anything else, life jackets need to be replaced when their lifespan ends. This is crucial to ensure you have properly fitting life jackets onboard for all passengers.
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2. Gear-Up for a New Season
Spring is also a great time to invest in some new water toys. From water skis to wakeboards and tubes, having the right-size equipment will make the boating experience easier, safer, and more fun.
Perhaps you had children's size water-skis, and your teenagers need a larger size. Or, your family wants to try tubing this boating season. Spring is a great time to rotate out old toys and bring in the new.
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3. Plan a Boating Trip!
Of course, spring is also a great time to go boating! Many boaters like to take short cruises each spring to ensure that things like helm electronics are all still working properly—and that everyone who drives the boat remembers how to use all the features, buttons, and dials.
A quick jaunt to a dock-and-dine restaurant or a favorite marina just up the coast can be a terrific ways to reacquaint yourself with all things aboard your boat.
Similarly, spring is a great time to brush up on boat safety basics. Many safe boating courses and on-water training opportunities are available to new and experienced boaters who want to review the basics. There are also some excellent advanced courses for anyone who wants to expand their boating horizons.
Spring is a fantastic time to take boating learning up a notch with, for instance, courses offered on everything from engine maintenance to weather.
