How to Get Ready for the Spring Boating Season
It might be cold out right now, but the spring boating season will be here before you know it. There is a lot to take care of before you hit the water, and you don’t want to waste precious boating time making preparations when you could be getting ahead of the game right now.
It’s helpful for both novices and seasoned veterans to take stock of what they need to do to be ready for spring. A quick rundown of the supplies you’ll need and the preparations you need to make will help make the process efficient and painless. But first you’ll need to figure out exactly what you’re preparing for.
Selecting a Craft for the Spring Boating Season
If you’re already planning for the spring, you probably already have a boat at your disposal. But if that’s not the case there’s no need for you to miss out on the spring boating season.
If you’re looking to purchase your own boat
but don’t know if your financial situation will permit it, there are steps you can take to help finance your new maritime investment.
Or if you’re just not sure about putting the money down right now, you can always consider layaway options.
Once you have your new boat, you can start preparing for the spring boating season.
Prepare Yourself
Take advantage of the time you have to make sure that you personally are ready to hit the water. If you have not done so already, you’ll definitely want to take a boating safety course and obtain your boating certificate.
You will also want to review all the technical details of your boat. Read the owner’s manual, the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance guidelines, and familiarize yourself with all of its components and safety features. Even if you’ve owned your boat for years, it’s worth your time to do a little review before the start of the spring boating season.
Conduct Basic Maintenance
Even though your boat has probably been sitting comfortably in storage, you’ll want to do some basic checks and maintenance before taking it anywhere near the water.
Check the Electrical and Mechanical Components
Little things like checking the charge of any batteries and cleaning the connections can prevent problems on the day of a planned launch. Nothing kills a buzz like getting yourself and your party stranded because you can’t get your engine to turn over.
You’ll also want to check your electrical lines and systems. Even with regular and thorough cleaning, they’re susceptible to degradation over time. Check all of your boat’s electrical systems and give the lines a good once-over to be safe.
Be sure to check for any loose or corroded conductors as well. Run all of your lights to make sure that none of them are in need of replacing.
Bilge pumps are another problem area that you’ll need to inspect. You can expect your boat to take on at least some water, especially with the higher than usual waters common during the springtime. You’ll need to make sure your bilge pump is in good working order to keep you and your party safely above the water line.
If your pump is making unhealthy noises or isn’t pumping as it should, it’s likely suffering from a mechanical issue. A failure to start at all usually indicates an electrical issue. Either way, you’ll need to either replace the faulty part or the entire unit to keep your head above water.
Once you’ve checked the bilge pump, double-check the engine compartment to make sure there is no excess water to bilge.
Examine the fuel tank to make sure there are no leaks, and check the fuel filters to make sure no water is present. Fill up the tank with fresh fuel. Change the oil and check its levels before starting the engine for the first time.
Give the Boat a Good Once-Over
The hull itself will also need attending to. Inspect it for damage and give it a good cleaning. Be sure to clean all the windows as well.
Take this opportunity to check any fittings, swim ladders, hatches, or what have you that your boat might have. Make sure everything is still securely fitted to the hull and polish all metal fittings to prevent corrosion.
You’ll want to apply a fiberglass reconditioner to the hull as well, if its fiberglass of course. Beyond removing stains, most reconditioners create a coating on the hull that will help protect it from water and oil during normal use.
Have Your Boat Professionally Inspected
While basic maintenance and inspections can solve or prevent most issues, it is wise to have your boat professionally inspected and serviced regularly. This is particularly true before the spring boating season.
Much of the damage boats sustain is incurred during the winter off-season. Even if you meticulously cleaned and winterized your boat before storing it for the winter, it’s not a bad idea to have a professional mechanic check all the more complex mechanical and electrical components for wear and damage.
Check Your Navigation Equipment
You should have already checked your navigation and anchor lights during your inspection, but it’s worth it to pack a few extra bulbs just to be safe. You should also make sure all of your navigation charts are current. Test out your GPS, radio and radar if you have them to make sure that they’re all in good working order.
Check Your Safety Equipment
You’ll need to check your emergency signaling equipment as well. Make sure signal flares are stored in a convenient location. Check their expiration dates and replace them if needed.
Have a horn on board that can produce a strong enough sound that it can be heard from at least a half mile away. If you choose to use a portable air horn, keep a spare can of air or a backup noisemaker on board.
Have at least one life jacket per passenger on board, with a bare minimum of two total. Use life jackets with attached signaling lights and whistles if available. In some areas, having a throw-able life preserver is required on boats greater than a certain length.
Boats are typically required to have at least one fire extinguisher on board, though the exact number required varies depending on the size of the boat. Double check the mounts for any extinguishers and make sure they are secure.
And be sure to check the fire extinguishers themselves and have them recharged if needed. Many local fire departments perform recharges free of charge.
Lastly, every boat should carry a full first aid kit. You don’t necessarily need a deluxe field-surgery kit, but you should at least be equipped to handle mundane injuries.
If in doubt about any required safety gear, be sure to check Transport Canada’s Safe Boating Guide to ensure that you’re in compliance with all regulations. You don’t want to spoil the spring boating season by getting slapped with a fine, or worse.
Prep Your Trailer if You Use One
If you use a trailer to haul your boat to its launch point, then making sure it is properly maintained and inspected is just as important as servicing your boat.
Check all the tires for leaks and the treads for cracks and wear. Adjust and check the tire pressure and check the spare tire to make sure it’s in good shape.
Check the tail lights and replace as necessary. Inspect the frame for rust. Sand off any you find and repaint to prevent further degradation.
Test the winch, safety chain, bearings, and brakes if your trailer has any equipped. Clean and lubricate the winch and bearings.
Prepare for Your Trip
With all of the more mundane concerns squared away, you’re free to focus on actually planning your spring boating trip. Your needs will differ depending on if you’re going on a fishing trip or just looking to spend a leisurely day out on the water, but there are few basic items you should bring along for any occasion.
All Licenses and Registrations
Always keep your boat registration and boating certificate in a safe dry place. The same goes for your fishing license if on a fishing outing.
Water
Always bring more fresh water than you think you need. After being out in the sun all day, dehydration is ironically a much greater danger than drowning. So plan ahead, lest you find yourself muttering “Water, water, everywhere…” to yourself.
Sun Protection
Speaking of being out in the sun, nothing will spoil your day like coming home with the complexion of a boiled lobster. About one in six people in North America will develop a form of skin cancer in their lifetime. Avoid becoming a statistic.
And bring your sunglasses, too. The glare coming off of the water will degrade your vision sooner rather than later.
Cooler with Snacks
Unless you’re out fishing and hoping to have fresh sashimi for lunch, you’ll probably want to bring along something to tide you over until you’re back on dry land.
Enjoying the Spring Boating Season
This may seem like a lot to keep in your head just to spend a day on the water, but it’s not as bad as it seems. With repeated practice most of these steps become habit, and even enjoyable as a sort of ritual leading up to a treasured pastime.
And when in doubt, we’re always more than happy to help you find the right boat and the right services to meet your needs and help you make the most out of the spring boating season.
