Boats are more popular than ever in modern America. In recent times, watercraft sales reached almost $50 billion dollars in total per year!
Summer is just around the corner. Maybe you’re thinking of taking your boat out of storage and getting out on the water. But there are a few important things to do before you can enjoy lots of boating fun.
Looking for some helpful boating tips? Read on. We’ve put together this short guide to help you get ready for a summer on the water!
Get Your Documents in Order
Time flies sometimes, even when we’re not boating. So, it’s easy to lose track of your documents when you’re occupied by work, family, and life in general.
If you were born after 1988, you’re required to have completed a NASBLA-approved boating education course when operating a boat with more than 10 horsepower in Florida. Be sure you have proof of completion, along with your personal ID, with you when you get out on the water for the first time after winter.
Refresh Your Engine (One of the Most Important Boating Tips to Remember!)
If your boat has been sitting unused for half a year or more, it probably needs a little freshening up to get back to its best.
Has oil and fuel been sitting in the engine for many months? You may want to flush it out and replace it with fresh fluids.
Old fuel can gum up your engine components and possibly damage your boat. It also won’t be as efficient and you might not be able to pick up much speed on the water.
Check That Paint
Every good boat owner knows how important paint is. It’s not just there to keep things looking fresh, it’s important for safety and maintenance reasons.
Hull paint keeps the floor of your boat sturdy and corrosion-free. Check the paint hasn’t corroded too much over the winter and consider giving your boat a fresh coat if necessary.
Check Your Inventory
Every boat should have a thorough inventory. There are all kinds of things you need to keep on your boat to ensure everyone aboard is safe and comfortable. Are you sure it’s all still there?
Be sure to check for the important items that should be on your boat, especially pieces of safety equipment. Even if you’re sure everything is in its place, it’s better to be safe than sorry. You don’t want to find out you’re missing life jackets while you’re out on the water.
A Summer of Great Boating Awaits
Getting your boat ready for the summer can be a bit of a pain. But just think about all the fun that awaits you once it’s ready! When the sun is shining down and glinting off the water, you’ll hardly remember the time you spent painting your hull and fixing up your engine.
We hope our boating tips helped you get ready for summer. Looking to sell your old boat or buy a great used model? Check out our boats for sale today and get a great deal!
