How to Prepare Your Boat for Summer

There really is nothing like being out on your boat on a hot summer day. Maybe you're fishing by yourself or out swimming with the family. Maybe you're just relaxing as the waves lap against the side and you think about how far away you are from the hustle and bustle of life. Boating truly is one of the great summer pastimes but before taking your boat out for that first dip, there are many things to check and maybe even repair. This will make all of your trips (especially your first one) a truly relaxing experience and won't leave you stranded with problems.

1.) Check Life Jackets.
Life jackets are the most important piece of equipment on your boat, considering that they are exactly that - they will give you life when you are in danger. Ensure that last year's jackets still fit everyone that will be on board and check to see that they have no rips, tears, or other flaws. For more information on life jackets, see http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/262030/summer_water_safety_tips.html

2.) Check Fire Extinguisher
All boats should have a fire extinguisher on hand. Be aware that they do experience some discharging over the winter months. Make sure that you still have one and that it is fully charged. For a terrific article on what exactly you should know about fire extinguishers and how to put out a fire, visit http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/170950/what_everyone_should_know_about_putting.html

3.) Check Registration
Just as you need registration for your car, you need it for your boat also. Make sure that your registration and decal are both up-to-date before you take your boat anywhere.

4.) Check Batteries
This is a very important step. To ensure that you will have power on your boat, check the batteries. Replace the battery if it is old and no longer of any use or charge the batteries and make sure they will keep the charge.

5.) Check the Electronics and the Lights
Its' amazing what can happen to a boat that has sat over winter with no use. The electronics and lights can fail or become cracked and unusable. Check and recheck all the electrical and light components to ensure that they are in good working order. Some important ones not to miss: bilge and livewell pumps, lights, horn, stereo and depth sounders.

6.) Check the Fluid Levels
Just as you would while de-winterizing your car, ensure that your fluids are fully stocked. These include gear lubricant and engine oil levels. Also be sure to fill the oil injection reservoir.

7.) Test Engine and Components
To save yourself some potential grief at the boat ramp, start the boat before you leave for your trip to ensure that the engine is still running smoothly. Outboard ears are essential for this step as they will cool the engine when it is out of the water.

8.) Check The Hull:
Have a walk around your boat and check the hull closely to ensure that it too is still in proper condition and doesn't have any cracks or defects anywhere.

9.) Gas Up and Go
Replace the gas from last year.

10.) Check the Boat on the Water
Once you are out on the water, there are just a couple of things left to do. First start the engine and make sure that there is no problem with the equipment. Then proceed to open water and bring the boat to a medium throttle. Engines that haven't been used all winter will be a bit rough at first but will get back to normal after a short run.

Of course you can skip all of this by taking your boat in to a professional boat mechanic and they will do most of the grunt work for you. But while the list looks lengthy, it doesn't actually take too long and could save you some trouble. Please remember amidst all the safety talk, boating is supposed to be fun and it will be if you take the time and care to follow these steps. For more fun tips and even more reasons to go boating (in case you need them) visit http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/137625/why_you_should_go_boating_and_have.html. And now that all components have been checked and you can turn your attention back to having all that fun, anchors away!