The Ultimate Boating Season Checklist
Updated June 4, 2020 . AmFam Team
The sun is finally out and the water is calling! As the weather warms up, it’s time to retrieve your boat from winter storage and get it ready for the upcoming boating season. To reduce your chance of wasting precious boating time this season, we’ve put together the ultimate checklist to help you to prepare for your boating adventures.
General Boat Inspection and Preparation Tips
Before you take your vessel for a spin on the water, it’s important to check off some general boating chores. Here’s how to prevent on-the-water headaches with a little pre-season TLC:
- Make sure your boat is currently registered and onboard with you
- Make sure your boat is properly insured
- Store and wash the boat cover, or properly dispose of the shrink wrap
- Inspect all lines, masts and anchors
- Take a close look at the hull — wash with a marine-safe cleanser and wax to protect your boat’s finish
- Wipe down and clean the interior for clear visibility
- Replace wiper blades if necessary
- Air out and rinse all sails and covers
- Inventory, wash and place all safety gear
Inspect Your Boat’s Electrical Systems
There are several good reasons to ensure your boat’s electronics are working correctly. You don’t want a day of fun in the sun to be ruined by a power failure leaving you stranded out on the water. Here are a few important things to do when inspecting your boat’s electrical systems:
Clean and check your boat’s battery
- Remove electrical connections to the battery
- Check the battery terminals for signs of corrosion
- Use a wire brush to clean the battery’s terminals and connecting clamps
- Use a volt meter and be sure your battery is performing according to specifications
Test your electronic components and devices
Now it’s time to test your boat’s electrical components. If you find any issues, check the fuse box, wiring and the component itself for problems. Take a look at these appliances and electronics and verify they’re all operating as designed:
- GPS
- Bilge pump
- Running lights
- Power trim
- Blowers
- Depth finder
- Compass
- Radio
Review Your Boat’s Mechanical Systems
Before you put the boat in the water, take a close look at the engine and drivetrain. If you spent some time over the fall last year prepping for winter, this will be a quick check-up. Here’s a list of items to review:
- Perform oil maintenance
- Check and top-off all fluids
- Inspect and gap spark plugs
- Inspect propeller
- Check fuel system and fuel filters
- Check belts, cables and hoses
- Run and purge the antifreeze from the bilge
- Water system and restroom — drain antifreeze and wipe down stainless steel
Boat Safety and Emergency Preparedness
If you encounter trouble on the water, help can be hard to reach. That’s why it’s important to prepare thoroughly for problems so you’re be ready to handle emergencies on your own.
In a waterproof bag, store bottled water, a blanket, extra jackets and hats. Keep flares, flashlights, batteries and a first-aid kit in a separate one, too. Here are a few boat safety and emergency preparedness must-dos:
- Inspect the fire extinguishers
- Test the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Get your keys on a float
- Safely store miscellaneous documents on the boat
- Ensure each passenger has access to a life jacket or personal floatation device
Inspect Your Boat’s Trailer
Over the winter, your boat’s trailer may have also aged. By verifying that the trailer’s operating as designed, it'll be safer to use and it will last longer. Hook your trailer’s electrical harness up to the towing vehicle and verify that the following items are in proper working order.
- Trailer tail lights
- Trailer reverse lights
- Trailer brake lights
- License plate lights
- The tire pressure is correct
- The tires are in good shape
- Grease the wheel bearings
- Inspect the safety chains
- Verify the carpet on the running boards is in good shape
Complying With Trailer Inspection and Brake Requirements
Some states require that your trailer be inspected every boating season to ensure it’s in good condition and operating safely. Check in with your local DMV and get it inspected if necessary.
And, before you hit the road, check your brakes. When over a certain weight threshold, your trailer may require brakes. Be sure your trailer’s in compliance with the related state and coast guard codes. And knowing how to handle a boat safely on the water is another important way to help ensure you’re ready for the summer fun ahead.
Make sure you check with your American Family Insurance agent (Opens in a new tab) and verify that you’ve got the right coverage for your boat before you hit the water. By being fully prepared for the summer fun ahead, you’ll find it’s easier to relax and enjoy yourself when the water calls.
Related Articles
- Recreational Vehicle Insurance: What’s Covered?
Cruising down the highway on your motorcycle or riding around the lake on your personal watercraft are activities you dream about in the cold winter months. And with warm weather fast approaching, it’s time to get your recreational vehicles tuned up and ready for summer fun. But performing maintenance on your ATV and filling your RV’s gas tank aren’t the only things you need to check off your to-do list — making sure you have the right recreational vehicle insurance coverage is key to protecting the vehicles you work hard for.
Let’s find out if you have the proper coverage in place.
Why Do Your Recreational Vehicles Need Coverage?
Accidents happen — and they can be disruptive and costly. Insurance for your recreational vehicles can help reduce or eliminate your financial burden should the unexpected occur.
Having insurance for your hobby vehicles — like dirt bikes, RVs, jet skis and ATVs — is part of being a responsible recreational vehicle owner. And knowing you’re financially protecting the things you work so hard for gives you peace of mind as you set out on your adventures.
Find coverage for things like:
- Liability protection to help pay expenses associated with things like injuries or property damage
- Collision coverage to protect against loss or damage to your recreational vehicle
- Emergency roadside or waterside service for certain vehicles that breakdown
- So much more!
- How to Buy Recreational Vehicles
You work hard all year long for those precious days in the sun, when you can get outside and enjoy the weather. Maybe you’ve been dreaming about finally buying a recreational vehicle of your own. If you have, you know you’ve got a lot of choices, from campers, travel trailers and ATVs to fishing boats and wave runners.
Whatever you choose, purchasing a recreational vehicle can be a big investment — and it’s one you should take seriously. One of the best ways to buy is to do your homework first and then narrow down your choices to those that retain their value best.
- Renting an RV
When it’s time for your next vacation, you may be thinking about switching things up and renting an RV. Wondering how you can rent an RV? It’s really pretty simple and, in some ways, it works much the same as renting a car. You’ll first fill out an application, either online or at an RV dealer, and they’ll probably need a credit card for a deposit to secure your reservation.
And much like a car rental, you’ll probably need to meet the minimum age requirement to qualify. But because RVs are more complicated and much larger than a car, you may want to find an RV rental group that offers RV training to new customers before you drive off the lot. Try Googling “where to rent an RV” — you’ll likely find a long list of options and rental groups — then, reach out to those that best meet your needs.
Not only can renting an RV save you money, but it offers a whole new perspective on vacation travel. Not sure how to get started? That’s why we’re here! Check out our tips on how to rent an RV, so your first RV adventure goes off without a hitch!
- Snowmobile Buying Guide: What to Look for
As the leaves fall and the temperature follows suit, our minds drift towards wintry outdoor activities. A snowmobile can be your ticket to a flurry of fun this winter.
But before you run out and buy a snowmobile, there are a few factors you should consider first. For example, if this is your first time shredding the snow, then you’ll want to purchase a beginner’s snowmobile.
Here are some tips to help ensure the snowmobile you purchase is the right one for you and your family.
