Dreaming of a vacation on the water? Whether you want to cruise a local lake or take your boat out on the ocean, there are plenty of places to take a boating vacation. However, before you bring your beloved boat out on the water, it’s a good idea to ensure it is ready. From ensuring it’s safety to making sure it’s equipped with all the features you want and need, here are seven ways to ensure your boat is ready for your next vacation.
1. Look for Signs of Damage
The most important thing to do before taking your boat out on the water is to make sure it’s safe. The body of your boat plays a big role in the safety of your boat, so be sure to look for signs of damage. Thoroughly check all around the boat and look for anything that may be rusted or broken. If you notice any cracks, punctures, or holes, be sure to get them fixed right away. After all, the last thing you want is to have a boat that cannot make it to your beach vacation.
2. Make Any Necessary Adjustments
Did you spend the off season exploring photos of boat projects? If so, chances are you came across a few ideas you’d like to implement on your own ride. From adding power with a new engine, to creating some aesthetically pleasing design with mood lighting, to making any necessary upgrades to the living area or deck, be sure to plan out your boat projects in a timely fashion so that they’re done in time for your vacation. Should you not plan accordingly, you may miss out on the entire season because your boat is in the shop.
3. Stock Up On Safety Essentials
No matter if you’re planning on going out for a day or for a long weekend, it’s important to have all the right safety equipment on your boat. Take time to inspect you inventory of life jackets, fire extinguishers, carbon monoxide detectors, life rafts, and anything else that plays a role in safety. If you notice damage to any of these items, have them replaced before you head out on your trip. You don’t want to be in a new place without the right safety equipment.
4. Keep it Clean
Cleaning your boat will not only make it look new and attractive, but it can also help the longevity of your boat too. For instance, regularly washing and waxing will remove salt or other bacteria from the boat that could cause damage. Before you head out on your next vacation with your boat, be sure you have it detailed appropriately.
5. Check the Boat’s Technology
Your boat likely is equipped with lights and a navigation system, and these are imperative to your safety. Before you head out on your vacation, check that all your technology is working properly. Be sure to test these items often and have any necessary backups you may need, such as extra batteries or another navigation system. When you are more adequately prepared, you can have peace of mind your boat will handle your vacation with ease.
6. Check Your Trailer
If you are bringing your boat to a new location, then you’ll need to use a boat trailer to get it there. Before you head out on the road, be sure to check your trailer for signs of damage and just to make sure It’s ready for the road. Be sure tires are inflated to the right degree and that your hitches work on your trailer as well as your vehicle. If you have other features for your trailer, such as turn signal indicators or backup cameras, be sure these are also working properly before you hit the road.
7. Plan Your Route
When you are traveling with a boat, it’s important to have your route planned ahead of time. This will allow you to look for anything that could cause an issue, such as road construction, un-paved roads, and more. In addition to planning the actual route, be sure you can park your car and your boat if you are making overnight accommodations. Some hotels may charge extra for you to park a vehicle with a trailer, so be sure to look into all this before you make your reservations.
Taking your boat on your next vacation is a great way to explore and create memories. However, before you set sail, be sure to use these tips to make sure your boat will give you plenty of fun instead of putting you in harm’s way.
Featured Image Source: Pixabay
