Planning For The Perfect Day On The Water

You and the rest of your family are up early. It's a beautiful Saturday morning, and you are preparing for a day on the water. Going out boating, even for people experienced with watercraft, requires a bit of preparation before beginning the day.

The boating lifestyle looks – and feels – luxurious, but that's more a myth than reality and that doesn't mean there is no work involved. Before heading out for a day on the water, you need to take care of ensuring that the boat is property tuned, including checking fluids, inspecting various parts of the craft, and getting the safety gear in order.

Filling the tank with fuel is the first step in preparing for a day of cruising on the water. In general, boaters should take the same precautions they would before going on a long car trip, including verifying that the battery fluid and oil are at the appropriate levels.

If a boat has been sitting idle for a period of time, you should inspect any hoses and fasteners to make sure all are in good condition and tightened. A quick peek at the propellers and hull for dings or other damage also can help your party to avoid any problems.

People who go cruising in their boats are not typically planning to be out in bad weather, but storms can crop up quickly. So you need to check that life jackets are onboard. They should be in good condition and should fit each of the passengers headed out for the day. A fire extinguisher and a basic first aid kit also can help make sure that everyone still enjoys the day, even if there are minor mishaps.

The boating lifestyle is a fun one, but it does require some work. Just a few minutes of inspection time before setting off can make a day of boating a fulfilling experience! Do you have a pre-trip routine before heading out for a day on the water?