Travel and Leisure

Tips to Know Before Traveling to a Summer Boating Vacation

After being cooped up indoors for so long during winter and pandemic, many people are longing for the day they get to explore the outdoors again when it gets warmer. For those that own boats, that means heading out to a lake or the ocean to enjoy a summer boating vacation. However, if you are new to the hobby of boating and want to set out on your first nautical adventure, there are some very important things you should know before your boating vacation.

Realize that Boating is Highly Regulated

One of the first things you should do before going on a boating vacation is make sure you have conformed to every rule and regulation you must follow. Boating is one of the most highly regulated activities you can partake in. In certain ways, using a boat requires following more rules than driving a car. You must have the proper ID, the proper licenses, the right safety equipment and the right navigational equipment. If these don’t pass inspection, you can end up in serious trouble. Keep in mind that there are federal rules, state rules, county rules and perhaps even city rules you must abide by.

Make Safety Your Number One Priority

When your friends and family are on your boat, their lives are literally in your hands. If you don’t give safety the highest priority on your vessel, the worst could end up happening. Overall, this first and foremost includes your own education on how to properly man your boat. It also means educating your friends and family regarding safety procedures before you embark. Things like lowering your head when near the boom and watching one’s fingers when near ropes may be obvious to you. However, they may not be as obvious to your family members who are going to be your passengers. Even when you are sailing alone, you must be careful, for example, to not leave your boat. Doing so could mean death if you make any mistakes.

Know that Boat Maintenance Requires a Lot of Work

Boating is a serious safety hazard. Recreational boating accidents cause thousands of deaths each summer. Part of being safe on the water is properly maintaining your vessel. For example, you better have the right Mercury outboard parts on hand to make replacements as needed. Proper maintenance also requires performing inspections before each time you go out on the water. You need to check things like the battery, propeller, skeg, fuel, oil, gauges, hoses, air filters, plumbing, onboard electronics and more. The hull of the boat itself must also be checked for erosion, leaks, dents and other problems. If you don’t, you could end up in a world of hurt. Make sure to take proper care of your boat both during the boating season and when it’s in storage in the off-season.

Planning Ahead Is Key

In regards to having a successful boating vacation, planning ahead is key. There are many factors you must consider. Just because you want to go boating on a specific lake does not mean you will be able to. You need to find out if a public boat launch is available and what else you will need to use it including adequate parking for your vehicle. You’ll also of course need lodging, food and other amenities. You’ll also need a good route to travel to that lake while hauling your boat behind. Not all roadways are exactly conductive to hauling a boat. You’ll also need to schedule your trip appropriately. You may not want to go during the peak of the boating season or you may find the lake is simply too crowded. Alternatively, going off-season can provide challenges in regards to weather and the amenities you need not being available. Try to find a good compromise.

Keep Extra Food & Water Onboard for Your Boating Vacation

You may be thinking that keeping food and water back at the hotel or at home is safe enough. This is not the case. It is very important to bring excess food and water onboard your boat even if you are only planning for a short trip. You never know what could happen that could keep you out for longer than you planned. Furthermore, it is very easy to plan for the unexpected when it comes to this. For safety reasons above all else, always be sure to bring these things just in case. You will be glad you did if something does happen to keep you out on the water for an extended period of time.

Make Sure Everyone Wears a Life Jacket

No matter what, it is critical that everyone on board has a life jacket close by. For younger children, they should be wearing their life jackets for the entirety of their time on the boat. Even if someone does not plan on going in the water on the trip, you need to have a life jacket for them just in case. It is much better to have extra than not enough, especially if you end up needing it.

Keep Registration Up to Date

Keeping your boating records and registration up to date is essential if you don’t want to get a ticket. This is something that could ruin your trip because you did not prepare beforehand. No one wants to have to pay extra just because they were not up to date on their paperwork. Take the extra time beforehand to make sure there won’t be any issues. This will also ensure that you and your family get to spend more time having fun and less time worrying about boring paperwork.

Conclusion to Planning Your Boating Vacation

Overall, you need to take boating seriously if you wish to enjoy a boating vacation with your family or friends. Do not leave any detail up to chance. Things like proper maintenance, routine inspections and safety training are of extreme importance. If you are lackadaisical about these important matters, the worst could end up happening. You certainly don’t want that on what was supposed to be a fun and relaxing vacation. Always plan and prepare properly to ensure you do have a fun and safe time.

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