Our Tips to Prepare You for a New Boating Season

For those who love spending time on the water - fishing or cruising around - the time is now perfect to get excited for a new boating season ahead. The weather is becoming warmer, the sun is shining brighter, and the fish are getting more active each day! If you’ve got your boat out of winter storage already and are preparing to head out for your first few trips of the year, here are some of our top tips to prepare you for the boating season ahead:

Inspect Your Boat Properly

By now you probably have de-winterized your boat and conducted some basic maintenance checks but it’s still a good idea to do some thorough inspection before you make your first trip of the season. Charge the batteries, check your electrical lines and systems because the last thing you want at the beginning of the season is engine trouble! Check all the components for corrosion, check the hull for any signs of damage, and give your boat’s interior a good wipe-down if you haven’t already. Most importantly, inspect your fuel tank to make sure there are no leaks and change the oil to give your boat a clean start for the season ahead.

Check The Weather Forecast Before You Make Any Plans

Although the weather has mostly settled down in most places, it can still sometimes get quite unpredictable – especially if you are going offshore. It’s always a smart idea to check the weather forecast before you make any plans, especially if you plan to take additional people with you. You don’t want a whole party stranded on the water just because of a rainstorm that you weren’t prepared for. Make sure to always have tarp and a waterproof bag of dry clothes onboard along with a light jacket if temperatures around you begin to change! And if the sun gets stronger than you thought it would, it will also help to have sunscreen, extra water, and a hat with you.

Go Over Your Navigational and Safety Equipment

If you haven’t been using your boat for a couple of months, it would be wise to go over your navigational devices and check to see if everything is charged and the batteries are still working. Test your life jackets and if you feel they have lost their buoyancy, perhaps it’s time to replace them. Have your flotation devices accessible on the boat and a first aid kit stocked up for any minor injuries or accidents that may occur while you are out in the water.

If you are ready to start your boating season but still are in the search for the perfect vessel, contact us at Bay Marine, your trusted Ontario boat dealership and we can help you out! From the best inventory of snowmobiles in Ontario to fishing boats, Bay Marine has everything you need to start a thrilling year full of adventures ahead!