How to Get Ready For Summer Boating

Almost anyone can agree that summer boating is one of the most relaxing activities out there. And you can’t blame them. There is a certain degree of serenity and peacefulness when you ride a boat across the water. It’s a feeling unlike any other. And if you’re a city dweller, you could sure use a boat ride or two to calm your nerves. 

If you want to get into summer boating, you have to be aware of a few tips. This is to ensure that you won’t only enjoy, but keep yourself safe while doing so. Here’s a handful to get you started. 

Related: Best Boating Apps Every Boater Can Swear By

Undergo A Boat Safety Check

Before everything else, safety must be your absolute top priority. Even if your upcoming trip is still months away, the boat must pass a safety check. You can have the appropriate authorities do this, or do the safety check on your own. For instance, the US Coast Guard can have an approved vessel examiner to come check on your boat.

Participate in such a program, and you’d save yourself from hundreds of dollars worth of fines. Plus, you get to enjoy your boating trip without worrying about anything else. As the old saying goes, “it’s better safe than sorry.” 

Related: Boat Inspection: Everything You Need to Know

Don’t Drink And Sail!

Now, it’s normal to have a few drinks while you’re lounging by the lake. But driving a boat is a different story. Boats aren’t cars, but that doesn’t excuse you to get drunk before you sail. 

It’s important to know that there is a legal limit: .08 percent BAC (blood alcohol level). This is the same for a typical DUI. And before you say there are no highway patrols to catch you anyway, there’s still the coast guard. It helps to be a responsible sailor, more so if there are a lot of people on the boat with you.

Watch The Weather 

No matter what body of water you’re sailing on, choppy waves and heavy rain are the bane of every boating trip. Before you head out on your voyage, be sure to be updated on the weather forecast for the area. Watch as much news as you can, browse forecasts on the web. Anything and everything that can get you ahead of Mother Nature’s plans, take it. 

Now, you might wonder why you should watch for the weather even though you’re boating in summertime. The truth is, it doesn’t matter what season it is. There’s always a chance for a thunderstorm during the summer months, so you can’t afford to be nonchalant. Especially if you plan to go boating in the ocean. 

Stock Up On Essentials

Don’t forget to stock up on essential supplies! You’d do well with drinkable water, food supplies enough to last a few days, and navigation equipment such as a GPS. You also need to bring a radio with you, just in case you need to call out for assistance. 

It’s also worth noting that food and navigation items aren’t all you should pack. Be sure to bring a boat survival kit and enough life jackets for everyone aboard too! We know that life jackets can sound a bit much, but they can save lives. Period. And it’s probable that not every person on your boat could swim as good as you. 

Boating can be a very rewarding experience for the family, but only if you make sure that trip will be safe. It all starts with this small checklist. If you forget one, just go back to this list for a reference. Follow these basic tips, and your next summer boating trip will be smooth sailing. And for additional peace of mind, get in touch with the pros at Peninsula Glass to discuss your boat windows needs!