Boating - Off-Season Preparation

First Step in Preparing for the next Boating Season.

So now that most of us have our boats out of the water and properly winterized, it’s time to start to make some list for next year. I make my list into three categories. First is operational, second is functionality and third is personal goals. I will explain and give examples of each of these. You may choose to rename these categories, but I think that you will find the premise of each list to be helpful for planning the upcoming season. I know we are months away but a successful season requires thoughtful planning and execution.

Operational – This list should include anything on the boat that was not working at 100% of its intended function. This could be as major as an engine that is hard to start or as minor as a hinge that was loose on a hatch or door. Common items are lights that have stopped working, snaps on your canvas covers that are hard to use, and lines that have become frayed or worn. Put everything you can think of on this list and decide if it’s a project you will handle or something that will need to be scheduled for service or repair through a boatyard or marina.

Functionality – This list is for things that you wish you had to make your time on the water safer, easier, or more fun. Items such as an upgraded GPS, VHF radio and a set of paper charts to improve your navigational abilities. Maybe a towable tube, quality tow rope, and ski flag for some watersports fun would be a nice addition. If you don’t already have a stereo you may want to install a nice marine-compatible system or a good quality Bluetooth speaker is a better fit for your vessel.

Personal Goals – No matter how long you have been boating, you should always have goals for the next season. Depending on your experience level and vessel size, these goals could be as simple as exploring new areas in your local waters, becoming more efficient at boat handling, or for many local mariners its taking the trip to Atlantic City, and navigating areas that are new to you. If you are more experienced and have the proper vessel you may want to plan a trip to Cape May or the Chesapeake Bay or head north to NY Harbor or even Block Island.

This list has been valuable to me for many years, and I hope you find it useful. If you have any questions or would like to get more information about anything mentioned, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Fair Winds and Calm Seas,

Captain Ed