Boating is a great activity you can enjoy solo or in the company of friends and family. It is one activity that can bring the family together and get the kids away from their digital devices and into the blissful world of nature. Boating can teach kids the power of teamwork and a little bit of geography, while adults can get the chance to strengthen bonds.
If you’re cruising the coastline, you’ll see an entirely new version of your world, even if it’s only a few miles away from your childhood hometown. Experiencing a town from the water is different from experiencing it on land, and it will open your mind to new ways of thinking about the location.
There’s always something new to learn on the water, no matter your boating experience, be it one week or 20 years. The cruising experience always teaches you something new, from course-plotting to boat handling to even learning about the new technology available today. Besides, we all need more exercise, fresh air, sunshine, and fun that the water gives.
Before beheading out to the water with family and friends on a boat ride, you must understand how to keep safe and make the best of your adventure. You don’t want to get into a boating accident that could have been prevented. This article will show you boating tips for a successful adventure.
Schedule a Vessel Safety Check
It’s crucial to schedule a vessel safety check before embarking on your trip. You can either do this yourself or with the help of a professional. Whichever you choose, ensure you know the basic maintenance steps for your vessel and what changes or repairs are made to it.
One crucial part of your boat to check is the outboard motor, which is a propulsion system for boats. Multiple outboard repair shops on BoatPlanet.com recommend that “avid boaters check their hours on the meter and schedule an outboard motor service whenever they hit 100 hours.” If you do not use your boat frequently, you can opt for an annual maintenance check and servicing.
You should also maintain your own pre-departure checklist for use just before you sail to double-check that everything you need for a safe trip is in place. Check your electrical, propulsion, and cooling systems to ensure they are working properly.
Also, look for any signs of fuel leaks from the carburetor, fuel lines, and tank, and make sure your throttle and steering control are in order. Inspect your engine oil to ensure its level is correct and that it isn’t discolored.
Check the Weather Forecast
Before departure, check the weather forecast for the time period during which you’ll be boating. You don’t want to encounter bad weather that could result in an accident. This will give you current relevant information for handling the water.
Even if your boat is sturdy enough to withstand rough conditions, you and your passengers want to avoid a bumpy ride that could ruin your experience. Check the destination weather, route, and water conditions. If it is sunny, carry enough water and lots of sunscreen. You don’t want dehydration or heat to force you to go back home earlier than planned.
Don’t Forget Your Life Jackets
If you grew up around the water, wearing a life jacket might seem silly to you, but accidents can occur at any time and negate your aquatic skills. Most boating-related drownings can be prevented with life jackets, which provide the buoyancy needed to save lives. That extra boost can help keep your head above water in various scenarios.
So, have life jackets readily accessible for everyone on the trip. If boating with kids, they should have properly fitted jackets which must be on at all times. And even if adults are great swimmers, it’s important for them to wear their life jackets when boating. There is no reason not to buckle up since modern life jackets are more effective than ever due to their attractive and comfortable designs.
Limit Alcohol Intake
Boating is fun, but you should avoid getting caught up in the excitement and having more alcohol than your body can handle before and during your trip. Alcohol slows your response times and reflexes. This can make it difficult to make swift maneuvers in order to avoid obstacles and collisions.
A significant number of boating accidents involve alcohol. You don’t want to lose balance and fall overboard as a result. So, limit your alcohol intake and commit to enjoying other aspects of the trip, such as the scenery and the chance to bond with friends and family.
