In regions that aren’t fortunate enough to have good weather for boating all year round, Memorial Day signals the start of the sailing season. Be ready. Tune up, pump up, and polish!

Check your safety equipment, lines, hoses, and sails. Get ready to launch.

Here are a few handy tips to make your boating season run smoothly.

Paperwork

• Get your boating paperwork updated and in order. Permits, registration, decals, certificates, and licenses must be up to date. The Coast Guard, Marine Police, and the Conservation authorities may stop you and board your vessel to check for up-to-date permits and equipment.
• It is an excellent time to review your boater’s insurance policy. Check to see if your situation has changed and if you need additional coverage. Then, submit your paperwork as early as possible to avoid fines. 

Onboard Systems

• Replace the oil filter and lubricate all parts; lower-case should be free of oil leaks
• Electrical systems such as fuses, spark plugs, and wires should be checked and adequately replaced
• Empty your fuel tank and refill it with fresh fuel and fuel treatments
• Flush the water tank
• Fully recharge your battery and fill the cells with distilled water
• All lines should be checked
• Inspect the propeller for damage or fishing line
• Check that hull is free of blisters and cracks
• The engine anode must be inspected every three months or less. 
• Replace boat anodes once a year. 
• Check your outboard anode yearly. 
• Check your prop shaft anode monthly. 
• Check the hydraulic steering system for proper fluid levels, leaks, and tilt
• Inspect the steering, shift, and throttle cable
• Check and change all of the fluid levels as appropriate, including engine oil, power steering, and coolant

Communication

• Clean all screens on GPS, VHF radio, chart plotters, and fish finders.
• Replace any batteries with fresh new ones.
• Check wires and fuses.
• Check and repair antenna mounts, speakers, and mics.
• Test communication equipment while tied to the dock.

Having a variety of communication options, according to CLR Marine VHF radios, cellular amplifiers, loud hailers, hailer horns, and mobile broadband options - helps you stay connected in a number of ways. “Having different options to reach out to people can bring peace of mind in a serious situation, and can also just help you have more fun while you are out enjoying the waterways." 

Trailer

• If trailering your boat, pay special attention to wheel bearings, tires, and brake lights.

Dock Lines

• Check all dock lines for chafing and fraying. Better to replace than repair.

Safety Equipment

• Flares, throw cushions, life jackets. The intense sun can do a number on cushions and life jackets, and flares and fire extinguishers must be current before expiration. The Coast Guard, marine police, and conservation law enforcement take out-of-date safety equipment very seriously, and they enforce heavy fines if you are non-compliant.

Don’t forget the Docks

• Check all dock lights and electrical fittings for loose wires. Docks should have an emergency shut-off switch for electricity on the docks.

You will have a fun-filled boating experience if all of your equipment is clean and well maintained.

Fair Winds, Smooth Sailing

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Award-winning author Cheryl Kuba has been at the helm for more than 30 years sailing the Great Lakes, with side trips to the British Virgin Islands and St. Maarten. In addition, she has served as a past-Commodore of Great Lakes Fleet 21 - Chicago region.

©Copyright Cheryl Kuba, 3happycampers.com, 2022.