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Spring Safety Checklist For Boaters

Mar. 16 2023 Miscellaneous By Main Channel Marina

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If you’re impatiently counting down the days until you launch your boat, you’re not alone. Warmer weather and longer days are on the way, so boaters are getting busy preparing for another season on the water.

Whether you’re a seasoned boater or novice, preparing your boat for the spring season is essential to ensure your safety and enjoyment on the water.  Use this handy checklist to get a jump on the season and make sure that when the snow is melted and the sun is shining, you’re enjoying it offshore.          

Inspect Your Boat

Before your boat hits the water, take the time to thoroughly inspect it. A properly maintained boat is the first step to keeping you and your passengers safe while out on the water. You may choose to de-winterize on your own or have your trusted service professionals take care of the technical stuff for you.

Here is a quick list of items that need to be inspected each spring:

  • Engine: Be sure water is removed from the engine followed by a corrosion protection. You may also need to perform fogging of your engine-your owner’s manual will provide instructions if this is necessary.
  • Fuel System: Add fuel-stabilizer to the tank before idling the engine to help distribute the stabilizer throughout the system.
  • Plumbing System: Draining the sinks and tanks will prevent damage and adding antifreeze will add another layer of protection. Be sure all other pumps and wells are emptied of water and drain plugs are removed.
  • Interior and Exterior: Protect your vinyl from dry winter air with a vinyl cleaner and protectant. You may choose to remove some of your boat’s electronics to protect them from corrosion caused by harsh winter weather. Your boat should be covered or shrink-wrapped as it sits during the off-season.

 

Be sure to consult your owner’s manual before de-winterizing for spring. Your owner’s manual may have specific manufacturer recommendations and guides for both of these processes. These suggestions may also change depending on what type of boat you have.

For more details about de-winterizing, read on here.


Inspect Your Safety Equipment

As a boat owner, it’s critical to take the safety of your passengers, yourself, and others on the water seriously. This means ensuring all of the safety equipment on your boat is in good working condition. A few items that should be checked annually include:

  • Life Jackets: Arguably the most important piece of safety equipment on your boat, you need to have enough of the appropriate size and type of life jacket for each person on your boat. They should be inspected annually for damage and wear. When replacing life jackets, look for ones that are Coast Guard approved and fit snugly.
  • Flares: These are great to have in the case of an emergency, however, they have a limited lifespan and should be replaced every few years even if they’ve not been used. Be sure to follow disposal instructions carefully as they can be hazardous.
  • Fire Extinguishers: Fire extinguishers should be inspected regularly to ensure they’re in good working condition and replaced if they are past their expiration date or have been used. When replacing your fire extinguisher, be sure it is the proper type and size for your boat.
  • First Aid Kit: Keeping a simple first aid kit on board can be helpful in many situations from minor to more serious. Check your supplies to make sure medications aren’t expired and stock up on anything you might be low on at the start of the season. Adding items like sunscreen, bug spray, and motion sickness medication can also help keep everyone on board comfortable.   
  • Anchor and Anchor Line: Anchor lines should be inspected regularly for fraying, damage, and other signs of wear. When replacing your anchor and lines, be sure you choose ones that are appropriate for the size and weight of your boat. 
  • Navigation Lights: Essential for boating in the early morning, evening, and night, navigation lights should be inspected regularly for damage, corrosion, or dimming. Replace your old lights with ones that are Coast Guard-approved.
  • Horns and Whistles: Any boat under 40ft should have a working whistle or horn on board in case of an emergency. This device should be capable of holding a 4-second blast and be heard for ½ nautical mile.
  • Radio: A VHF radio is an essential item on any boat as it can be used to communicate with other boats and emergency rescue crews if necessary. Radios should be inspected annually for damage, malfunction, and fresh batteries installed.


Be A Safe Driver

Has it been a while since you’ve taken a boater’s safety course? Maybe you have new drivers that will be operating the boat this year or you’re new to boating yourself.

According to the US Coast Guard, the most common causes of recreational boating accidents are operator inattention and operator inexperience. Many of these accidents can be avoided by operating responsibly. A great way to get up to speed on all things safety is to take a boater’s safety education course. The USCG advises that all boaters take a safety course that meets the National Boating Education Standards.

Resources you can use to help with boater education:


Get On The Water

Safety should always be a top priority while you’re on the water. Running through this checklist not only ensures your safety while on your boat but will help you pass the remaining weeks left of winter weather.

The pros at Main Channel are ready to help get you on the water in a boat that’s safe to use and stocked with gear you need. We're here to help you with:

Two area locations in serving Northwest Indiana

New and used inventory

Unparalleled Sales, Service, Financing and Parts teams

Authorized Dealer of the most trusted brands


Happy Boating,


The Skipper