Spring and summer are on their way and it’s the perfect time to start prepping your boat for the season! Boats are a blast if you love being out on the water and that first ride out after a long winter is a great feeling. But before you take your boat for a spin, conducting basic maintenance and prepping the watercraft correctly will keep you safe out on the water. 

It’s hard not to be a boat lover when you live on the east coast and Staples & Associates is all too familiar with the thrill of boating. That’s why we’ve put together a pre-season boating prep list so that you’re ready to go once the weather warms up.

5 Prep Tips for Boating Season

1. Inspect the Boat

A visual inspection of the boat is the first step in preparing it to go in the water. Check for any cracks, dents, rust, or damaged areas. Also, make sure to look over the interior of the boat as well as the engine, propellers, lights—you name it. If it’s on the boat, inspect it. If you discover any damage covered by insurance, get in touch with Staples & Associates to see what compensation you may be eligible for!

2. Keep the Boat Clean

After a long winter, your boat could use a nice deep clean of any debris that may have settled. Use this opportunity to check interior surfaces and repair them as needed. Power wash the exterior before polishing and lubricating, and your boat will look great and be ready for action!

3. Have Appropriate Safety Equipment

All safety equipment including working fire extinguishers, life jackets, first aid kits, floatation devices, and more, should be accessible and up to date. Testing safety systems is another must before taking the boat out. Test communication devices, navigation lights, anchor lines, and everything else you could require in an emergency situation.

4. Brush Up on Skills, Rules & Regulations

Maybe it’s been a while since you’ve driven the boat, so it’s always beneficial to brush up on your skills. Whether this means online courses or video tutorials, you can always add to your navigation, safety, and driving knowledge. Plus, taking a boat safety course may earn you a discount on boating insurance! Before you head out to the local waterways, make sure you know the most up-to-date rules and regulations for the area.

5. Have the Proper Boat Insurance

Don’t risk not having the proper boat insurance! Staples & Associates offers a variety of coverages to keep you safe and protected in all situations. Whether it’s liability, collision, comprehensive coverage, or more, our team is here to help find the best coverage for you.

As you prep for the boating season, don’t let insurance slip through the cracks. Contact Staples & Associates today to make sure you’re getting the best coverage and best deal possible to keep you protected all year long.