With Memorial Day Weekend just a few weeks away, marking the unofficial start of the summer season and fun, you may be itching to get out on the water, especially if you are a boat owner!
If you do own a boat, you know all too well the amount of preparation that goes into getting your boat ready to get out on the water, and especially getting it out on a busy holiday weekend. We have pulled together some basic tips on how you can go boating during Memorial Day Weekend in the most efficient and non-stressful way possible.
Check out how you can have a safe and enjoyable time out on the water this Memorial Day Weekend:
1 – Have a plan.
First thing’s first, it is important that you have a plan for Memorial Day Weekend.
Before you and your guests jump onboard, take some time to plan out exactly where you will be headed, how many people you are able to bring on your boat safely, what the weather will be like for the weekend, and what your guidelines are for the weekend. For example, if there will be alcohol onboard, it is important to take all the extra safety precautions possible and ensure everyone is on the same page in terms of etiquette.
2 – Inspect the boat ahead of time.
Ahead of getting your boat in the water, take ample time to inspect your boat and make sure it is ready for the outing.
If this is your first time out on the water, which for many people it will be, ensure that all your systems are running, your boat is properly registered, you have enough fuel, and you attach the drain plug before embarking on your journey.
It is helpful to create a checklist ahead of the inspection to make sure that you are not missing any necessary steps, equipment, or gear that you will need for the outing.
3 – Clean and rinse the boat to prepare for its first outing.
After you inspect the boat, it is time to give it a deep clean on both the inside and the outside. Take time to truly detail your boat so that it will be sparkling when out on the water!
Making sure that you take time to deep clean your boat is extremely crucial not only for general cleanliness, but also so that you can keep all materials in tip-top shape so that they last you longer.
4 – Have a departure checklist.
Once your boat is ready to go, make a checklist of everything you need to get done before getting out on the water. This can include ensuring there are enough life jackets for everyone on board, making sure you have a fire extinguisher, a First Aid kit, and more.
In addition to the proper equipment and gear needed for the trip, make sure that you and all your guests are packed appropriately as well. For example, even a warm summer day can get chilly at night on the water, so you may need to pack some extra layers for Memorial Day Weekend.
5 – Pack up enough food and drink.
When celebrating Memorial Day Weekend, you will need to be prepared with enough food and drinks for everyone!
Be sure to pack enough food for everyone on the boat, including snacks that you and your guests can enjoy late night. In addition to any alcoholic beverages, if applicable, make sure to pack your coolers with enough waters so everyone can stay hydrated!
6 – Don’t drink and operate the boat.
Of course, it is crucial that you establish who will be in charge of operating the boat, and that they stay sober throughout the trip. Make sure to stay cautious throughout the duration of your boating trip so that everyone stays safe while enjoying themselves on Memorial Day Weekend!
