If you have purchased a new boat or are currently in the market for one, you’re likely already dreaming about the fun and relaxation that you’ll have on the water. Before you hop in and turn the key, here are some essential things that you must do to ensure that you are boating safely and smartly. 

Create a Storage Plan

You have a boat, but what will you do with it in the offseason or where will you put it when it is not in use? Find a marina where you can store your boat before you purchase it so you are not left scrambling at the end of the season. If you are lucky enough to be able to store your boat on a dock at home, consider adding boat lifts Palm Beach County FL so you can store it above the water to prevent damage from barnacles and other debris.

Put Together a First Aid Kit

Nothing is worse than an illness or injury when you are on the water and miles away from home, so it is important to have a well-stocked first aid kit on your boat at all times. This kit should include obvious items like bandages and Ibuprofen, but should also include items such as burn cream, alcohol wipes, and if you boat on waters that have the occasional jellyfish infestation, anti-sting medication is also a good idea. A pro tip is that meat tenderizer works well to relieve the pain from a jellyfish sting, so keep some of that handy as well. 

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Learn Your Local Waters

You may have been the passenger in many boats throughout your life, but being the captain is completely different and does take some preparation. Study local water guides and ensure that you are familiar with all nautical flags and channel markers. When you are the captain, you are responsible for the safety of everyone on your boat, so this is not the place to cut corners. If you have never driven a boat before, enroll in a boater’s safety course so you can be sure that you understand the rules of the water perfectly.

Getting a new boat is exciting, and it can be easy to get swept up in planning all of the fun trips you will take. However, take steps to ensure that you are a prepared and educated boater before you take to the water.