Ready to Hit the Water?
In the South, spring starts early, and summer ends late! What does this mean? More time on the water to enjoy our favorite activities! Whether you’re heading out on the water for the inaugural run or for the hundredth time this season, it is essential to keep your boat summer-ready. There are many types of boats and engines, each with its own maintenance requirements. Is your boat or PWC ready to hit the water? If you are unsure, we created a Spring Readiness Guide. These spring boating tips are meant to assist in planning for your boat’s maintenance and ensure you stay on the water!
Boat Maintenance & Spring Boating Tips
This checklist serves only as a guide. Skier’s Marines goal is to ensure you are in the right boat and properly prepared for the season. Refer to your boat’s owner’s manual and contact your local boat dealer with questions about your boat’s service and maintenance.
In addition to engine preparedness, State laws require safety items on board your boat:
Navigation Lights: When underway from sunset to sunrise, all vessels must be equipped with prescribed navigation lights in accordance with the Boating Safety Laws.
Personal Flotation Devices (PFD) – PWCs, boats less than 16’ in length, and boats over 16′ in length each have certain PFD requirements. Visit your state’s boating site (listed below) for a detailed list of required PFDs for your area.
Fire Extinguisher – all vessels must be equipped with a USCG-approved fire extinguisher (type and capacity requirements based on the type of vessel).
Sound Device (horn/distress signal) – Vessels must have a proper signal device (i.e., horn, bell, whistle).
To find the complete Boat Equipment Checklists for Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee, visit:
Alabama: www.alea.gov
Georgia: https://gadnrle.org
Tennessee: www.tn.gov
While you are out enjoying time on the water, remember to Wake Responsibly!
The Water Sports Industry Association (WSIA) offers these three tips to wake boat operators:
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- Stay at least 200 feet away from shoreline.
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- Keep music at reasonable levels. If it is loud enough to hear at 80 feet back, it is likely loud enough for homeowners to hear.
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- Minimize repetitive passes on any one portion of the shoreline.