Essential Boating Prep for a Safe and Stress-Free Season

As boating season approaches and the ice melts away, the excitement of getting back on the water is hard to resist. But before you turn the key and set off, it’s essential to ensure your boat is in top shape for a safe and smooth season. From checking safety equipment and fluids to inspecting your trailer and ensuring your paperwork is up to date, proper preparation can help prevent unexpected issues. This guide covers the key steps every boater should take to stay safe and stress-free on the water—including the importance of having the right insurance coverage with Hagerty. Get a quote today to protect you and your boat for how you use it and ride the waves worry-free all season long.

To make sure you are ready, we recommend reviewing our boating prep list.

Safety Equipment:

Flares – Check your flares to make sure they are up to date and you have the correct flares for the size of your boat and the location of your boating based on USCG regulations.

Life Jackets – Inspect all life jackets to ensure they are free of any rips, tears, or damage, and are easily accessible while using the boat. Also, ensure proper fitting for all passengers.

Fire Extinguishers – Most extinguishers need to be inspected by a professional annually to ensure they are in working order. This is also a great time to review accessibility making sure you can get to the extinguisher if needed in an emergency.

Lights – Important for dusk, dawn, inclement weather, and nighttime cruising, make sure your navigation lights are functioning and in working order, including the port, starboard, stern, and all-round lights.

Fluids:

Engine Oil – Taking the boat out for the first time or the 100th time of the season it is important to ensure the oil is at the proper level and clean.

Gear Lube - If you have an I/O or an outboard, it is very important to make sure you regularly check the lower unit gear lube to ensure it is clean and free of any water while also checking the reservoir level is at the proper level.

Fuel – If the boat has been sitting for a while, you may need to add fuel additives to help avoid any knocking and if you do not use rec fuel, you may also want to add some additives to help prevent the effects of ethanol on your fuel lines.

Trailer:

Tires – Inspect the tires for any weathering, cracking, dry rot, punctures, or leaks. It is also good to check the dates of the tires as most should be replaced every 5 years.

Lights – Connect a tow vehicle to confirm all lights on the trailer are in working order from running lights, turn singles, break lights, and backup lights.

Wheel Bearings - Worn or damaged bearings can cause wheels to lock up, leading to loss of control and potential accidents while towing. Make sure your wheel bearings are fully greased and not leaking to prevent unforeseen issues while on the road.

Essential Paperwork:

Registration – Based on your state it can vary, but making sure you have current registration onboard and tags properly displayed on your boat will help prevent potential issues and questions if you were to be stopped while enjoying the water.

Insurance – Though it may not be required by certain states, having insurance on your boat for both Physical Damage and Liability will insure if something does go wrong, you, your boat, and your passengers are protected and not having to pay for unexpected expenses out of pocket.

Hagerty Insurance offers specialized coverage for boats, including fishing boats, sailboats, pontoons, and speedboats. Like auto insurance, boat policies typically include collision, property damage, bodily injury, and comprehensive coverage. Additional protections may cover permanently attached equipment (like fishing gear and anchors), trailers, towing, and even salvage costs if your boat needs recovery. Insurance premiums depend on factors such as boat size, engine power, usage, operator details, and value. You can also explore layup periods for seasonal storage savings if that boat is not used for part of the year. Also, be sure to ask about discounts. Hagerty offers discounts for members of Hagerty Drivers Club, homeowners, multi boats, and more- just ask!

This does not include all you should do as each boat is as different as its boater, but we’re confident that these steps will put you on the right path to enjoying the waters worry-free!