What you need to know before boating season

(NC) Boating season is just around the corner. If you are a boat owner or thinking of spending some time boating in the warmer weather, there are some important things to keep in mind.

In addition to the usual pre-launch prep, boats today are hugely improved in technology, with new high-tech systems to make boating easier and more accessible. However, it can also make them more expensive to repair.

Like cars, today’s boats can come equipped with high-tech navigational devices, cameras and sensors. Yet not all electronic gadgets on a boat are waterproof. There is also the risk of the technology failing. That is why it’s important to ensure your boat is maintained regularly so that all parts of the boat work as they should.
Here are some tips from Aviva Canada to prepare for a safe boating season:

Refresh your knowledge
Make sure you understand the rules of the waterway you’re following. Many boating courses are available throughout the winter, so you can brush up on your training and be prepared for a great boating season.

Stock up for safety
Inspect safety equipment and replace when required. When you’re at the cottage with family and friends, you won’t want to worry about whether your first aid kit is stocked or if you need to replace a life jacket or batteries. Make note of all your safety supplies before boating season begins and work your way through them in advance of your first day out on the water.

Look for leaks
Inspect the thru hull fittings and rubber seals annually. These help keep water out of the boat, and if you skip on the inspection or they wear out, it could lead to partial or total sinking of the boat. If partial sinking takes place, there could be structural damage to the hull of the boat, and damage to the electronics could lead to it being a write-off.

Plan your repairs
If a repair is needed, follow the recommendations of your boat manufacturer. Spring and fall maintenance differ. In the fall, have your engine professionally winterized to help prevent freezing or cracking over the cold winter months, and have your technician commission your boat in the spring for a stress-free boating season.

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