| Boating is a wonderful pastime for everyone from | | | | arise. With this in mind, it's smart to do a quick check |
| fishing enthusiasts to families that are simply tired of | | | | of all lights on the boat before pulling out. Make sure |
| doing the same old thing on the weekends. Making | | | | they are in good working order, and also check the |
| sure each and every outing is as fun and as safe as | | | | spotlight just to be safe. |
| possible, however, is an important undertaking when | | | | * Safety equipment. A quick run down to make sure |
| considering this hobby. | | | | life vests are ample for everyone onboard doesn't |
| The fact is it's just not smart to buy a boat and | | | | hurt. While it's not likely these will be removed from |
| expect to be able to turn the key and have a good | | | | trip to trip, damage can happen to them, so a |
| time. Boating equipment is necessary and making sure | | | | cursory once over is a smart thing to do before each |
| it's in good working order is vital before taking off | | | | outing. |
| from the dock. | | | | * Food and water. Even a brief trip out into a bay |
| It doesn't matter whether the boat purchased is a | | | | can turn into a longer venture than expected. Making |
| sleeper that can accommodate a family of four or a | | | | sure there's enough food and water available to get |
| simple bass boat, the boating equipment that is used | | | | through a short emergency is never a bad idea. |
| to keep the vessel safe and buoyant must undergo | | | | * Communication equipment check. It's not a good |
| some simple checks each and every time a trip is | | | | idea to pull out without making sure this vital class of |
| planned. Just pulling out and not checking the | | | | boat equipment is in good working order. |
| equipment in advance can be a recipe for disaster. | | | | * Navigation equipment. This equipment, too, should |
| There's nothing fun about getting stranded in the | | | | be checked for proper function before leaving the |
| middle of a lake with an engine that won't run. | | | | dock. If it's not working right and the lake is bigger |
| Before pulling away from the dock, it's a good idea | | | | than a pond, fixing it is the smart thing to do. |
| to inspect the following pieces of boating equipment | | | | * Small tools. Always keep the necessary tools to fix |
| for any problems and also to make sure certain items | | | | boat equipment onboard. It's amazing how many |
| are onboard: | | | | people have sat in a lake overnight for want of a |
| * Engine. Do an engine check before leaving the dock | | | | wrench to fix an engine. |
| each and every time. Make sure there's enough gas | | | | Boating is a fantastic way to enjoy the great |
| onboard to handle the planned trip and maybe even a | | | | outdoors. The hobby is ideal for almost everyone. |
| little more just in case. An extra gas can sometimes | | | | There are some things boat owners should do |
| will be necessary. Having one available is better than | | | | before each and every trip, however, to ensure the |
| not. | | | | fun and safety of all onboard. A quick boating |
| * Lights. Even if the planned outing is for the day | | | | equipment check before pulling away from the docks |
| time only, it's hard to tell when an emergency will | | | | can save a lot of trouble down the road. |