Going Boating: Checklist and Tips

This is a general article about the steps to take before trailering your boat and what to do at the ramp. Before you hook up and head to the ramp there are steps you should take that need to become a ritual. First you need to check the weather. Check a couple of different weather forecast to get a good outlook on what to expect. Bad weather can come on you very fast. Knowing if there will be afternoon thunderstorms just is not enough. Some forecast may say afternoon or early afternoon. Having more than one forecast will give you an average time and when to expect bad weather. Knowing what the winds will be and from what direction. Once the weatherman has given you the thumbs up it's time to start planning and getting the boat and trailer ready. First you'll need to have a float plan. A float plan can be as simple as noting witch ramp you will be launching from and length of time expected to be on the water to, where you'll be launching from, number of persons on the boat, direction of travel from the ramp. If you plan on having lunch at a particular waterfront restaurant, distance you plan to travel and when you plan on returning. After you made your float plan leave this with a relative or friend you can call after you get off the water. This is very important in case for any reason you do not return at or around the expected time the Coast guard can be notified.