If you own your own boat, you may be looking forward to the spring months and being able to take your boat out on the open waters once again. However, even if you have OC boat insurance in place, knowing how to stay safe out there is essential. Before you hop into your boat and head out for a day filled with sun and fun, brush up on your spring boating safety essentials. Here are a few top safety tips for boating in spring months you need to know about.

Take Care of Legalities and Make Sure Your Boat Is Properly Registered

First things first: To keep yourself financially and legally safe, make sure you’ve properly registered your boat and taken care of any other legalities required by your locality or state. This step may seem frivolous, but it’s essential to make sure you can continue to enjoy boating seasons in the future. Check to ensure that you’ve properly secured any and all necessary:

• Local boating permits and marina permits
• Legal boat registrations
• Boating licenses and any other necessary professional or hobby licenses

Clean the Boat Inside and Out To Ensure It’s in the Best Shape Possible

Next, you’ll want to deep-clean your boat. This step is important for your and your passengers’ safety, since it can help remove potential allergens, pollutants, and springtime irritants from the boat after a long winter of disuse. It also keeps the boat in good shape for the future and lets you enjoy as pleasurable an experience on the water as possible. To really clean the boat inside and out:

• Use a dedicated marine cleanser to wash the hull
• Apply wax to the hull for a clean finish
• Polish all metal hardware
• Clear out the scuppers and drains
• Replace the wiper blades

Get a Professional Boat Inspection To Double-Check Proper Systems Functioning

Lastly, don’t skimp on an inspection. Getting the boat professionally inspected at least once a year to ensure proper functioning of key systems is perhaps one of the most important boat safety steps you can take. Have the inspector check:

• Battery and battery terminals
• Battery’s level of distilled water
• Shore power system
• Wiring and all other aspects of the electrical system
• Bonding system
• Gauges and antennas
• Lighting fixtures and fuses

Even for boat owners who are armed with a comprehensive OC boat insurance LINK policy, setting sail during the spring months can come with certain risks and may require additional safety preparations. Before you head out on the open waters this spring, make sure you carefully review these key safety tips. Checking your registration and other legalities, cleaning the boat out, and getting it inspected to ensure proper functioning can make a big difference in keeping you and your passengers safe while boating this spring.

About Mariners Insurance

Mariners General Insurance Group was founded in 1959 to protect boat owners and marine business clients. We are marine insurance experts and insure boats worldwide – in every ocean on the planet. Marine insurance is critical if you own a boat or nautical business. Trust the professionals with all of your Boat Insurance needs – trust Mariners Insurance. Call us at (888) 402-5018 any time you have questions or concerns about insurance for your vessel or marine business.