Is your boat ready for summer? Here are some tips and tricks to getting ready to hit the lake!

It’s almost summertime and that means LAKE TIME! With thirteen lakes to choose from on the Alabama Bass Trail, we want to make sure your boat is ready to take to the water. If it has been in storage all winter, it’s time to pull it out and make sure you have the necessary equipment to ensure a fun and safe time on the lake.

  1. Get a Tune-up. Your boat may have been sitting all winter long with no real use. Harsh temperature changes and inclement weather conditions can lead to things corroding, drying out and even breaking down. It’s important to take it to a trusted marine shop to get it fully checked.
  2. Inspect Life Jackets. Life jackets can easily rot or split when they sit for a long period of time. Take a careful look at each, and also be sure the straps and buckles work. If you have smaller children, also make sure the size of the jacket is right for the current boating season.
  3. Tags and Titles. Don’t forget to confirm that your boat’s tags and titles are all up to date. Penalties for having an out-of-date registration can be costly.
  4. Trailer Inspection. Do you haul your boat with a trailer? If so, now is the time to examine the wheels, axles and any other part of the trailer that may have become damaged or compromised during the winter. Since air pressure in the tires can shift based on temperature, a simple tire pressure check is absolutely necessary before you hit the road.
  5. Safety Equipment Check. A full inspection of all the safety equipment on the boat will ensure you have everything you need and that each item is in perfect working order in case of an emergency. Fire extinguishers, flares and more are required to be on every boat, so get a checklist from your local water safety experts to assure not only safety but peace of mind as you pursue your boating fun.

Once you’ve completed work on these helpful tips, it will be time to take to the Alabama Bass Trail and do a little fishing, boating, swimming and more this summer!