If you are going out on your boat to have a good time, the last thing you want is something like bad weather or engine failure to spoil your day. Although you can't prevent all mechanical problems or control the weather, you can increase the odds in your favor with good trip planning and preparation.

Before You Leave the Shore

Boat Preventive Maintenance

If you've ever been out in the middle of the water when the engine on your boat quits working, you're familiar with that sinking feeling that has nothing to do with your boat taking on water. If you find out later that the problem could have been prevented with proper maintenance, you feel even worse.

Another thing to remember is that in the last few years, 8% of the boats in reported accidents and 4% of all fatalities involved equipment- or maintenance-related factors. In addition, 34% of boating citations were issued because of equipment-related violations. Use the table below to help prevent a disaster, and to maintain the health and longevity of your engine, your boat, and all the equipment on board.

The best place to start with preventive maintenance is to read the recommendations in the manual that came with your boat. If you can't find your manual, then follow the recommendations in this table that apply to your boat.

Preventive Maintenance Before You Leave
Electrical
Batteries	Are the batteries charged adequately? Are the fluid levels correct? Are the terminal connections tight and free from corrosion?
Circuit Breakers	Are the circuit breakers or fuses working properly?
Navigation Lights	Do all navigation lights work properly? Do you have replacement lights onboard?
Electronic Devices	Does the horn work? Do the VHF marine radio and GPS work?
Mechanical Systems
Motor	Are the oil levels correct? Is the engine cooling system working correctly? Are the shafts and props clean and working properly?
Fuel System	Is the fuel tank rusted or contaminated? Are there any leaks in the tank, hose, or fittings?
Bilge Pumps	Do the pump and float switch work properly? Do you have a manual backup?
Emergency and Safety Equipment
Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)	Do any of the PFDs have weak or torn seams, straps, or buckles? If you have an inflatable PFD, are the cylinders and caps intact, charged, and secure? Are all status indicators green? Do you have a spare re-arming kit onboard?
Fire Extinguisher	Do you have the required number of Type B-I or B-II fire extinguishers onboard? Is the pressure gauge or indicator in the correct position?
Hull	Are there any tripping hazards or sharp edges exposed?
Through Hulls	Are the through-hull plugs near the fittings or attached in case of an emergency?
Anchor	Is the rode going to be long enough? Is the rode free of knots? Is the rode securely fastened to the anchor and the boat?
Docking	Are the lines tied securely? Do the lines show signs of breakage or wear?
Trailer	Is the registration current? Do the tires need more air? Are the safety chains secure and crossed under the hitch? Are the required lights working?

Preventive Maintenance After You Return
Electronic Devices	Turn off all electronic devices.
Fuel System	Disconnect the fuel tank, or shut off the fuel lines.
Motor	Flush the engine with clean water. Turn off the key.
Batteries	Turn off the battery switch.
Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)	Rinse off with clean water. Dry thoroughly. Store out of the sun.
Hull	Wash and rinse with clean water. Cover with plastic or canvas.

Check Local Weather and Water Conditions

If you know how to use weather information to judge probable water conditions, you will be better able to decide whether or not to go out on the water or postpone your trip to another day. Before leaving, you can check local radio or TV stations, the Weather Channel, or online Internet sources. As the boat operator, it is your responsibility to decide whether to continue or make adjustments to your trip.

Radio Weather Information

If you have a VHF or weather radio, you can monitor the weather on the following stations:

If possible, bring your VHF, portable AM/FM, or weather radio on board so you can continue monitoring the weather throughout the day.

Weather Signals

The U.S. Coast Guard has a Coastal Warning Display program that displays flags, pennants, and colored lights to warn you when there are small-craft advisories, gale warnings, storm warnings, and hurricane warnings.  These warnings are displayed at selected Coast Guard small-boat stations, as well as yacht clubs and marinas throughout the country, to warn the public of approaching storm conditions.

Weather signals

Small Craft Advisory - issued when sustained winds, frequent gusts, or sea/wave conditions exceed the defined thresholds specific to a geographic area. Different bodies of water have different thresholds because of their different sizes, shapes, altitudes, and other features. For example, on Lake Erie, a small craft advisory will be issued when sustained winds or frequent gusts range between 22 and 33 knots and/or seas or waves are 4 feet and greater. In the Caribbean, on the other hand, an advisory will be issued when sustained winds are 20 to 33 knots, and/or seas are 7 feet or greater and expected for more than 2 hours. A small craft advisory can also be issued when there is sea or lake ice that could be hazardous to small boats.

Gale Warning - issued when winds between 34 and 47 knots are forecast for the area.

Storm Warning - issued when winds 48 knots and above are forecast. However, if the winds are associated with a tropical cyclone (hurricane), the storm warning indicates that winds between 48 and 63 knots are forecast.

Hurricane Warning - issued only in connection with a tropical cyclone (hurricane) to indicate that winds 64 knots and above are forecast.

Special Marine Warning - issued whenever a severe local storm or strong wind of brief duration is imminent and is not covered by existing warnings or advisories. No visual displays are used in connection with the Special Marine Warning Bulletin. You will be able to receive these special warnings by keeping tuned to a NOAA Weather Radio station or to U.S. Coast Guard and commercial radio stations that transmit marine weather information.

Check Local Hazards

When you are boating for the first time in unfamiliar waters, study local maps, charts, and tide tables. Find out about the local weather patterns. You can talk to the local harbormaster, public safety officer, or local boaters to get more information. Hazards you should ask about include rapids, sudden winds, tides, currents, white water, overhead cables, bridges, waves, and heavy boating traffic.

Another hazard you need to avoid is low-head dams, which are man-made structures that back up water, usually in a reservoir. Although most of the water is stopped, some water flows over the top and drops to the lower level on the other side. The hazard with low-head dams is that they are difficult to see and avoid in time from upstream. And if your boat goes over the top, you can be caught in a backwash that could pull you under the water. Once you are pulled under, it is difficult, if not impossible, to escape, because the water creates a circular pull toward the bottom of the dam.

Even if you have boated in an area before, check for updates, because hazards are ever changing in every type of water system, whether it's a lake, pond, river, or ocean.

File a Float Plan

Once you decide that weather and other local conditions will be good for your boating trip, you should file a float plan with a contact person who will not be on the boat with you. If you don't get back as expected, this person will have all the necessary information to get help for you. If you do have an accident or for some reason do not return as planned, your contact person can alert rescue authorities, who will respond in a much faster, more focused way.

The U.S. Coast Guard publishes a form that you can fill out for your float plan. On the front of the form, you will be leaving detailed information about your expected destination, as well as a description of your boat, the course you plan to take, the time of departure, the time you expect to return, and the number of people on board. If you change your plans after you fill out the float plan, be sure you let your contact person know. The back of the form gives your contact person a detailed step-by-step process to follow in case you do not return as planned.