Offseason Boaters!

There’s nothing worse for a boater than to sit idly through the winter months in anticipation of warmer weather. Now's the time to get ready for the next boating season!

If you haven't already, get that boat safety certification course - go to www.BoatSafeUS.com and register for a class. Or take the online course, and just take the proctored exam. You'll have your NJSP issued boat safety certificate before the season starts. It will also give you time to head to the DMV in case you need a non-tidal boat license. Make sure you have your documentation in order, you will be fined if you're pulled over and it's not.

Make sure your boat is safely stored for the harsh NJ winters - so it's ready to go the moment spring arrives. Winterize it! Make sure that snow does not gathers on top of your boat, if stored outside. Even boats that have been shrink-wrapped during the winterization process can be damaged by snow and ice accumulation. Check the owner’s manual of your boat and motor for manufacturer’s

recommendations on winterization. New boat owners may want to get the assistance of someone experienced in winterizing—or, hire a professional to do the job. Finally, when it comes time to de-winterize, remember that each boat will vary in what is required, so consult your boat’s owner’s manual or boat mechanic.

Next, take an inventory of your safety kit. Make sure you have all that is required by New Jersey to be legal on the water for the upcoming season. It’s also important to ensure your fire extinguisher is in working order. Check that the pressure is at the recommended level. On extinguishers equipped with a gauge, the needle should be in the green zone—not too high and not too low. Make sure the nozzle and other parts are not hindered in any way, the pin and tamper seal (if it has one) are intact. and there are no dents, leaks, rust, chemical deposits and/or other signs of abuse or wear – Wipe off any corrosive chemicals, oil, gunk, etc. that may have deposited on the extinguisher.

Off season is one of the best times to make sure your boat’s interior and exterior features are in excellent shape. Some ideas include getting the hull waxed before you put it in the water. Wax all your metals, this will prevent any type of rust buildup from prior years and keep them looking good without replacement. Clean the bilge, this will prevent any unwanted odors. Detail the interior to curb mildew problems and prevent odors. This includes cleaning the boat’s carpet, upholstery and wood accents to

preserve the value of your boat.

One of hte most important off-season boat care is engine maintenance. Change all spark plugs, spark plugs are cheap and easy to replace, so taking this precaution can save you time and money once boating and fishing season actually starts. Check and tighten belts if needed, the belt should fit snugly in the pulley grooves. If it doesn't, the belt is worn and needs to be replaced. Change the fuel filter and make sure the fuel line is not cracked in our NJ climate, the combination of cold weather and several months of dryness can crack the fuel line. The fuel filter should be changed yearly as a precaution.

As always, check the oil. Oil has a tendency to gum after several months of disuse. It may be necessary to

drain the old oil and replace with fresh oil. Check the battery. Check for corrosion, being careful not to contact any leaking acidic substances. This is important. You don’t want to be on the middle of the lake, or, worse, the ocean with dead batteries.

Aside from making sure you are up to date on your credentials, and your boat is in beautiful, functioning condition, there are

plenty of others ways to pass time in the off-season. Like attending boat shows, boat shows not only have a wide array

of boats and products all in one place, you can find some good deals on products from the vendors. Start planning ahead, if you are going to trailer your boat to new destinations make your plans and reservations now. The most popular boating destinations fill up fast.