Spring marks the start of the boating season. The weather is warming up and there’s ample opportunity for memorable days enjoying time on the water. Whether you use your boat for cruising, sailing, fishing, diving, or simply getting away from it all, the new season offers plenty of opportunities to head out and explore. Let’s take a look at some ideas for the season ahead and how to make the most of the warmer months.
The plan
We all lead busy lives, so planning day trips in advance is the way to go. Having a plan can mean more time on the water, less stress and more boating trips. Get the calendar out and jot down some days to go boating. You do the same for other commitments, so why not take the same organised approach to your recreation? I can guarantee you won’t regret it. It’s also a good time to plan a bigger trip. Maybe you could plan an overnight boating trip. Or, hook the boat up and travel up or down the coast and visit that spot you have always wanted to see. It’s a great chance to enjoy a short break and experience some memorable days before the busy festive season arrives.
Get ready
Now you have a plan. The plan may involve some day trips on your local estuary or a day sailing or cruising around a secluded coastal inlet. Whatever the plan, it’s time to get organised and prepare your boat and gear. This step is very important and the earlier you start, the better. One of the first things to check is that your engine servicing is up to date. Regular professional servicing is an important part of responsible boat ownership and helps ensure your vessel remains reliable and ready for the water. Find a trusted local marine service provider and book your boat in. Remember to book in early; you’re not the only boater preparing for peak boating season and service departments can book out early. If you have a trailer boat, the trailer should form part of your spring maintenance routine. There’s a lot that can go wrong while driving along a freeway in excess of 100km/h. When something does go wrong, you could be a long way from home. Fortunately, preparation can help prevent many common trailer issues.
Make spring your time to inspect trailer wheel bearings and replace them if required. How often this needs to be done will depend on how frequently the trailer is used and the distances it travels. It’s also a good opportunity to inspect the rest of the trailer. If you use your boat in the salt, as many of us do, check for corrosion, inspect the suspension and other moving parts, and make sure the tail lights are working properly. If you’re unsure about the condition of your trailer or how to carry out these checks, speak with a trailer servicing specialist. Regular professional trailer servicing can help identify potential issues before they become bigger problems.
Once the trailer is up to scratch, it’s time to go over the boat itself. Start by making sure your safety gear is up to date. Ensure there are sufficient life jackets for everyone on board and that all required safety equipment is in good condition. If you have inflatable life jackets, check your local state’s rules and regulations regarding inflatable PFDs and ensure they’ve been serviced. Other safety equipment, such as flares and fire extinguishers, also have expiry dates, so spring is the perfect time to inspect and replace them if required. It’s also worth checking other onboard items, such as ropes, coolers and tools. These can deteriorate over time and may need to be repaired or replaced. By investing a little time in maintenance and preparation, you can help avoid unexpected issues, whether you’re driving to your destination or already out on the water. Once your pre-season maintenance is sorted, you can rest assured that your boat is safe, reliable and ready to make the most of the season ahead.
Activities
Sailing
Spring sees an abundance of sailing activities kick off with club races and regattas. It’s time to check the calendars and get involved. If you have always wanted to try sailing or become more active in your local club, spring is the perfect time to do it. With warmer days and fewer crowds than summer, it’s an ideal time to go sailing and every large town and city along our coastline in Australia or New Zealand has a sailing club to help you along the way.
Fishing
Fishing is fantastic in spring with migrations happening in the rivers and estuaries and the fish feeding after a long cold winter. The lack of crowds over winter and early spring also ensures the fish haven’t received too much fishing pressure and your chances of success increase. The trick to finding fish in spring is to fish as often as possible and have an understanding of their locations and feeding habits.
Cruising
Sometimes it’s not about sailing or fishing. Simply spending time on the water, cruising around and taking in the scenery is enough. Again, spring can see less crowds and warmer weather and many consider it prime time for cruising. It’s also a great time to go whale watching, depending on your location. Just ensure you keep your distance and check the rules. On that note, whether you’re cruising, sailing or fishing, whales can be a hazard, so it’s important to understand their migration patterns and slow down when they are around.
Time to take off
Spring is also a great time to explore other parts of the country. Spring and autumn are in my opinion the best times for travelling. Almost all parts of Australia and New Zealand have great weather at this time of year. Whether it’s the Top End, The Whitsundays, Auckland or Ningaloo in Western Australia, the days are mild and conditions are typically favourable. It’s also not holiday season, so accommodation can be easier to book and more affordable than during the peak summer period. Getting away might mean hooking up your own boat or jumping on a plane and hiring a boat in another destination.
Watch the weather
Yes, the weather is getting warmer and more favourable to boating. However, conditions can still be unpredictable. Water temperatures can remain surprisingly cool and the change of seasons can create windier conditions. This means paying closer attention to weather forecasts, taking fewer risks and packing clothes that are suitable for the worst conditions. Get yourself a quality waterproof jacket and you won’t regret it.
Hit the water
Hopefully this article has provided some inspiration for the boating season ahead. It’s time to get the boat ready, make a plan, hook up and enjoy the water. See you out there!
By Scott Thomas