Spring Cleaning Essentials, Our Guide to Boating Season Prep
Spring has arrived, and with it comes the start of boating season. While you might be eager to hit the water, it's essential to ensure that your boating gear is in top shape before you do. After all, that gear has likely been sitting in the garage for a few months at this point. Spring cleaning your boating gear is not only important for maintaining its longevity, but also presents an opportunity to double check for any damage the gear has sustained in storage. Beyond that, it’s a great opportunity to solicit some help from the family and get excited for the months to come.
One of the most critical pieces of boating gear is obviously your life jacket. It's essential to make sure that you have the correct size and that it's in good condition. We all know that kids grow over the course of the winter and sometimes us parents do too (these pants feel tight.) A life jacket that's too small or too large won't provide the necessary protection in case of an accident, so it's extra important to make sure that last year’s gear still fits everyone in the family. To find the correct size, measure your chest and refer to the life jacket's sizing chart. It's also important to ensure that the life jacket is free of tears, holes, or other damage that could compromise its effectiveness. If you notice any damage, it's time to replace it.
Once you have the correct size and ensure that it's in good condition, it's time to clean it. You can use a mild detergent and lukewarm water to wash it thoroughly. Avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach, as they can damage the material. After washing, rinse the life jacket thoroughly and allow it to dry completely before storing it.
Another piece of boating gear that needs cleaning and maintenance is your towable tube. Use a mild detergent and lukewarm water to clean the tube thoroughly. Make sure to rinse it thoroughly and allow it to dry completely before storing it. Try inflating the tube to ensure that it still holds air and use a patch kit to repair the tube if you notice any leaks. These patch kits can be purchased at the local hardware store. Worst case scenario is getting to the lake on the first day of the season and finding out you’ve got a bum tube, so make sure not to skip this step! If your tube is beyond repair, we’ve got a wide selection of tubes and towables to choose from…it might just be time for an upgrade, anyway.
Ropes and accessories also need attention during spring cleaning. Inspect ropes for any signs of wear and tear, such as frayed ends or knots. Replace any ropes that show signs of damage. You can use the same cleaning solution you’ve been using on the vests and tubes here. Once they’re squeaky clean, hang them to dry in a cool, dry place. Wipe down accessories such as wakeboards or skis with a clean, damp cloth. Make sure to dry them thoroughly before storing them.
Beyond cleaning and checking for damage to the accessories,, it's also essential to perform routine maintenance on your boat itself. Check the engine oil and filter, inspect the propeller for any damage, and check the boat's electrical systems. These routine maintenance tasks can help prevent breakdowns and accidents while on the water. They say that preparation precedes performance and no one wants the first day on the boat to go poorly, so these steps are critical!
If you get through this exercise and realize that it's time to upgrade your boating gear, we’ve got your back! Look no further than Full Throttle Water Sports for a wide selection of life jackets, towable tubes, ropes, accessories, and more. We have everything you need to guarantee a fun and safe boating season.
Our life jackets are US Coast Guard certified, ensuring that they meet or exceed safety standards. We carry a range of sizes and styles to fit everyone in your boating party, from infants to adults. We also offer a variety of towable tubes, from single-rider to multi-rider options, to suit any boating style.
Check out the full line of products at https://www.fullthrottlewatersports.com
