A new year means new goals and, in some cases realizing you never quite met last year’s goals. No judgement! Thanks to Southwest Florida’s never-ending boating season, we’re far too busy enjoying the water to worry about the resolutions we made a few weeks ago. Good news: you have our permission to put down the label maker and pour that kale smoothie in a to-go cup because we have a few boat goals for you to tackle instead.
Try DIY Maintenance
Get to know your boat inside and out by performing some easy DIY boat maintenance. It’s far cheaper to keep your vessel in good condition than to fix things when they break, so check out our inside peek at 5 common repairs you can avoid by keeping up on your boat’s maintenance.
Fish Like a Pro
Fishing in SWFL comes with a little bit of a learning curve, so the fastest way to up your game is with a little pro advice from a local fishing guide. Most anglers don’t realize they can either A) choose a traditional charter where the guide takes you out on their boat, or B) book a captain to join you on your boat where the fishing advice will be more tailored to your vessel’s capabilities. Either way, you’ll learn a lot and the proof will be on the end of your line in no time.
Get Schooled
Boaters are curious by nature, so embrace that and learn a new skill! United States Power Squadrons offer courses and seminars on a variety of boating-related topics ranging from beginner to advanced. You can upgrade your license at The Captain School and the Sea School, or get the kids involved at the Edison Sailing Center. The more you and your family know about captaining your vessel, the more freedom you’ll enjoy on the water.
Tackle the Trailer
From the boat ramp to the open highway, trailering might be the #1 area most boaters could use a little help with. Commit to fine-tuning your technique and never make these 5 Common Towing Mistakes ever again. You’ll find it makes every boat trip safer—and less stressful—for everyone.
Keep Our Waterways Beautiful
It’s crucial that all boaters adopt good eco habits to protect our waters. When boaters make poor decisions or don’t take the proper preventative measures, many unintentional and unexpected consequences can affect our precious environment. If we each do our part, we’ll be able to keep boating beautiful for generations to come!
Join a Club
One of the best parts of boating is socializing on the water. There are dozens of clubs in our area that offer camaraderie and a shared love of the boating lifestyle. From day boaters in Tampa to overnighters in Marco Island, you can find a group that meets your needs in our boat & yacht club directory.
Stay Up to Date
Be sure to sign up for our newsletter and remember to share your boating photos with us by tagging @goboatingflorida for a chance to be featured on our Facebook and Instagram pages!
Stay safe out there and let’s make 2021 the best year on the water yet!