I can hear your thoughts now—please, no more talk of New Year’s resolutions… But being PropTalk, these aren’t your typical resolutions, i.e. lose weight, go to the gym, cut down on alcohol… No, these are boating resolutions, and if you follow these helpful tips, you might just make them into solid plans rather than simply goals.
The first day of spring is March 20. But in Chesapeake country, we’re just as likely to get snow as we are to get a random 80-degree day. So, let’s plan conservatively and say we’re most likely to have mild boating weather from April to September, and any other days on either side of those months are a happy bonus.
Seems like a long time, right? Well, if you count only weekends during those six months, that’s 51 days, or roughly seven weeks. Now keep in mind that you most likely won’t go boating every Saturday and Sunday in that span, as much as you may want to. There are things such as family reunions, anniversaries, and kids’ soccer games to contend with, not to mention weather. April could be mostly cold and rainy, and the same could go for the second half of September. If that’s the case, you need to get some plans set in motion now if you want to make the most of the upcoming boating season. If not, you’ll blink and find that it’s suddenly September, and you’ll be asking yourself where all the time went. All the wonderful boating plans you had that never came to fruition. To keep that from happening, read on.
Mark certain “big” boating events on your calendar.
This could be things such as your favorite Fourth of July fireworks show, a yearly cruise with your boating club, a favorite annual event (such as the Chestertown Tea Party festival or Rock Hall Pirates and Wenches weekend), a fishing tournament, or even a meteor shower that you hope to watch from a quiet anchorage. Once they are on the calendar, barring bad weather or an event such as a wedding that you simply cannot get out of, keep to them.
Know that you will have to give something up.
Most of us have other hobbies besides boating and fishing (gasp! It’s true, and if not, more power to you). But for the rest of us trying to juggle multiple hobbies, be it photography, birding, mountain biking, or anything in between, be willing to accept that some of those may have to take a back seat if boating is your priority this year.
Expect plans to change and be prepared with a backup.
Say this is the year you’re finally going to take that weekend cruise to St. Michaels. It’s on the calendar, your marina slip is booked, and then the morning you are supposed to leave, it’s blowing 20 knots and raining. No one would fault you for not going. But rather than despair, look ahead and get something planned for the next clear weather window. This is boating after all; there are so many factors to consider, so flexibility is often the name of the game.
If you need some ideas for boating resolutions to add to your list, we’ve compiled a sample from readers and PropTalk staffers.
Take a charter vacation. The Caribbean, Mediterranean, Bahamas, Tahiti, Canada—the possibilities are endless.
Build your own boat. Have you checked out the wooden boat kits at Chesapeake Light Craft? There are options for sailing dinghies, kayaks, a cocktail class racer, stand up paddleboards, rowing crafts, and more.
There’s nothing wrong with having ‘workout more’ on your list, boring as it may be. But rather than go to the gym, incorporate boating into your routine. Rowing is a great physical workout, gives you a connection to the water, and let’s face it, it is way more fun than running on a treadmill at the gym.
Say “yes” more often to invitations to go powerboating or sailing on other people’s boats (OPBs).
If you own a boat, don’t neglect it. Commit to doing a full deep clean and wax at least at the start and end of the season, but more as needed.
Also, if you own a boat, commit to learning its systems if you haven’t done so already. One PropTalk staffer commented that he wanted to get better at adjusting his autopilot so he can do less “zigging and zagging.”
Set a goal for the number of days on the water you would like to hit. It does not have to be a big number, but a goal that you can work towards and one that will have you feeling accomplished when you achieve it. Several years ago, our sister publication SpinSheet started the Century Club to celebrate boaters who log 100 days on the water (on a boat that leaves the dock) in a calendar year. A hundred is a lofty goal, however. So, if you know you spent less days on the water in 2024 than you wanted, why not start it at 25? (This year I’m set to hit 50, so I am going to set a personal goal of 75 for 2025. If I hit that, perhaps in 2026 I’ll go for 100.)
Try a new water-based activity. If fishing from a powerboat is primarily your game, try fishing from a kayak, or even shoreline fishing at a freshwater stream or reservoir. Always wanted to learn how to waterski or wakeboard? Put it on your list! Die-hard powerboater? Give sailing a try. If you don’t know where to start, sign up for the free SpinSheet crew finder at spinsheet.com/crew-finder to find a boat to sail on.
Visit a new place by boat. Even if you’ve been there by car, plan an excursion by water. We can pretty much guarantee it’ll be more of an adventure.
Take a boating course. Even if you are an experienced boater, you can always learn something new and refresh lightly used skills. There are many to choose from, whether it’s an Intro to Boating course, first aid at sea, or Suddenly in Command. Both you and your crew will be better prepared if you take a little bit of time to make this a priority.
Upgrade your gear. Have you been eyeing new foul weather bibs, upgraded electronics, or maybe even non-skid decking? Make a list of your must-haves versus like-to-haves and create a budget so that you can have at least one or two new items for you/your boat come launch day.
Include your furry friends on more outings. To make it more comfortable and safer, consider items like an inflatable step to help them get back onto the boat easier after a swim, and definitely make sure you have a properly fitted doggy lifejacket.
Introduce someone new to boating and/or fishing. Remember how happy you were the first time you got behind the wheel of a powerboat? Why not spread that joy to someone who has yet to experience it. And if they love it, you’ve gained a new boating buddy, too.
Buy a boat! There are several great winter boat shows coming up and they often have special ‘boat show’ prices on new boats. Do your homework now so that you are prepared. Just in case. You can also check out our Boats for Sale page.
In the season of resolutions, let’s all add some fun boating goals to our lists and actually make them happen. We’ll be right here alongside you. Best of luck!
By Kaylie Jasinski