Be Prepared with These 7 Tips to Be Sure You Enjoy Your Day Out on the Water

Be Prepared with These 7 Tips to Be Sure You Enjoy Your Day Out on the Water

What a dream. You finally have a free day, or weekend, to spend on the water doing what you love most. Maybe you cast off alone in search of peace from the stress of your day-to-day routine, or maybe you seek the good company of family and friends while cruising the coastline. No matter your reason for escape, the last thing you want is to spend this well-deserved time off in a stressful situation, so it's important to be prepared. We’ve compiled a few simple things you can do to make sure you have a wonderful time.

1. Update your charts
OK, we know this is a bit obvious, but you’d be surprised how many boaters, anglers and sailors skip this important step. Things are constantly changing, both above and below the waterline. That’s why we make it easy for you to keep up. We release up to 5,000 updates to our charts every day, so you can rest assured that you have up-to-date charts each time you leave shore. For even better situational awareness, download premium high-resolution Relief shading and Satellite Imagery to discover a clearer view of bottom structure than contour lines alone. Also remember to update Community Edits, especially if you are visiting an area you’ve never been before. There is no better knowledge than the local knowledge of fellow boaters.

Psst … here’s a pro tip. Check out the ActiveCaptain© Community1 via the Navionics® Boating app for more information about points of interest, right from your compatible mobile device.

2. Plan your journey from home
Planning is an essential part of any successful trip. The best way to start is by checking the weather so you can be sure the conditions are optimal. Be prepared for what you might face on the water by checking rain predictions, wind intensity and direction, tides, currents and wave heights. Weather conditions can change in an instant. Make sure you are ready with the proper gear and a backup plan, should you need to find a sheltered cove to wait it out.

It is also helpful to learn about the area you’ll visit either by using our free online chart viewer or the Navionics Boating app. Check for marinas that allow temporary docking, anchorage spots in breathtaking locations, great fishing areas, restaurants, repair shops and more to help plan your journey.

Want to save time? Use the Boating app to create your route wherever you are. If you have a compatible chartplotter, you can sync it directly with the app once on board, which then transfers a ready-to-go route right to your plotter.

3. Check your electronics
Before you even leave the dock, you should take some time to make sure your electronic devices are in order. Start by making sure you’re running the latest software version on your chartplotter. Many times, these updates provide new features that will make your boating life easier — trust us. Also, check that the VHF radio, radar, lights and any other equipment work correctly. If you have an AIS device, make sure to keep it switched on while underway to stay mindful of what’s around you, and so other boaters can keep tabs on your whereabouts too.

4. Consider your safety plan
What a dream. You finally have a free day, or weekend, to spend on the water doing what you love most. Maybe you cast off alone in search of peace from the stress of your day-to-day routine, or maybe you seek the good company of family and friends while cruising the coastline. No matter your reason for escape, the last thing you want is to spend this well-deserved time off in a stressful situation, so it's important to be prepared. We’ve compiled a few simple things you can do to make sure you have a wonderful time.

Don’t forget to share your itinerary with someone. If you know you’ll stay within internet range, you can share your live location using the Boating app’s Connections feature.

In case your trip takes you off the grid, Garmin inReach® satellite communicators2 can provide peace of mind and a way to stay connected with loved ones back home. With an active satellite subscription, you can stay in touch from anywhere across the globe and — in the event of an emergency — trigger an SOS to a 24/7 staffed global emergency response coordination center via the 100% global Iridium® satellite network3.

5. Inspect your engine, fuel, batteries and water
No one likes getting stuck on the side of the road after running out of gas, so imagine what it’s like to be on a boat in the middle of the lake or far off shore with nothing left in your fuel tank. This time, however, you won’t be able to walk to the gas station. In other words, fill up your tank before the trip and ensure your engine is working properly. Because you’re already aboard, double-check that your batteries are (warning: dad joke alert) shipshape and fully charged. Also, remember to have plenty of potable water and if you have a water maker, ensure it works properly. In short, regular maintenance can save you a lot of trouble, time and money.

6. Gather your fishing gear
Are you an angler? If not, feel free to skip this part. But if you can’t go out on the boat without needing to drop a hook in the water, you’d better check your gear. When was the last time you replenished your tackle box? Does it have everything you need? Hooks, lines, floats, sinkers and tools — hey mate, don’t forget your lures, those are sort of important for hookin’ your next trophy fish. Of course, you’ll also want to scope out your collection of rods and reels so you know you’re ready for a big bite.

7. Pack snacks and games
Even if you plan to be gone a short time, always have some backup bottled water, energy bars or your favorite snacks. Don’t risk being hangry. Should you choose to extend the day for a few more hours — or if you run into some boat problems while on the water — you’ll be glad to have a few snacks on board.

On the other hand, you might find yourself wanting to take a break from relaxation and sunbathing, so pack a deck of cards or travel board games to play with friends and family. Or, if you go ashore, a few beach rackets and a football might come in handy.

Bonus tip: Last but not least, have fun!
Sure, this might sound like a hefty predeparture checklist, but believe us when we say that you’ll be happier and safer after you cross them off the list. Now that you’re packed and ready, it’s your time to have fun, make memories and soak up the sun.

Catch you out there.


1Additional equipment (sold separately) and device pairing required.
2Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices. It is the responsibility of the user to know and follow all applicable laws in the jurisdictions where the device is intended to be used.
3To access the Iridium satellite network for live tracking and messaging, including SOS capabilities, an active satellite subscription is required.