5 Things to Check Before Every Boat Trip

A little prep goes a long way on the water. Here are five quick checks every boat owner should do before leaving the dock.

1. Check your engine oil and coolant

Low oil is one of the most common causes of engine damage. Takes 60 seconds to check. Do it every single time.

2. Test your bilge pump

Make sure it's working before you need it. Switch it to manual and confirm it runs. Check the float switch too.

3. Inspect your safety equipment

Life jackets, flares, fire extinguisher, whistle. Make sure everything is accessible and in date. In South Carolina, this is also the law.

4. Check your fuel

The rule of thirds: one third out, one third back, one third reserve. Bring more than you think you need.

5. Look for anything unusual

Walk around the boat before you launch. Look for cracks, loose fittings, anything that wasn't there last time. Five minutes of inspection can prevent a very bad day.