Fall is a great time of year for boaters. As the tourists and weekend warriors pack things up for the season, you can have the water all to yourself. The changes in weather not only free up the lakes and coastal areas, they also trigger movement in fish populations, resulting in reliable catches from many species.
Boating in the fall, however, should be done with care. It can be more enjoyable, but the waters are changing, and your boating preparation needs to change along with it.
Be Aware of the Shorter Days
Always be aware of the ever-shrinking days that come with fall. In July, you could get off of work and fish for five or six hours before the sun went down. In the fall months, however, your daylight will be cut short. If you’re not paying attention, you could be out on the water with darkness coming sooner than you expected.
Double-Check Your Radio
One of the best things about fall boating is the lack of other boaters. You can go to a body of water that was once crowded by summer traffic and find it completely clear, giving you the chance to boat, fish, and relax in peace. But if you need help, you can’t rely on signaling another boat. For this reason, you should take the time to check your VHF radio, ensuring everything is working properly so you can get the help you need if you end up in an emergency situation.
Fuel Up Before You Go
Because there are fewer boaters on the water, many marinas and fueling stations will be shutting down operations in the fall. The spot where you gassed up all year long might be shut down, leaving you with a thirsty engine. Make sure you are full before you head out, and consider taking a spare tank of gas to ensure you can get to your spot and get back without needing help.
Know what the Weather is Doing
Fall weather can be unpredictable, and the changes in wind patters, temperature, and barometric pressure can create some very unfriendly storms. Always inspect the radar and weather forecast before you go, and keep an eye to the sky for dark clouds or harsh storms.
Be Aware of Changing Channel Markers
As fall comes around, many areas with channel markers will be adjusted to fit the changing traffic, flow, and other factors. If you have been using markers all summer to find your way, be aware that they may be moved around or removed completely. You may want to update your navigation system just to be safe.
Stock Your Boat with Extra Blankets, Sweatshirts, and other Warm Items
During the summer, you probably didn’t need any blankets or warm clothing. Now that it’s fall, you need to be more concerned with keeping people warm, especially kids. Put a few blankets, sweatshirts, and old towels inside your boat. You may be surprise by how often they get used throughout the fall.
Reliable Boats for the Fall Season
Having a reliable boat in the fall is crucial. Check out the complete lineup from Scout to find the perfect choice for you and your family. When you want comfort, performance, and luxury, Scout Boats has what you need!
