Fortress of Solitude

While spontaneity is a great personality trait, and can turn an average evening into a memorable one, when it comes to getting your boat ready for the summer, preparation is king. Do not be that person who invites everyone out for a cruise on the first blistering hot day of the summer, only to find your engine will not turn over or that the huge rip in the sail (which you vowed last season to fix in the spring) never actually got fixed.

Especially with the nice weather that has been gracing us with its early presence this year, there is no excuse not to be outside prepping the ol’ family getaway. Surely that is what you pictured when you decided to get the boat: A high maintenance, expensive, in-constant-need-of-attention object to enjoy only occasionally.

To the true boaters, it is about all those things though. Being out on the water is just a part of the joy. The shiny new paint job, fresh coat of wax and minor repairs that many might find tedious, bring a sense of satisfaction and pleasure to those destined for the water this summer. Their boat is an extension of themselves, to show off to the others in the lake, bay or ocean. That is also why – besides it being bad luck to not name a boat – you see special names like Fox Sea Lady or Heeling Powers. It is the marquee for the message you send out to the world about your personality. Whether it’s their pride and joy or the mark of their success, boaters certainly want others to take notice.

The other great aspect of prepping your boat for the summer is the solitude. It’s an aspect probably over looked by many when thinking about all the work there is to do, but solo maintenance time is one of the best aspects a boat has to offer. It is a getaway, whether on the water or on land. You head out to the backyard or the boatyard, bring your supplies (lawn chair, book, lunch, radio, maybe even a beer or two), the actual boat supplies, and give yourself a little personal time for the day. It is your adult fort. The place where the mind can wander freely, the muscles can relax and time can cease to exist.

Just try asking a boater how long it takes to get their boat ready for the season. You will never get a definitive answer or an answer that is anywhere close to anyone else’s answer. That is because they don’t want anyone to figure out their little secret that it only takes a few hours to get a boat ready and ensure that everything is working fine. So if you are anxiously waiting for your friend to invite you out to sea, just be prepared to hear, “It will be ready when it’s ready” and, “We’ll go out when it’s in.” Then, be prepared for a change of subject.