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Are you one of the millions of boaters with spring fever, itching to get your vessel out of winter storage and back onto the water? If so, be sure to take the time to properly de-winterize and prepare your boat before taking it out for its first voyage of the season.

Having a spring ritual that includes recommended inspection, tune-up, and cleaning of your boat before setting out on your first trip can help prevent a host of problems that could keep you off the water later in the season — not to mention, help keep you and everyone aboard safe during your adventures.

Following are some tips to help get your boat as ready as you are to hit the water this year.

Prepare for the Season Ahead

Use some of those pre-season days to plan for brighter days of boating ahead:

• Take a boat safety course, and obtain your boating certificate (if you have not already).
• Read your owner’s manual and consult the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance guidelines.
• Familiarize (or re-familiarize) yourself with your boat — its components, features and safety precautions.

Complete Your Pre-Launch Inspection and Maintenance

To help ensure a smooth, safe start to the boating season, have an American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC)-certified technician or mechanic perform the recommended maintenance on your vessel. Whether or not you get a professional tune-up, be sure to complete the following checklist before leaving the dock:

• Inspect all of the safety equipment on board, including fire extinguishers, flares, personal flotation devices, and first-aid kits, and repair, recharge and restock them as necessary.
• Check all lights on your boat to make sure they are in place and operating properly.
• Open the engine compartment to check for excess water in the bilge.
• Check for any electrical issues, such as loose, disconnected or corroded conductors.
• Check that the battery is properly secured to the vessel.
• Check the fuel tank for leaks, and ensure there is proper ventilation.
• Check the fuel filters to make sure no water is present.
• Fill your tank with the freshest, highest-quality fuel available.
• Change and check the oil level before starting the boat for the first time.
• If you will be towing your vessel to its launch point, you will also need to properly inspect and maintain your trailer prior to your first outing.

Get In, On and Out of the Water Safely

Once all tasks on your pre-launch checklist are complete, you can start your engine and get out on the water. It is important on your first, and every trip of the season, to:

• Follow safe launching practices.
• Monitor the engine temperature to make sure it is not overheating.
• Monitor the cooling system to make sure it is operating correctly.
• Ensure you and your passengers know and follow safe boating practices.

Remember: Every Vessel is Unique

The work required to get your boat water-ready will depend on whether it is used in fresh or salt water, its size, manufacturer, model, and the state in which it is registered. Be sure to get the information you need, then develop and follow the right spring ritual to help ensure every trip of the boating season is safe and fun for all.

For All the Adventures Ahead

Get a boat or yacht insurance quote today. The quick and easy process leaves more time for what you love – time out on the water with friends and family. Make sure your boat and everyone in it is properly protected, with Travelers.

After a fire, burglary or another event in which you lost possessions from your home, it may be difficult to remember the details of every one of the belongings that you have accumulated over the years. In this situation, having a current inventory of your possessions, including make and model numbers, may help you with any potential insurance claims. Taking the time to document your belongings now can help you recover faster after a loss.

Here are some steps you can use to help build your home inventory checklist.

Step 1: Take the time to walk through your property. Compiling a comprehensive home inventory takes time and effort. The more detailed your inventory, the more useful it will be if you have to make a claim. Document possessions inside your home and on your property that may be of value.

Step 2: Keep your inventory in a safe place. Creating a digital home inventory and storing it off-site will help ensure that it won’t be lost, stolen or damaged during any disaster at your home. You can also create a photo or video inventory and upload it to a cloud-based service.

• First, take a picture of relevant rooms or items. Label pictures of rooms and important individual items with a description, including where you bought it and the make, model and serial number. Don’t forget to inventory items that may be out of sight in storage closets or drawers.
• Second, walk through your home or office using your phone to shoot video of the contents, describing them as you go.
• Finally, digital home inventory programs allow you to upload multiple photos of each item, including photos of the serial number, receipt and other identifying details. If you choose to create a paper version, consider storing it off-site in a safe deposit box.

Step 3: Update your inventory often. When you make a significant purchase, add the information to the inventory while the details are fresh in your mind. This is also a good time to delete items that you have replaced or no longer own.

Step 4: Remember your business assets. While most people think of their home when making an inventory, it is important to document the contents of your business, if applicable, as well.

Step 5: Consider valuable items. Valuable items like jewelry, art, and collectibles may have increased in value since you brought them into your home. Check with your agent, if you have one, to make sure that you have adequate insurance coverage for these items as they may need to be insured separately. Consider putting jewelry or other valuables that you don’t often wear or use in a safe deposit box.

To learn more about ways to protect your home and belongings, check out our homeowners insurance products.