Reasons Why You Should Continue to Boat this Autumn

If you’re a seasonal boater, you might think of Labor Day as the official end of summer. Once the weather starts getting colder, it’s easier to imagine sweaters and hot cocoa than swimming and wakeboarding. However, boating season doesn’t have to end right when summer does—there are some benefits to boating in late summer and into fall that you won’t get any other time of year.

It’s Better for the Boat

Your boat, like other mechanical systems, likes to run rather than be idle in fluctuating humidity and temperature differences. Your engine oil, batteries, electrical connections, pumps, and bilges will run better if you use them as much as possible before winter. This also lets you get more out of your boat insurance—a lot of policies for boats in temperate zones have to be hauled out between November April, so stay in the water as long as you can, but flush the engines and change the oil before the snow hits.

Quiet and Solitude

The cooler weather and start-up of school means that people start disappearing from the water, and you’ll notice that autumn is a really peaceful time for boating. Fuel dock lines are shorter, the launch ramp is empty, and even the popular sandbars and anchorages are free from people. Boating into the fall means you get more access to great areas and less noise so you can get some of that cool, crisp, refreshing fall air all to yourself.

Taking in the Sights

Fall brings in a lot of sights that will make you want to pack your camera and binoculars. Boating is a great way to go leaf-peeping: you can take in more of the brilliant reds and oranges of fall foliage by boating to different areas and seeing the reflection of the leaves in the water. Migratory birds will also be flying south, giving bird-watchers plenty to look out for. Staying out after dark means you get a great view of the night sky for stargazing.

Fall Fishing

Anglers know that fall is a great time for fishing. Some fish might be heading south for the season and could end up clustering, making it easy to catch some. You might not get a lot of bites in the early morning or into the evening because of how cold the water is, but plenty of fish will be trying to eat as much as possible in preparation for winter, so a fall afternoon with a rod, layered clothing, and a thermos of something warm to drink can be a perfect day.

Dockside Activities

Even if it’s too cold for boating, you can still spend time out on your dock. Your dock is a secluded area that you’re familiar with, and while the space you’re working with is limited it can still be a great time. A lot of the activities we already mentioned can be done on your dock with the right dock accessories like fire pits or benches. Bring some easy to prepare and carry dishes for a picnic, or clean and grill fish right by the water.

No matter what you decide to do on the water, make sure you’re prepared. Fall boating can be risky because of the weather, especially for the inexperienced boater. The winds are harsher, the days are shorter, the water is colder, and there are fewer people out there to help you in an emergency. Take care before you make your boating plans so that you can enjoy fall boating safely.

For More Information

ShoreMaster, LLC
1025 International Drive
Fergus Falls, MN 56537
800.328.8945
www.shoremaster.com