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New Year’s Resolutions For Boaters 2023

Jan. 23 2023 Miscellaneous By Main Channel Marina

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Let’s be honest, most New Year’s resolutions aren’t exactly exciting. From weight loss and dieting to budgeting and breaking bad habits, while setting goals to “become a better you” can be a good thing, it’s not exactly what any of us would call fun. Rather than setting goals only to give up halfway through January, we’re focused on setting goals that the boating community will want to stick to-resolutions that will get you out on the water enjoying life and your investment. 

Get Organized

This doesn’t only apply to junk drawers and garages. Getting your boat gear organized and ready for another season on the water not only ensures you keep it in good condition but also allows you to take inventory and replace any worn or expired equipment.

Items to check include:

  • Life jackets
  • Flotation devices
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Signaling devices (video and audio)
  • Medical kits
  • Anchors and ropes
  • Flashlights
  • Radio

Brush Up Your Skills

In 2020, 77% of boating fatalities occurred on vessels where operators had no formal boating safety education. It never hurts to brush up on your boating skills. All those who will be driving a boat should take a boater education course to ensure a full understanding of safety, etiquette, and operations.

Whether you could use a refresher or you have family members who are ready to take the wheel, a boater safety course is a good way to stay safe on the water. Learn more about the Indiana Boating Safety Course here.

More Family Fun 

Fun on the water is the reason you own your boat. So, why not get the family more involved and make sure that every excursion is fun for everyone?

Here are some great ways to get your kids more excited and involved with boating: 

  • Try a new watersport
  • Let the kids pick the snacks and pack the cooler
  • Go fishing
  • Teach kids to drive or let them steer
  • Let kids choose the music
  • Grab some new water toys and accessories

Spend More Time Boating

If you didn’t get out on the water as much as you would have liked last season, let this be the year you make enjoying your boat a priority. Look at your calendar in advance and designate some days or weekends during the season to spend time on the water. Not only is it a good use of the investment you made, but it’s a great way to de-stress.

In fact, it’s proven that spending time near the water promotes physical fitness and reduces stress hormones, giving a much-needed boost to your mental health.

Boat Somewhere New

While we don’t recommend boating with your eyes closed, we can bet you’ve cruised your local waterway enough times that you could drive with your eyes closed.

This year, make it a goal to drive to a new boating destination. Whether it’s to discover a great new fishing spot or just to get away for the weekend, make boating the primary reason for your travels.

Bring Home A New Boat 

Whether it’s time to upgrade or finally make the leap and get a boat of your own, now is the perfect time to buy.

January through March is known as “Boat Show Season” in the industry. A boat show is a great place to shop because you can explore lots of brands and models all in one place and learn about model features directly from brand experts. Not to mention, you can score great deals on closeouts and year-end inventory.

Be sure to browse our updated inventory for the best new and pre-owned boats in the area.

New Year, New Nautical Opportunities

A new year means a lot of things, but for the boating community, it means the countdown is on to boating season. Make this the year you make the most of your investment and enjoy it to the fullest. Whether that’s by completing some maintenance projects, refreshing your gear, boating somewhere new, or introducing your kids to new ways to enjoy the water, we hope you’ll start your year at Main Channel.

If you’re ready to stop dreaming and start boating, the Main Channel team is here to help with:

  • Two area locations serving Northwest Indiana
  • New and used inventory
  • Unparalleled Sales, Service, Financing, and Parts teams
  • Authorized Dealer of the most trusted brands
  • Full-service marina


Happy Boating,

The Skipper