The traditional kickoff to boating season in Charleston and the rest of the Lowcountry in South Carolina is Memorial Day weekend. Before that holiday arrives, there is plenty to do to get your watercraft ready for use. Review this handy checklist and the links provided to discover everything you need for sun and safe boating along South Carolina’s gorgeous coastline and waterways. And don’t forget that now is the time to get that sporty boat wrap in Charleston.
Preparing for South Carolina Waterway Fun
South Carolina stretches 200 miles along the Atlantic Ocean between North Carolina and Georgia. Add in the more than 8,000 miles of rivers and 460,000 acres of lakes, and South Carolina boasts over 3,000 miles of coastline! That’s why there are over half a million boats registered in South Carolina.
All those boats mean busy waterways. Boaters need to know the “rules of the road” for various waterways, as well as safety measures, and emergency procedures in the event of inclement weather or accidents. You should visit the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Boating website for a complete listing of everything you need to be smart and safe on the water.
No matter if you use your boat for skiing, fishing, wakesurfing, cruising all day, or overnighting, you need essential safety gear for everyone aboard. The best advice is to keep it aboard at all times (so nothing is ever forgotten) and inspect it every few weeks to be sure it stays in prime condition. You can visit the U.S. Coast Guard website to learn what each size of boat should have aboard.
Regardless of your boat size and use, these items are must-haves:
- Life jackets and wearable personal flotation devices (PFDs)
- Throwable floatation devices
- Fire extinguishers
- Visible signaling devices
- Audible signaling devices
- Medical kit
- Oars
- Bailing equipment
- Cell phone and VHF radio
- Heavy duty marine flashlight
Be sure you have the required safety training and boat handling training for the watercraft you plan to use. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) Boater Education Program teaches the fundamentals of safe and responsible boating. There are both instructor-led courses and online self-study courses available. View their website for more information.
Get a Customized Boat Wrap in Charleston
Another premium way to get your watercraft ready for boating season is with a custom boat wrap in Charleston. Wrapstar Vehicle Wraps and Signs offers premiere custom wraps from the most modern and advanced materials, all created in-house and tailored to fit your personal style and needs.
Change the appearance of your boat, change color, add lettering for commercial or personal applications, and more. The talented team at Wrapstar can provide ideas or suggestions for a design, or work with your ideas to create a totally custom look that is sure to grab attention all along the coast. We are fully accredited by several industry organizations, so you know you are getting the best possible products and service.
- Commercial fishing boats
- Guide boats
- Guided fishing tours
- Public cruise tours
- Work boats
- Tug boats
- Pleasure craft
- Jet skis
- SeaDoos
- More!
Contact Wrapstar today for more information about boat wraps in Charleston to fit your commercial needs or personal tastes. You can even change your custom boat wraps for a different look each season! Call us today to explore the possibilities!
