How to Help Prepare Your Boat for Spring

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.

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Spring Break Safety

Spring break –

The best part of the Spring Semester for many families and students. It can also be a potentially dangerous or stressful time for many travelers! The tips below can help aid you during your spring break travels:

1. Make a game plan – If you are traveling with others, prior to leaving, ensure everyone in the party has the travel itinerary, a list of phone numbers, and a travel buddy!
2. Travel Smart – If you’re driving, double check your car is in proper working order before hitting the road! Also remember to drive during times you’re sure to be awake and alert. If you’re flying, make sure to know your itinerary and check for delays prior to getting to the airport.
3. Do Your Research – Prior to leaving, look up destination specific tips from other travelers. Think ahead to prearrange travel from the airport to your destination, plan our excursions beforehand! Make sure you know the emergency contacts in the area, as well as general knowledge about the location you’re going to.
4. Pack Appropriately – Planning to lie on a beach? Don’t forget the sunscreen! Skiing sound like a more desirable spring break trip? Remember warm clothes! Check the weather prior to leaving to make sure you’re prepared!
5. Be Aware and Responsible – Spring break may be a time to let loose and enjoy yourself, but be aware and responsible, especially if there’s alcohol involved! Never go out alone and always make sure someone knows where you’re at. If you are drinking, know the liquor laws of wherever you’re vacationing.

Keep yourself and your family safe during your spring break travels this year! Happy Travels!

Doug Myrick's Blog: Student Loan Debt?

Doug Myrick's Blog: Student Loan Debt?: Click hyperlink to view  FututeFuel offered thru Colonial Life Colonial Life clients can now ease their employees’ worries over student...

Student Loan Debt?

Click hyperlink to view FututeFuel offered thru Colonial Life

Colonial Life clients can now ease their employees’ worries over student loan debt, thanks to a new partnership with FutureFuel.io.

Colonial Life’s new program can aid employers in their efforts to support a debt-free future for the growing U.S. workforce saddled with student loan debt. This program is designed to reduce the life of each user’s student loan debt through education, refinancing options and making it easier for employees and their employers to contribute.

Student debt now tops an estimated $1.5 trillion, and more than 25 percent of full-time workers between 23 and 53 named finances as the top cause of daily stress in a recent Colonial Life survey.

“We know that student loan debt can be a major cause of stress for millions of America’s workers, so offering our customers a chance to relieve some of that burden is an easy decision for us,” said Tim Arnold, president and CEO of Colonial Life. “Working with a strong partner like FutureFuel.io allows us to engage employees and their employers in a new and exciting way that helps take control of student debt.”

FutureFuel.io has different options that a client can select for what best fits their employees and company. Each option consists of the following features: Employees have the ability to manage all of their student debt in one location through a “roll up” feature, educational content is provided to keep employees informed about managing their debt, and there’s a refinancing tool for employees who are looking to combine multiple payments or potentially reduce the interest rates on their student loans.

FutureFuel.io’s Round Up + Refinance option uses “rounding up” technology to automate spare change to make payments on their debt. The Repayment + Refinance option allows employers to make monthly contributions toward their employees’ student loan debt.