How to Prepare for Summer on the Water
Published on Apr 25, 2025
Summer’s calling—and it wants you on the water. Whether you're a seasoned captain or just getting your sea legs, preparing for boating season is the key to enjoying stress-free days on the water. At Gull Lake Marine, we’re here to help you navigate what’s hot and what’s not this boating season so you can focus on making the most of your time on the water.
What’s HOT & What’s NOT in the 2025 Boating Season
Sunshine. Smooth water. The sound of your favorite playlist as you cruise into summer. There’s nothing better than a great day on the lake, but you know what they say– “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” Getting your gear, boat, and mindset ready can make all the difference in how your season will go.
That’s why we’re breaking down what's HOT this boating season—and what’s better left behind in 2024.
What’s HOT in Boating: Trends in 2025
So how can you make sure that this summer will be the best one yet? We’ve scoured the internet, visited the boat shows, and did a little field research of our own (a day on the water hardly counts as work, but we’ll take it) to round up our top five boating must-haves for 2025.
PRO TIP: Shop for these items early! Many seasonal items tend to sell out before boating season, and the best prices are available now!
Up-to-Date Safety Gear
We’re starting with the most important: Safety. Flare kits, life jackets, first aid supplies, throwable devices—it’s not the flashiest stuff, but it’s absolutely essential, and we hope you never have to use them.
In the event that you do, though, being up-to-date on boater’s safety recommendations could save a life. Only 15% of deaths occurred on vessels where the operator had received a nationally approved boating safety education certificate.
Before the season starts, check expiration dates, inspect for wear and tear, and make sure you’ve got gear for every passenger (including growing kids and pets). Bonus points if you check out our pro shop and refresh your boating safety knowledge before the season kicks off.
Bluetooth Sound Systems
The classic FM stereo doesn’t cut it anymore. Signals can be unreliable, and nothing kills a dance party like the static of losing your channel. Instead, opt for a Bluetooth-enabled sound system that allows you to stream music directly from your phone. We love models that sync with underwater lights, which you’re sure to see a lot of on the water this year.
PRO TIP: Understanding IP ratings can help you choose a speaker to withstand a day on the water. We recommend choosing a speaker with an IP rating of IP-57 or higher!
Cooler Upgrades
It’s time to ditch the broken-handled cooler you’ve been toting around since college! We love a product that works overtime, so insulated, heavy-duty coolers that double as seats or tie-down options are hot right now! But choosing a cooler comes down to more than “cool features” (no pun intended!); Be sure that your cooler performs well to keep your food safe to consume after a day on the water. Check out these tips from the USDA to help keep your crew safe from food poisoning!
Water Toys That Go Beyond the Tube
We love the classics, like pulling tubes behind the speedboat, but there are so many more options for water toys these days! Inflatable docks, floating loungers, paddleboards, and water scooters have made a huge splash on the boating scene. The way we see it is the more ways you have to enjoy the water, the better! These additions turn your boat into a full-day destination.
Interior Refreshes with a Deep Boat Detail
A clean boat isn’t just nice to look at—it helps preserve your investment and keeps your family healthy. Vinyl treatments, carpet cleaning, and mildew prevention are smart steps to take before peak boating begins! Mold and mildew can cause respiratory infections, asthma, eczema, and other health complications, so it’s important to prevent them from growing on your boat. Plus, hull cleanings will help to prevent invasive species from making their way through the waterways.
What’s NOT Hot in Boating: Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping Summerizations
It’s tempting to just launch and go—but neglecting basic engine checks or forgetting the drain plug can ruin your first day out, and using a non-approved winterization service may even void your warranty!
During our cold Michigan winters, water that finds its way into pumps, lines, and hoses can freeze and expand, causing damage to the parts. Be sure to properly de-winterize your boat to prepare it for the season ahead or you may end up dockside for the summer.
Relying on Last Year’s Gear Without Inspecting It
Let’s face it: Batteries die. Fire extinguishers lose pressure. Tow ropes fray. 3,844 boating accidents were reported in 2023, including 564 deaths, leading to approximately $63 million dollars of damage to property. In an emergency, you don’t want to be stuck with a powerless battery, a fire extinguisher that won’t extinguish, or a rope that won’t tow. Don’t assume everything is fine—check it first!
Ignoring Trailer Maintenance
If your trailer tires are cracked or the lights don’t work, your trip to the lake could be cut short before you ever arrive. Do a walkaround, grease the bearings, and test your lights before towing. We also recommend double-checking your tire pressure. Because of their smaller size, trailer tires often heat up and deteriorate quicker than automobile tires. If you have an extra tire, be sure to check it as well and that you have the proper tools to make a tire change. You don’t want to sit on the highway with a blowout an no tools around.
Tires also tend to deflate in the sun while unused, so make sure to check the tire pressure not only after a long winter’s nap, but every single time you use them. After all, the boat won’t do you any good if it’s stranded on the highway!
Gull Lake Marine Launch Services: Your Shortcut to a Stress-Free Start
Want to make sure your boat is truly ready for the season? Schedule a spring launch with Gull Lake Marine. Our experienced techs perform detailed inspections for outboard, inboard, and I/O engines—including battery testing, fluid checks, system warm-ups, and electronics inspections. We’ll install your bottom plug, confirm engine performance, and even deliver your boat to lakes within 20 miles of the dealership. Don’t wait to schedule; Our spring launch availability is limited, and spots go quickly!
Summer will be here before you know it! Contact Gull Lake Marine today, and let us handle the prep and cleaning so your summer can start with zero stress.
