If you love the water, few things are better than boating season.  Summer just wouldn’t be summer without spending those long, hot days or beautiful warm evenings out on the water.  Whether you prefer water skiing, tubing, jet skiing or fishing for bass, salmon or pike, you are sure to find a favorite spot in one of the great bodies of water we have right here at home in our Northern Idaho or Eastern Washington area.

Boating is not without its share of pre-summer preparation.  If you’re not on the ball early, it’s easy to find yourself midway through July still on dry land.

At Kuespert Insurance we want to ensure you’re first in line at the boat launch at the first sign of the season change.  Paul Kuespert is getting his boat ready for spring and summer and Stewart Kuespert is already in full Bass Fishing gear.  Here are some of our favorite tips for being ahead of the game to be the first on the water this season.

• Tune it up.  Did you have your boat winterized last fall?  It’s always a good idea to have your boat winterized at the end of each season, but whether you did or didn’t get it done last year, make sure to get a full tune-up before you hit the lake this summer.  
• Charge it. Check all of your batteries and charge to make sure they clean and in good working condition.  Don’t forget to plug them in and have them charged and ready to go.
• Clear it out. If there’s a chance any bit of gas from last season is still in your tank, fill it up with fresh gas as well as a stabilizer; this will prevent buildup in the gas lines and injection system.
• Give it a test. Before you get the boat all the way into the water and off the trailer, lower your motor into the water and make sure it will turn over.
• Plug it up. Ensure your drain plug is in and the bilge pump is functioning properly.
• Update the registration. 
• For boating laws and registration information in Idaho, visit the Idaho Parks and Rec website at:  http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/activities/boating
• For boating laws and registration information in Washington, visit the Washington Department of Licensing website at:  http://www.dol.wa.gov/vehicleregistration/boats.html
• Review your coverage.  Take some time to review your boat insurance coverage and make sure all of your coverages are up to date. The right insurance is important to help protect your family, passengers, watercraft and boating equipment during whatever water adventures come your way this year.
• Double- and triple-check. The last thing you want is to be turned away at the ramp for not having an updated registration or missing your ski flag or life vests.  Double check that your documents are updated and that your boat is fully stocked with everything you need.

From all of us at Kuespert Insurance, we wish you and your family a boating season filled with fun, safety, big fish and great memories. 

For a free insurance review of your current boat policy, or for a free boat insurance quote, submit a quote request or contact one of our offices:

• Washington Boat and Watercraft Insurance in the greater Spokane area: Argonne Insurance in Spokane Valley
• Idaho Boat and Watercraft Insurance in Coeur d'Alene, Post Falls, Hayden, Rathdrum, or surrounding areas – Panhandle Insurance in Coeur d’Alene
• Boat and Watercraft Insurance for Washington or Idaho in the Pullman or Moscow area – Kuespert Insurance in Moscow