BoatReady

Buy, run, and care for a boat with confidence on the water.

What it is

BoatReady is a boater's research and planning tool. It covers the checks before you leave the dock, the rules of the water, and the practical skills that new and returning boaters want in their back pocket.

Meet Cole, the BoatReady Specialist. Ask Cole a question in your own words and get an answer in plain language, in text for free and by voice for members. Everything on the page can be read in about 30 languages.

What you can research here

• What safety gear you must carry and whether yours is up to date
• Boating courses and license rules where you live
• Whether a towing membership is worth it for how you boat
• How to launch, dock and tie the knots you actually need
• What it really costs to own a boat
• What to look for when inspecting a used boat

Free tools, ready to use

• Pre-Departure ChecklistSeventeen checks before you leave the dock.
• Safety Gear CheckerTell us your boat.
• Weather & Water CheckAnswer five go / no-go questions before you launch.
• Float Plan BuilderFill it in, then copy it to someone on shore.
• Course & License FinderMost states require a boating safety course for some drivers — often based on age.
• Rules of the Road on the WaterThe water has traffic rules too.
• Ramp ReadyLaunch and load without the stress.
• Docking Made SimpleSlow is smooth.
• Five Knots Every Boater NeedsFive knots cover almost everything on a boat.
• Care & Storage GuideWhat to do after every trip, every month, in spring, and before winter.
• Start / Propose a SessionSuggest a topic or offer to host a session at your lake.
• Life Jacket Fit CheckThe one purchase every boater needs.

Members get even more

Members unlock a deeper set of tools, and a personal file you can save and bring back any time. A few of them:

• My Vessel Profile
• Document Organizer
• Maintenance Log
• Seasonal Readiness Planner
• Trip Planner
• Fuel & Range Calculator
• Cost of Owning My Boat
• Used Boat Inspection Checklist

What you can achieve

• Leave the dock with a complete checklist and a float plan
• Run your boat legally and safely, with the right gear and the right fit for every life jacket
• Keep a maintenance log and plan each season ahead
• Make smarter buying decisions on boats, gear and memberships