Questions to Ask a Dredging Company Before You Hire One Broward's New Seawall Standards: What Boat and Dock Owners Should Know Does Deeper Water Add Value to Your Waterfront Property? The Waterfront Owner's Guide: The Free Resource That Helps You Decide More Than Dredging: The Network Behind a Finished Waterfront Job Marine weather and small craft advisories are issued by the National Weather Service NOAA publishes tide tables for Broward and Palm Beach county waters Permits are required for dredging in Florida tidal waters Check slip depth at mean low tide before the boating season Broward's seawall elevation standards apply to new walls and major repairs The Waterfront Owner's Guide is a free resource for boat and dock owners
SFD South Florida Dredging Waterfront Owner Resource

Printable Checklists

These are general guides to keep you organized before you launch, through hurricane season, and when you put the boat away. Print them, work through them, and adapt them to your boat and your marina.

Boat care & safety videos This weekend on the water

Checklist 1

Pre-Launch

Run through these before every launch, especially the first trip of the season.

  • Inspect the hull and propeller for damage before you launch
  • Make sure the drain plug is installed
  • Check the fuel level and carry spare fuel
  • Check the battery and confirm the engine cut-off lanyard is attached
  • Have a PFD for everyone aboard, including child sizes
  • Carry a throwable flotation device
  • Check the fire extinguisher
  • Carry a horn or whistle
  • Bring a VHF radio or a charged phone in a waterproof case
  • Pack water for the trip
  • Do a final weather check before you go

Checklist 2

Hurricane Boat Prep

When a storm is on the way, start early and work through the list. Your marina and local officials are the final authority for your area.

  • Start early, before a storm is close
  • Secure or remove loose gear
  • Inspect mooring lines and chafe guards
  • Double your lines and add fenders
  • Strip or secure canvas and bimini tops
  • Close thru-hulls
  • Disconnect and charge batteries
  • Remove the detachable VHF antenna
  • Photograph the boat and gear for insurance
  • Review your insurance policy
  • Follow the marina’s and official evacuation guidance
FWC boating FWC safety education NOAA hurricane prep

Checklist 3

Winterization

Even in South Florida, boats get put away for a stretch. Follow the BoatUS winterization hub for the full detail, and use this list to stay on track.

  • Follow the BoatUS winterization hub for the full step-by-step
  • Add fuel stabilizer
  • Change or top off engine fluids
  • Fog the engine
  • Drain or protect water systems
  • Store batteries charged
  • Disconnect electronics
  • Remove PFDs and lines
  • Cover and secure the boat
  • Note the spring commissioning steps for when the season returns
BoatUS winterization hub

These checklists are general guides, not a substitute for a professional opinion. When in doubt about any step, consult a marine professional.

Call (561) 299-1323