Picturesque Maine has produced ship-masters and fishermen for generations. It’s no wonder given the wonder boating conditions and breathtaking scenery along its coastline. So if you’re looking for a mix of rugged beauty, historical sites, and waterfront villages with shops, restaurants and open-air markets, The Penobscot River area near Bucksport is a great choice for you.

Recreational boaters will appreciate being so close to the open ocean but protected from the weather and elements, while anglers will be ready to try for bass or mackerel. The Penobscot River is easily navigated and there is a full-service marina located just one-quarter mile from the Penobscot Narrows Bridge that offers transient and seasonal slips. If you like history, be sure to add a visit to historic Fort Knox to your itinerary. The views from the observatory are definitely worth the trip.

Not far from the hustle and bustle of New York City, nestled in Adirondack Park is the serene and sparkling Lake George. This lake, created by glaciers and partially fed by underground springs, offers crystal clear, deep water that makes it perfect for a boating destination.

The lake is 32 miles long and can stretch up to 3 miles wide in certain areas. There are more than 25 marinas along the 109 miles of shoreline, so all of your boating needs can easily be taken care of.

And, there’s also plenty to do when you’re done boating. The Lake George area offers hiking, atv trails, mountain biking, bird watching, camping, resort hotels, shopping and a multitude of restaurants.

Part of the Great Lakes Seaway Trail, the Thousand Islands and St. Lawrence River are a must-see at some point in the life of every avid boater. You’ll want to bring your camera along since the natural beauty along this mighty river is absolutely incredible.

Visitors come from all over the world visit the St. Lawrence River, which makes it not only a major transportation route for large ocean-going vessels, but a popular destination for boating enthusiasts too.

Known as the Recreational Boating Capital of the World, the Thousand Islands region has more than enough trails, state parks, lighthouses and waterfront villages to keep you and your entire family entertained.

Each year in late spring, after enduring the cold of the winter season, boaters in northern Michigan get a little bonus. At this time of year, the hours of daylight are longer the sun rises well before 6 a.m. and only begins to fade away at 9:30 p.m. That gives recreational boaters not only more time on the water, but a magnificently long sunset to enjoy either from their boat or from nearby sandy beaches.

Nestled in a protected harbor on Little Traverse Bay, Harbor Springs boasts the deepest harbor in the Great Lakes. Visitors new to this bay on the north shore of Lake Michigan, marvel at the exceptionally clear fresh water. The marina is well equipped and the delightful town is perfect for a delightful stroll, shopping in the many boutiques and art galleries or sitting down to enjoy a delicious treat.

Lake Champlain is a massive lake that spans more than 120 miles from Quebec in the north to Whitehall, New York in the south. Surrounded by beauty in all directions, boaters can enjoy views of the majestic Adirondack Mountains, Vermont’s verdant Green Mountains and the rugged shores of Canada.

When boating on Lake Champlain, you can also travel by canal to the mighty St. Lawrence Seaway and head all the way to the Atlantic. Lake Champlain is an incredible fishing destination that is fun for the entire family. You can also visit Fort Ticonderoga and other historical sites as well as taking advantage of the local entertainment and restaurants.

There were more than 300 accomplished sailors from more than 35 countries competing from January 26 to February 2, 2013 at the ISAF Sailing World Cup Miami.

For the uninitiated, ISAF is the acronym for the International Sailing Federation, which is the world governing body for the sport of sailing. The Sailing World Cup Miami is a regatta to bring together the best Olympic and Paralympic class sailors in the world.

It is considered a cornerstone of the winter season and essential for any sailors hoping to compete in Rio 2016. It was also the only stop in North America.

Six days of Competitive Sailing

The Olympic class events saw the world’s best sailors compete for six days in the beautiful Biscayne Bay waters off the Miami Coast. Each day saw drama on the high seas as the best of the best vied for medals. As always the combination of skill, water conditions and plain luck made for great competition as they battled for rankings.

Give the engine some TLC. Unless you changed the oil and other fluids in the fall, plan to replace them all now. This is also a good time to replace the oil filter. Make sure all fluid levels are correct and test or replace the boat’s batteries. Once you’ve done your maintenance, fire up the engine and make sure everything is humming the way it should.

Swabbing  the deck:   You will want to give every surface a wipe down and a polish so that your boat looks like new. Pay attention to your bright work (the metal and teak) and polish as required to keep everything shining. Do not let these elements get tarnished or neglected because long-term damage could require significant repair work. Take a preventative approach and use quality polishes for the metals and sand and re-varnish the fine woods as needed.

Make sure to test the gadgets: Before you head out on the water, make sure all your electronics are running properly. Do not just turn them on, test everything thoroughly so your safety is not compromised. Test all of it including your radio, compass, GPS, depth finder and all other marine electronics.

Always make sure to inspect your life jackets and other safety equipment. Check that all of your life jackets are in good shape, and that you have enough for anticipated passengers. Replace safety equipment that is not up to par.

Each year make sure to review your boat insurance coverage to make sure the policy is active and that it provides adequate coverage for your current situation. For example if you are traveling out of the country you’ll want to ensure that your marine insurance policy covers you there.  Also ensure that you not only have adequate hull insurance for your boat but also liability coverage. Once you have the right boat insurance in place, it’s time to get out on the water and soak up the sunshine.

Doing a full boat inspection:  Make sure to look your boat over carefully, both inside and out. Pay special attention to the canvas, vinyl and upholstery that may have been damaged over the winter. Look for dirt or mildew and clean or repair the spots now before they have time to spread. When you examine the hull, look for blisters, chips, cracks or a chalky appearance.

Examine and replace the wipers.  Generally speaking most boaters remove and store wipers away from the elements over winter to preserve them.  When it time time to get them out make sure to examine their condition. Wipers are inexpensive to replace, but if you do not want to go that route, you can also preserver them with a rubber lubricant. And remember to keep an extra set on board for easy repairs during the season.

Check your owner’s manual for the list of fluids that should be replaced. Most manuals are also available online or through your local boat dealership. To make things easier, gather all the fluids you’ll need before you start working on your boat.