Are you making any resolutions for the new year? Along with your fitness and other self-improvement commitments, how about making a few boating resolutions? If you’ve picked up the magazine, you probably already know that time on the water can enhance your life, but if you’re like most of us, finding the time and prioritizing your liquid lifestyle can be a challenge.

boating resolutions
Along with your fitness and other self-improvement commitments, how about making a few boating resolutions?

We suggest first identifying the right boating resolutions to improve your quality of life. Maybe it’s logging 100 days on the water, more frequently inviting guests, or expanding your cruising destinations. Then, come up with a plan to achieve your goals. Write down the goals and the plan, share them with a boating buddy, and set up a schedule to check in on your progress at set intervals during the season. At the end of 2021, check in with us and let us know how you did. Here are a few ideas for inspiration.

  • Cruise to a new-to-you destination
  • Host a non-boater on your vessel
  • Organize a raftup
  • Attend an OPA or APBA racing event
  • Travel to a baseball game, concert, or other event by boat
  • Try a new water sport, such as stand up paddleboarding or wake surfing
  • Enter a charity fishing tournament
  • Volunteer for a shoreline cleanup
  • Take a kid fishing
  • Participate in a poker run
  • Build a boat
  • Get involved with a remote control or model boating group 
  • Get a U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Vessel Safety Check
  • Take a boaters’ education course or get your boating license (even if you’re not required to by law)
  • Join a cruising club or owners’ group

And if you really want to challenge yourself, consider challenging yourself to become part of the SpinSheet Century Club. SpinSheet is our sister sailing publication, but you don't have to be a sailor to be eligible. All you have to do is log 100 days on the water in the calendar year through sailing, powerboating, fishing, paddling, windsurfing, what have you - as long as you are on a vessel that leaves the dock, it counts.