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Insider Tips for Hosting the Perfect 4th of July Weekend on the Water

Jun. 26 2025 Miscellaneous By River Valley Marine

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By preparing thoughtfully and focusing on safety, comfort, and fun, you’ll ensure everyone has a fantastic and worry-free day on the water.

Plan Ahead

  • Choose your destination and communicate the intended schedule to guests ahead of time so they know what to expect. There is nothing worse than wasting time and gas making multiple trips back and forth to pick up and drop off guests on-shore.
  • Check the weather forecast before heading out and monitor it throughout the day. Minnesota is known for abrupt weather changes, which can catch boaters off-guard. “Windy” is one app that comes highly recommended for Minnesota boaters for its detailed marine forecasts, wind and wave data, and customizable alerts.
  • Fuel up: Fill your gas tank and check oil and coolant levels.
  • Inspect the boat: Check the hull, propeller, battery charge, and bilge pump. Make sure the bilge is dry and the pump works.
  • Test all systems: Confirm that the engine, electronics, and navigation equipment are functioning.
  • Prepare the trailer: If towing, inspect tires, brakes, lights, and ensure your trailer registration is current.
  • Tools of the trade: Pliers, flathead and Philips screwdrivers, a crescent wrench, a portable battery charger, and a Leatherman’s tool are some tools that often come in handy on a boat.

Safety First

  • Ensure you have enough life jackets for all passengers, plus required safety gear such as a throwable, fire extinguisher, visual distress signals, and a first aid kit. (We have these in stock! Stop in or REQUEST ACCESSORIES HERE)
  • Speaking of your fire extinguisher, double-check its expiration date. If you get pulled over on the lake, you can get a ticket if your fire extinguisher is expired.
  • Bring all necessary documentation: vessel registration, insurance, driver’s license, and boater’s license if required.
  • Inspect navigation lights: Confirm all lights are working properly and bring a flashlight with spare batteries.
  • Gather documentation: Have your boat registration, insurance, boater’s license, and any required permits on board.
  • Remind passengers to keep their bodies inside the boat when it is in gear.  Sitting on the edge or the back while the boat is moving can result in a ticket or an injury.

Pack Essentials

  • Stock up on sun protection: sunscreen, along with extra hats and sunglasses always come in handy for those who forget.
  • Ask your guests to refrain from using spray sunscreen on your boat, as it can stain your vinyl seats and flooring.
  • Store a blanket on the boat and pack extra towels for cooler evenings or unexpected weather.
  • Pack phone cords and/or portable chargers to make sure cell phones are operating all day.
  • Anchors and fenders are important items that are often forgotten when heading to the lake. Not having them can really put a damper on your plans for the day. (We have these in stock! Stop in or REQUEST ACCESSORIES HERE)

Entertainment

  • Curate a music playlist for the day; the right music will create good vibes and set the tone for a memorable time on the water.
  • Gear up for a good time. Load up tubes, floats, boards, tow ropes and skis ahead-of-time so nothing is forgotten. (We have these in stock! Stop in or REQUEST ACCESSORIES HERE)
  • Pick up some water games to play while anchoring. Balls, frisbees and such can provide hours of cheap fun.
  • Pack up all your red, white and blue patriotic paraphernalia.
  • Remember to take lots of photos to share with your crew.

Organization & Cleanliness

  • Store extra garbage bags on-board at all times to help keep the boat tidy and protect the waterways. You can just never have too many garbage bags. It’s amazing how quickly they fill up.
  • Keep a supply of rags and cleaning supplies on-board. It is almost 100% guaranteed that something will spill during your time on the water.
  • Ask your guests to remove their shoes before boarding and promptly store them away.  This will result in less wear and tear on your boat and fewer tripping hazards.

Snacks and beverages: This popular topic deserves a section all its own section. Some unique ideas include:

  • Freeze water bottles or drinks such as Capri Suns ahead of time to keep your cooler especially cold, and you can enjoy an ice-cold beverage as they thaw.
  • Make a “Snacklebox:” These snackleboxes can fit right on the top of the cooler, so they’re easily accessible, and the kids love them! Pick up some cheap tackle boxes and fill them with snacks such as: 
    • Salami, Pepperoni, Cheese, Olives
    • Mini pickles, Cucumbers, Carrots, Bell peppers
    • Grapes, Apple slices, Raspberries, Strawberries
    • Crackers, Nuts, Dried fruit
  • Did you know the engine compartment on many boats can double as a food warmer?  Party sandwiches, such as Hawaiian sliders wrapped in tin foil, are easily transported and later heated up in the engine compartment. This quick and tasty snack is sure to impress your guests.
  • Frozen Protein balls for a healthy, sweet treat.