What should be done prior to leaving for a boating trip?

Checking the weather forecast before leaving for a boating trip is crucial for ensuring safety and making informed decisions. Weather conditions can significantly affect boat handling, visibility, and overall safety on the water. Understanding forecasts for wind speed, precipitation, and storm warnings can help boaters plan their activity times and routes, and make adjustments to avoid hazardous situations, such as thunderstorms or rough seas. Being prepared for changing weather enhances the safety of everyone onboard and helps to ensure a more enjoyable experience.

While organizing a crew, preparing entertainment or calculating fuel costs might be relevant to planning a trip, these considerations do not directly impact safety in the same way that understanding the weather does.