5 Ways to Celebrate Fourth of July on a Boat

Independence Day is coming, and there’s no better place to spend this summer holiday than on a boat. Across the country, boaters will be hitting the hottest spots over the course of the holiday weekend, spending time with friends and family, enjoying the water, barbecues, and (of course) fireworks. What can you do to celebrate the holiday while you’re onboard this year? Here are five options that will absolutely make your boating weekend amazing. 

Just Add Music!

Nothing is quite as fun without some music, and your Independence Day water party definitely needs an amazing playlist. See just how many freedom-themed songs you can find to add to the list, then spend the day blasting it through your boat’s sound system as you play in the water. Need a little help? Consider the premade lists that are so often available from a popular music streaming services like Spotify and Amazon Music.

Don’t Forget About the Food!

There’s nothing quite like the excitement of holiday food this time of year, and if you haven’t already invested in a grill designed for your boat, now is the time to do so. You can choose one that will mount to the back or side of your boat to keep the smoke away from your passengers. If that’s not an option, bring a small portable grill and eat along the shore together. 

Plan for lots of fun food options. Burgers and hot dogs are easily the most common choice this time of year, but red and white skewers with peppers, onions, and chicken are a great addition too. Don’t forget the delicious side dishes like berries, pasta salads, and American flag decorated cookies for the occasion. Be sure, though, to pay attention to food safety rules and keep everything as cold as possible until you’re ready to cook!

Did Someone Say Decorations?

If you’re going to be out on the water on the holiday weekend, your boat should look amazing. Attach an American flag to the back of your boat. Don’t forget holiday lights, streamers, and even bunting to make it look great. Consider joining one of the many local boat parades that are available this time of year to show off just how patriotic even your boat can be! A quick Google search of Independence Day boat decorations will have you excited to see what freedom-themed options you can come up with for your vessel this year. 

Consider the Historical Side of Things

If you are near a city with a maritime past, consider taking a day trip in your boat for sites of importance to help everyone in your party understand just how powerful this holiday can be. From battlefields to museums, you’re likely to find lots of marinas near historical sites that will help you all reflect on what Independence Day actually means. 

Don’t Forget About the Fireworks

Few fireworks shows are quite as stunning as those you can watch from your boat, so take a look around to see what’s available in your area. You’ll be excited to see the beautiful show and its gorgeous reflection in the waters ahead. 

Of course, if you’re headed out by boat this weekend, you’ll want to pay careful attention to boating safety while you’re out on the water. Remember to do a pre-departure check to make sure all of the required safety equipment is on your boat, operational, and secure. Every person aboard should have a life jacket that fits. Make certain, too, that you’ve looked at a weather forecast.

If inclement weather suddenly approaches, prepare to find shelter. Your HF, phone, and EPIRB transponder should be in good working condition, and you should also have a portable cell phone battery charger on hand. Additionally, a first-aid kit should be aboard, as should a basic set of tools so you can make minor repairs should you break down while you’re in the water.

Ensure that you aren’t overloading your boat. The holiday weekend is a great time to have lots of people, but your boat has been carefully tested for a certain capacity, so follow the weight mandates well. 

As you prepare to leave, file your float plan and leave it with marina personnel. While you’re out on the water, make certain you don’t drink and drive. Boating under the influence causes hundreds of deaths across the United States every single year, and the combination of the sun, wind, and water along with alcohol is nothing short of a recipe for disaster. 

If you intend to stay for the evening fireworks, be sure that your running and anchor lights are working. Take extra precautions, and move slowly among large crowds. 

Happy Independence Day!

The Fourth of July is a great time to celebrate on the water. Have a fantastic time with your family this year!