As temperatures rise and schools let out, boaters across the country are gearing up for the highlight of the year: the 2025 summer boating season. From holiday weekends to spontaneous lake days, summer offers long stretches of sunshine, warm waters, and packed marinas. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or manage a full fleet, preparation is key to making the most of this busy—and rewarding—season.

Here’s what to expect this summer and how to set sail safely and confidently.

1. Summer 2025 Outlook: Big Crowds, Bigger Expectations

This summer is expected to be one of the busiest yet for recreational boating:

• Above-average temperatures are forecasted across much of the U.S.

• Increased travel and tourism will drive more traffic to lakes, rivers, and coastal destinations.

• Boating demand is rising, with more families investing in boats or rentals for the season.

If you haven’t already, now’s the time to get your boat—and your plans—summer-ready.

2. Prep Your Watercraft for Peak Season

Your boat is your summer basecamp—make sure it’s in top shape:

• ✅ Inspect the engine, fluids, and cooling system for signs of wear or leaks.

• ✅ Test electronics and navigation systems, including lights and radios.

• ✅ Restock all safety gear and replace expired items like flares and fire extinguishers.

• ✅ Clean the hull and propellers to remove debris and boost performance.

Rastrac’s maintenance alerts help you stay ahead of problems and schedule upkeep before something breaks down.

3. Safety First—Even in the Sunshine

Summer boating is fun, but safety can’t take a vacation:

• ☀️ Hydrate regularly and protect against heat exhaustion.

• 🌊 Wear life jackets, especially for kids and weak swimmers.

• ⚠️ Watch for crowded conditions, especially on holiday weekends like July 4th.

• 🌩️ Monitor summer storms, which can roll in fast and unexpectedly.

With Rastrac’s GPS and geofencing, you can receive real-time alerts if a watercraft enters restricted zones or if conditions change.

4. Plan Ahead for Holiday Boating

Expect peak traffic around:

• Memorial Day weekend

• Fourth of July

• Mid-to-late August (end-of-summer rush)

Tips to stay ahead:

• 🕗 Launch early to beat the rush.

• ⛽ Fuel up and check supplies the night before.

• 📍 Know alternate routes or less-crowded areas on large lakes.

Rastrac’s live tracking lets fleet managers or groups of boaters coordinate movement, check on location, and avoid choke points.

5. Courtesy and Clean Boating Go a Long Way

With more boats on the water, courtesy matters:

• 🎶 Keep music to a respectful volume.

• 🗑️ Pack out all trash and avoid spilling fuel or oil.

• ⚓ Anchor responsibly and don’t block channels or launch ramps.

6. Rastrac: Smarter Boating All Summer Long

Whether you’re a solo boater, running a rental fleet, or managing marina operations, Rastrac’s marine tracking technology gives you an edge:

• 📍 Real-time GPS tracking for safety and oversight

• 🔒 Geofencing and theft prevention tools

• 🔧 Automated maintenance alerts

• 📝 Detailed usage logs to analyze activity or manage billing

• 🚨 Emergency response support with location precision

Spend less time worrying and more time enjoying the season.