A new year always brings a renewed sense of possibility — and here in Southwest Florida, that feeling is amplified by the sparkling bays, warm Gulf breezes, and endless boating opportunities right outside our back door. Whether you’re navigating the grass flats of Charlotte Harbor, cruising out of Venice Inlet, island-hopping around Boca Grande, or relaxing on the sandbar near Longboat Pass, this is the perfect time to reflect on how you can make the most of your boating lifestyle.
At Ingman Marine, we see boating as more than a hobby. It’s a way to reset, reconnect, explore, and build memories that last far longer than any season. So as we turn the page to a fresh year, we’ve put together a list of timeless boating resolutions — meaningful intentions that can elevate your adventures year after year.
These aren’t one-and-done goals. They’re guiding principles you can return to every season, whether you’ve been boating for thirty years or are just starting your journey.
One of the greatest joys of boating is sharing it with the people who matter most. Whether you’re introducing your kids to their first fishing trip or dolphin sighting, relaxing with friends at a local sandbar, or inviting out-of-town family for a sunset cruise, the water has a way of creating unforgettable moments.
Make it a priority this year to bring more people along for the ride:
You don’t have to plan a big excursion. Even a short, calm-water trip from your local ramp to your favorite lunch spot is enough to create lifelong memories.
It’s easy to fall into the habit of returning to the same comfortable fishing spots and cruising routes. But Southwest Florida’s coastline is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
This year, challenge yourself to explore new waters:
A “new adventure” doesn’t have to be a long haul. Even a short trip from Sarasota Bay to Palma Sola or from Punta Gorda to Pine Island Sound can feel like a fresh experience.
And if you ever want guidance on local routes, safe navigation tips, or seasonal hot spots, our team at Ingman Marine is always happy to help you plan a memorable day on the water.
Our coastlines, estuaries, and mangroves are home to seagrass nurseries, sportfish, wildlife, and the ecosystems we all depend on for great boating. A meaningful resolution is to commit to giving back in small ways that make a lasting impact.
Some ideas:
Many local groups in Sarasota, Venice, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, Placida, and Englewood hold community cleanups year-round — beaches, mangrove shorelines, boat ramps, and spoil islands all benefit from a helping hand.
Make it a habit to pick up trash you find drifting or washed up, even if it’s not yours. Every small effort adds up, and boaters who lead by example help protect the shorelines, wildlife, and seagrass beds we all rely on.
Reusable cups, water bottles, and storage containers go a long way in keeping our waterways cleaner. You’ll not only cut down on debris but also create a cleaner, safer deck environment for your family and guests.
If you are not planning to eat your catch or are targeting a species with a regulated catch & release order, follow catch-and-release best practices like: keeping them in the water as much as possible, respect size and bag limits, use descending devices for deep water fish and use circle hooks when possible, but especially with species like tarpon and snook.
When we all pitch in, we preserve these beautiful waters for the next generation of boaters, anglers, and marine life.
One of the best parts of living in Southwest Florida is the endless variety of water activities available to boaters. If you’ve never ventured beyond cruising or fishing, this may be the perfect year to broaden your boating skillset and experience something new.
A few ideas to spark inspiration:
Trying new activities keeps boating fresh, fun, and exciting — and you may discover a whole new passion.
The boating lifestyle is richer when shared with others who love it as much as you do. Whether you own a Grady-White, Sea Hunt, Bennington, Skeeter, or another brand, there are plenty of ways to connect with other boaters in the region.
Fishing tournaments, rendezvous trips, sandbar meet-ups, and charity events bring boaters together in meaningful ways.
Grady-White, Bennington, and Skeeter communities are especially strong in our area. Owning a boat is more fun when you gain new friends, learn new skills, and share experiences on the water. There are a lot of Owner groups on social media you can check out, many of which host monthly meet-up events.
You’ll find everything from fishing reports, to safety advice, to meetup invitations. There are a lot of boating & fishing specific groups on social media to get you started.
The Southwest Florida boating community is one of the most welcoming in the country — make it part of your year to get involved.
A top resolution every boater can benefit from? Staying on top of maintenance.
Routine service protects your investment, prevents problems before they start, and keeps your days on the water stress-free. Whether you’re running a Yamaha-powered offshore center console, a pontoon for family cruising, or a skinny water fishing machine built for shallow runs, timely maintenance matters.
A well-maintained boat is a safe boat — and one that performs exactly how you need it to during your fishing trips, cruising days, and family outings. Scheduling service early in the year sets a strong foundation for the seasons ahead.
Even if you love the boat you have, the start of a new year is a great time to reflect on your boating needs. Maybe your family has grown, maybe you're spending more time offshore, or maybe you're ready for newer performance features, expanded deck space, or improved technology.
At Ingman Marine, we help boaters every year:
A resolution doesn’t need to be “buy a new boat immediately.” It can simply be:
“This year, I want to explore the options that could make boating even better for me and my family.”
And when you're ready to take the next step — whether it’s six weeks or six months from now — we’ll be here to guide you through it.
Even experienced boaters benefit from refreshing skills, learning new ones, or staying current with regulations.
Confidence and preparedness make every outing safer and smoother — for you, your passengers, and other boaters around you.
Boating has a magical way of grounding us — it pulls us into the moment, away from work, routines, and obligations. Make it part of your resolution to enjoy:
It’s not always about the destination. Sometimes the best part of boating is simply being present in that moment.
If you’re like most boaters, you probably regret not documenting more of the adventures you’ve had on the water. This year, make it a habit to:
These moments become priceless reminders of why boating is such a beautiful part of life.
Every new year brings a fresh tide of possibility. Whether your goal is to explore further, fish smarter, spend more time with family, protect our waterways, or simply enjoy life a little more — boating is one of the most rewarding ways to do it.
Your boat is more than transportation. It’s a doorway to freedom, connection, relaxation, and adventure. And Ingman Marine is here to support that journey — through service, expertise, local knowledge, and a community of boaters who love this lifestyle as much as you do.
Here’s to a year filled with smooth waters, unforgettable moments, and more time spent doing what you love.
