Inspect the pontoon tubes for dents, cracks, or corrosion. Run your hands along the full length of each tube. Small dents are usually cosmetic, but any cracking, pitting, or corrosion near the welds needs attention before you launch. If in doubt, have a marine technician take a look.

Check for water in the tubes. Pontoon tubes should be sealed and hollow. If a tube has taken on water — you'll notice one end sitting lower than the other — it needs to be repaired and resealed before the boat goes anywhere near the water.

Wash and polish the aluminum. A good marine aluminum cleaner removes oxidation, road grime, and any staining from sitting over the winter. Follow up with an aluminum polish or wax to protect the surface through the season.

Inspect all welds and hardware on the deck frame. Look for cracks in the aluminum frame rails and any hardware that has corroded, loosened, or gone missing over the winter — especially bolts, brackets, and railing connections.

Check and tighten the fence railings. Walk the perimeter and give every section a firm shake. Loose railings are both a safety issue and a source of annoying rattles underway. Tighten any loose posts and replace missing hardware.

⚠️ First Start of the Season — Do This on a Hose, Not in the Lake

Always run the engine for the first time of the season on a set of flushing muffs connected to a garden hose — not at the boat ramp. This lets you check for leaks, confirm water is flowing through the cooling system (watch for the tell-tale water stream), and catch any problems before you're on the water. Never run an outboard without a water supply.

Test and charge the battery. A battery that sat all winter may have lost significant charge or capacity. Put it on a smart charger and let it fully charge before testing the voltage under load. A healthy 12V marine battery should hold 12.6 volts or above. Anything significantly lower and it's time for a replacement.

Clean the battery terminals. Corrosion on battery terminals is extremely common after winter storage. Clean them with a wire brush and a baking soda and water solution, then coat with terminal protector spray to prevent it from coming back.

Test all lights — running lights, navigation lights, and livewell lights. Replace any burnt bulbs before the season. Ohio law requires proper navigation lights when operating between sunset and sunrise, and a Coast Guard inspection can result in a fine for non-functioning lights.

Check the bilge pump. Pour a small amount of water into the bilge and confirm the pump activates and moves water out. A non-functioning bilge pump is both a safety issue and an easy fix while you're still at home.

Inspect all wiring for chewing damage or corrosion. Mice love to winter in stored boats and they love to chew wiring. Pull back any wire covers or panels and look carefully — damaged wiring is a fire hazard that can go undetected until it's a serious problem.

□ Mildew on Canvas or Upholstery?

Mix one part white vinegar with one part water and apply it to the affected area with a soft brush. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse. For heavier mildew, a dedicated marine canvas cleaner works better. Always let the canvas dry completely before folding it back up — folding it damp is what caused the mildew in the first place.

Ohio Required Safety Equipment Checklist

☐ One USCG-approved life jacket (PFD) for every person on board — check fit and condition

☐ One throwable Type IV PFD (cushion or ring buoy)

☐ Fire extinguisher — check the gauge and expiration date

☐ Visual distress signals (flares) — check expiration dates

☐ Sound-producing device (horn or whistle)

☐ Navigation lights (tested — see electrical section above)

☐ Current Ohio boat registration displayed on the bow

⚠️ Flares Expire — Don't Skip This Check

USCG-approved flares have a 42-month service life printed on the label. Expired flares do not count toward your legal requirement. Replace them before the season and dispose of old flares properly — your local fire department or marina can often help with disposal.

Inspect the tires for cracking and check the pressure. Trailer tires are notorious for dry rot from sitting. Look for cracking along the sidewalls — even a tire with plenty of tread depth can fail from dry rot. Check and inflate to the pressure listed on the tire sidewall.

Check the wheel bearings. Grab each tire and try to wiggle it — any play side to side or front to back indicates worn bearings. Repack or replace as needed. Trailer bearings fail at the worst possible times and are very cheap to address early.

Test all trailer lights. Plug in and walk the trailer. Check brake lights, turn signals, and running lights. Replace any bulbs and inspect the wiring harness for corrosion or rodent damage.

Inspect the bunks or rollers. Check that all bunk carpeting is intact and properly supporting the boat. Look for cracked or flat rollers if your trailer uses them. Worn bunks can damage the hull over a season of trailering.

Grease the coupler and check the winch strap. A dry coupler wears fast. Apply a dab of grease and inspect the winch strap for fraying. A strap that's starting to fray should be replaced before it fails on the highway.

□ When to Call a Marine Technician

DIY spring commissioning handles most of the routine checks. But if your engine won't start, you're finding milky gear oil, hearing unusual noises, or dealing with anything electrical that's beyond a bulb swap — call a marine technician before you go out. A pre-season service appointment in March or April is far easier to schedule than an emergency call in July.

Ready to Get Your Boat in the Water at Buckeye Lake?

Buckeye Beach Park has been welcoming boaters to Buckeye Lake since 1986. We're the only RV park and marina on the lake, with newly constructed docks, a calm no-wake zone, and seasonal slip rentals ready for the season. Give us a call — we'd love to have you out here.

Check the weather app daily. Not just the day you arrive. A quick look each morning lets you plan outings on clear days and save indoor activities for the rainy ones. Don't get caught off guard mid-hike.

Set up your awning early. If your RV has an awning, get it out when you arrive. It creates covered outdoor space that's genuinely usable even in light rain — a place to sit, cook, and breathe fresh air without getting soaked.

Pack a dedicated rain bin. Before you leave home, put together a small tote with rain gear for everyone — ponchos, waterproof boots, an extra set of dry clothes, and a couple of quick-dry towels. Keep it accessible, not buried in a storage bay.

Lay down a heavy doormat outside your entry door. Mud gets tracked in fast. A good mat and a boot tray inside the door keeps your floor clean and saves a lot of frustration over a multi-day stay.

Stake down anything that could blow. Wind often comes with rain. Camp chairs, rugs, lightweight gear — if it can go airborne, secure it or bring it inside before a storm rolls through.

□ Traveling with Kids?

Pack a dedicated "rainy day bag" for children — coloring books, a small craft kit, activity pads, or a favorite card game. Keep it separate and only break it out when it rains. The novelty of the special bag alone buys you an hour of peace.

Sit under the awning with a cup of coffee. This is genuinely one of the best things about RV camping in the rain. Rain on the awning, something hot to drink, no agenda. Hard to beat it.

Fish in the rain. Fishing on a rainy day at Buckeye Lake is often more productive than a bright sunny afternoon. Fish are more active near the surface when it's overcast, and you'll likely have the bank to yourself.

Take a drive. Buckeye Lake and the surrounding area have plenty to explore by car — the winery, nearby towns, local restaurants. A rainy day is a natural excuse to check out somewhere you haven't been.

Visit the Greater Buckeye Lake Historical Society Museum. If you haven't been, a rainy afternoon is the perfect excuse. It's located at 4729 Walnut Road (SR 79) and packed with photos and artifacts from the lake's fascinating history.

⚠️ Awning Safety in Wind and Heavy Rain

Awnings are great for light rain but not designed for heavy storms or sustained wind. If the weather turns serious, retract your awning before it gets damaged. A bent awning arm is an expensive and avoidable repair. When in doubt, bring it in.

Gear & Clothing

☐ Rain ponchos or waterproof jackets for everyone

☐ Waterproof boots or camp shoes

☐ Extra set of dry clothes per person

☐ Quick-dry towels (at least two per person)

☐ Heavy-duty doormat and boot tray

☐ Tarps or extra awning tie-downs

Inside the RV

☐ Board games or a deck of cards

☐ Downloaded movies, shows, or audiobooks

☐ Books or magazines

☐ Kids' activity bag (if traveling with children)

☐ Ingredients for a slow-cook meal

☐ DampRid or small moisture absorber

□ The Right Mindset Makes All the Difference

The campers who enjoy rainy days are the ones who stopped fighting them. A day of rain at the lake is still a day at the lake — quieter, slower, and in its own way, pretty special. Some of the best camping memories come from the unexpected days.

Rain or Shine, Buckeye Lake Is Worth It

Buckeye Beach Park has been welcoming seasonal RV campers and boaters to Buckeye Lake since 1986. Ask us about seasonal RV sites and dock slips — and come find out for yourself why our guests keep coming back year after year.

□ Did You Know?

In the 1920s, Buckeye Lake had its own soda pop factory on the south shore of the lake — the Buckeye Lake Bottling Works. The thick glass bottles stamped with the park's name are now prized collector's items. The lake also had its own signature song: The Buckeye Lake Waltz.

□ Two Parks in One

Most visitors didn't realize there were actually two separate parks side by side on the north shore. Buckeye Lake Park was the larger "Big Park," home to the Crystal Pool, the Crystal Ballroom, and The Dips. Just to the west sat Gratziano-Carlin Park, which featured the Lake Breeze Hotel and the Pier Ballroom. The two were not connected, but so many vendors and concessions lined the shoreline between them that they appeared completely seamless to anyone strolling the grounds.

□ What Remains Today

Today, all that is left of the Buckeye Lake Amusement Park is the fountain that once served as the centerpiece of the midway. It still stands at the state park's North Shore facility near the boat ramp, surrounded now by a parking lot full of boat trailers and fishing rods. On a quiet summer morning, standing by that fountain, it's easy to close your eyes and imagine the midway stretching out around it — The Dips roaring over the water, the Crystal Ballroom lit up across the way, and the smell of saltwater taffy drifting through the air.

Experience Buckeye Lake the Way It Was Meant to Be

The amusement park is a memory, but the lake is better than ever. Buckeye Beach Park has been welcoming families to Buckeye Lake since 1986 — with seasonal RV sites, dock slips, a calm no-wake marina, and a sandy beach just three blocks away. Come make your own memories here.

□ Come Try These Out at Buckeye Beach Park

Seasonal RV spots and boat dock slips right on Buckeye Lake. The only RV park and marina on the lake — and we'd love to have you.

Check your vehicle's tow rating in the owner's manual. Most pontoons with trailers weigh between 3,000–5,500 lbs. Your truck needs to comfortably exceed that number.

Most pontoon trailers use a 2" or 2-5/16" ball. Match the ball size to the coupler on your trailer — they're stamped right on the hardware.

Required by Ohio law. Cross them in an X under the tongue of the trailer so they cradle it if the coupler ever comes loose.

Plug in your 4-pin or 7-pin connector and have a helper stand behind the trailer. Check brake lights, turn signals, and running lights before every trip.

Ohio requires one properly-fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket for every person on board. Keep your registration on the boat and accessible.

Check that the drain plug is installed and tight before you back down. New boaters forget this more than anything else — it sinks boats.

⚠ Before You Drive Away

Walk completely around the rig one more time. Check that the motor is tilted up, all loose gear is secured inside the boat, and nothing is hanging off the sides. Then pull forward slowly and brake hard once — make sure the trailer tracks straight and doesn't sway.

□ Before You Pull Up to the Ramp

Pull into the staging area first — not the ramp lane. Remove your transom straps, disconnect the winch strap (but keep the safety rope attached), load any coolers or gear onto the boat, and make sure your drain plug is in. Do all of this before you back down so you're not holding up the line.

⚠ Ramp Etiquette — Be the Person Everyone Likes

Do all your prep in the staging area, not on the ramp. Once you're backed down, move efficiently — other boaters are waiting. If you're new, practice backing in an empty parking lot first so you're not learning on a busy summer weekend.

Pull forward slowly onto the trailer. Have someone on the dock guide you straight onto the bunks. Idle up slowly — don't power onto the trailer. Stop when the bow contacts the bow stop.

Hook the winch strap to the bow eye and crank the boat snug against the bow stop before doing anything else.

Pull forward out of the ramp lane immediately, then secure your transom straps, tilt the motor up, and finish rigging in the staging area.

Remove the drain plug once the boat is out of the water so it drains on the way home. Re-insert before your next launch.

□ A Note on the No Wake Zone

Buckeye Beach Park's marina sits in a no wake zone. Keep your speed down near the docks and ramp area — it protects other boats, docks, and the shoreline. Once you're clear of the marina, you're free to open it up and enjoy the lake.

Ready to Get on the Water at Buckeye Lake?

Buckeye Beach Park is the only RV park and marina on Buckeye Lake — and we've been welcoming boaters since 1986. Ask us about seasonal dock slip rentals and RV spots with full lake access.