IF you do not liek your trucks sag, when hooked up and towing, grab a set of tuftruck srpings, either 1223V or 1211, depending on if you want to keep OEM ride or not.
Add air lift 100 Bags, if you need or like those things.
Upgrade your brakes.
Gather up all the tools you could possibly need to change a tire on teh side of the road and put them in your truck or boat. Jacks, sockets, etc.
Make sure your boat trailer tongue weight is correct, adjusting the axle's location on the trailer OR adjust ing how far the boat goes up on the trailer, until you get it right.
Practice , Practice, practice launching and retrieving the boat, several times, when no one is about. When you can do with about the same amount of effort it takes to tie your shoes, you are ready.
Always be courteous, with other boaters.
They might not have your experience, Advice from others, etc. Nothing worse than getting yelled at by others when you already know you are doing it wrong but have no idea how to do it right.
Feel free to teach others and help the launch or recover. You will make friends for Life.
I have been rewarded with so many private Ponds I could never fish them all, just by helping out.
Not to mention, I get my boat launched much quicker, once they got out of the way.
Make sure your boat has all the safety flotation devices , then add a couple more. Make one an Infants.
People who should not be allowed to bred, head to the water too.
Add an extra fire extinguisher.
If one big water or the potential for Big Water, get a quality ship to shore PROFESSIONALLY installed.
It;s worth the extra money, for the increased range. When you need it, you usually REALLY need it.
Invest in a top notch Sonar/GPS WITH a Navigation/ Maps card.
When a Fog rolls in, darn nice to be able to get back to your Ramp.
Does nothing for Hazards of other boaters though, so keep your speed sensible.
Keep air horn handy and learn Boat Safety.
Know when you can be on plane, how far from other boaters, shore, meaning of all flags, etc.
Join few boating forums, even one specific for your boat. Learn from others who have already been there, done that.
will save you tons of headaches.
Add another automatic emergency Bilge pump.
Get the accessories for your boat, now, while the are readily available.
Try finding a factory fit travel cover 10 or 20 years later.
Maintain the stuff you buy, finding replacements down the road is expensive.
Upgraded Covers/Latches/Hinges are worth every penny.
Learn how to properly care for all that interior, Exterior, Drive train, Trailer, etc.
never forget about preventative maintenance.
there is a reason they BOAT stands for break out another thousand
Psst, that's not once a season either.
once a week, or month, depending on usage and how well you get at preventative maintenance.
Learn how to peruse facebook market place, craigslist and other sources for bargains.
Nothing better than snagging a great deal on nearly new part by a guy who is upgrading or trading.
Not unlike our For Sale section here.
Good Luck and ask plenty of questions.
Most are happy to share the hard earn lessons.
Cheers.
