Cape Coral Holiday Boat-A-Long 2025: Dockside Checklist for a Stress-Free, Bright-and-Safe Boat Parade Night

Quick event snapshot (so you’re not guessing)

• Where: Four Freedoms Park / Bimini Basin (South Cape)
• When: Dec 20, 4:00–9:00 p.m.
• Parade time: ~7:00 p.m.
• What to expect: Entertainment, food trucks, crafts, Santa, the parade, and a movie on an inflatable screen
• Want to parade your boat? The city notes registration through Sea Tow (239-945-4820)

The “Don’t Ruin My Night” Dockside Checklist

2) Navigation lights & “see-and-be-seen” lighting

Decorative lights are fun, but navigation lights still matter—especially in the basin and narrow canals.

Do this:

• Turn on running lights, anchor light, and any deck/courtesy lights.
• Walk around your boat: verify visibility from multiple angles.
• Replace any questionable bulbs or fix loose connections now (not in the dark).

Pro tip: Keep your décor lighting tidy—secure wiring away from moving parts, hatches, steering, and hot surfaces.

3) Bilge pump & “mystery water” check

Idle time + extra people shifting weight can reveal small leaks.

Do this:

• Lift the hatch, look in the bilge, and run the pump manually.
• Confirm the automatic float switch works (if you have one).
• Make sure the discharge isn’t clogged.



4) Fuel, primer bulb, and “will it idle nicely?”

Parade nights are mostly low RPM, stop-and-go.

Do this:

• Confirm you have enough fuel for the whole evening (including slow cruising and possible detours).
• Squeeze the primer bulb (if applicable). If it collapses or feels “wrong,” you may have a restriction.
• If your engine has been a little rough lately, let it warm up at the dock and ensure it idles smoothly.

5) Cooling water flow (don’t cook an outboard at idle)

Especially if you’ll be idling in a line for a while.

Do this:

• Verify a healthy telltale (“pee stream”) and normal temps.
• Remove obvious debris from the intake area.

6) Safety gear (the stuff you’ll regret not checking)

This is a family-friendly event—but it’s still boating at night.

Do this:

• Life jackets for everyone (and kids wearing them if that’s your family rule).
• Working fire extinguisher and a quick glance at the gauge/expiry.
• Throwable device, whistle/horn, and a bright flashlight or spotlight.
• A small first-aid kit and spare dry towel/blanket.

7) Dock lines, fenders, and “canal manners”

You’ll likely be near other boats, seawalls, and wakes.

Do this:

• Stage fenders and dock lines so you can tie off quickly if needed.
• Keep a boat hook accessible.
• Remind passengers: move slowly, no sudden standing or leaning during docking.

If you’re decorating your boat: simple rules that prevent electrical chaos

Keep it secure and serviceable

• Use zip ties/Velcro straps and route wires cleanly.
• Keep cords away from steering linkages, throttle, and hot engine components.
• Use marine-friendly connectors if possible (or at least keep connections dry and strain-relieved).

Don’t overload one circuit

A pile of LED strings is efficient, but it can still trip a fuse or drain a battery if everything runs for hours.

Best practice: Run décor lights as a dedicated, fused circuit (or a separate power source) rather than piggybacking on random accessories.

Watching from shore? Here’s how to enjoy it without the hassle

The city encourages bringing lawn chairs and blankets.

Easy spectator tips:

• Arrive earlier than you think—parking and foot traffic build up.
• If you want the “best view,” watch boats line up and then catch the start near the basin/park shoreline.
• Bring a light jacket. SWFL evenings can feel surprisingly cool after sunset (especially near the water).

The 3 most common “parade-night breakdown” calls

1. Battery drained from lights + stereo at idle
   → Test charging, reduce load, have a backup plan.
2. Nav light or wiring issue discovered after dark
   → Test every light before leaving the dock.
3. Rough idle / stalling in line
   → Warm up at the dock, confirm fuel delivery feels normal, don’t ignore warning signs.

Need help before you head out?

If your lights flicker, the engine won’t idle cleanly, or you want a quick dockside inspection before tonight’s Boat-A-Long, we can help—mobile service right at your dock in Cape Coral and nearby areas.

Call: 239-722-5558
Email: [email protected]

Have fun tonight—and cruise slow, stay bright, and enjoy the show.