#1 Good Weather 
Some of the most important parts of a good boating day are weather, company, and an ice cold drink. Pay attention to the weather forecast and the rest will follow. When there's nice weather, the friends will find the boat. When the friends find the boat, chances are they will come along with a full cooler. All you need to do is make sure your koozie is ready.
#2 Pre-Departure Checks
I know, I know: maintenance isn't fun and the water is calling your name. But before you load up your friends and cooler, you should probably make sure your motor and boat are as ready as you are. There are a few easy things you should check before leaving dock. The biggest no-brainer, and probably most important: check your gas level. Nothing like getting stranded to ruin your day out on the water. Also make sure your engine oil and coolant are at a good level, check your anchor rope for chafe or wear, and run your motor to make sure it is having a smooth start up.
#3 Bragging Rights
Are you packing on the passengers for a ride, maybe anchoring at a sandbar for a little bit? Or are you loading up the wakeboard, skis, and tubes for a day of watersports? Decide this before you pick out which prop you are going to use for the day. One prop could offer better acceleration and hole shot for water sports, while another prop might be better at offering pulling power for packing on lots of friends. Using the right prop will help you optimize your boat's performance, ideal for the perfect boating day, and help you earn some bragging rights along the way. It can't hurt to have another prop handy with the right tools to change it. This can give you options as well as a backup if anything should happen.
#4 Peace of Mind
Grab enough life jackets, make sure your extinguisher and flares aren't expired, update your registration, and put on your sunblock - quick, easy, and worth it. Peace of mind: check.
#5 Unknown End Time
Summer is winding down which means the hours of sunlight are too. But, with the correct lights and knowledge of night time boating, you won't have to worry about getting home before the sun is down. The speed and waterskiing may be done once the sun is, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's time to dock. When it starts to get dark, pay attention to your speed. Many places have reduced speed limits for night time, sometimes even an idle speed. With limited sight, it's better to go slower regardless of the rules. Make sure you have the correct lights, that their bulbs aren't dead, and you know how to use them correctly. When driving a car, the solution is always headlights. Boating is very different, headlights can create difficult reflecrtions on the water which makes night time driving trickier. Different colored lights mean different things, so make sure you are aware of what your lights may mean to other boaters before staying out in the dark.
#6 Plans to do it Again
Ending a day on the water with plans to do it again is to be expected. Especially after its been the perfect boating day. You can make the plans, but you can't assure your boat and motor will make an appearance without a little bit of after-use care. If you're looking for the bare minimum care: rinse it off and put on the cover. If you want to really take care of it: flush out the motor, check for any leaks, and consider your fuel level. If you're next plans are coming up soon, it's best to fill up the gas tank. If the next ride might not be for a while, try to run through your tank if you can. You boat and motor will thank you. 