Spring is on its way, bringing unpredictable weather to the Knoxville area including violent thunderstorms and extreme shifts in temperature.

Such a drastic change in weather from day to day leaves boating enthusiasts wondering when it will be safe to get their boats back in the water.

Volunteer Landing Marina in downtown Knoxville has to de-winterize its boats in order to get them ready for the upcoming spring weather.  "We winterize the boats by basically running antifreeze through the system," said marina worker Joe Cornelius. "In the spring, we open the boat valves, change the oil and run new fluid through the engine to get the boats ready."

Shields can be placed on the exterior of a boat in order to keep harsh winter weather and strong winds from damaging the inside and outside of the boat.  With the most precipitation on average occurring in March for the Knoxville area, marinas have to protect the boats from all the precipitation.  This kind of weather can lead to a shorter boating season.

"The crazy weather has kept me from going out on my boat as much as I would like, said boater Brady Petersen.  "I have already de-winterized my boat, so hopefully the weather will continue to stay warm so I can get out on the lake."