With spring around the corner and the clocks going forward next month the signs are appearing that it's nearly time to take your boat out of storage or pull back those tarps and put it back into the water.

A bit of time now saves a lot of hassle!

We all look forward to spring and getting back onto the water but its a good idea to carry out a few checks now rather than waiting for the engine to fail for example when you are far from shore.

Your Checklist

The first thing you should do to make your boat ready for the season when taking it out of storage is to make a complete visual inspection of the boat.  If there’s been a canvas or tarp covering the boat, check to see if there are any tears or damage. Once the boat is uncovered, inspect every inch. Tighten up any screws or fittings and make sure they are properly lubricated. Look for any cracks that may have appeared in the hull or if there’s damage to the paint that might have appeared over the winter.

If you see any dust or mildew or even small animals under the cover, take care of it at this time. A good washing down will get rid of any foreign debris before the summer boating season is in full swing.

Trailer

Check the trailer you’ll be using to transport your boat to the dock or water’s edge. Check that no damage to the wiring has occurred and that the turn signals and brake lights are working properly. One thing that is often neglected is the trailer wheel bearings, make sure you check your bearings in case they need to be repacked. Make sure all the supports are in proper working order and haven’t suffered any damage while the trailer was in storage.

It’s also a great time to clear and air out the onboard storage spaces on your boat. Those closed-off areas are likely to have a lot of built-up dust and mildew in them. They will also probably be full of items you left there last fall that have expired or that you have no more use for.

Check Batteries / Electricals

If the boat has been in winter storage you may need to change or charge batteries. If they are in good condition, clean off the battery terminals and all the electrical connections. Make sure that all the control cables, lights, pumps, gauges, cable ends, and the rest of the electrical system is working properly. If any bulbs have burned out, replace them. If there’s rust or debris inside the bulb housings, use a wire brush to clean it out. Use baking soda or a rust inhibitor so you won’t have problems with the running lights when you’re far away from land.

Engine

Next, make sure that your boat’s engine is running correctly. Your engine is the heart of your boat, and if it’s not operating correctly, you can be in serious trouble later on when you’re out on the water.

If you didn’t change the engine oil at the end of the previous season, then do it now. After you’ve run your boat all summer long, it’s likely that water, acids, and other by-products have built up in the tank. By changing the oil, you’ll prevent corrosion and excessive wear that can lead to loss of power, poor fuel economy, or even engine failure. Check all fluid levels and change the filter and transmission oil or the outboard’s lower unit as well.

Check the fuel hoses and the entire fuel system if you’re in doubt whether the fuel left over in your boat’s tank may have become contaminated, don’t take chances. Just drain it out and replace it with fresh fuel. The fuel in your boat will become contaminated when it interacts with water. If your tank has been sitting for three or more months and moisture collects inside due to condensation, the fuel needs to be replaced.

Check the bilge pump and flush the cooling system. Replace the antifreeze with the recommended ratio of water to coolant. Check the oil, spark plugs, all fluid levels including the power steering fluid, ventilation systems, fuel filter and don’t forget the outboard’s lower unit to make sure there won’t be problems later on when the boat is in operation. Replace air and oil filters when necessary to ensure the boat’s motor operates in the best condition possible.

Idle, Look, & Listen

Let the engine idle for a while and listen to how it sounds. Check the oil pressure. If you notice any abnormal noises, it might be a good idea to take it to a professional mechanic. Check the power steering and rev the engine to be sure it is going to respond normally when you’re out on the water. Check the steering controls and tighten all connections. Look carefully for any fuel leaks. Leaks can usually be easily spotted by looking closely and using your nose to locate problems.

Now is also a great time to check and make sure that your boat’s safety gear is up-to-date regarding boat regulations and safety inspections. Boat safety is especially important, so check the expiration date on the life jackets or flotation devices, as well as any flares or fire extinguishers on board. Be sure that you’re completely up-to-date on all the items you will be needing before going out on the water. 

We hope this checklist is helpful and we wish you happy boating this summer from all at CDN Solar.