Essential Boat Maintenance Checklist: Spring

Boat owners have a special reason to look forward to melting snow. It’s almost time to get out on the beautiful, peaceful water with friends and loved ones!

Use your dipstick to check the oil, confirming that it doesn't smell like gasoline or have water in it.

Of course, before you make waves, you should make sure your vessel is seaworthy. Here’s a handy boat maintenance checklist to follow.

1. A Close Inspection

Once the cover is off, you can inspect all of your screws and other attachments, and you can tighten those that are loose. Tight screws mean less wear and tear as time goes by.

Examine your hull carefully, and repair any holes or cracks you find in it. Look over your railings or lifelines, too. Are they all firmly in place?

2. Fire and Carbon Monoxide

Replace the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. If you don’t have any on board, it’s a good opportunity to buy them. They’re especially important for the enclosed sections of your boat.

You ought to have fire extinguishers on your craft as well. If you already have them, you might need to refill them.

3. Even More Safety Measures

It’s not fun to think about capsizing or stalling, but it’s vital to prepare for such scenarios. Thus, count your life jackets and flotation devices, verifying that there are enough for all of your passengers. And have emergency flares on hand.

4. Batteries

Your batteries deserve special attention. To begin, remove your battery box and, if it’s on, turn it off. You can clean off your battery charger, batteries and terminals, and you can replace anything that’s corroded. Then put the batteries back securely and connect your charger.

Also, if you don’t already own a smart charger, it’d make a smart investment. That’s because these chargers can keep batteries in better condition over time.

For more useful battery tips, please click here.

5. Spring Cleaning

Get ready to whip out those brushes, sponges, soaps and disinfectants! You’ll want to scrub your boat’s interiors to remove dirt, mildew and more. Not only will the inside of your boat look and smell its finest, but your passengers will get to breathe cleaner and healthier air.

Once the cover is off, you can inspect all of your screws and other attachments, and you can tighten those that are loose.

6. Turn Devices On

Obviously, you’ll want to know that your mechanical equipment is operational. Therefore, walk through your boat and scrutinize every device for damage. And check to see that these items are working:

Navigational lights.
Radio
Horn
Pumps
Engine
Air conditioner
Filters
Gauges

In addition, use your dipstick to check the oil, confirming that it doesn’t smell like gasoline or have water in it.

7. For Appearances’ Sake

Repairing your gelcoat or applying a fresh coat of paint may be in order. As a result, your boat will look its shiny, sparkling best.

8. All About the Trailer

Finally, examine your trailer. How does the engine look and sound? Are your tires inflated? Are their sidewalls cracked? You don’t want a rusty body, either.

A trailer that’s in good shape will protect your boat. And you can find some great trailer advice here.

In the end, boat maintenance should be a year-long pursuit, and you should check all of the elements described above on a regular basis. That way, you can truly relax as the wind and the sea spray delight your face. You’ll sail with the knowledge that your boat is as safe as it could be. Ahoy!