It’s that time of year. It may not quite be every boater’s favorite time of year… but it’s an important one nonetheless. For most boaters in America, it is likely too cold to consistently be on the water. Rather, it’s time to perform your Spring boating checklist. From stem to stern, outboard to anchor locker, it’s time to make sure that your boat, its systems, and all of your gear are in ship shape.
While every boat is different, here is our take on making sure that you and your boat are prepared for the warmer days of spring and summer. As the old adage says, every dollar you spend on maintenance in the early Spring likely saves you $10 or $20 in repair. And besides, a day in the shop this time of year is much better than waiting two weeks in the summer for your tech to have time to fix the problems that could have been prevented now.
Personal Flotation Devices
Check the condition of the life vests. Ensure that the zippers or buckles are functional and that none are defective. Also, be sure to check the sizes of the vests.
Trailer
Check your trailer. The ratchets, the lights, brake lights and blinkers, the tires (and spares). Are the lugs tightened? Make sure that everything is lubricated and that the registration is up to date.
Your Boat Bag
Check your kit of items that you bring every time you take the boat out. These are the items that you may not need every time, but are happy you have them when you do. You might check the condition of the items—that they are still working. You’ll also want to make sure that they are still in your boat bag—and not in the glove box of the truck or in the garage (after you used them on that camping trip in October).
Rope, Dock Lines, Fenders, and Anchor
You can’t ever have too much rope on a boat. Here are the common applications that you might like to check. Make sure the rope is in good order, not kinked, and hasn’t been stored wet.
Annual Service and Maintenance
Now is a great time to schedule your annual service. Doing this can save you time, money, and provide peace of mind. Your technician can change the oil, check all the fluids, and perform the hourly maintenance regimen recommended for your engines.
A once-over from a qualified technician can also make sure that nothing looks out of place in your battery system or wiring. Have them check the battery systems that control your electronics, trolling motor, shallow water anchors, etc. You should also make sure that your battery chargers are working properly.
Updates
This is also a great time to look to see if there are updates available for your electronics. Mapping software is getting better all the time—check to see if your system has any easy upgrades since last time you checked.
Make it Official
Spring is a great time to renew all of the annual requirements to keep you and your boat operating lawfully. Some common items include:
While every boat is different, here is our take on making sure that you and your boat are prepared for the warmer days of spring and summer. As the old adage says, every dollar you spend on maintenance in the early Spring likely saves you $10 or $20 in repair. And besides, a day in the shop this time of year is much better than waiting two weeks in the summer for your tech to have time to fix the problems that could have been prevented now.
Personal Flotation Devices
Check the condition of the life vests. Ensure that the zippers or buckles are functional and that none are defective. Also, be sure to check the sizes of the vests.
- Do you have a vest for every kid that might come with you? Are they the right size and should you pack an extra PFD or two in case they invite their friends?Do you have the right sizes for the adults who come along?
Trailer
Check your trailer. The ratchets, the lights, brake lights and blinkers, the tires (and spares). Are the lugs tightened? Make sure that everything is lubricated and that the registration is up to date.
Your Boat Bag
Check your kit of items that you bring every time you take the boat out. These are the items that you may not need every time, but are happy you have them when you do. You might check the condition of the items—that they are still working. You’ll also want to make sure that they are still in your boat bag—and not in the glove box of the truck or in the garage (after you used them on that camping trip in October).
- Handheld spotlight— Make sure it’s working. If it’s rechargeable, check the charge. Its battery powered, make sure to pack some extra batteries in your bag.
- Regular flashlight— Sure, you can use your phone, but you’re better served to have a dedicated, standard-use boat flashlight.
- Handheld radio— you should have one and make sure that it’s working. These aregreat for backups (in case your boat loses power) or for use in the event that you split your group—half to the sandbar or the island, the other half to lunch at your favorite boat-up restaurant.
- Boat tool kit—make sure that the toolbox is in the bag and that all the sockets andadaptors are still inside.
- Multitool—there are as many on the water or on the way to the lake uses for a multitool as there are tools on the thing. Make sure yours is in the bag.
- EPIRB and Satellite Communication Equipment—if yours is an offshore boat, make sure that your EPIRB (electronic position-indicating beacon) is in good order and within its shelf life. Also, check your emergency communication equipment. Does the hardware work? Is your plan still active?
Rope, Dock Lines, Fenders, and Anchor
You can’t ever have too much rope on a boat. Here are the common applications that you might like to check. Make sure the rope is in good order, not kinked, and hasn’t been stored wet.
- Dock lines—make sure you have enough of them. Check for wear.
- Fenders—are they still where you left them? Are they still inflated?
- Anchor line, chain, and anchor—the winter is a good time to pull all of this out of the box and make sure everything looks good. Added bonus, when you deploy it in spring, the line won’t be kinked or knotted.
Annual Service and Maintenance
Now is a great time to schedule your annual service. Doing this can save you time, money, and provide peace of mind. Your technician can change the oil, check all the fluids, and perform the hourly maintenance regimen recommended for your engines.
A once-over from a qualified technician can also make sure that nothing looks out of place in your battery system or wiring. Have them check the battery systems that control your electronics, trolling motor, shallow water anchors, etc. You should also make sure that your battery chargers are working properly.
Updates
This is also a great time to look to see if there are updates available for your electronics. Mapping software is getting better all the time—check to see if your system has any easy upgrades since last time you checked.
Make it Official
Spring is a great time to renew all of the annual requirements to keep you and your boat operating lawfully. Some common items include:
- Boat registration
- Boat insurance
- Trailer registration
- Fishing license
- Marina/ Boat Ramp Membership