Spring into the Boating Season

Spring is right around the corner promising warmer, longer days and more opportunities to get out on the water. For boaters in cooler climates, the pending arrival of spring means it’s time to get busy prepping their boats for the first official splash of the season.

Here are the steps you should follow to complete the thorough pre-season prep work that will ensure you are on the water enjoying your boat on the first warm day.  Even if you live in warmer climates and use your boat year round, regardless of whether you keep it in the water, on a lift or a trailer, you should set aside a time once a year to do a full vessel inspection and service. It can actually save you a lot of money on unnecessary repairs in the long run.



Engine and Fuel System Checklist

• Replace all engine fuel and oil filter (if this wasn’t done previously before storage).
• Inspect and clean spark plugs. Replace when your manufacturer says it’s time.
• Inspect grease fittings, replace if necessary, then add grease as needed.
• Remove props and check the lower unit seal.
• Grease the prop shaft, replace the cotter pin when reinstalling.
• Drop the lower unit, inspect the water pumps, replace if necessary (Rice replaces his annually).
• Inspect engine zincs and replace as needed.
• Inspect grounding cables on the engine mounting bracket. These can break or become corroded. Clean or replace as needed.
• Inspect battery cable connection to engine, wire brush clean and coat with dielectric grease.
• Inspect hydraulic steering ram end caps, replace seals if leaking. Replace caps if corrosion is present.
• Inspect power trim and tilt ram end caps. Service if needed, coat with waterproof grease when done.
• Replace external canister fuel filters.
• Carefully inspect all fuel line hoses and priming balls for leaks, wear or weathering. This is particularly important with older boats as ethanol-blended fuels can cause a breakdown of pre-ethanol rated fuel lines. 
• Inspect all connections in the fuel delivery system for any signs of leaks.
• Inspect fuel vent and fill tube to the tank if accessible. 

Trim Tabs

• Inspect the trim tabs, screws, bolts and rams. If you keep the boat in the water the trim tabs should be treated with an antifouling coating seasonally. 
• Check the hydraulic cylinders for any sign of leakage. 
• Inspect the hydraulic lines, the pump and fluid reservoir. Top off with the recommended fluid if needed.

Steering System

• Non-power assisted systems have a small fill cap on the pump body behind the steering wheel. Power assist systems are checked at the pump reservoir. Check fluid level and top off as needed.
• Inspect all hydraulic hose connections to be sure they are tight and there are no leaks. 
• If it was necessary to remove any steering lines or replace the ram end caps at the engine, the system will have to be bled.

Electrical Systems

• Inspect the batteries. If corrosion is evident, remove and clean terminals with baking soda solution, clean cable ends and reconnect.
• Load test all batteries.
• Check the battery switches to be sure they are functional. Older models can wear out.
• Inspect battery cable connections to each switch.
• Check breakers and/or fuse panels.
• Inspect bus bars for corrosion. Wire brush clean if needed. 
• Check all helm switches including trim tabs, power trim and tilt to be sure they are operational.
• Check all lights. If you’ve planned on switching over to LEDs, this is a good time
• Check all navigational, sonar and communications electronics to be sure they are operational. Pay specific attention to connections to be sure they are tight. Radio antenna connections are notorious for corroding. Inspect all wires and cables.

General Vessel Systems

• Inspect all thru-hull fittings from inside and outside the boat. 
• Check all thru-hull shut-off valves to be sure they are working. Lubricate if necessary, replace if frozen.
• Inspect all hoses from thru-hull fittings. Be sure they are all double-clamped and that the clamps are not corroded. 
• Check bilge pumps and automatic bilge pump switches.
• Check additional pumps (washdown; macerator; etc.).
• Inspect your anchor line for wear around the thimble linking it to the chain or anchor. Check the shackles to be sure the screw is not rusted tight. Remove the line from the anchor locker and inspect. Clean anchor locker while empty.
• Inspect outer hull for chips, dings, gelcoat blisters. Repair as needed. 
• Inspect hardtop/t-top pipes as welds can break with age and hard vessel use. 
• Inspect places where wires enter and exit the piping in case grommets are bad or missing, which can cause chafing. 
• Inspect the sanitation system (head and holding tanks) where applicable to be sure they are working. Remove antifreeze if it was winterized. 
• Remove antifreeze from the freshwater system where applicable, flush with clean, fresh water and refill.

Safety Equipment

• Inspect all PFDs and throwable life rings aboard for mildew. Clean if needed. For inflatable PFDs, check charging system. 
• Inspect all flares, paying attention to expiration dates. If expired, purchase replacements. 
• Inspect the life raft, checking for required inspection date. Bring it in to a certified service facility if needed.
• Check to see if fire extinguishers are fully charged and take a look at their physical condition. 
• Conduct a safety check of all EPIRB and PLB units to be sure they are operational and to check the battery integrity. Review the literature to see when battery replacement is recommended by the manufacturer. 
• Conduct a safety check of the emergency S.O.S. system on the VHF radio if applicable. 

Remember to always make sure to consult your outboard and boat owner's manuals for additional information about getting your boat ready for spring.

The larger the boat, the more systems to work your way through, but consider it an insurance policy for trouble-free boating in the coming year.  Boaters who take good care of their vessels increase their levels of safety and ultimately protect their investment.




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