Spring Preparation Checklist

It's the best time of the year... well almost, but it is time to prepare for the best time of the year... BOATING SEASON! Spring prep might look a little different for everyone, depending on where you are boating, what kind of vessel you have, how frequently you are using it, and so on. This is the time of year that you should consider starting your big projects to ensure that you are ready to ENJOY your season on the water.

Below you'll find checklists for some recommended areas that should be serviced or looked over at the beginning of each season. 

Spring Recommissioning:

𐀀 Inspect hull for blisters, cracks, distortion, gouges - any crack or gouges that show gray underneath on a fiberglass boat should be repaired to ensure that no water will penetrate the fiberglass. 

𐀀 Paint bottom or check condition of bottom paint

𐀀 Charge battery, inspect/clean battery terminals, and tighten any connections - on both ends of the battery cable

𐀀 Inspect all fuel lines, hose clamps, all hoses, and thru-hull connections

𐀀 Inspect the fuel tank, fill lines, and vent lines

𐀀 Replace fuel/water separator

𐀀 Inspect and test the bilge pump and float switch

𐀀 Inspect bilge ventilation intake and blower ducting for damage and leaks - ensure that the blower runs. 

𐀀 Before launching, make sure that the drain plug is secured at the back of the boat

Engine Outdrives and Outboards:

𐀀 Inspect outdrive bellows for crack, dried, or deteriorated spots

𐀀 Replace any corroded anodes if they are warn more than half way

𐀀 Change lower unit oil if you did not change in the fall

𐀀 Inspect spark plugs, change if needed

𐀀 4-stroke engines - change oil if not done in the Fall

𐀀 Check power steering and trim oil levels

𐀀 Check hydraulic fluid for hydraulic steering

𐀀 Check outer jacket of control cables - cracks or swelling indicates that it needs to be replaced

𐀀 Inspect prop - look for any dings, pitting, distortion. Make sure that the cotter pin is secure. Make sure it does not "wiggle" around

𐀀 Test engine for any warnings or alarms

Inboard/Stern Drives:

𐀀 Every few years inspect exhaust manifolds and risers for corrosion

𐀀 Check engine shaft and rudder stuffing boxes

Sailboats:

𐀀 Inspect swage fittings for cracks or heavy rust

𐀀 Remove tape from turnbuckles and lubricate threads

𐀀 Inspect masthead sheeves and blocks to make sure they're running freely

Trailers:

𐀀 Inspect trailer for rust

𐀀 Inspect tire treads and sidewalls for cracks or lack of tread - check air pressure

𐀀 Inspect wheel bearings and repack as necessary

𐀀 Test all lights - replace any broken or missing bulbs and lenses

𐀀 Inspect winch to make sure it's working properly and that there is no corrosion on the hook

𐀀 If your trailer is equipped with brakes - inspect breaks and break reservoirs

Safety: it is important to note that you can get a free vessel safety check from local US Coast Guard Auxiliary or US Power Squadrons.

𐀀 Ensure your Engine Cut Off Switch (Kill Switch) is in the boat and is in good working order. If using a wireless fob, change batteries.

𐀀 Check flares for expiration dates (3 years past manufacture date)

𐀀 Inspect fire extinguisher - fully charged and not used past the expiration date

𐀀 Ensure you have properly size life jackets in good condition for each passenger - including kids. If using inflatable PFDs - check CO2 cylinder to make sure that it is not punctured and check that the bobbin is not expired (3-5 year expiration) and that the dissolvable "pill" is intact

𐀀 Test any smoke or carbon monoxide detectors

𐀀 Check running lights and spare bulbs

𐀀 Update chartplotter software

𐀀 Check that the first aid kit is adequately stocked and nothing is expired

𐀀 Check the operation of VHF radios

𐀀 If you own a EPIRB or PLB send out a test signal to ensure it is operating properly and check battery life