Getting Your Boat Ready for Summer: A Boat Checklist

Summer is around the corner, and before you know it, it will be getting warmer and sunnier! As a boat owner, you will want to get your boat out from under the covers to prepare for some friendly summer fun!

Preparing your boat for use in summer is a task with several steps. It won’t take long to de-winterize your boat to be ready for all that summer adventure! 

Continue reading this boat checklist to learn how to get your boat ready for the summer.

Check Out the Hull and Top of the Boat

Uncovering your boat after the winter is the obvious place to start. Refold and store tarps in a dry and safe place. However, if your boat was shrink-wrapped, discard shrink-wrap responsibly.

Wash the hull with a mild detergent or a diluted solution of trisodium phosphate. Wax it with marine paste wax. If you use a buffer, keep it moving to prevent swirl marks. You can use a cloth and a mild rubbing compound to concentrate on problem areas. Leave the non-skid deck surfaces alone!

If you must use acid-based stain or corrosion removers, use little amounts and apply with care. These items will peel the wax off a boat’s finish if used over an aluminum boat trailer. If you do use them, be ready to wax again afterward.

Check Mechanical and Electrical Systems

Examine the boat’s wiring for signs of wear, rust, or poor connections. If necessary, tighten or replace any connections and use marine-grade corrosion protection. Also, keep an eye out for any rats or mice chewing on wiring signs.

Carefully check and oil all cables with manufacturer-approved lubricant or marine-grade Teflon. Next, assemble and lubricate the seacocks. Finally, always open those required for launch and close the remainder.

Open the outboard exhaust manifolds and look for dampness or rot from the winter. Next, check the outdrive valves of a sterndrive for cracks or degradation. Lastly, inspect and clean heat exchangers as needed. 

Check the Drivetrain and Engine

Now is the time if you haven’t disconnected or charged your battery for the winter. Check for rust on the battery cables or terminals.

Inspect the fuel lines and hoses for damage and tighten any hose clips. In addition to the fuel stabilizer, you should inspect the fuel filter.

Remove the distributor cap and check it for rust, carbon residue, and moisture. Also, inspect the plug wires.

Check the drive belts and the engine oil.

Inspect the spark plugs. If you opt to replace the plugs, wait until the engine has started and the fogging solution has burned off the cylinders. You could skip this if you changed them during winterization.

Check the bilge pump and blower. Don’t forget to replace the impellers every year. Also, check the coolant, engine oil, and transmission fluid levels. Adjust if necessary.  Check for oil leaks in all of them.

Replace any excessively rusted external zincs. Zinc anodes assist in preventing corrosion caused by the electrical current in seawater.

Start the engine with fresh water and check for fuel or starting troubles. Allowing the engine to warm up enables the thermostat to deploy.

Overhaul the Boat Trailer

Don’t forget the humble boat trailer! First, check the trailer’s tires for tread depth. Next, fill tires to the required inflation. Next, clean all wires and test the brake lights and turn signals. Last but not least, oil the hitching gear, horizontal stabilizers, and winch.

As Part of Your Boat Checklist, Check Safety Equipment

You’re almost there! Don’t forget the most critical check of all! Keep yourself, your family, and your friends safe by checking:

• You have life jackets and floatable cushions
• You have your current registration, boat license, and stickers at hand
• You have emergency equipment such as fire extinguishers and flares

Don’t forget to keep an emergency supply box in the boat containing personal comfort items such as sunblock, insect repellant, etc. 

Read more here regarding how much boat maintenance costs.

Time to Hit the Water!

So, what are you waiting for?

If your boat checklist ticks all the boxes, you’re good to go! So enjoy this summer and get out on the water as much as possible!

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