Spring is officially here. And you’re likely eager to return to the water and enjoy time outside with your family. However, before you do that, you must take some time to clean, inspect, and service your boat so it’ll operate optimally all summer. The fact is that winter storage can take a toll on your vessel. A comprehensive spring boat maintenance checklist is vital to ensure a safe and enjoyable season.
Yet, you may find yourself wondering where you should begin your spring maintenance. To help get you started, we’ve prepared a list of things you should take before setting sail.
Start With a Deep Clean
The first thing you shall do when taking it out of winter storage is start with a deep, comprehensive clean-up. Your boat maintenance checklist should include:
- Exterior Wash: Rinse with a marine-safe soap to remove dirt, grime, and salt buildup from the hull, deck, and non-skid surfaces. Consider using a pressure washer, as this can help remove as much buildup as possible. Don’t forget to scrub your boat trailer while you’re at it if you’ve got one.
- Survey the Damage: While cleaning the exterior, look for cracks, blisters, or gel coat issues. Don’t ignore any signs of damage. Address them now before they worsen over time.
- Remove Water Spots: If there are any water spots you’re having a tough time getting out, you may need to use a spot cleaner to remove them.
- Wash and Protect Metal Parts: Rinse and soak stainless steel and aluminum fittings with a corrosion-resistant product. Focus on railings, cleats, hinges, and screws.
- Wax and Polish: Apply a fresh coat of marine wax to protect the gel coat from UV damage. It’ll also keep dirt and grime from sticking, making future washings easier.
- Vacuum and Sweep: After thoroughly scrubbing the hard, exterior surfaces, it’s time to focus on the interior and soft surfaces. Start by thoroughly sweeping and vacuuming the seats, walls, and floors, including under cushions.
- Polish Upholstery: Use a marine-grade cleaner on seats and upholstery to protect these surfaces from cracking and fading.
- Sanitize the Galley and Head: Finally, no spring cleaning is complete without sanitizing the galley and head. Make sure to wash countertops, sinks, and toilets thoroughly using marine-safe disinfectants.
Inspect and Replace Wear Items
Once your vessel is fully cleansed, your next step is to check thoroughly and change worn items. Important components to add to your boat maintenance checklist include:
- The Battery: Test your battery to avoid being stranded on the water. Your battery will likely be depleted after winter, so give it a full charge. After charging, test the battery with a voltmeter. Replace it if it won’t hold a charge or is over three years old.
- Propeller: While your vessel is out of the water, examine your propeller for damage. If it is worn and looks beyond repair, change it now while it is still on land.
- Hoses: Look over the hoses for signs of damage, such as bulging and cracking, and replace them if necessary.
- Fluids: Perform an oil and filter change before taking your vessel on the water. Regulate and top off other fluids, including your coolant, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid.
Perform Engine Tune-up
Before you take your vessel out for the first time this summer, it is also critical that you perform preventative engine upkeep, including:
- Perform a Visual Examination: A good place to start would be by performing a visual inspection of your engine. Check the compartment for leaks, loose hoses, or signs of wear and tear. Make a note of anything you find and perform necessary repairs.
- Monitor the Bilge Pump: Next, test your bilge pump to ensure it’s functioning properly. Look for clogs or debris that could hinder proper operation.
- Replace Spark Plugs: Review your owner’s manual to see how frequently you need to buy new spark plugs. If it has been a while since you changed them, do so now, as worn spark plugs can affect performance and efficiency.
- Winterization Removal: If you winterize with antifreeze, make sure that you thoroughly flush it out before starting up your engine for the first time.
Inspect Your Safety Equipment
It is also critical that you assess your safety gear to make sure everything is in good condition. Things you should monitor include:
- Life Jackets: Examine your life jackets for rips, tears, or other signs of wear. If they’re looking run-down, play it safe and change them. You should also have various sizes to fit all of your passengers.
- Fire Extinguishers: Next, test your fire extinguishers and ensure they are charged and have not expired. If they’re not charged, have them serviced or replaced.
- Emergency Essentials: Stock up on essentials, including items for your first aid kit, with extra water and non-perishable food to keep on board.
Perform Trailer Maintenance (If Applicable)
If you have a boat trailer, you should also take a moment to do some basic routine service to guarantee it’s ready to transport all summer. Important trailer repairs you shouldn’t ignore include:
- Inspecting Your Tires: Even though your trailer might not have a lot of miles on it, the tires can still become worn due to temperature fluctuations and sun exposure. Assess your trailer tires for wear and tear, replace them if necessary, and secure proper inflation pressure. Don’t forget to check your spare tire as well, and replace it if it is over 8 years old.
- Look Over Your Lights and Brakes: Next, test your trailer’s lights and brakes before you go anywhere for your safety on the road.
- Monitor Your Bearings: You should also lubricate or repack your wheel bearings according to your trailer’s upkeep schedule in the owner’s manual.
Take the Hassle Out of Spring Cleaning With Trident Marine Group’s Concierge Services
Taking time to freshen up and service your boat now can help support a safe experience on the water this summer. You’ll also reduce the risk of unexpected breakdowns during your outings. Of course, if you don’t feel like spending the next couple of weekends servicing, or simply don’t have the time, this doesn’t mean you’re out of options.
At the marinas by Trident Marine Group, we offer comprehensive concierge services that can take the hassle out of spring washing. Our skilled technicians can follow a detailed boat maintenance checklist to sanitize, detail, and assess your vessel for damage.
We’ll also perform a comprehensive inspection to ensure you’re ready to hit the water when summer arrives. Feel free to contact us to learn more about our marinas, including amenities, slip availability, and concierge services.