10 Tips For Getting Your Boat Ready For Spring
Temperatures are climbing, snow is melting and the first flowers of spring are beginning to emerge. All these signs point to the next boating season being nearer than you think, which means it’s time you pulled your boat out of storage to get it ready for the summer’s voyages.
However, if you’re a relatively new boat owner, you may not know all the steps you need to take to properly de-winterize your craft, which is why your friends at Richardson’s Boat Yard have created this guide. Follow it and you’ll be ready for the water in no time!
1. Inspect Your Engine
Your boat won’t run without a fully-functional engine, so you’ll need to check it’s functioning first thing. Check the oil condition; if it’s sludgy and opaque, you’ll need to change it. If it’s clear but low, simply top it off. Change the oil filter at the same time. Flush out the cooling system and replace the antifreeze from winter with a 50/50 coolant/water solution.
2. Clean Your Hull
Next, check the exterior of your vessel for any signs of damage you may have missed in the fall, or any scrapes it might have sustained while in storage. Once you’ve established nothing is amiss, you’ll want to wash it and wax it thoroughly. If you do find issues, contact the service department here at Richardson’s Boat Yard so we can address any necessary repairs for you!
3. Charge Your Battery
You likely removed your boat’s battery and placed it on a trickle charge to keep it topped up during winter, but it may still need further charging to be ready for spring. This isn’t a component you want to malfunction when you’re out in the middle of the lake!
4. Safety Check
Make sure that your vessel is fully equipped with all the necessary safety and emergency supplies, and that they’re all in good condition. Check the date on your fire extinguisher and replace it as necessary. Replenish your first aid kit with bandages and medications. Examine all life jackets and personal flotation devices to ensure they’re in good condition. Store your flares, emergency radio, repair tools and GPS on board in a compartment.
5. Inspect Your Canvas
Check your boat’s cover and any canvas or vinyl on board, including upholstery, for signs of damage from sun, rain or pests. You don’t want mold or mildew to grow so if you find any signs of these, you’ll want to clean them off with a marine cleaner.
6. Clean The Interior
The inside of your vessel likely also needs some tender loving care after a long winter in storage. You should have cleared away trash and personal items in the fall, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be anything to tidy up. Dust will have accrued on all surfaces, so you’ll want to wipe them down. Check that the glass is clean and easy to see through.
8. Inspect Your Trailer
Unless you’re lucky enough to live right next to the lake or marina, then you’re going to need a way to transport your craft from home to wherever you opt to cruise. Give your trailer a thorough inspection to make sure the tires are properly aired up, the flooring is sturdy and the hitch works well. A broken trailer means you won’t be going much of anywhere and it will be particularly expensive to rescue your boat if you become stranded on the highway.
9. Check Your Registration
Make sure that all your boat’s important papers are on board in a waterproofed folio or container. This includes licensing, registration, proof of insurance and any additional identification you might need aside from your driver’s license. Remember your passport if you’ll be boating in international waters!
10. Have Fun!
Finally, don’t forget to enjoy yourself! All this prep work should result in a clean boat in perfect condition for all your marine adventures. Whether you’re an avid fisher or simply eager to relax, you’ll enjoy your time more when you’ve got the safeguard of a well-maintained vessel beneath you.
Stop into one of our Maine dealerships, located in the cities of Windham and Standish, to see our full inventory of new and used boats for sale. We’re a proud carrier of Chaparral Boats, too! Richardson’s Boat Yard additionally serves our customers coming from Portland and Auburn, Maine.