The Boater’s Guide To Spring: Before Setting Sail, Get Set Up For Success

Spring is here and that means it’s almost time to get your boat back in the water. If you’ve been counting down the days to that first launch like a kid at Christmas, then now is the time to get your gear in check.

Summer Starts With Proper Storage

Getting ready for a summer on the water starts in the winter. If you took the time to properly winterize your boat, you should be in good shape when the time comes to prep for warmer weather.  

Ironically, your boat is made for the water, but when the temperature dips, water is not your boat’s friend. Water left in or on your boat can cause mold, mildew, corrosion, and even cause fractures and cracks in the fiberglass or windows.

These sneaky issues make it crucial to winterize your boat properly and undergo a thorough inspection for spring. You don’t want to be stuck tinkering with your boat and making repairs while you should be out on the water.

Got questions about storage? We can help. Just get in touch with us.

Your Pre-Season Checklist

When prepping for your first voyage, think about it like running over your boat bow-to-stern with a fine-tooth comb. Take your time and take notes as you carefully inspect your boat after a winter in storage.

We’ve compiled a list that will help you address some primary areas of concern when dewinterizing your boat. This list may grow or shrink depending on how you prepared and what type of boat you have. Your owner’s manual may have additional requirements and processes for dewinterization, so be sure you to review it before you begin.

Cover and Cleaning:

1. Remove your winter cover, wash and let it air dry if you’ll be using it again. Remember, shrink wrap is recyclable. So, if you had your boat wrapped, contact your local marina or recycle center for environmentally-friendly disposal.
2. Give your boat a good cleaning. Not only will you wash away residue leftover from last season or from storage, but you will protect the vinyl and canvass from mold and mildew. You can also use this as an opportunity to take a close look at your boat’s exterior to check for damage or issues.

Engine:

1. If your engine was “dry blocked,” meaning that antifreeze was not used in the winterization process, verify that all hoses and plugs are reconnected.  (Note that antifreeze is not always the most environmentally-friendly choice for our local waterways, so Main Channel avoids using this method of storage)
2. Take a close look at the impeller for signs of wear-like stiffness or brittleness. Some inboard models require that this should be changed every 50 hours for proper care and to maintain your warranty. Check your boat’s owner’s manual for details.
3. Check all cables and belts for any cracks, brittleness and ensure that belts fit tightly to pulleys to prevent slipping.
4. Take a look at your engine’s exhaust and ventilation systems to ensure they’re functioning properly.

Batteries & Electrical System: 

1. Reinstall your battery, if necessary, and check for any damage or corrosion. You can also have your battery tested to ensure it holds a charge. Note that a battery should be replaced every four years to avoid getting stranded!
2. Take a look at all electrical connections making note of corroded terminals. Corrosion can be dangerous if not addressed and should be cleaned carefully. Adding a dielectric grease to the terminals should help prevent this.
3. Once the battery is reinstalled and charged, test items like running lights, GPS, radios, pumps, depth finders, pumps, and trolling motor.
4. Take note of all knobs and switches and give them a flip to see that they’re working.

Fuel and Fluids:  

1. Inspect your fuel system for dry rot, leaks, cracks, or other issues. Signs of damage to fuel hoses may include brittleness, softness or cracks.  
2. Check oil, power steering, power trim and tilt reservoirs, and coolants.  
3. If you did not change your oil and filters prior to winter storage, now is the time to do so. 

Exterior:  

1. Check your propellers for security, cracks, dings or distortion.
2. Look for cracks or blisters in your boat’s hull.
3. Be sure to check drain plugs, pumps, and wells looking for snugness.

Safety:

1. Lifejackets should be inspected for damage and wear. Be sure to have an appropriate number and size plus extras to account for additional passengers.
2. Your boat’s fire extinguisher should be the correct class, fully charged, not expired, and stored in its proper place for quick access.
3. If it’s been a while since you’ve taken a boating safety course, you may want to brush up by taking a course or give the guidelines a quick glance to refresh your memory. You can get free access the Indiana Boating Safety Handbook here.  

Paperwork:

1. Be sure your boater registration is up-to-date.
2. If you fish, get your license before you start casting.
3. If you carry boat insurance, be sure your policy is up-to-date.

Additional Items: 

1. If you use a trailer for your boat, it’s a great idea to look it over too. Give the tires, lights, straps and cables, bearings, and frame an inspection prior to use after sitting for winter.  
2. You should take a look at all ropes and your anchor to be sure they’re in good condition.

Ready For The Water

Now that you’ve got your list and checked it twice (and added things, scratched things off, added more things, checked it a 15^th time), it’s time to head out on the water. Remember that the first voyage of the season is more like a test run. The first trip out will give you an opportunity to get reacquainted with your boat and be alerted to any issues.

If you’ve got a problem you can’t fix, leave it to the pros. Main Channel is a full-service marina with a highly-skilled maintenance department to keep your craft in top shape.

Happy boating!

-The Skipper