Whether your boat has been in the water or out when not in use, there are a number of things you need to do to make sure it is ready for use in the new season. Boats do need maintenance, as any owner will know, so here are a few ideas as to what you should check and inspect before you set sail.
Sails and Rigging
If you have a sailing boat, you need to perform a thorough inspection of all the sails, rigging and mast. Check for wear and tear that you may not have noticed before, make sure all fixings are secure and in good condition, and ensure there is no corrosion throughout. This is a very important check, so take the time to inspect properly.
Check Your Engine
There is a recommendation that you should change your oil filter and renew your oil in your engine, plus make sure all coolants are in place and fresh. In fact, many boat owners will routinely book a service for the engine as a precautionary measure, as it adds the peace of mind that the motor has been thoroughly inspected.
Check Your Trolling Battery
It is important that your batteries are operating correctly, so we strongly advise you have them thoroughly checked and if you need new ones, have a look here for examples of the best trolling battery reviews and the latest new batteries. You need a battery that can handle short trips for the best effect, and one that is designed for leisure use.
Read The Boat Manual
It may sound obvious, yet many people omit to read the boat manual and miss out on recommended regular maintenance as a result. Your manual may advise you check and examine areas that we have missed out thanks to limited space, so have a read through and follow any instructions you find. After all, safety is the first point, so you need to ensure everything is ready to go before you set sail.
Check Your Distributor
One part of a marine boat that can be susceptible to corrosion when not in use is the distributor. It is essential you check this and make sure that it is in good working order. It is strongly advised you take the cap off and carefully clean it – if you have a guide to doing so it will help – and make sure it is reassembled as it should be.
Test Your Electronic Equipment
Your compass, GPS and radio need to be in good working order, so make sure you check them before you sail. They can be the difference between disaster and safety on the seas, so make this a priority in every way.
The above are just a few of the important points to consider when it comes to getting your boat back on the water and there may be many more, but remember that safety is the first and most important factor, so make sure everything is in working order before you sail.