Prepping Your Boat for the Summer Season
Published on 5/20/2024
Happy Summer Boating Season from South Texas Boat, RV and Self Storage! We wanted to provide a list of things to consider while getting ready your boat to be back on the water for the summer. In respect of your fellow boaters and to assure complete attention to safety, please do this before you get to the dock.
Trailer
1. Check Trailer Tags/License Plate
2. Walkaround inspection - Look at tongue, receiver function, axle condition, fenders, lights
3. Test Lights
4. Inspect tires and fill to recommended PSI
5. Grease Bearings
6. Inspect brake system and fill as needed
7. Inspect winch strap and check winch function - lubricate
Boat
1. Clean boat - this will help in overall walkaround inspection. Looking for cracks, scupper function, insect or rodent nests/obstructions
2. Inspect electrical and consider applying light anticorrosion to connections.
3. Test Bilge - I like to add some water with hose into hull to test manual as well as automatic bilge function. This will also help clean out debris that may cause float to stick. Do not leave the dock without checking those bilges and assuring proper function!
4. Inspect battery terminals. Clean and apply anticorrosion as necessary.
5. Test Ship to shore radio function
6. Inspect Flares
7. Inspect life jackets and throwable
8. Make sure registration numbers are current
9. Inspect all thru hull fittings
10. Test horn
11. Test navigation lights
12. Inspect steering fluid and steering function
13. Test washdown and live well pumps
14. Make sure anchor is onboard
15. Dock ropes
16. Inspect GPS and compass function
17. Boat insurance card and registration card
18. Inspect fire extinguisher
19. PLUG!!! - Don't forget to put in the plug before putting in water!
Motor
1. Inspect for bug intrusions/nests
2. Spray motor with an anti corrosion spray
3. Top off with fresh gas
4. Replace water separator if it wasn't done before putting boat up - I like the suggestion in one of the videos attached which recommends running the first tank of gas out before changing the water separator.
5. Check oil levels
6. Inspect lower unit and fluid levels
7. Inspect primer
8. Before going to the dock - hook up motor to water and run motor to assure it starts, runs and water coming out water pump indicator hole (pee hole).
Here are a few nice videos to watch that I think you will find helpful as you prepare for the summer. We wish everyone a very safe and fun season on the water!