How To Prepare Your Boat for the 2023 Spring & Summer Season
Seabrook Marina Community
What do you need to do to get your boat ready for Spring and Summer?
Probably the first thing to consider is checking your boat's bottom hull for barnacles and the paint job with a Quick Haul. This means your boat will stay in the hoist and sling for pressure washing and zinc replacements without a major expense of the boat standing in the boatyard.
We have a comprehensive checklist for pre-season to prepare your boat for the upcoming spring and summer season.
Every different sized boat or type of boat below has a required checklist.
Large Boat
General
Hull
Deck Fittings
Required Equipment
Below Decks
Electrical System
Inboard Engine(s)
Head System
Water System
Galley
General
Hull
Deck Fittings
Required Equipment
Below Decks
Electrical System
Inboard Engine(s)
Head System
Water System
Galley
Sail Boat
General
Hull
Deck Fittings
Required Equipment
Below Decks
Electrical System
Inboard Engine(s)
Outboard Motor(s)
Head System
Water System
Galley
Sails
Mast & Rigging
General
Hull
Deck Fittings
Required Equipment
Below Decks
Electrical System
Inboard Engine(s)
Outboard Motor(s)
Head System
Water System
Galley
Sails
Mast & Rigging
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO CHECK FIRST FOR ALL BOATS?
- Do a general cleaning of hull, deck and topsides using a mild detergent
- Make sure drains and scuppers are clear
- Put on a good coat of wax
- Clean and polish metal with a good metal polish
- Clean teak and oil
- Clean windows and hatches
- Clean canvas, bimini and dodger
- Clean interior including bilges
- Check spare parts and tools and replace as necessary
- Make sure registration is current and onboard
- Check and replace wiper blades if necessary
CHECKLIST FOR YOUR BOAT HULL
- Check for hull abrasions, scratches, gouges, etc. and repair
- Check and replace zincs
- Check for blisters and refinish is necessary
- Check rub rails
- Check swim platform and/or ladder
- Inspect and test trim tabs
- Check shaft, cutlass bearing, strut and prop
- Check rudder and fittings
- Touch up or replace antifouling paint
CHECKLIST FOR YOUR DECK, FITTINGS, SAFETY EQUIPMENT
- Check stanchion, pulpits and lifelines for integrity
- Check ground tackle, lines, fenders, etc.
- Check chainplates and cleats
- Check hull/deck joint
- Check deck, windows, and port lights for leaks
- Inspect anchor windlass and lubricate
- Clean and grease winches
- Check and lubricate blocks, pad eyes, etc.
- Check dinghy, and life raft
CHECKLIST FOR BELOW DECKS
- Check, test and lubricate seacocks
- Check condition of hoses and clamps
- Make sure below waterline hoses are double clamped
- Check bilges pumps for automatic and manual operation
- Check for oil in bilges
- Check limber holes and make sure they are clear of debris
- Lubricate stuffing boxes, shaft and rudder logs
CHECK FOR THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND COMPONENTS
- Check battery water level
- Check/recharge batteries
- Check terminals for corrosion, clean and lubricate
- Check bonding system
- Inspect all wiring for wear and chafe
- Test all gauges for operability
- Check shore power and charger
- Check for spare fuses
- Check all lighting fixtures (including navigation lights) and make sure you have spare bulbs
- Check all electronics for proper operation
- Inspect antennas
WHAT IS REQUIRED AND RECOMMENDED TO CHECK WITH YOUR BOAT EQUIPMENT?
- Sound signaling device
- Check distress signals and expiration date
- Check Pfds
- Inspect life rings and cushions
- Check fire extinguishers and recharge if necessary
- Check and adjust compass
- Check navigation lights
- Check charts and replace as necessary
- Check radar reflector
- Check and replace first aid supplies
- Check bailer and hand pump
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO CHECK FOR YOUR INBOARD ENGINE(S)?
- Change oil & filters - have spare onboard
- Check and change fuel filters - have spares onboard
- Check and change engine zincs
- Check cooling system change coolant as necessary - have extra onboard
- Record engine maintenance log, especially date & hours of last oil changes
- Check belts for tension
- Check transmission fluid
- Check and clean backfire flame arrestor
- Check impeller
- Check and clean water strainer
- Check bilge blower
CHECKLIST FOR YOUR HEAD SYSTEM
- Checked for smooth operation - lubricate and clean as necessary
- If equipped with treatment system, have chemicals on hand
- Y-valve operation checked, valve labeled & secured
CHECKLIST FOR YOUR WATER SYSTEM
- Flush water tank
- Check water system and pump for leaks and proper operation
- Check hot water tank working on both AC and engines
- Check for tank cap keys on board
- Check and clean shower sump pump screens
- Empty water separator filters
- Shock the drinking water tank. Suggestion is pool shock not bleach. Pool shock breaks down in a few days and then can be flushed out.
CHECKLIST FOR YOUR GALLEY
- Fill propane tank, check electric & manual valves, check storage box vent to make sure it is clear
- Check refrigerator, clean and freshen, operate on AC and DC
- Clean stove, check that all burners and oven are working
- Check microwave, if fitted
CHECKLIST FOR YOUR OUTBOARD MOTOR
- Replace spark plugs
- Check plug wires for wear
- Check prop for nicks and bends
- Change/fill gear lube
- Inspect fuel lines, primer bulb and tank for leaks
- Lubricate and spray moveable parts
CHECKLIST FOR YOUR TRAILER
- Check for current registration
- Check rollers and pads
- Check and lubricate wheel bearings
- Clean and lubricate winch
- Lubricate tongue jack and wheel
- Test lights and electrical connections
- Check tire pressure and condition
- Check brakes (if equipped)
- Check safety chains
- Check tongue lock
CHECKLIST FOR YOUR SAILS:
- Check general condition
- Look for wear and chafing
- Check battens and batten pockets
- Check all sail attachments
- Inspect bolt rope
CHECKLIST FOR YOUR MAST AND RIGGING
- Check mast and spreaders for corrosion or damage
- Inspect spreader boots and shrouds
- Inspect rivets and screw connections for corrosion
- Check reefing points and reefing gear
- Clean sail track
- Check rigging, turnbuckles and clevis pins for wear and corrosion
- Inspect stays for fraying and "fish hooks"
- Check forestay and backstay connections
- Check masthead fitting and pulleys
- Check and lubricate roller furling
- Check halyards and consider replacing or swapping end for end
- Tape turnbuckles, cotter pins, and spreaders
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