Before you set off on the river, lake, or ocean this summer, ensuring your boat is ready for the season is critical. You can, of course, pay a professional to prepare your boat for the season, but doing all or most of the job yourself can save you money and help you get familiar with your boat.
However, before you plan your first summer trip, ensure you have the right boat insurance coverage. Proofing that you are fully covered and your policy customized to your cruising habits will give you tranquility and protection on all your voyages. Here are some tips on how to get your boat ready for sailing this summer.
1. Visually inspect your boat
When you first get your boat out of storage, it’s important to conduct a visual inspection. If your boat was kept outside, check the exterior for damage that might be caused by weather or other debris. Ensure your boat has no structural damage from the weight of snow piling up on it if you live in an area that experiences heavy snowfall.
If the windows on your boat have been damaged or are leaking, repair them right away for the safety of your passengers. Van Isle Glass can repair or replace your boat glass with a fast turnaround time to ensure you make the most of this summer season.
For more extensive repairs or refits, it’s best to consult with a professional boat technician to ensure the work is done correctly and safely. Luckily, Florida has long been home to some of the best boat experts in the world, so finding a reliable and experienced technician won’t be a problem here. Look for a professional shipyard in Florida with a good reputation and read reviews from previous customers to make sure you are making the right choice. Make sure to also ask for a quote and compare prices before committing to any repairs.
2. Check and refill the cooling system
Your water pump and the thermostat should work properly to keep the engine cool for the correct functioning of your boat. Inspect the impellers for wear or cracks, ensure the thermostat is working right, or replace it if necessary. In addition, whether you did winterization and storage maintenance or not, drain whatever is left in your boat cooling system and refill it.
3. Clean and wax your boat
Remove the boat tarp and keep it in a safe place. Wash the vessel thoroughly, inside and out, and scrub under the carpets to eliminate mold on the interior. Inspect the hull, repair any blisters, and wax the sides of your boat using marine paste wax. Avoid waxing the deck since it might make it slippery.
4. Check your boat’s battery
A boat’s battery typically lasts for four to five years. However, whether you removed the battery from the boat or left it in for storage, you should regularly refill your battery with fresh distilled water and ensure it’s charged and working properly. In addition, ensure the terminals are free from any damage and the plastic casing isn’t cracked.
5. Check out your boat safety gear and equipment
Inspecting your boat’s safety gear and equipment is probably one of the most crucial steps before you set sail for your summer trip. Ensure you have the right safety gear, including the correct number of safety jackets, and ensure they are in good condition. You should also check whether they fit each passenger on the boat. In addition, inspect the fire extinguishers, whistles, horns, lights, and signal flares and ensure they are working properly and aren’t past their expiry date, particularly fire extinguishers.
Endnote
Inspecting and preparing your boat is all part of summer fun. By spending only a few hours, you can get your boat ready, and you won’t have to worry about unforeseen problems. However, if you don’t have enough experience performing these boat preparation practices, schedule your service with professional boat technicians.