As a boat owner, summer sailing is one of the biggest highlights of your year. So if you plan on hitting the water in the coming months, you need to make sure your boat is ready and in running order so you can have smooth sailing all summer long.
Keep reading below as we describe some of the steps you’ll need to take to get your boat ready for summertime.
Check Your Boat’s Battery
The first thing you’ll need to do to get your boat ready for the summer is to check your boat battery. This is the heart of your boat’s electrical system, so it’s important to make sure it’s in good working order and order a replacement if needed.
Here are some of the things you can look for when checking your boat battery:
- Revise the battery terminal for signs of corrosion: corrosion can cause poor electrical connection and lead to battery failure; if you notice corrosion, clean the terminals with a wire brush and apply a corrosion inhibitor
- Check the battery voltage with a multimeter: check to see if your battery is fully charged before setting off; recharge it if levels are low
Reassess Your Safety Equipment
Additionally, you need to check your boat’s safety equipment before heading out on the water. This is essential for your safety and anyone else who will be on board.
Some of the items you’ll want to check include:
- Life jackets: check for signs of wear and damage; ensure you’ll have enough for the number of passengers you’ll have on board throughout the summer
- Fire extinguishers: check that your fire extinguishers are fully charged and in good working condition
- Flares: ensure your flares aren’t expired and that you have the correct flare type for your area
- First aid kit: make sure your kit is fully stocked and nothing is expired
Revise the Hull
Before heading out on the water, it’s important to inspect the boat’s hull for any damage or wear, including:
- Cracks or holes: look for any cracks or holes in the hull; have them repaired if necessary
- Barnacles or other growth: check for any barnacles or other growth on the hull; have them removed if necessary
- Paint: check the paint on the hull and touch up any areas that are scratched or damaged
Top Off Fluids
You’ll also need to check your boat’s fluid levels and top them off if they appear low. This ensures that your boat’s systems are running properly and won’t fail when you need them most.
Here are some of the most common fluids you’ll need to check:
- Engine oil
- Coolant
- Transmission fluid
Test the Electrical System
At this point, you should have already tested the boat battery. But, you should still test some other components of the boat’s electrical system so you know it’s safe to head out on the water.
These are some of the items to revise and ensure they’re in good working order:
- Lights
- Electronics (GPS, depth finder, radio)
- Wiring
Boating is one of the best ways to enjoy warmer weather. So, following the above tips to check that your boat is in good condition before the season starts means you’ll be set up for success all summer long.
