If your boat has been in dry or wet storage for the winter, you should plan on spending some time making sure it’s shipshape before your first summer voyage. Clark Marine Sales has put together a few tips to get your boat ready for a season of fun in the sun! We’re in Franklin, Tennessee, near Nashville, where we sell new and used boats, and offer marine parts and service. Our ace team is standing by, at your service!
Seasonal Inspection
Yes, it’s exciting to get back on the water, but always inspect your boat first. Check both the interior and exterior of your vessel. If you notice any damage occurred while your boat was in storage, deal with that straight away. Whether it’s weather-related or critter-related, it’s vital to address it before you go boating.
Check Safety Gear and Registration
Make sure your boat is fully stocked with the essentials, and that they all work. Refresh the supplies in your first-aid kit with new supplies, including ointments, bandages, medications, and so on. You should have new emergency flares and up-to-date fire extinguishers. Anything that relies on batteries, power, or electronics is vulnerable to issues, so test those instruments! Examine all personal flotation devices to make sure they’re in acceptable condition and properly stored.
Round up and check your documentation, including your boat registration and tags. Renew as needed.
Clean Your Boat
Last but not least, give your beloved boat a thorough pre-season cleaning. If it’s been in storage for a few months, show it some love. Clean off the dust and clean all glass for visibility and safety. Keeping your boat clean helps retain its resale value. Clean the hull with a mild detergent that won’t damage the surface, and finish off with a coat (or more!) of marine wax. Double-check that all your cleaning products are compatible with your boat materials.
Engine
Engines don’t benefit from sitting idle, so make sure you have a professional check it out, or perform maintenance yourself if you’re the DIY type.
If you didn’t change the engine oil before storage, do that now. Check that all your fuel lines, drive belts, hoses, and clamps are functioning properly. Remove the distributor cap and inspect the cap and rotor for carbon buildup, rust, or moisture. Check the condition of the plug wires. Make sure that all fluids are topped off before your boat trip.
Check your spark plugs. If they need replacement, you should start the engine and let the fogging solution burn off from the cylinders. Change the cooling water impellers. Make sure both the bilge pump and blower are operational. Connect freshwater to the engine and start it to see if there are any fuel or starting issues.
Summer Prep Pays Off!
Set aside a boat maintenance day/weekend/afternoon, and your first voyage will be more fun, with fewer unwelcome surprises. Our service department is available to help you make sure your boat is ready to rock and roll for summer boating. Please reach out to the team at Clark Marine Sales with any questions. We’re in Franklin, Tennessee, also serving the Nashville boating community.