How to Get Your Boat Ready for Spring

By scoutboats.com

Make Spring Easier with Proper Winterizing

If May rolls around, it’s a little late for this step, but you can always remember it for next year. To get your boat ready for spring, it helps to winterize the boat properly. By thoroughly preparing your boat for winter storage, it will be easier to get ready for spring boating. Steps like flushing the engine and removing the battery will make it easier for you to go from the storehouse to the sea quickly.

Anas Elkahlaoui, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, Boats_227522211 via Wikimedia Commons
Boats_spring via Wikimedia Commons

Wash Away Winter Dust and Grime

The beginning of spring is a great time to wash and wax the boat. It may even be a good time to take the vessel to a professional detailer to meticulously clean every nook and cranny of your boat’s deck.

 While any cleaning is better than none, you should use products that are made specifically for marine purposes. Products made for automobiles or home use could damage a boat’s materials.

Charge or Replace the Batteries

While new batteries will likely hold their charge over the winter, you certainly don’t want discover that your battery is empty. Take the time to charge or replace the battery so you are ready for spring.

Complete a Thorough Safety Check

Your boat should have all the proper safety equipment. This is not just a good idea in principle—it’s also legally required. Plenty of life jackets, an up-to-date fire extinguisher, and a working radio are just a few of the items you should have.

If you need help remembering all the safety equipment, this list of required boating safety equipment from the U.S. Coast Guard is a useful tool.

Read more at scoutboats.com