Summer is almost here, so its time to get those boats ready. Here is a very comprehensive list of all the stuff you should check to get your boat ready for the boating season.

It is a good idea to start early; that way, if any significant repairs have to be done, your boat will still get ready on time, and you won’t lose any precious boating time.

I have included a free downloadable PDF checklist. You can use this list to help you keep track of progress and to make sure you don’t forget anything.

Hull

Clean hull– Whether you keep your boat in a storage unit, on your garage or backyard with a cover or even shrink-wrapped, now is clean up time. Get your boat out, uncover it, and give it a good wash. Sitting boats tend to collect dust, mildew, and other stuff. Taking the time to give it a thorough wash, so you start the boating season with a nice and clean boat.
Inspect– While you are washing your boat, take the time to inspect the hull for any damages that could have happened during the last boating season. Check screws as they have a tendency of becoming loose (here is more info on loose screws). Check the boarding ladder, anchor compartment, and windshield. Check sacrificial anodes and replace it if necessary.
Fiberglass hull– After washing your boat, apply a coat of wax to the hull. waxing your boat will keep your boat looking good and also protect the gel coat and help prevent oxidation.
Aluminum hull– Apply a coat of boatLIFE aluminum boat cleaner or any other product of your preference. This will protect, polish, and brighten your boat’s hull.
Antifouling paint– If your boat sits in the water for long periods or even the whole boating season, it might be a good idea to paint the bottom with antifouling paint. This will help slow the growth and/or facilitate detachment of subaquatic organisms that attach to the hull and can affect your boat’s performance and durability

Interior

Inspect- Take a good look around your boat’s interiors. Your boat has probably been sitting for months, and there is a possibility you can find some unwanted stuff. Check for mildew presence, it tends to happen on covered boats and not properly wrapped boats. Look for any small animals that might have moved into your boat on the offseason.
Clean– Clean seats, floor, storage compartments, windshield, console, and everything really good. This is the moment to do a deep and thorough cleaning, and while doing so, you can also get rid of clutter and also make sure you have everything you need and organize it.
Bimini top– If your boat is equipped with a Bimini top, make sure there are no dry rotted areas, rips, or tears on the fabric. Wash the fabric with soapy water and let it dry. apply canvas protector/waterproofer and allow plenty of time to dry. Check all the tubing or wake tower depending on which you have check snaps and zippers.
Storage- this is a good time to go around your boat and figure out ways to improve storage. You probably heard that old saying “boats shrink on the water” well, it is true. I heard if from an old salesman when I was shopping around for my boat, it didn’t make sense until I took the boat to the water. I quickly realized that that big and spacious 21′ boat wasn’t that big or spacious. If you don’t have an organized boat, you will run out of space quickly and even more so if you bring guests onboard. This is why it is important to take some time to organize your boat really well.

Mechanical

Engine– you should change the oil and filter at the end of the season rather than at the beginning, if you forgot or didn’t know, then do it now. Perform a thorough visual inspection of all engine components and check all fluid levels. Look for signs of rust, check hoses and serpentine belt.
Outdrive– Same as engine, the outdrive should be serviced at the end of the season rather than at the beginning, but do so if you haven’t. Do a visual inspection of all components.
Steering cable– The steering cable should be inspected 2 to 3 times a year. Check the outer jacket for any signs of rust, tears, or cracks. Make sure the steering wheel moves freely, if you notice difficulty when trying to steer, it’s time to replace the steering cable. Seating cables can’t be fixed if you find Althing wrong wit it, it must be replaced.
Propeller– Make sure the propeller moves freely (in neutral position) and check blades for cracks, bents, and missing chunks. It is a good idea to carry a spare propeller on your boat. Propellers can be easily replaced, so if you hit something and damage it, you can just replace it and keep on boating.
Bilge pump- Check functionality and electrical connection.

Electronics

Chartplotter– Make sure that the software and maps are up to date. Maps are being updated constantly, and you want to make sure you are running the latest on your Chartplotter.
Radio– Turn the radio on and play some music. Make sure your sound system is working properly.
VHF radio– Verify that all components are working properly. Remember that the VHF radio is a safety device, and it must be 100% operational. (Here is more info on VHF radios)
Navigation devices– This includes weather radar, compass, and transducer.
Navigation lights– Especially if you plan on doing any night boating, turn lights on and go around the boat and make sure that they are all working.

Safety

Live best– Pull them out and inspect to make sure they are in good working conditions. It is recommended to wear your life best at all times while boating, but if you don’t, make sure they are easily accessible.
Trowable- Make sure it is in good condition
Fire extinguisher– Check the expiration date and check the tank for any damages or signs of rust.
Emergency kit- Check functionality and expiration date.
First aid kit– Also, check the expiration date on your first aid kit supplies and replace anything that you might have used the previous season.
Epirb– Check batteries, functionality, and reactivate your subscription if needed.
Horn– make sure it works properly.

Battery/ electric connections

Cables– Visual inspection of cables, check cable jacket, and heat shrink connectors for cracks or tears. Check connectors and connector blocks for signs of corrosion. If corrosion is found, clean, or replace it as necessary.
Battery health– Use a battery tester (link to amazon) or take to your local shop and have them test the batteries.

Trailer

Brakes- Check fluids and brake pads
Tie-downs- Check for functionality, cracks, and tears.
Winch- Check for signs of rust, functionality, cracks, wear and tear
Bunks- Check for signs of rot and broken or lose bunks.
Lights- Check for proper working conditions.
Suspension- Get under the trailer and do a visual inspection of all components
Hubs- Inspect hubs and service if necessary. (More information here)
Tires- Tires end to deteriorate faster when seating still for prolonged periods. chek for any sing of decay like dry rot or cracks. don’t forget to inspect the spare tire.

Miscellaneous

Dock line– Make sure you have plenty of dock lines. Inspect dock lines for signs of dry rot and tears.
Anchor- Check for bents and proper working conditions. Check chains for excessive corrosion. Check the anchor line for excessive wear and tear.
Bumpers- You want to make sure you have enough bumpers and they are in good shape.
Cleaning rags- Good to have onboard to clean any accidents.
Spare drain plug- Always a good idea to bring a spare drain plug

Upgrades

This time is also great to install those necessary and cool upgrades you have been wanting. Take advantage of the offseason to work on the upgrades; this way, when the boating season is here, your boat will be ready. (check this article on some cool boat upgrades)

Documents

Laws- check for any laws that might have changed during the offseason.
Documents- Make sure your boat and trailer tags are up to date. Also remember to keep a copy of the registration onboard.
License- If you are required to have a boating license, make sure it is up to date.
Fishing License- If you are into fishing, you want to make sure your fishing license is not expired. Some states are very severe on unlicensed fishermen. You can get significant fines or even lose your boat if caught fishing without a license.

Helpful Tips To Get Your Boat Ready For The Summer