The best place to turn in order to determine how to perform pre-season maintenance on your boat is the owner's manual. If you are like me you never received a manual with your used boat purchase or maybe you have just misplaced the manual and are sure to find it again in the winter. Regardless, there are some common items that must be addressed before you launch your boat at the first of the season in order to insure safety and minimize breakdowns.

The first thing you will address in getting your boat water ready is the hull. You will want to clean the hull with some type of detergent clearing it of dirt, debris, and any algae that may have started growing. While cleaning you will also want to check drains and scuppers and make sure they are clear of debris that would otherwise prevent proper drainage of water on deck.

After cleaning the hull you should put a fresh coat of wax on your hull. It is also time to polish all chrome or metal with the proper type of polish to prevent tarnishment of these parts. You should also clean and polish all canvas, wood, and windows with the proper cleaning supplies for the items your boat is equipped with.

After a thorough cleaning of your boat you should do a walk through inspection and inspect the hull for cracks, gouges, abrasions and the like and repair these to prevent further damage to your boat.

A visual inspection of all ladders and the swim platform is essential for safety. We would not want anyone to have an accident because of faulty equipment on our boat. This is also a good time to check the rub rails, shaft, cutlass bearing, strut and prop.
After you have completed the above inspections and made the proper repairs it is time to check the deck, fittings, and safety equipment on your boat. You should start with checking the integrity of the lifelines. Heaven forbid should you need to use them and they fail under pressure. Continue checking until you have done a visual inspection of all equipment on deck including life raft, windows, ground tackle, anchor windlass and any other such commodities. Be sure to lubricate or seal anything that requires such on your boats deck.

It is a good idea to check and test your boats electrical system before you begin your summer excursions. Start by checking the battery. You do this by first checking the water level and if low remember to add only distilled water to the battery. Check the terminals for corrosion and clean and lubricate. Charge the battery and check it under load. If it is bad it may need to be replaced. Do a visual inspection of all your boats wiring including the lights and repair or replace any frayed or broken wires. Also, check lights for proper operation and check your gages as well. Do you have a broken antenna? If so you know what to do.

If you have an inboard engine you will want to change the oil and oil filter and have a spare on board your vessel. Check and or change all fuel filters and be sure to have extra on board as well. You should also check and possibly change the fluid in the coolant system and carry extra with you.

Check the tension on all belts and check the backfire flame arrestor. Check the impeller water strainer and bilge blower. Check your transmission fluid and replace the filter if it need it. Visually look for any fluid leaks and take the proper steps to repair these as they could lead to worse problems in the future.

If your motor is an outboard you should check the impeller and replace the spark plugs and plug wires. This is a minor investment to insure reliable starts. Be sure to check the gear lube for proper level and make sure it has no water in it. Check your fuel tank, fuel line and primer bulb and replace if you notice cracking or splitting of the rubber.

Once all of this is completed and you are sure that your boat is ready to go you should check the trailer. Make sure the tires are in good condition and properly inflated. Check your lights and make sure they are not cracked or broken and that they work. If not done over the winter you should check the wheel bearings and inspect the brakes if your trailer is so equipped.

The above is not meant to be all inclusive as some boats are set up with different equipment. Your boat may not have all of the above or may have more. If in doubt as to what needs inspected and repaired you may visit your local boat shop where a technician will be able to offer some advice that is user specific. You may also search the inter-net for your specific boat or equipment and find the information you need.

Once you feel comfortable your boat is ready,launch and have fun. Be sure to wear and utilize all safety equipment and act in a safe manner while on and off the water. If you are unsure about the rule in your area you may contact the wildlife resource agency for your state.