Being out on the open ocean, enjoying the warm weather with your friends and family is something that every boat owner looks forward to throughout the year. That’s precisely why you’ll want to make sure that your boat is ready for action when summer finally rolls around. No matter how you like to spend time on your boat, time on the water is always best when the sun is shining and the sky is an endless, vibrant blue.
However, it’s likely that your vessel hasn’t seen much time on the water throughout all of our long winter months.. In fact, from late autumn through to early spring, many boat owners choose to take their boats out of anchorage and store them in boatyards instead. If this is the case, you’ll absolutely need to ensure that you take the time to tune up your boat, and secure yourself a boat condition report to make sure your little vessel is shipshape for when the sun starts shining again.
Continue reading to learn what else you’ll need to do to get your boat ready for some summer fun.
Inspect The Hull And Propellers
Just as the first thing you inspect when buying a boat secondhand is the hull of the vessel, the first thing you’ll want to do when assessing your boat prior to taking it out for the summer, is to check the hull and propellers for any signs of damage. If your boat has not been used much over the winter in particular, it’s vital that you inspect the hull thoroughly for signs of warping or corrosion. Although this can be done in the water with the help of a diver, it is much easier to inspect and repair your boat on dry land. Check the hull for signs of damage, blistering, cracks and other potential issues.
The propeller should also be inspected for cracks, pitting, dings and distortion. You should also check that your propeller is attached correctly and that the bearings are solid. Finally, make sure that you clean the hull with an eco-friendly solution before you leave the shipyard for the summer.
Tune Up Your Engine
Whether you own a speedboat or a cruising sailboat, scheduling your boat for a full servicing prior to heading out on the water again is an inarguable must. Knowing that your engine is performing optimally is crucial for both your safety as well as for the safety of any other passengers on board when you’re out at sea. Taking the time to tune up your engine before summer arrives will allow you to enjoy more peace of mind when you’re out on the water, safe in the knowledge that your engine won’t let you down. What’s more, an engine tune-up will also give you better fuel economy, helping you to minimise your impact on the environment and get better value for mileage from your fuel consumption.
Check The Fluid Levels
Checking the fluid levels in your boat before the summer is another important task. This task will naturally include checking the levels of your power steering engine oil, as well as your power trim reservoir and coolant. Depending on the type of boat that you own, there may be other fluids that will need to be checked, however, the ones we mentioned are always a great starting point. When you are checking your fluids, be sure to take a moment to check your oil filters too and change them if necessary.
Safety Equipment
Getting back out on the water when summer rolls around is certainly something to look forward to, however, you need to ensure that you do so safely. Take this opportunity to check that all the required safety equipment is onboard, in good condition and is working correctly. This includes but is not limited to life jackets, Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) or distress beacon, fire extinguishers and any other safety equipment that you have on board. Knowing that all of your safety equipment is in proper working order is essential and should never be overlooked.
Ensure Your Boat Is Shipshape And Ready For Action This Summer
Following the tips outlined above, you can ensure that your boat is in proper working order and safe for you to enjoy this summer. Taking the time to prepare your boat ahead of time will allow you to get the most out of your boating when the weather heats up so that you have fun and stay safe when you’re on your next adventure.
