Before you know it, spring will be here and so will the first signs of boating season. It’s not too early to start thinking about getting ready for summer fun on the water. Since it most likely has been in storage and unused for several months, your first step to proper boat care is to refer to your owner’s manual for any recommended maintenance that it might suggest at this time. After you accomplish that, use the tips below to make sure you have your boat prepped.

How to Get Your Boat Ready for Spring

1. Inspect & Repair

If you are not comfortable with the do-it-yourself route for boat care, enlist the help of professionals to perform your inspection and repairs. If you do it yourself, examine your boat for signs of damage, or areas that might need tune-ups or fixing.

Check hardware fittings, plugs, and valves, and make sure the hoses are in good shape. Take a good look at the fuel system, the engine and oil, and other fluids for leaks, holes, or signs of wearing. If needed, these should be repaired before you take the boat into the water.

2. Check the Safety Equipment 

The first step you’ll want to take in making sure your boat is properly equipped for safety is to check your local laws regarding required items and make sure you have those on board. Harbortown Marine has ODNR booklets with minimum safety requirements.  Verify that all personal flotation devices (PFDs) are in top-notch condition without tears, holes, damage, or missing pieces. 

Replace anything that is no longer suitable for safe boating. Review the first-aid kit for any expired or missing items and restock it. Remember to examine flares, fire extinguishers, and any additional safety equipment and renew them if necessary.  Also check dock and anchor lines.  They’re not part of safety equipment listings, but you want to make sure they’re still supple and aren’t frayed.

3. Clean & Protect

An important part of boat care is keeping it clean and protected. After being in storage for the winter months, it will likely need a good cleaning... mold, mildew, and grime is easier to clean before you launch.

Clean & apply protectants to vinyl & wood, clean & waterproof canvas, and remove oxidation & apply wax to fiberglass surfaces. Starting off the season with a spotless vessel will also encourage you to keep it clean all summer long.

Paint or wax the bottom if you leave the boat in the water.  Antifouling paint or wax slows down growth, which also improves performance and fuel economy.

From spring tune-ups to outfitting you with supplies & accessories, Harbortown Marine can handle all of your boat care needs. Locally owned in Vermilion, OH, for nearly 26 years, they have the service-oriented expertise to provide All Your Nautical Needs. Call (440) 967-8072 to make an appointment until returning to Harbortown’s 7-Days-a-Week schedule in late-March, or go online to review some Helpful Hints.