As the days get longer and the weather warms up, it’s time to prepare for some fun on the water! Your boat has been in storage throughout the winter season, so it’s time to pull off the covering and prepare the vehicle for use. Follow the boat service checklist below to make sure she’s in prime condition.

4 Steps for Taking Your Boat Out of Hibernation

1. Clean & Wax

Even if your boat was in covered storage, chances are that some grime has accumulated on it over the past few months. Thoroughly wash it, wax the exterior, and detail the interior.

Choose your cleaning materials and wax depending on your boat type; fiberglass will require a different cleaner than aluminum, for example. Always use products designed for boats, since automobile supplies might damage the finish.

2. Charge & Check the Electronic System

The battery likely lost some of its juice in storage, so connect it to a charger by attaching the clips to the battery’s terminals and program the settings according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Test the charge after a few days to ensure the battery is maintaining power. If not, then it’s time to replace it. Test all the electronics, such as the lights and navigational system, as well.

3. Schedule Boat Service

Your boat requires professional servicing once a year. During your appointment, a mechanic should replace the oil, top off other fluids, test the bilge pump, inspect the electrical system, and look for any cracking rubber after the extreme winter cold.

4. Add Safety Gear

You should have all of your safety gear on board before hitting the water for the first time. There should be one life jacket per person, a fire extinguisher, an anchor and line, a whistle, a paddle, a mirror, flares, a radio, a navigational system, and spare food and water.

Premier Boating Center will handle your seasonal boat service at their facility in Lincoln, NE. Their technicians stay up-to-date on all the latest technology and repair techniques to get your vessel ready for a season of full use. If it’s time for an upgrade, they have a wide selection of used and new boats for sale, as well as boat accessories. Learn more about their offerings on their website and schedule your service by calling (402) 464-4791.