Getting Your Boat Ready for Spring

With spring right around the corner, it’s time to bring your boat out of storage! It’s been a cold winter, and your craft may not be ready to go just yet. Keep reading to learn more about what you can do to de-winterize your vessel. If you have any questions or you want to buy a new boat, call Rockingham Boat in Hampstead, New Hampshire. We also proudly serve Manchester and Nashua!

Check the Engine

A good place to start when getting your craft ready for spring is with the engine. Cold weather can put your engine under a lot of distress.

Start by inspecting the belts. Make sure they are in good condition. They shouldn’t give too much when you press on them with your hand. 

Hoses and Tanks

Next, it’s time to look for any leaks. Examine the hoses and tanks. Hoses can be prone to cracking in the cold weather, so make sure there aren’t any holes that can cause a leak. Check out the fuel lines and tanks, coolant systems, and oil too. Replace your hose immediately if you find a crack that could lead to a leak.

Fluids

Now it’s time to check up on your boat’s fluids. Hopefully you stabilized your fuel or emptied the tank before storing your vessel for the winter. If you didn’t, you’ll need to empty it now. Next, check the fuel tank for any damage and make sure it’s still in good condition. 

Coolant is another fluid you should check on before taking your boat out for the spring. Ideally you emptied the tank before storing your craft. Make sure there is no damage to the tank and coolant lines. Don’t forget to fill up or replace your oil too.

Battery

Batteries are particularly bad at dealing with the harsh winter weather. Hopefully you removed your battery from your vessel and hooked it up to a trickle charger before putting it in storage. No matter how you stored your battery, you need to test it out before you hit the water this spring. Check the volts and amps with a battery tester and ensure it can still hold a charge. If it won’t charge at all, it’s time to buy a replacement. If it is functioning properly, clean the terminals and hook it back up and you’re good to go!

These are just some of the important steps you should take to de-winterize your boat. We hope this guide will help you make the most of your spring on the water. Do you need any more tips? Contact our helpful staff at Rockingham Boat in Hampstead, New Hampshire. We are proud to serve Manchester and Nashua too. When you need a trusted marine dealer, it’s time to give us a call!