How to Prepare Your Boat for Summer

Boating season is upon us, so you know what that means! It’s time to review some of our maintenance tips. If you’re not sure how to prepare your boat for summer, you’ve come to the right place. Check out our guide, then visit our dealership if you need assistance with service or repairs before you hit the water. 

Initial Inspection

You’ll want to start by inspecting your boat. Pay close attention to detail so you don’t miss anything. You want to confirm your boat didn’t sustain any damage while in storage. Whether you’re dealing with weather damage or a critter infestation, you’ll want to address the issues before you hit the water.

Get It Clean

The next step is to clean your boat. After all those months in storage during the off-season, it’s likely covered in a thick layer of dust and grime. You’ll want to address any mold or mildew concerns when cleaning your boat. Sweep away any dead leaves, wipe down the console, polish the chrome, clean the controls, and shine the glass. Not only will your boat be looking beautiful, but a good cleaning helps prevent damage to the interior and exterior surfaces.

Check the Engine and Batteries

Now it’s time to prepare your boat for summer. Start by checking the engine. Look for any leaks near the gaskets and engine heads. You’ll also want to examine the fluid levels, change the oil, and confirm that the spark plugs are in good condition. If you know the fuel has been sitting in the tank for a while, drain it and replace it with fresh fuel. Be sure the fuel you're using has no more than 10% ethanol.

You’ll also want to check the batteries for any signs of corrosion or excessive wear. It’s also a good idea to start your boat and run the battery. This will allow you to confirm that the lights and other electrical systems are functioning properly.

Check Your Safety Gear and Registration

Round up all of your boat safety gear for a thorough inspection. Confirm that all of the life jackets and personal flotation devices are in great shape. If not, you’ll need to replace them before your first boating adventure of the season. Check your first-aid kit to see if anything has expired. If so, add new supplies. Also, make sure your boat is fully stocked with emergency flares and that the fire extinguishers are still up to date. 

This is also the perfect time to take a look at your boat registration and tags. Is everything valid? If not, you’ll need to take care of those renewals before you go exploring. The last thing you want is to be enjoying a gorgeous day on the water and be fined for expired paperwork.

If you have any other questions about how to prep your boat, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Rockingham Boat proudly serves all those in Manchester and Nahua, NH. We’re conveniently located in Hampstead and we look forward to assisting you with all your boating needs.