Spring Boat Maintenance Checklist

Now that the days are starting to get longer and the weather is warming up, you’re probably starting to think about launching your boat and enjoying a day out on the water with your friends and family. No matter if your boat was stored in a wet slip or dry rack storage, it’s important to follow proper spring boat maintenance guidelines.

A spring boat maintenance schedule ensures that you catch any potential issues before boating season amps up. It also helps you avoid more involved and costly repairs later on - and minimizes the chances that your boat will be out of commission on the day you plan on boating. The better you take care of your boat in the off-season, the more memories you’ll be able to make out on the water with your loved ones.

Keep in mind that while this spring boat maintenance checklist is meant to serve as a general guide, it’s important to read through and refer to your boat’s manual for specific guidelines. Every boat is different and will require certain tasks to ensure it’s ready to hit the water.

Perform a General Boat Inspection 

Even if you safely and securely stored your boat during the off-season, you want to make sure to perform a general inspection of your watercraft. If you use any storage coverings, remove them so you can get a closer look at the exterior and interior. 

Carefully check the hull for any stress cracks and blisters. If you do see any blisters, you’ll want to dry, sand and fill those. Large blisters and significant stress cracks will need to be repaired  by a professional. Make sure that all of the anodes are still in good condition. Over time, the anodes will start to deteriorate and will need to be replaced. You also want to make sure all of the drain plugs fit securely and that there aren’t any cracks in any of the rubber seals and gaskets.

If you stored your boat in the water, you’ll want to make sure there isn’t a barnacle buildup. Once you’ve checked that over, go through and thoroughly inspect the thru-fulls and seacocks for corrosion. Also, make sure the deck doesn't show any signs of damage that you'll need to have repaired.

Check the Engine and Mechanical Systems 

Depending on the type of boat you have and whether it’s a saltwater or freshwater boat, the required engine and mechanical system maintenance can vary. To start off, be sure to insect the belts, hoses and clamps for any wear and tear. 

Then, check all of the fluid levels, including the motor oil, transmission, power steering and power trim and tilt reservoirs. If any are low, top them off so you don’t risk getting stranded while out on the water. If your filters are old and dirty, go ahead and replace them. 

While doing your spring boat maintenance, it’s also a good idea to check the fuel tank for any leaks. Also, make sure that none of the sparkplugs or hoses are damaged and need to be repaired or replaced. 

Inspect and Test the Electrical System

Your boat’s electrical system should also be carefully inspected to ensure you and your passengers stay safe when out on the water. Look over all of the wiring on your boat to ensure nothing is worn or starting to fray. Make sure there are no signs of corrosion or any loose connections. 

While checking the electrical connections, pay attention to the running lights, trolling motor and run bilge pump and aerators. Check that all the lights in the boat, ranging from the cabin lights to navigation lights, are working as they should and that all electronics are in working order. 

Inspect All Safety Equipment 

In emergency situations, having the right safety equipment on your boat can make the difference between life and death. Because of this, there are a few basic necessities you want to keep stocked on your boat:

• Life jackets: You want to make sure that you have plenty of life jackets on board for all of your passengers. Inspect them to make sure there aren’t any rips or missing parts that could compromise the safety and effectiveness of them. Replace any damaged life jackets and store them in an easily accessible area on your boat.
• Fire extinguishers: All fire extinguishers should be inspected and tested. You want to make sure that you have the correct size and type for your specific boat. Check the expiration date and make sure that they are fully charged and properly mounted.
• Carbon monoxide detectors: If your boat has carbon monoxide detectors in enclosed areas, be sure to inspect each one. Any fuel, whether it be gas or diesel, that starts leaking in your boat can quickly result in a dangerous situation for you and your passengers. 
• Flare kit: Whenever you are out on large bodies of water, you want to make sure you have flare kits on board. Flares allow you to send out distress signals during the day or at night in emergency situations. Your local DNR will specify the requirements depending on the size of your boat. 
• Safety kit: Check your first aid kit and restock safety items that are expired or running low. Necessary items to include in a safety kit range from communication devices to navigation lights to first aid items like pain relievers and antiseptic. 

Clean the Interior of the Boat

While you’ll mainly be focusing on the exterior of your boat during your spring maintenance, you also want to spend some time giving the interior a little TLC. No matter the size or style of your boat, you want to make sure the interior stays clean and organized. 

You can use an all-purpose cleaner to clean the console area and any hard surfaces. Wipe down the seats and clean the windows. Check that there isn’t any mold or mildew starting to grow on any of the interior surfaces. 

If the carpet is starting to look worn out and dingy, consider replacing it. Spring cleaning is the perfect time to refresh your boat’s interior and install premium carpet that will enhance the style and durability of your watercraft. At Matworks, you’ll find an array of custom boat carpets designed with patented snap in technology for easy installation. These carpets also feature an anti-microbial material that will prevent mold and mildew from forming. Because they are also UV resistant, you won’t even have to worry about your new mats fading even when exposed to sunlight. 

Review All Boating Paperwork 

Before you set sail, make sure all boating paperwork is in order. Review all of your boating registration, insurance and documentation. Make sure these documents are up-to-date and that you understand exactly what your insurance covers. 

Plan on fishing while you’re out on the water? Be sure you have the right fishing license before you toss your line. Now is also a good time to update your logbooks and maintenance records to make sure everything is good to go. 

Get Ready for Boating Season With Matworks

As you’re going through and checking off items on your spring boat maintenance checklist, turn to Matworks to help you create a one-of-a-kind boating experience. As a one-stop for custom snap in mats, we’ll work with you to elevate your experience out on the water. 

Because all of our products are custom made, you have the ability to personalize your mats and carpet with your choice of logo, graphic, image or message. No matter what kind of design vision you have in mind, we’ll work with you to bring it to life. 

To experience unmatched comfort, durability and style out on the water, give us a call at 770-663-0040 or reach out at customerservice@matworks.com so we can help you start designing your custom marine mats and carpet.