How to Get Your Boat Ready For Summer – Your Ultimate Guide!

Getting excited to get out on the water for the season and need to know how to get your boat ready for summer? If so, you are in the right place. Whether you’re a novice or an advanced sailor, here you’ll find the best tips and advice to prepare your boat for the upcoming summer for a pleasant and safe boating experience.

---

---

1. Check Your Boat Registration

Before venturing out on the water, take a moment to check the registration and make sure it’s valid.

Check the expiration date, and if it’s expired or about to expire, renew it before setting sail.

If you fail to renew your registration, you may face fines or penalties and may not be allowed to use your boat until the registration is current. 

2. Prepare Your Boat’s Engine

Spark Plugs

If you have applied fogging oil to winterize your outboard, make sure to unplug each spark plug and remove any oil residue from them.

Then, when you return from your first-day boat trip, unplug the spark plugs again, clean off any last marks of burned fogging oil, or replace them with new ones.

Keep in mind that even if you did not apply fogging oil on your outboard, you still need to follow the same procedure by cleaning or replacing the spark plugs.

Tip: If you’ve protected your outboard with fogging oil during winterization season, your motor will generate smoke from the exhaust when you run it for the first time. But don’t panic, as this is normal.

Belts

Belts are relatively affordable, and replacing them once a year is the best you can do to have a trouble-free boating trip. Those belts are essential in driving your boat’s alternator and water pump, depending on the model.

So if the belt show signs of wear, cracking, or fraying, don’t wait; replace it immediately. First, however, always check that the belt is properly adjusted and sits correctly in the pulleys.

If the belt is too tight, It will cause bearings and seals to wear out more quickly. On the other hand, if the belt is too loose, it will slip and won’t drive the alternator as it supposes to.

That’s why following the manufacturer’s recommendations when adjusting the belt tension is important.

Tip: Check the belt’s tension after the motor has been running for 10 minutes.

Carburetors

If your boat’s engine has a carburetor and you don’t have the skill or time to remove the parts, use a carburetor cleaner such as quicksilver power tune, B-12 Cheemtool, or Seafoam. These carburetor cleaning solutions will remove all the carbon buildup in your engine and carburetor.

To clean the carburetor properly, first:

• Fill out the fuel tank.
• Use one of the cleaners mentioned above and pour it into the fuel tank using a funnel.
• Once done, start the engine and let it run for about 15 minutes. Then turn it off and let it cool down for about 5 to 15 minutes.
• Repeat this procedure several times.

This will burn out all the carbon through the carburetor and clean everything in the motor.

PS: if you use this method, do it outside in an aerated place because the engine will generate a lot of smoke.

Fluids Level

Check all fluid levels in the engine, including engine oil, coolant, and hydraulic fluid.

Top off any low levels and replace any fluids that appear dirty or contaminated.

Regularly monitoring fluid levels ensures your engine performs at peak during the boating season.

---

3. Fuel System and Storage

Fuel Stabilizer

During winter storage, it’s common for fuel to degrade, leading to poor engine performance and potential damage. To fix this issue:

• Add a fuel stabilizer to the tank before bringing your boat out of storage.
• Run the engine for at least 15 minutes to allow the stabilizer to circulate throughout the engine and prevent varnish deposits from clogging fuel injectors and carburetors. 

PS: Apply this procedure in a well-aerated place, and if you can, wear a mask, as it will generate smoke.

 Drain Plugs

Ensure all drain plugs are properly installed to prevent water from entering the bilge and causing damage to the engine and other components. Check every drain plug for corrosion or damage, and replace them if necessary. 

Bilge Pump

Check if the bilge of your boat is working correctly.

• First, turn on the bilge pump switch. Listen for any sounds coming from the pump, which should indicate that it is running.
• Then, pour a bucket of water into the bilge to simulate a water leak. The pump should automatically turn on and begin pumping out the water.
• Watch the water level in the bilge as the pump runs, and make sure that it is being removed at a steady rate.

If the water level does not decrease or the pump does not turn on, there may be a problem with the pump or its electrical connections. In this case, it is best to have a professional inspect and repair the bilge pump to ensure it functions properly. 

---

4. Electrical and Battery Systems

Battery 

If you’ve removed the battery in the winter season, and took the time to recharge it once a month, then all you have to do is check if the battery works properly and pour some drilled water in the cells if necessary.

If you left the battery in your boat during the off-season, you’d have to remove and recharge it. Also, it would be a good idea to check if the terminals and connections are still in good shape and free of residues.

Don’t hesitate to take a little more time to clean the battery using a mixture of baking soda and water to remove any corrosion around the terminals. It’s worth it.

Navigation and Cabin Lights

Navigation and cabin lights are essential for safe boating, especially during the evenings and nights. Inspect all lights on your boat, making sure they are functioning correctly.

Replace any burned-out bulbs or damaged components whenever necessary.

When checking navigation lights, ensure they are bright enough to be visible from a distance and conform to regulations for your specific boat size and type.

---

5. Water System, Hull, and Propeller.

Propeller

A damaged or improperly functioning propeller can lead to poor performance, decreased fuel efficiency, and even safety hazards.

Checking the propeller regularly can also help prevent potential damage to the engine or transmission.

If you notice any damage or issues with the propeller, it’s important to address them as soon as possible to prevent further problems and to keep your boat operating at its best.

Hull

The hull is the main structural part of the boat and protects the interior from water damage.

Regularly inspecting the hull for any cracks, scratches, or other damage is crucial to prevent further damage and maintain the safety and performance of your boat.

Check for any signs of wear, such as soft spots or bubbling, which can indicate water damage or delamination.

It’s also important to ensure the hull is clean and free of any marine growth or debris that can damage it over time. 

Water System

Preparing your boat’s water system is crucial to ensure a smooth and enjoyable boating experience. The first thing you should do is:

• Turn on the freshwater pump and fill the tank with fresh water.
• Then, turn on each faucet and shower to run the water until it is clear of any antifreeze or other winterizing chemicals.
• Next, check all the hoses and connections for any leaks or damage and replace them if necessary.
• It’s also a good idea to check the water heater if you have one and make sure it is functioning properly.
• Once you’ve flushed and checked the system, sanitize it with a marine-grade water treatment product to kill any bacteria or other organisms that may have accumulated during the winter.

6. Safety Gear and Equipment

Life Jackets

Before you get out on the water, inspect life jackets for wear and tear, such as fraying straps or broken buckles, and ensure they work correctly.

If there is a tear in the pdf, it will lose its buoyancy capacities, which can be extremely dangerous. Also, ensure there is a life jacket for each person on board and that they fit correctly.

Fire Extinguishers

Regularly check your fire extinguishers, ensuring they are fully charged, in good condition, and have not expired.

Also, ensure all passengers know where the extinguishers are located and how to use them. Having multiple extinguishers in your boat is also a good idea. They must be located in a visible and easily accessible place.

First Aid Kit

Although a first aid kit is not required by the U.S. Coast Guard, it’s safer to have it on your boat. Your kit should include basic items such as bandaids, gauze, antiseptic, painkillers, and scissors. When selecting a first aid kit, consider the longevity of the trip and the type of water body you’ll be boating. 

---

Final Words!

That’s all there is to it! To get your boat ready for summer, you just need to plan and prepare. If you’re not confident with electronics or simply don’t have the time, it’s best to ask for professional help. When you set sail for the first time, it’s a good idea to stay near the shore to ensure everything is running smoothly. This way, you’ll have a fun and safe time on the water.

• How to get wifi on a boat
• Boating safety tips
• How to stay cool on a boat in the summer without an AC
• Best place to store a fire extinguisher on a boat
• What should do if your small open boat capsizes

Want More Boating Tips?

Subscribe to Cruising Sea newsletter to receive every two weeks the latest post straight to your inbox!