Summer’s almost over?!
While there’s still some warm weather left, boat owners will have to start planning their end of season boat maintenance. Unlike the routine maintenance you’ve done all summer, end-of-season maintenance requires careful inspection of your boat. It’s important to catch any potential issues before storing your boat to prevent them from getting worse over the winter.
That’s why below, we’ve put together a list of all end-of-season tasks you need to complete before storing your boat.
Engine and System Checks
- Check engine mount
- Check engine antifreeze levels and freezing points
- Check engine belts and adjust as needed
- Check the power trim and refill tilt fluid if necessary
- Check battery water levels
- Change transmission fluid if necessary
- Replace sacrificial anodes that are more than 50 percent deteriorated
- Lubricate grease points
- Add corrosion inhibitor to the heating system
- Fog the engine
- Treat the fuel with storage conditioner
- Check steering for binding and kinks
- Replace fuel and oil filters
- Replace engine & genset zincs
- Disconnect the hot water heater
- Make sure the fuel tank is full before storing
Boat Interior
- Clean freezer and refrigerator
- Clean exterior light bulb sockets
- Spray all light bulb sockets with anti-corrosion spray
- Oil door hinges
- Remove floorboards
- Re-torque all bolts and fasteners
- Vacuum all cushions and mattresses and place them upright if they’re going into storage
Boat Exterior
- Check all hatches and ports for leaks
- Close all seacocks before storing
- Deflate all non-davit inflatable dinghies
- Replace all hull, rudder, shaft and trim zincs
- Touch up paint if necessary
- Wash sand from the hull
- Do a complete wash of the entire boat
- Touch up cracked or chipped paint where necessary
- Wax the hull and topsides that may be exposed during the offseason
- Here is a list of things to check to get your boat ready.
1. FUEL SYSTEM CORROSION
Winter is a good time for your fuel system to be included in your regular inspection. Check the fuel system for corrosion and leaks around the fuel system causing corrosion. This is especially necessary for gasoline. Some less expensive fuel tank vent fittings are constructed of inferior material, lending to early corrosion and failure. Inspect the vent fittings as well as the vent hose and clamps. If the fitting is blistered or deteriorated in any way, remove it from the vessel for closer inspection, or replace it.
2. HULL & TOPSIDES
Winter is an excellent time to deal with the hull and topsides of your boat. Maintain the longevity of your color, whether gel coat or paint you need to wax and compound your hull to stave off the effects of oxidation, UV damage, and the harsh marine environment.
3. PROPS
The first thing to determine is whether your props need rehab or can you clean them yourself. This is a perfect off-season job.
If your props need rehab, make arrangements to have your props delivered back to you in early or mid-spring. This will save you time, plus you will be able to avoid last-minute problems, such as finding out that the prop is beyond rehab and needs to be replaced. Most marinas provide this service through other shops that service props full time
Vacuum cushions and mattress and set them upright to allow airflow during storage
Scrub the refrigerator and freezer to avoid mold, mildew, and unpleasant odors in the spring
Set out No Damp Dehumidifiers and an odor control product such as MDG Mold/Odor Control to eliminate mold, mildew, and associated smells
Oil the hinges and door latches so they will work smoothly next spring
Lubricate all snaps and zippers, whether the canvas is left on over the winter or not
Almost Done
After all, the greasy work has been completed and you have gotten everything you should out of the cabin, it is time for one final cleaning. Depending on the condition of the boat, you may opt to call in a detailer to make quick work of this tedious process:
BOAT DETAILING
Do a complete wash down of the boat, using specialty cleaners to remove rust stains, tree sap, water runoff, and so forth on fiberglass; These stains can become permanent by spring
Wax the hull and topsides, or at least any topside that will be exposed during the coming months
If you notice nicks and wear in the boat paint, get them fixed to keep the paint from disintegrating further
If you are going to leave your canvas up as a boat cover, protect the Isinglass against damage with a specialty protectant; You should do this on a monthly basis.
Boat Mechanics
To ensure a smooth trip, take the time to inspect the
Engine and all its parts. Replace items as needed to
Ensure your boat is in good working order.
- Check the engine and operating temperature
- Check propeller for any damage
- Test steering for any leaks
- Check transom mount (if using an outboard)
- Check fuel lines for weak points or leaks
- Do an oil change
- Check spark plugs
- Check uid levels
- Check gearcase for water
- Check belts, cables and hoses
Lubricate ttings (where required)
Boat’s Electrical Systems
Because your boat experiences a lot of vibration and hull
Flex, it’s important to properly troubleshoot and maintain
Electrical components.
- Check battery charge level
- Check battery connections and cables
- Look for any acid leaks around terminals and clean as needed
- Replace battery if needed
- Check and/or replace interior and exterior lighting and wiring
Hull of the Boat
As the watertight part of the boat, the hull maintains
The structural integrity of the boat, protecting the
- Cabin, cargo, engines and all other components.
- Check for any signs of leaks
- Check for cracks or stressed areas
- Check thru-hulls for rust
- Check stringers
- Wash with a pH balanced soap
- Wax or paint hull
Boat’s Electronics
Not to be confused with electrical systems, the onboard
Electronics of the boat let you navigate and communicate
Effectively.
- Check wiring for any corrosion
- Check voltage levels
- Update rmware to latest version
Boat’s HVAC System
Ready access to water as well as reliable heating and air
Conditioning are essential to an enjoyable trip out on your boat.
- Check and re ll water tank
- Check the drain for clogs
- Check for condensate in pan under evaporator
- Clean air lters and raw water strainer
- Reverse cycle the system to make sure heating is available
- Check the water pump impeller and condenser coil for any build-up
Safety Equipment on Board your Boat
Ensure your safety equipment is in good working condition and
Within the expiry date. Replace anything that has expired or is in
Poor condition.
- Check are(s)
- Check re extinguisher
- Inspect lifejackets for tears or missing parts
- Inspect and restock rst aid kit
- Check ashlight and batteries
- Check and re ll spare gas can
- Check EPIRB (Emergency Positioning Indicating Radio Beacon)
- Check tender for damage
- Check paddles and outboard motor on tender
Safety Equipment Checklist for Boats
Liferaft line attached. …
Lifejackets in good condition and stowed. …
Portable VHF available and charged. …
Flares in date and available. …
Bilge pumps working. …
Fire extinguishers checked and serviced. …
Lifebuoy/MOB in stowage and ready for use. …
Safety harnesses.