Spring Boating Preparation Checklist for Smooth Sailing

Spring has come, and the wind and waves beckon. If you’re a boating enthusiast, you’re probably eager to get out onto the water.

But don’t get ahead of yourself—your beloved vessel might need some TLC after being winterized (you did winterize it, right??).

So instead of setting sail, how about setting aside some time for spring boat maintenance? We’ve put together a list of things you can do to prepare for your warm-weather adventures on the water. There’s even a printable boat maintenance checklist you can reuse each year if you wish. Find it here or at the bottom of the page.

Let’s get your vessel sea-worthy.

SAFETY CHECK

Checking the safety features on your boat is smart for a couple of reasons. First, it’ll help you be protected in case of an accident. Second, it’ll keep you in line with boating regulations.

The specific regulations you’ll need to follow may vary by state, but here are the regulations for some safety features:

Fire extinguishers (courtesy of the United States Coast Guard)

"Fire extinguishers must:

1. Be on board and readily accessible;

2. Be of an approved type;

3. Not be expired or appear to have been previously used; and

4. Be maintained in good and serviceable working condition, meaning:

• If the extinguisher has a pressure gauge reading or indicator it must be in the operable range or position;
• The lock pin is firmly in place;
• The discharge nozzle is clean and free of obstruction; and
• The extinguisher does not show visible signs of significant corrosion or damage.

The rule takes effect on April 20, 2022.”

Personal Floatation Devices [PFDs] from the Code of Federal Regulations

“Except as provided in §§ 175.17 and 175.25:

(a) No person may use a recreational vessel unless -

(1) At least one wearable PFD is on board for each person;

(2) Each PFD is used in accordance with any requirements on the approval label; and

(3) Each PFD is used in accordance with any requirements in its owner's manual, if the approval label makes reference to such a manual.

(b) No person may use a recreational vessel 16 feet or more in length unless one throwable PFD is onboard in addition to the total number of wearable PFDs required in paragraph (a) of this section.

(c) No person may operate a recreational vessel under way with any child under 13 years old aboard unless each such child is either -

(1) Wearing an appropriate PFD approved by the Coast Guard; or

(2) Below decks or in an enclosed cabin.”

Additionally, the United States Power Squadron has a pdf of US Coast Guard requirements for other equipment you’ll want on your boat as of 2012.

Belts, cables, and hoses

• Make sure you don’t see cracks, brittleness, or other troubling signs that these parts may need replaced.
• If belts have gone slack, you’ll want to replace them. One way to tell if they’re too loose is to look for black marks around the area they’re placed.

Exterior

• Check the boat’s hull for cracks, distortions, and other signs of more-than-usual wear and tear.
• Examine your propeller for dents, cracks, etc.
• Make sure your boat’s drain plug is in place.

Engine and fuel system

• Look for leaks or other damages to hoses or tanks.
• Ensure fluid levels are within an acceptable range.
• Make sure you aren’t using more than 10% ethanol fuel.

OTHER SPRING BOAT MAINTENANCE

Now it's time to do those tasks that may not be obvious just from poking around your boat looking for problems.

• Test your battery.¹
• Change your oil filter, drive lubricants, and engine oil (assuming you didn't already do this when you winterized).¹
• See if your air filter needs replaced.²
• Replace your fuel filter.²
• Use an eco-friendly cleaning solution to wash the deck, hull, and topsides.¹

You’ve finished your spring boat prep!

Doing these maintenance checks is probably the last thing you want to do when you’re just itching to get back into the water. However, it’s important to be a good steward of your boat so that you can continue to enjoy it for a long time to come.

If you need any parts for your boat, check out our selection of hydraulic hose kits, pump kits, and more to keep your craft in tip-top shape.

[REVISED 3/2023]