Pre Season Boat Check

Getting your boat ready for the boating season can make or break your day on the water. Lets start out to say that working on your boat on the trailer at home or at the dock is a lot easier than on the water. With that said here are some of the things to do before that first day of the season on the water. All boats are different so your check off list for service here is just a general glide. It is easy to print from your computer a check off list and save it for the coming years. You can add to it as needed and put it in to your boat folder.

Papers
New registration sticker attracted to hull and registration on boat
Proof of up to date boat insurance
Boatus membership up to date and call information on boat

Hull
Clean your bilge(s) this is a big deal for Lake Tahoe
Wash the hull and clean the inside of your boat
Wax the boat with a good coat
Polish the metal
Teak, sand if needed, clean and oil
Clean windows
Clean canvas and your bimini is you got one
Check hull for scratches, fractures, gouges and repair if necessary
If needed replace zincs

Safety Equipment
Check fire extinguisher, gauge in green
Check marine radio, you should be able to get the weather station. Check on the water
Inspect all antennas and wire going to them for wear
Check PFD’s (life jackets), one for every person on the boat and kids my have special needs
Check life rings and cushions
Check signaling device or horn, flares
Check navigation lights, spare bulbs
Check radar
Check first aid kit, replace supplies if needed
Check hand pump or bailer for good working order
Check GPS for navigation or marking your locating in an emergency
Check dinghy and life raft

Inboard Engines
Change oil and Filters
Check fuel filter and change if necessary
Check all cooling hoses are connected, if equip change coolant if necessary
Check transmission fluid or I/O oil, change as necessary (once a year)
Change spark plugs if gasoline
Check wires for wear
Check fuel line(s) for leaking
Check prop for bend and nicks
Check power steering fluid level add if needed

Outboard
Change oil and Filters
Check fuel filter and change if necessary
Change spark plugs
Check spark plug wires for wear
Inspect fuel lines, primer bulb and tank for leaks
Change and fill gear lube
Lubricate moveable parts
Check prop for bend and nicks

Electrical System
Check battery water level
Check terminals for corrosion, clean if necessary
Check battery voltage, charge batteries if necessary
Inspect all wiring for wear
Test all gauges
Check all lighting, new batteries for flash lights if needed
Check for spare bulbs and fuses
Check all electronics for proper operation
Check shore power and charger

Deck, Lines and Fittings
Inspect anchor line and chain
Check windlass for operation and lubricate
Inspect tackle, lines, cleats and fenders
Inspect winches and grease

Head
Check that it operates properly
Add chemicals if need
TP aboard

Water System
Water tank should be flush and sanities
Check water system and pump for leaks and proper operation
Check hot water tank is working
Check shower and sink for proper operation

Galley
Check that all appliances are operating properly, refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave, etc
Refrigerator clean and a new box of baking soda
Stove and oven clean

Trailer
Check Tires and air pressure
Connect lights and check working order
Check wheel bearings by turning a free wheel, wigal tire back an forth for looseness
Lubricate wheel bearings
Lubricate tongue jack and wheel
Check safety chains for wear
Check breaks
Have current registration in tow vehicle
Have tongue lock and the key in the tow vehicle