The weather is finally getting better, and you’re itching to get your boat back onto the water. But before you do, take the time to prepare your boat before taking it out for its first outing of the season.

Here are some tips to help get your boat ready for the season.

Before boating

If you haven’t completed it yet, take a boat safety course and earn your boating certificate. You should also read your owner’s manual for the recommended maintenance guidelines, and learn or refresh your memory of your boat’s components, features, and safety rules.

Taking care of your boat

To ensure your boat is in working order, you should:

  • Uncover your boat: Remove the boat cover by rolling it back slowly. Make sure to check for any evidence of critters such as mice.
  • Check for any damage: Conduct an inspection of the boat looking for any corrosion or excessive wear of the electrical system.
  • Clean up your boat: Make sure to clean up your boat of any dust or dirt that accumulated during the winter months. Once it’s clean, polish and wax to protect your boat.
  • Do regular maintenance: Take your boat to a trusted mechanic to perform any preventative maintenance.
  • Reinstall electronics: If you stored your boat’s electronics inside for the winter, reinstall everything. You can always ask a professional if you need help with the installation. After you install the electronics, make sure that the technology is up to date.
  • Update your navigation: Before heading out, make sure your navigation is updated.
  • Inspect the propeller: Look for damage such as dings or cracks. Make sure it is properly secured.

What else should I do?

Before leaving dock, consider:

  • Inspecting all safety equipment on board including fire extinguishers, flares, flotation devices, and first-aid kits. They should be inspected for repair, recharge, or restock.
  • Making sure to have at least one working carbon monoxide detector if you have any enclosed or semi-enclosed areas on your boat.
  • Inspecting your trailer before heading out if you’re towing your boat.
  • Monitoring the engine temperature and cooling system during each trip to make sure they are operating correctly.
  • Making sure to put the drain plug in place before launching.

Ready to apply for a recreational vehicle loan?

Are you in the market for a boat? Let Adirondack Bank help take the hassle out of your financing so you can spend more time enjoying yourself. Wherever your outdoor adventure takes you, we can help you get there. For more details, visit your local branch or our consumer loans online.

The information in this article was obtained from various sources not associated with Adirondack Bank. While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. Adirondack Bank is not responsible for, and does not endorse or approve, either implicitly or explicitly, the information provided or the content of any third-party sites that might be hyperlinked from this page. The information is not intended to replace manuals, instructions or information provided by a manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional, or to affect coverage under any applicable insurance policy. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. Adirondack Bank makes no guarantees of results from use of this information.

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