Summer is just around the corner, and there’s no better place to enjoy the hot sun than out on the open water in your boat. Whether you plan to go fishing or float with friends, you’ll always have something fun to do. The only thing that can ruin your hot, relaxing summer out on the water is an unexpected issue with your boat. Being stranded out on a faulty vessel can be frustrating and dangerous, and that’s why it’s crucial to ensure that your boat is in the right shape for the water.

Boat Maintenance Checklist for the Boating Season

A boating season checklist can help prevent problems that could keep you off the water once the season is underway. Here is a boat maintenance checklist to help you prepare your vessel for a successful, hassle-free boating season:

Fuel System

  • Look for leaks or damage in the fuel system, paying particular attention to the fuel hoses, connections and tank surfaces. Softness, brittleness and cracking are signs of a damaged fuel hose.
  • Double-check that all fittings and clamps are correctly secured.
  • Check that the engine, exhaust and ventilation systems are all in good working condition.
  • Remove the old fuel from your tank and replace it with new fuel and fuel treatments.
  • Replace the oil filter and lubricate all moving parts.

Safety Equipment

  • Make sure your life jackets are in good working order and that there are enough jackets for all potential passengers.
  • Ensure that all onboard fire extinguishers are of the appropriate class for your vessel and that they are completely refilled and easily accessible.
  • Make sure you have at least one properly installed and working carbon monoxide detector in every enclosed or semi-enclosed area on your boat.

Inspect Propellers and Hulls

  • Inspect propellers and hulls for dents, pitting, cracks and distortion. Damaged propellers can generate unwanted vibration and cause unnecessary harm to your boat.
  • Ensure the propeller is correctly secured and that bearings are replaced as needed.
  • Keep an eye open for blisters, distortions, and cracks when checking the hull.
  • Use an environmentally friendly cleaning solution to clean the hull, deck and topsides.
  • Before each launch, double-check that the drain cap is securely in place.

Hoses, Belts and Cables

  • Replace cracked or swollen control cables.
  • Make sure that the belts fit correctly and tighten them around pulleys to prevent slipping.
  • Cracks or swells on the outer jacket of throttle, shift and steering control cables may indicate internal corrosion and impending breakdown. These issues should be inspected by professionals and dealt with promptly.

Electric System

  • All electrical connections should be clean, tight and free of corrosion or damage.
  • Remove corroded terminals and all cable ends and clean them with a wire brush.
  • Charge and test your battery to verify it can keep its charge.
  • Ask a qualified electrical expert to inspect your electrical systems.

Are You Looking for Boat Repair and Marine Services in Vancouver?

Contact OS Marine Maintenance & Repair Services today for marine mechanical services in Vancouver.

At OS Marine Maintenance & Repair Services, we provide our customers with quality, reliable boat services. Our marine technicians are professionally trained and have extensive experience delivering budget-friendly marine repair and maintenance services to keep you safe and let you enjoy the water.

Call us today at +1 (778) 237-3565 or visit our website to learn more about our services and request a quote.