Readying your boat for the spring season

As warmer days approach, and the wilds of the winter storms are mainly behind us, now is the time to start readying your boat for the some spring sailing. If your boat has been in storage over winter, then here are our top tips on making it safe and seaworthy for the season ahead. 

Check your engine

Whether outboard or inboard, your engine may not have seen the light of day for some six months. Use a good light to inspect all elements; you’re looking for leaks, corrosion and any debris that might have found its way in during the winter months. If you removed the battery when you winterised your boat, now is the time to reinstall. 

We recommend paying particular attention to the following:

– Stern glands/shaft seals
– Engine oil
– Filters (both oil and fuel)
– Gearbox
– Coolant
– Belts and drive wheels
– Impeller

Readying your boat: safety equipment

No-one wants to be caught out with worn or out-of-date safety equipment. When getting your boat ready for summer, safety equipment must be serviceable. 

– The following checklist will help you to stay say out on the water:
– Lifejacket and life raft servicing should be in date.
– Torch and alarm batteries should be tested and replaced.
– Check all distress signalling equipment including expiry dates and service and replace as necessary.
– Ensure that fire extinguishers and first aid supplies are also in date and replace if expired or running short.

Ready your boat: lights and electrics

If your boat has stood still this winter, ensure that your lights are in good clean working order and that all fuses and electronic equipment is functioning as it should.

Don’t forget to check:
– Navigation lights
– Navigation equipment
– Fish finders
– Electric bilge pump

How to ready your deck

It’s likely that your boat will need a good clean after winter storage. Rinse off any dust before washing and waxing the hull. If you’re planning on keeping your boat on a mooring then you might want to look at antifouling the underside. 

Make sure the following is working and ready for use

– Winches
– Chain plates
– Standing rigging
– Cockpit drains
– Anchors
– Fresh water system

If you’re not confident in doing any of this work yourself or are in any doubt about your vessels’ seaworthiness, then our experienced engineers can take the worry out of getting your boat ship shaped and ready to launch! Get in touch for a quote.

Stop press!

We are hugely excited to announce that our brand new Highfield and Bayliner showroom will be completed for the beginning of May, giving customers the chance to see these incredible boats up close.

We’ll also be exhibiting at the Royal Cornwall Show from 4th-6th June and Stithians Show on 15th June. Come along to our stand for a chat about all things nautical, we would love to meet you!