Ah, springtime! The birds are singing, the flowers are blooming, and you’re dying to get your boat back out on the water. Before you head out on your next fishing expedition or joy ride, check to make sure your boat is safe and seaworthy, and follow these helpful maintenance tips.
Charge or Change the Battery
After a winter sitting in dry dock or a garage somewhere, your boat’s battery may need a recharge or replacement. Check to see if it still has any juice and charge it overnight. Or, if it’s dead, replace it with a new battery.
Inspect the Electrical System
Check all the electrical connections to ensure that they are clean, tight, and free of corrosion. Clean off any corrosion with a wire brush and test all your electrical components before you get out on the water.
Fuel Up & Top Off Fluids
Make sure you don’t forget to start off your next boating adventure on a full fuel tank – running out of gas is a real buzz kill. Also, check and change the engine oil, power steering fluid, power trim reservoirs and coolant.
Inspect the Engine
Take a look at your boat’s motor and check for loose hose clamps, faulty spark plugs, worn or cracked hoses or belts, and the wear on your impeller (these typically need to be replaced every two years). You should also change your engine filters.
Check the Trailer
If you’re hauling your boat on a trailer, don’t forget to make sure that the electrical connections are secure, and your brake and signal lights are working properly. This is very important to help protect your boat from being rear-ended in traffic.
Don’t Forget Safety Essentials
Be sure you have enough life jackets on board, that they are in good condition, and you have a safety kit with flares, a charged fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, flashlights, etc. all in a waterproof container.
You also may want to enlist the help of a marine technician to ensure that everything on your boat is fully functional before you hit the water.
If you love boats, motors, and the salt life, it’s time to start training for an exciting career in the rapidly growing marine industry. J-Tech Institute offers an innovative Marine and RV Technician Repair Training Program that will provide you with the hands-on training you need to start a rewarding career. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a consultation with our admissions department.