Spring Services for De-Winterizing Your Boat
Spring Services for De-Winterizing Your Boat
When boating season comes back around, you are probably eager to get back on the water. But if your boat has been in storage all winter, you will need to freshen it up before you can get underway. Spring is an important time for boat maintenance, and all the following steps are critical to whip your boat back into shape.
That said, you don’t have to go it alone! Not everyone has the time or the tools to tackle every maintenance task at home, and sometimes you just want the assurance that only experts can provide. The service shop at Lighthouse Motorsports & Marine in Rosemount, MN can handle all your boat maintenance needs, so you can focus on the fun parts of boat ownership.
Check the Oil & Fuel
When coming out of storage, your boat’s engine will most likely need an oil change. Check the fuel tank while you’re in there. If you added a fuel stabilizer before placing your boat in storage, your fuel might still be in good condition. If not, you will need to drain your old fuel into a suitable container for disposal and refill the tank with fresh fuel.
Test the Battery
Batteries are vulnerable to cold weather. For best results, keep your battery on a tender all winter, and give it a thorough inspection in the spring. Use a battery tester to confirm it still has plenty of charge. Inspect the terminals, and clear off any corrosion before checking the wire connections. Batteries that are extremely corroded should be replaced.
Inspect the Interior and Exterior
Inspect your boat inside and out, from top to bottom. Look for signs of disrepair, such as mold and mildew on carpets or vinyl, corroded or rusted metal, and cracks in the gel coat. If you find any major issues, you should plan to address them before you take your boat on the water.
Replenish Safety Gear
Your spring maintenance check is the perfect opportunity to inspect all the safety gear on your boat. Check your personal flotation devices for any tears or sun damage that might make them less effective. Restock your first-aid kit as needed, replacing any expired items. Confirm that all your paperwork is up to date, including insurance and registration documents. Finally, make sure your on board fire extinguisher is working.
We hope you found this guide helpful! If you have any questions about boat maintenance, feel free to ask the experts at Lighthouse Motorsports & Marine. We are your source for all things powersports in Rosemount, MN. We happily serve our customers from St. Paul, MN as well as the entire Minneapolis Metropolitan Area.