How to Prepare Your Boat for Summer: A Pre-Season Checklist

01

Hull & Exterior

The hull and exterior are exposed to the elements every day, so they're a good place to start. A slow walk around the boat in good light can pick up damage, wear and maintenance issues before they become bigger problems.

• ✓Check for damage. Look over the topsides and pay attention to the gelcoat and any previous repairs to make sure they're holding up. Check for any wear and tear, including chafe or damage from fenders and mooring lines.
• ✓Give it a good clean. Wash down the hull, deck and topsides and clear away grime, salt, mould and other buildup. A clean boat is easier to inspect and much nicer to step aboard.
• ✓Assess the antifouling. Check the condition of the antifouling below the waterline. If there's excessive marine growth, barnacles or visible areas where the antifouling has worn away, consider having it addressed.

02

Engine & Mechanical

Nothing takes the shine off a day on the water like an engine that won't cooperate. Regular checks can identify developing problems early and help keep your vessel reliable.

• ✓Check the oil. Check the engine oil level and condition. Milky, gritty or otherwise abnormal oil should be investigated.
• ✓Check coolant. On freshwater-cooled engines, check the coolant level and condition and look for leaks around hoses and connections. Make sure the raw-water cooling system is operating correctly.
• ✓Inspect belts and hoses. Check drive belts for wear, cracking or glazing and confirm they're correctly tensioned. Inspect hoses for soft, brittle or perished sections and make sure clamps are secure.
• ✓Check the fuel system. Inspect fuel filters, fuel lines, connections and the tank for leaks, corrosion or deterioration. Check for signs of water contamination or fuel-system issues.
• ✓Check the raw-water impeller. If the impeller is due for replacement or its service history is unknown, consider having it replaced as part of routine maintenance.
• ✓Book your annual service. If the engine service is due, consider having it completed at the same time as the vessel's annual antifouling. Regular professional servicing helps identify and address problems before they become expensive or inconvenient.

03

Electrical & Battery

Electrical faults and battery problems are common causes of boating disruptions. Corrosion, loose connections and ageing batteries are worth identifying early.

• ✓Check the batteries. Make sure batteries are charging correctly and holding voltage. If they're getting older or showing signs of weakness, have them tested.
• ✓Clean and tighten terminals. Look for corrosion, clean terminals as required and make sure connections are tight and protected. Confirm batteries are securely mounted.
• ✓Test the lights. Check navigation, anchor, cabin and deck lights and replace failed globes or components.
• ✓Power up the electronics. Check the VHF radio, GPS, chartplotter, sounder and other onboard electronics. Update charts or software where appropriate and carry out a radio check.
• ✓Inspect accessible wiring. Look for chafe, corrosion, loose connections or damaged insulation and check that fuses and breakers are in good condition.

04

Safety Gear

Safety equipment should be checked regularly rather than only when a trip is planned. Make sure everything required for your vessel and operating area is aboard, accessible and in good working order.

• ✓Lifejackets. Check you have the appropriate number and sizes for everyone likely to be aboard. Inspect for damage, deterioration and general condition. Inflatable lifejackets should be serviced at the recommended intervals.
• ✓Flares. Check that your flares are the correct type for your operating area and confirm expiry dates.
• ✓Fire extinguisher. Check the extinguisher is appropriate, accessible, correctly mounted and within any required service period.
• ✓First aid kit. Replace used or expired items and make sure the kit is stored somewhere dry and accessible.
• ✓EPIRB. Check the expiry date and battery status. Confirm the EPIRB is registered with AMSA and that the registration details are current.
• ✓Other safety equipment. Check the anchor, chain and line, waterproof torch, sound signal, bailer or bucket, drinking water, bilge equipment and any other equipment required for your vessel and area of operation.

Safety equipment requirements vary depending on your vessel, the type of waterway you're operating on and your location. Check the current requirements with your local maritime authority before heading out.

Safety equipment requirements: NSW Government — Waterways safety equipment checklist

05

Bilge & Pumps

The bilge can reveal problems that aren't obvious elsewhere on the boat. Keeping it clean and regularly checking the pumps helps identify leaks and gives you confidence that your drainage systems will work when needed.

• ✓Clean the bilge. Remove oil, debris, water and other buildup so leaks and drips are easier to identify.
• ✓Test the bilge pumps. Test both automatic and manual operation and confirm water is being discharged correctly. Check that the float switch operates as intended.
• ✓Check backup systems. Test any secondary or manual bilge pump and confirm any high-water alarm is working.
• ✓Look for the source of water. If there's more water in the bilge than expected, investigate whether it's coming from a fitting, hose, shaft seal, deck leak or another source.

06

Steering & Controls

Steering and controls should feel smooth, predictable and responsive. Anything stiff, loose, notchy or inconsistent deserves attention before it develops into a more serious problem.

• ✓Test the steering. Turn from lock to lock and check for stiffness, excessive play, grinding or unusual resistance. On hydraulic systems, check fluid levels and inspect for leaks.
• ✓Check throttle and gear controls. Operate the throttle and shift controls and make sure they move smoothly and engage correctly.
• ✓Inspect cables and linkages. Check accessible cables, linkages and connections for wear, corrosion, fraying or looseness.
• ✓Check trim and tilt. If fitted, operate power trim, tilt and trim tabs through their range and confirm they're functioning correctly.

07

Documentation & Registration

Keeping your documentation current is an important part of responsible boat ownership.

• ✓Vessel registration. Check your registration is current and that registration numbers or labels are correctly displayed and legible.
• ✓Your licence. Confirm your boat licence is current and that anyone else operating the vessel holds the appropriate licence for the vessel and waters.
• ✓Insurance. Check your insurance is current and that the cover remains appropriate for how and where you use the boat.
• ✓Manuals and records. Keep engine manuals, equipment manuals, service records, warranties and other important vessel documentation organised and accessible.