For many of us spring and the joys of summer are around the corner, with only the last grasps of winter remaining. Now is this the perfect time to start to de-winterize your outboard engine and prepare for the busy Spring and Summer season ahead.
Preparing now and taking care of a few important outboard and boat maintenance points will mean more summer days spent on the water.
So, no matter if you are a seasoned sailor or just out for a leisurely cruise, preparing your boat and outboard engine for summer should become part of your regular summer preparation routine.
Some effort is required for the maintenance, however taking care of boat maintenance essentials will ensure your boating adventures stay safe and enjoyable through the summer..
So without further wait, let's get into the summer checklist.
1. Check your Batteries
Ensure your batteries are fully charged and holding their charge. This is an often overlooked issue and due to your batteries being at the core of the boating adventure, thi could spell trouble if not done.
In case you winterized the boat with a poor battery, it has died over winter, or is very low on power after winterization, charge the batteries with a slow charger overnight.
After waiting a day or two get the battery load properly tested at a battery dealer to ensure it is ready for summer
2. Test the engine components
Giving the boat a start and checking all engine components before you leave on summer break is a great idea that can save you a lot of headache, and missed holiday time, if not done. There are a few essentials points for outboards below that not to be skipped during your summer preparation
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Check the cooling system
Ensure that your outboard thermostat and water pump are working correctly (View our previous blog on your outboard thermostat and pump here ) to keep the engine cool and your boat functioning optimally. Replace any parts if necessary -
Check the bilge pump
Make sure the pump float switch activates if the water gets too high. A failure in this could cause damage and flooding to your pump or unwanted battery drain if not working correctly -
Check fuel filters
Check the outboard fuel filter to ensure it is clean and intact in order to prevent debris or sludge water from getting into the engine and causing future damage. Fuel filters should typically be replaced once every year or after every 100,000km of use , whichever comes first. -
Check the electrical anodes
Some boat owners are not aware of the electrical anodes on an outboard, or the importance of keeping them free of corrosion.
If you are looking for the anodes, you should typically find them under the boat near the metal parts or the outdrives.
The anodes absorb the electrical current in the water so that it in turn does not damage the drives.
Should you see any corrosion on the anodes, you should clean, and ideally replace, them.
3. Check the Hull
Give the boat hull an inspection by walking around the boat and making sure it is not cracked or damaged in any areas. A lot can happen during a year’s use, which you may not have detected upon initially happening.
Ensure that your hull plug is in place, air-tight and in solid working condition
4. Check all the lights and electronics
While standing and being stored during the winter, the boat's electronics can fail and need to be tested before being used again.
Test and ensure that your main navigation lights are working.
Examine any exposed wires and ensure that they are fully sealed against the elements and are safe to use. Check and test that the bilge pump is still operational and working correctly.
5. Do a general safety check
There are a few general points that need to be checked on your boat before you head out for your maritime summer adventure. Even though not directly related to your outboard or boat maintenance, not taking care of them could result in a spoiled holiday or worse.
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Check the fire extinguisher
Fire extinguishers can often discharge over winter and should be checked for charge when taking your boat out after winterization.
It is good practice to replace your fire extinguishers after every 5 years of use. -
Check life jackets
Ensure that all life jackets are serviceable without rips or defects.
Keep in mind that you need one life jacket for each person that will be on the boat. Life jackets are the most important piece of safety equipment on your boat and should not be overlooked. -
Check your boat registration.
Boat registrations expire each year, ensure that you have the current registration and decals on your boat before you head out -
Check the horn works before you go out
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Ensure You have a suitable anchor, dress flag and rescue tube
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Test that the radio is in working order.
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Ensure you have a first-aid kit on board
6. Tune up the trailer
Check that the winch and other equipment on the trailer is in proper working order.
The bearings of the trailer wheels need to be well greased before you depart on your journey.
7. Ski and tow check
The skis, tubes and other equipment must also be checked and maintained. The rubber seals can crack and start to leak. Ensure that they are all still healthy, not perished and correctly sealed.
If you are planning to tow someone, ensure you are using your orange ski flag on the back.
8. Conduct a final check
Just before you leave for your summer outing, conduct a quick final check of your boat.
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Check that the hull has been properly cleaned with wax applied and finishes polished. and ensure the outboard has been recently checked and cleared.
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Make sure you remember your toolbox and the spares for the outboard motor.
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Ensure both the boat and trailer registrations are current
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Ensure trailer wheels are lubricated
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Test all lights
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Check safety chains & tongue lock on trailer
Doing the above before you depart and ensuring you de-winterize your boat outboard correctly after the season, you can ensure yourself the best and long term use of your outboard and boat throughout the Spring and Summer season in 2025!
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