PRE AND POST SEASON MAINTENANCE  

There are two times of year that have proven to be the most important in terms of maintenance – prior to the launch of boating season and the offseason, or winter lay-up period. Preparation is necessary to ensure a long-term life span for many years to come.  

SPRING LAUNCH CHECKLIST  

• Replace engine and transmission zincs  
• Inspect engine mounts  
• Replace engine heater plugs  
• Replace engine air filter  
• Check the oil cooler for leaks  
• Check level of the oil reservoir  
• Commission engine at dock - check fluids, cooling, and oil pressure  
• Soap and scrub bilges and engine pan and replace oil absorbent pads 
• Inspect hoses and clamps for leaks and corrosion  
• Inspect exhaust elbows  
• Replace engine belts  
• Inspect the boat's steering controls and linkage. Lubricate and adjust as necessary.  
• Inspect wear ring & impeller  
• Examine all electrical connections on the boat's motor  
• Before launch, clean all connections and hook up all terminals  
• Apply anti-corrosive product to all connections  
• Test and charge batteries as needed  
• Test all mechanical systems for proper operation  
• Check that all electronics function correctly  
• Replace raw water pump impellers and gasket  
• Inspect and clean raw water strainers  
• Service hull sea cocks by removing barnacles and growths, lubricating the sea cocks, and confirm proper operation  
• Examine the condition of shaft and boots  
• Clean propeller of growth and check for damage to blades  
• Install new zinc  
• Replace holding tank filter  
• Commission fresh water system and fill water tank  
• Test all water systems and remove all non-toxic antifreeze, including head, shower sump, deck faucet, and all spigots in head and galley  
• Prep and paint lower unit as needed  
• Clean and paint strainers  
• Prep and paint bottom  
• Clean swim platform, boarding ladder, and boarding step  
• Re-install exterior cushions and canvas  
• Adjust windshield wipers and replace blades  
• Inspect and certify fire extinguishers  
• Make sure you have an adequate number of lifejackets onboard 
• Ensure that your?boat insurance policy?is up-to-date, and you have proof of insurance in a safe place on the boat  

WINTERIZATION CHECKLIST 

• Consult your boat’s manufacturer or a qualified marine expert for preparation items specific to your boat’s make and model.  
• Get a pre-winterization inspection to audit the boat’s fenders, dock lines, cushions, and covers, as well as the electrical and mechanical systems.  
• For winterization and decommission, change the engine oil and filters including fuel.  
• Change the engine coolant. 
• Check and adjust all belts.  
• Conduct a pressure test on the cooling system.  
• Change the transmission fluid and filter. 
• Winterize the fresh water system and all appliances.  
• Winterize the head, including the holding tank and add a deodorizer.  
• Pump the holding tank. 
• Disconnect cables and clean all battery terminals. 
• Winterize the air conditioning  
• Winterize refrigeration appliances.  
• Winterize the salt water wash-down pump.  
• Inspect and clean the shower sump and filter.  
• Examine the discharge pump and filter.  
• Remove the exterior cushions and canvas.  

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BOAT MOTOR MAINTENANCE  

• Inspect your boat's water pump impellers for signs of aging including rust and cracks 
• Regularly examine your propeller shaft to confirm that it turns freely. 
• All engine hoses should be checked periodically.  
• Check your boat's propeller shaft stuffing box for leakage.  
• Check for fuel smell.  If you smell fuel, there is a leak on the engine. 

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ROUTINE INSPECTION TIPS 

• Unless your boat uses a maintenance free battery it is important to monitor the battery's fluid level. 
• If your boat has struck a submerged object it is advisable to have a repair shop examine the running gear to assure that all damage has been repaired. 
• The propeller, the propeller shaft, and the strut should be cleaned periodically.  
• It is important to regularly inspect and service the boat trailer. Worn trailer parts can make it difficult to launch and retrieve the boat and risk damaging the hull in transport. 
• Check for rust. Upon identifying a rust stain perform a thorough examination of the hull to determine what caused the stain.  
• Remove your craft from a boat lift and store properly during compromising weather conditions.  

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SAILBOAT MAINTENANCE  

• The rigging on a sailboat should be inspected at regular intervals to make sure it is properly tuned and that the fittings are in good condition.  
• The halyards and sheets on your sailboat should be periodically inspected for wear.  
• Most of the roller furling systems require little to no maintenance. However, if the system is not operating smoothly it should be inspected and adjusted or repaired as needed.