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Boaters Spring Maintenance Reminders

Spring is almost upon us and for millions of us boaters that means it’s time to take our boats out of winter storage and put them in the water. For many of us boaters, the annual preparation and cleaning projects are the necessary rites of spring that help prevent problems that could keep us off the water once we get the boat in the water.

The Fuel System

·         Inspect the fuel system for leaks or damage and be sure to pay special attention to fuel hoses, connections and tank surfaces.

·         Check your fuel/water separator for dirt and water.

·         Evidence of a damaged fuel hose includes softness, brittleness or cracking.

·         Replace components when necessary and verify all fittings and clamps are properly secured.

·         Ensure the engine, exhaust and ventilation systems are all functioning properly.

·         Look before you pump. Don’t fill your tank with fuel that contains more than 10% ethanol (E10) as it will damage your engine.

·         If you have an inboard fuel tank take off the vent line at the fuel tank and blow it out.  You never know how many spiders made a home in the vent line during the winter.

·         If your fuel tank has a drain use it to drain out a gallon of fuel into a glass container.  After word let the gallon of fuel sit for 5 minutes and take a look at it.  Does it have water or dirt sitting at the bottom?  If so keep draining a gallon at a time until the water is gone.

Check your Belts, Cables & Hoses

·         Check belts, cables and hoses because they can become brittle and may crack during winter storage.  Be sure you have a spare belt for each engine.

·         Belts should fit snugly around pulleys to prevent slipping.

·         A worn belt may leave a black residue near the pulley and will fit loosely.

·         Cracks or swells on the outer jacket of throttle, shift and steering control cables may be of internal corrosion and immanent failure.

·         Do all you below the waterline hoses have double clamps on them, they should, and are they in good shape.

Electric System

·         Inspect all electrical connections that they are clean, tight, and corrosion free. Corroded connections can be dangerous both by leaving you with no power and or starting a fire.

·         Clean all battery terminals and battery cable ends.

·         Charge your battery and have it tested to ensure it can hold a charge.

·         You should do a routine electrical systems inspection every couple of months.

·         That 110 Volt shore plug needs to be inspected each and every time you plug your boat in.  Most boat fires start at the shore plug.

Fluid Levels

·         Check all fluid levels including engine oil, power steering, power trim reservoirs and coolant.

·         Always change the engine and transmission oil before you put the boat away for winter.

·         Be sure to change the engine oil, oil filter and drive lubricants every 100 hours of use or more often if it is a manufacturer requirement.

Propellers & Hulls

·         Inspect propellers for dings, pitting, cracks and distortion.

·         If you have an I/O engine be sure to check the rubber boots for signs of cracks or rips.

·         Damaged propellers can cause unwanted vibration and damage to your drive train.

·         Make sure the propeller is secured properly, and replace bearings when needed.

·         When inspecting the hull, look for blisters, distortions and cracks. Be sure to clean the hull, deck, and topsides using an environmentally safe cleaning solution.

·         Make sure the drain plug is securely in place before every launch.

Safety Gear

·         Check your life jackets to ensure they are in good condition and that there are enough on board for all potential passengers.

·         Ensure that each individual has the correct size life jacket for their body weight.

·         Be sure all on board fire extinguishers are the correct class for your vessel, and are fully charged and stowed in the proper place.

·         For any enclosed or semi-enclosed area, ensure you have at least one properly installed and working carbon monoxide detector

·         Consider an EPIRB for situations of distress to ensure you can be found

·         Take advantage of any safety inspections offered by the US Coast Guard (USCG), USCG Auxiliary or US Power Squadrons.

·         Please, Please, PLEASE take a boater safety class offered by the USCG Auxiliary or US Power Squadrons. It will save YOUR LIFE or your FAMILIES LIFE by knowing the Rules of the Water...

If you need parts and supplies for your boat the best place to get them is from CLR Marine.

At www.CLRMARINE.COM we will price match any product we carry. Shipping on most items is only $9.99.  Find your best price on the internet, email us with the link to that product and we will match or beat it.  Shipping no included.