How to Prep Your Boat for Spring

With spring well on its way, you’ve likely already started making plans for a weekend getaway or a long trip out on the water with your boat. However, if your vessel has been locked away in winter storage for the last 3 to 5 months, the last thing it’s ready to do is speed across ocean waves or a cruise through pristine lake waters. Before you load up your boat and head off toward the nearest body of water, be sure to read our helpful maintenance tips below to help get your boat ready for spring.

Inspect Your Engine

Your engine is your boat’s most delicate piece of equipment, and it will need a lot of care to get back in working order. To start, be sure to thoroughly inspect your engine, and double-check that belts, hoses, and tanks are all working properly, and don’t show any signs of cracks, tears, or loose connections. If you notice rust has appeared on any of your engine’s metal or steel parts, you’re free to remove it with a rust remover spray, or simply purchase a replacement part.

Replace Your Fluids

If your engine doesn’t seem to be leaking, and you didn’t notice any signs of rust on your steel or metal components, you’re welcome to start examining your fluids. While your engine oil, fuel, and coolant will need to be completely replaced, other liquids should be fine with a quick top-off. Just be sure they don't show signs of darkening color, floating debris, or condensation. Otherwise, they too will need to be completely flushed and replaced.

Clean Your Boat

Once your engine has been cared for, it’s time to deal with the rest of your boat. Start by taking a quick walk around your vessel, keeping an eye out for any signs of pests, damaged areas of the hull, or growing mold or mildew. Once these issues have been dealt with, grab your broom, scrub brush, boat soap, and wax to begin cleaning the outside and deck of your vessel. We also advise grabbing a few old rags, some window cleaner, and a magic eraser to help you deal with any especially dirty areas that may have appeared on your model while it sat in storage.

Looking for a professional tune-up or a few helpful parts to get your boat ready for spring? Then you’ll want to visit us here at PYY Marine in Pasadena, Maryland! We proudly serve the nearby city of Annapolis, Maryland, and have a convenient on-site service center and parts department to help you with all of your boating maintenance needs!