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Boat Maintenance Checklist for Season Breakout
So, it's time for season breakout. You really want your boating experience to go as smoothly as possible, to ensure that everyone has a good (and safe) time. Start your season off right, with our handy season breakout boat maintenance checklist. Although it may take a chunk of time to inspect your boat and engine, it’ll pay off in the end.
Boat Maintenance Checklist
1. Test the horn.
2. Check the navigation lights and replace bulbs or lenses as needed.
3. Check the compass for accuracy.
4. Make sure yourboat registration is current.
5. Check spare parts and tools for rust and see if they need to be replaced.
6. Make sure you have life vests, first aid, flares, and a fire extinguisher on deck. Please check the official USCG and local government regulations for a complete list of safety requirements.
7. Complete a general cleaning of the boat - wipe down surfaces, vacuum, polish stainless steel, etc. PartsVu has a wide array of effective cleaning solutions as well as environmentally friendly options.
8. Make sure to clear all drains/deck scuppers and secure the drain plug in place.
9. Test the battery and clean the terminals and connections if they’re corroded.
10. Check all fittings for corrosion and replace them if necessary. Apply a corrosion inhibitor for added protection against the elements.
11. Check and replace zincs when they have deteriorated to half their original size. Perhaps you own a Yamaha or Mercury engine and would like zinc anodes specifically designed for those engines.
12. Check the rudder for signs of wear and tear, rust, and corrosion.
13. Check for scratches on the hull. Most minor scratches can be fixed by buffing and applying a protective wax.
14. Inspect the boarding ladder and swim platform for safe functionality.
15. Make sure all electronics are working.
16. Check your anchor and gear for bends, cracks, rust, and wear.
17. Check all dock lines, cleats, and boat fenders.
18. Check the trim tabs. If you keep your boat in the water regularly, then you should use an anti-fouling coating every season.
19. Check for oil in the bilges and clear drain holes. PartsVu carries a number of great products for cleaning your bilge.
Engine Maintenance Checklists
At PartsVu, we take your engine maintenance seriously. To this end, we have created additional articles on getting your specific engine ready for use, also known as “breaking out” your engine. Simply find your engine type below and click on the corresponding link for a complete list of in-depth instructions. These recommendations could potentially save your day out on the water, so don’t skimp on your breakout inspections.
Yamaha 4-Stroke Outboard Season Breakout Guide
Yamaha 2-Stroke Season Breakout Guide
1 comment
Thank you very much for sharing this article. this checklist is very helpful and easy to remember. We really need to make sure that before we use our ship, it must be in the right condition. It’s hard if you’re stranded in the middle of the sea