How to Prepare Your Boat for Spring

The time to take your boat out of storage is fast approaching. Soon you and your family will be back to enjoying adventures on the water! But you don't want to take your boat straight from storage and out onto the water. Instead, you will need to undergo the de-winterization process. We've made the following guide to help you get your boat ready for spring. If you want more information or need assistance, the staff at Carolina Coach & Marine is ready to help. Head over to our dealership in Claremont, North Carolina. We also proudly serve those in Charlotte and Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

1. Inspect Your Boat

The first step is looking over your vessel for any visible signs of damage. Can you spot any mold or mildew? Are there any signs of an animal or insect infestation? Are there any scratches, dents, or other damage to the hull that you missed in the fall? Take note of any obvious issues so you can get them addressed before springtime.

2. Check the Owner's Manual

Different models have different start-up procedures. What works for your neighbor's boat might not work on your vessel. Make sure you consult the owner's manual and follow the right start-up approach.

3. Tend to the Batteries

Look over your batteries to see if there are any signs of corrosion and wear. You'll then want to run your battery before your first voyage of the season. This will allow you to check that the battery, lights, and other electrical systems all work. Replace any bulbs that have burned out and get any electrical repairs handled as soon as possible. You don't want to waste valuable boating time waiting for your boat to get out of the repair shop!

4. Tend to the Engine

Look around the engine for any leaks around the gaskets and engine heads. You will also want to check the fluid levels and top off anything that's low. If the fuel has been sitting stagnant for a while, you will want to drain it and replace it with fresh fuel. Make sure the fuel has no more than 10% ethanol content.

5. Check Your Safety Gear

Safe boating involves certain safety gear. Now is a great time to check that you have everything you need for a safe voyage and to handle medical or emergency situations that can pop up. Inspect your life jackets to ensure they are still in good condition. Make sure you have enough for all of your passengers and they fit. If your kids have grown since last summer, they may need a different sized life vest.

Next, look over your first-aid kit. Have any of the ointments or other products expired? Do you need to replace any items?

Finally, look over your emergency supplies. Do you have emergency flares? Are your fire extinguishers up to date? Do any of your passengers (such as your children) need to be reminded of what to do in an emergency? While you are at it, look over your boat registration and tags are up to date.

6. Give Your Boat a Wash

While you likely cleaned your boat before placing it in storage, it's probably accumulated some gunk and dust during the past few months. Wash your boat to get rid of this build-up and get it looking its best for the first voyage of the spring.

7. Check Your Boat Cover

Glance over your boat cover and check for rips, tears, mold, and mildew. Repair any holes you find before they turn into larger ones and cause more damage. Address any mold or mildew buildup or simply get a new boat cover. The covering needs to be in good condition to offer the protection to your boat that you seek.

We hope you found this article helpful. If your inspection uncovered an issue, get it repaired at the service department at our dealership ib Claremont, NC. We offer parts replacement and service options and we can get your boat fixed up and ready for its next voyage. We also serve those in Winston-Salem and Charlotte, North Carolina.