License/Registration/Proof of Insurance:
Take this off the list early. Give us a call for new insurance ID cards, and make sure you register and sticker the boat before you hit the water. Don't forget about your trailer!
Engine:
How did you leave it in the fall? Pick up where you left off, and ensure you did the following:
Impellers: Replace your impellers every few years. A $25-$40 part can save you thousands in overheated engine issues.
Engine block drain plugs: Did you re-tighten them? If the threads appear to be stripped or plastic ones appear worn, they're inexpensive to replace. Tip: A little grease on each plug will help prevent rusting to the engine block.
Distributor cap & rotor: Pop these off and clean the oxidation. If they are severely oxidized, replace them. (Clean contacts = strong firing = better fuel economy).
Spark plugs: This is another inexpensive way to keep your engine running efficiently. Tip: When you replace the plugs, after you tighten them, put a small dab of dielectric grease on the tip of the plugs--this will ensure excellent conductivity when you pop the plug wires back on.
Clean and Wax the Hull:
Clean your boat's exterior: Use a marine-safe cleaner from a marine supply store, then apply a fresh coat of wax according to the instructions in the gelcoat maintenance plan.
If the gelcoat is chalky or faded, a 3 step like Meguiar's Fiberglass Restoration System is suggested.
1. Compound (Strip the finish down and deep clean the gelcoat)
2. Polish (Feed the gelcoat with oils... this is very important)
3. Wax (Seal the gelcoat oils)
Life Jackets / Flares / Whistle / Safety Check:
Do your life vests have mildew? Replace or clean them. Mildew doesn't die easy, and it can travel to fiberglass or other undesirable locations on your boat. (If you buy new jackets, take them out of their packaging. In an emergency they need to be ready).
Do you have enough jackets? Boaters must have a life jacket for EVERY person on the boat, and having extras never hurts. Keep them accessible. (Burying life vests in the cabin under a seat is not safe if an accident occurs).
Pick up a copy of the U.S. Coast Guard Manual: Items like a whistle, flag, and flares are basic requirements on Lake Champlain. (Most marinas will have these available).
Ask for a marine safety check: Most marinas have a state police officer passing through randomly. If you see one, ask for a safety check. They are there to help, not to write tickets, and will advise on items you might have missing.
For more information: Check out the U.S. Coast Guard's Boating Safety Division.
Batteries:
Top off the water: Click here for more information.
Make sure they hold a charge: Find out the voltage before you charge. If it is below 12.1, it might be time to replace it.
Give it a full charge: Let the battery sit for a week. If it drops below 12.6 under no load, then it might be time to replace it. Interstate Battery in Williston can load-test batteries free of charge.
Reconnecting your batteries: Put a small amount of dialectic grease on the terminals. This keeps corrosion down and ensures solid conductivity.
For more information: Download our Boat Spring Commissioning Checklist for free!
