Boat Season Prep Checklist: Get Your Boat Ready for Summer

Most boating breakdowns are not bad luck. They are a flat battery, old fuel, a tired impeller or a trailer bearing that was not greased. A couple of hours with this checklist before your first launch of the season will save you a lot of frustration at the slipway, and it is a lot cheaper than a tow back to the harbour.

Engine

• Change the engine oil on a 4 stroke, and fit a new oil filter. On a 2 stroke, check the oil tank and have fresh TC-W3 oil ready for mixing. See which oil your engine needs.
• Check the gear oil. If you did not change it before storage, do it now and look for milky oil. Our gear oil guide shows how.
• Fit new spark plugs and keep a spare set on board. See the spark plug guide.
• Check the water pump impeller. The rubber impeller that pumps cooling water wears and hardens with age. Many manufacturers recommend replacing it every two to three years, or sooner if the tell tale stream is weak. If in doubt, have a marine mechanic check it.
• Grease every fitting on the steering, tilt tube and swivel bracket with marine grease.
• Pull the propeller, check for dings and fishing line on the shaft, grease the splines and refit with a new split pin or tab washer if needed.

Fuel system

• Deal with old fuel. Petrol that has stood for months goes stale and leaves varnish in the carburettor. Use it up in the car if it is still good, or dispose of it properly, and start the season on fresh fuel.
• Inspect fuel lines and the primer bulb for cracks, softness or leaks, and replace anything that looks tired.
• Check or replace the fuel filter and water separator if your boat has one.
• Clean the carburettor if the engine is hard to start or idles badly. A carb cleaner spray often sorts out a mild case.

Electrics and battery

• Charge the battery fully and have it load tested if it is more than a few seasons old.
• Clean and tighten the terminals, and coat them with a little grease to slow corrosion.
• Test navigation lights, the bilge pump, horn and any electronics.
• Check the kill switch lanyard is on board and works.

Hull and boat

• Check the hull for cracks, blisters or damage.
• Make sure the bung is in, and carry a spare.
• Test the bilge pump and clear the bilge of debris.
• Check the ski pylon or tow eyes are secure if you tow riders.
• Inspect cleats, ropes and fenders.

Trailer

• Grease the wheel bearings with marine grease, and check for play or noise in the hubs.
• Check tyre pressure and tread, including the spare.
• Test the trailer lights and wiring.
• Check the winch strap, bow stop and tie down straps for fraying.
• Check the coupling and safety chain.

Safety equipment

Before your first launch, make sure your safety kit is complete, in date and matches the requirements for your vessel and the waters you use. In South Africa, small vessels are regulated by SAMSA, so check that your certificate of fitness and skipper’s licence are current if they apply to you.

• A properly fitting life jacket for every person on board, including child sizes.
• Anchor and line, paddles, a bailer and a basic tool kit.
• Flares, a waterproof torch and a charged phone in a dry bag.
• A first aid kit and sunscreen.

Watersports gear

• Inflate ski tubes and check for leaks, worn handles and a damaged tow point.
• Check every tow rope for fraying, sun damage and knots, and replace any that are suspect. Read the tow rope guide.
• Check ski and wakeboard bindings for cracks and loose screws.

Get everything in one order

Our outboard service parts page brings together the oil, gear lube, plugs and grease you need, with free delivery across South Africa on orders over R2,000. If you are not sure what fits your engine, WhatsApp us.