Pre-launch boat maintenance: Tips for a trouble-free boating season

March 20, 2024| Community, Safety

By: Larry Orlans

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable boating season without the risk of costly breakdowns, it is crucial to take proper precautions before launching your boat.

If your boat is serviced by a marina, be sure to request a full inspection along with any necessary procedures performed before you use it for the first time. If you handle the servicing yourself, adhere closely to the manufacturer’s guidelines, especially for the engine, and use only the recommended tools and fluids from the owner’s manual.

Below is a checklist of essential checks to perform, though not all may apply to your vessel. Be sure to check your owner’s manual for additional items that might not be included here.

Boat maintenance and inspection

• Inspect all the rubber hoses for cuts, cracks, rot, or leaks.
• Inspect the prop for dings, pitting, or distortion.
• Check the entire steering system including cables, hydraulic fluid, or tiller.
• Inspect the entire hull for blisters, cracks, or distortions.
• Inspect and test the bilge pump, its hoses, and all clamps.
• If your fuel was not stabilized before storage, replace it with fresh fuel.
• Clean or replace the fuel and water separator filters.
• Check the battery for leaks and charge it fully, replace if necessary.
• Clean and tighten all the wiring connections to the battery and acid level.
• Check the bilge pump operation and inspect its hoses and clamps.
• Check the bilge blower and ducts if so equipped.
• If an inboard/outboard, check the rubber outdrive bellows for cracks or deterioration.
• Check proper operation of all helm gauges and alarms.
• Check the lower unit oil level.
• Check the engine zincs for wear and replace if necessary.
• Check that the drain plug is in.

Trailer maintenance and inspection

• Inspect tire treads for wear, and sidewalls for cracks. Check tire pressure and set to the maximum pressure shown on the tire sidewall. Spare also.
• Inspect wheel bearings and repack if necessary.
• Test brake lights and turn signals. Replace cracked or broken lenses.
• Inspect trailer brakes and brake fluid.
• Inspect and lube the winch. Check the winch cable.
• Inspect the two hitch chains.

General safety reminders

• Check all three navigation lights.
• Check the status of all life jackets, replace any worn or torn ones.
• Inspect the fire extinguisher pressure gauge. Replace any kidde brand with a plastic handle or nozzle. Note: extinguishers expire 12 years from the date of manufacture, which is located on the bottom of the extinguisher.
• Check the first aid kit to replace any used items.
• Check the engine cut-off switch if so equipped.
• Check the dock lines for chafe and wear.
• Get a free vessel safety check from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadrons, where available.

Be sure to have on board 

• Boating license
• Boat registration
• N.J. boating safety certificate

More resources

Discover Boating - Getting Your Boat Ready for the Season

BoatUS - How To Get Your Boat Ready For Spring from BoatUS

Video: BoatUS - Spring Launch Safety Checklist 

This post is part of our Spring Safety Series. Larry Orlans is a U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Boating Safety Instructor and Auxiliary Operations Officer for Flotilla 15-10.