Spring Maintenance Guide For Boats

Spring is typically the start of boating season, meaning it’s time to pull your model out of the garage to get it ready for your upcoming trip to the lake! However, your boat will need quite a bit of TLC after its long stay in winter storage. Check out our handy spring maintenance guide below to make sure your model is ready to hit open waters once the weather warms up.

Clean Your Boat

To ensure your boat is in prime condition for the spring season, be sure to give it a thorough cleaning once you’ve pulled it out of winter storage. This means washing both the interior and exterior of your model, inspecting the deck and cabin for any signs of pests, and giving your hull a good polish and wax.

Engine Fluids

While you likely replaced your boat’s engine fluids before placing the model into winter storage, you’ll need to give them another quick inspection come springtime. Check to make sure that fluids look clear, are free of debris, and don’t show signs of condensation—otherwise, they’ll need to be flushed and replaced immediately. You’ll also need to check for signs of leaking—such as pools of fluid or wet engine parts— as well as inspect hoses and tubing for any signs of cracks or damages.

Inspect Battery

If you left your boat’s battery off the drip charger all winter long, it may be dead come springtime. To be sure, we recommend using a handy tester tool to see if your boat’s battery can hold a charge. If so, feel free to give the battery’s poles a quick scrub with a slurry of water and baking soda, before wiping it clean and hooking it back up to your boat.

If your boat is in need of repair after its recent stay in winter storage, feel free to visit us here in Clinton, CT! Our expert mechanics here at Harborside Marina & Yacht Sales will have your model back in tip-top shape in no time at all, and we’re always happy to accommodate those nearby in West Haven and Milford, CT.