Spring Commissioning

Whether you haul out for the winter or are lucky enough to live in a climate with year-round access to water, spring is the ideal time for tuning, toning, tightening and brightening to assure trouble-free boating in the peak season soon upon us. Here is a check-list you can use as a guide to get your boat ready for the season.

General Boat Items:

• Fiberglass and gel coat repairs
• Wash and polish
• Bottom paint
• Zincs
• Loose screws (esp. rails)
• Bright work
• Electrical circuits, bulbs
• Fuel tanks filled
• Life saving equipment
• Canvas tops, curtains
• Fenders and dock lines
• Mooring
• Registration #s and current sticker
• Outer drain plug
• Inner drain plug
• Owner's manual
• Keys

Engine Items - Outboards, Inboards, and I/Os

• Tune up or overhaul
• Oil
• Transmission
• Test run
• Compression, spark
• Carburetor (signs of varnish?)
• Clean battery case/ terminals/cable ends
• Add distilled battery water; apply corrosion inhibitor terminals
• Battery clamp or strap
• Flange nuts, not wing nuts, on cables
• Change spark plugs
• Thermostats
• Pressure relief valve
• Secondary fuel filter
• Replace water separator
• Clean/lube starter
• Oil tanks (water, dirt, filters)
• Bleed oil injection system
• Lube (dirt or water)
• Water pump
• Seals on prop shaft and under pump
• Prop: repair/balance as needed
• Top off gear lube, check washers
• Shift shaft
• Paint

Mechanical Items

• Dash gauges
• Fuel gauges
• Blower
• Water pump
• Controls
• Steering
• Bilge pump (auto and manual)
• Power tilt
• Hoses/clamps
• All belts
• All thru hulls
• Battery installed charged
• Lights
• Horn
• Wipers
• Compass
• Fire extinguisher installed charged
• Radio
• Fathometer

For more boat maintenance tips and "how to" advice, visit the Boat Maintenance & Repair section of the ABA website.

A final word of caution, whether you use a mechanic to do your spring commissioning or you do it yourself, make sure your drain plugs are in place before launching!