How to Get Your Boat Ready For Summer

Step-By-Step Guide to 'Summerizing' a Boat

The beginning of summer is an exciting time for anyone who anticipates serene boat rides or adventurous watercraft races. Before you can shred water, though, you'll need to make sure your boat is ready for summer.

It's important to take part in the 'summerization' process. This will ensure that your boat is healthy and safe to use on the water.

Check out our step-by-step guide to the 'summerization' process below.

How 'Winterization' Makes Spring And Summer Easier

One of the most important steps to take to prepare for summer actually takes place long before summer arrives. Winterization is the process of preparing your boat for winter. It's important to winterize your boat so that reopening for the summer goes by more smoothly. Without taking this step, your boat might be full of cracks or pests, or you may experience problems with the engine and other parts. In that case, you'll need to perform expensive, time-consuming repairs. Your boat might not even be usable in extreme cases.

How to Summerize a Boat

Whether your boat appears to be in top condition or not, you need to summerize your boat. Here's what you should do.

Change the Oil

This early step is particularly important if you didn't do it before winter. Your boat needs an oil change. Oil left in for too long will break apart or run out. Make sure you check your outdrive and oil filter, too. We also recommend adding a corrective oil additive to protect your engine from corrosion.

Test the Battery

Batteries usually last up to 5 years, so there's a solid chance your battery might need a change. Make sure your battery carries a strong charge for it to be safe for water use. To preserve your battery health, consider doing the following:

Clean and grease the battery to keep it working smoothly
Top off the battery fluid with distilled water to keep the battery functioning smoothly
Clean off any signs of corrosion from your battery

Inspect Fuel and Gas tank

If you carefully prepared your boat for winter, you should be okay. To be safe, check the fuel in your gas tank. You should have used a stabilizer to stop moisture from forming as well as an additive to stop fuel from separating. If you notice any fuel problems, you'll want to replace it.

Don't forget to check for related issues: inspect your fuel line for cracks that may have emerged from low temperatures, and change your fuel filter if necessary.

Drain and Refill Cooling Fluid

Before winter, you may have filled your boat's cooling system with antifreeze or a similar fluid. We recommend draining and filling it back up. After you drain, check for cracks and leaks, as these tend to build up over winter.

If you skipped this step during winterization, you may notice freezing or cracks.

Remove the Distributor Cap

Even the best boats around are at risk for developing corrosion in their distributor cap. If you've noticed any amount of this, remove the cap and clean it as early as possible. Make sure you ensure that it is connected properly when you put it back.

Surface Cleaning

Cleaning your boat isn't just about freshening up its appearance. A clean boat will have a lower risk of developing rot. Cleaning can also give you the opportunity to check for damage. This is critical – in fact, exterior damage is responsible for a huge chunk of sinking incidents. Check to see if you need to patch anything up or replace any missing parts.

Replace Belts if Necessary

Boat belts are an often overlooked component. They need to be tightened, placed correctly, and replaced often. If a belt feels rough or is covered in soot, it likely needs to be replaced.

Check Your Safety Equipment

Your boat itself isn't the only thing that needs care before setting sail for the summer. It is vital to check your safety gear – after all, what's the point in having it if it doesn't work when you need it to?

Here's a checklist of safety equipment you should check. Remember, replace or fix anything that wouldn't help you during an emergency!

Flotation devices, including life jackets, vests, and throwable devices
Audio devices, like signal flares, horns and whistles
Radio/communications equipment, if you have any
Lights (both on-boat and flashlights)
Fire extinguisher – check the expiration dates!
First aid kit

Start Your Engine

Once you've checked the boat's fluids and have ensured that each part is in good condition, it's time to give your engine a test run. If everything is working, your engine should run smoothly.

READ MORE: Entertaining on Your Pontoon Boat

The Takeaway

By taking the time and effort to prepare your boat for summer, you'll avoid repairs and emergencies. Instead, you'll be able to enjoy the water without any distractions.

At Dunfords of Havelock, we can help you with all of your boating needs. From finding that one replacement part to getting you a fresh new boat for the summer, we're excited to help you get out on the water!