It's finally that time of year again; the sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the boats are hitting the water. Are you ready for boating season? If not, don't worry! We have put together a list of things you need to do to get your boat ready for a fun and safe season on the water. From checking your boat's engine to making sure you have all the necessary safety gear, we will cover it all in this blog post. So sit back, relax, and get ready to hit the open waters!
De-Winterize Your Boat
When getting your boat ready for the boating season, the first thing you need to do is to de-winterize it. This process can vary depending on the type of boat you have, so be sure to consult your owner's manual. In general, you will need to flush out the engine and fuel system and check all the hoses and clamps for any cracks or leaks.
Clean Your Boat
After you have handled all the necessary boat maintenance, it's time to clean it! Start by washing the outside of the hull with soap and water. Then, using a brush or sponge, scrub away any algae or barnacles that may have attached themselves to the boat over the winter. Once you have finished scrubbing, rinse the boat off with clean water.
Check If Any Repairs Are Necessary
After your boat is all clean and sparkly, it's time to take a closer look at it to see if there are any repairs that need to be made. Check all of the moving parts, such as the rudder, propeller, and steering system, for any damage or wear. You should also inspect the hull for any cracks or holes. If you find any damage, be sure to get it repaired before taking your boat out on the water.
Look for damage on:
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Wiper blades
Lines
Masts
Sails
Covers
Anchors
Lines
Check The Boat's Battery
Once you have taken care of all the necessary repairs, it's time to check the boat's battery. Make sure that the battery is securely fastened in place and that the cables are free of corrosion. You should also clean the terminals with a wire brush to remove any build-up. Once you have checked the battery, it's time to move on to the next step.
Change Oil and Filters If Necessary
The next thing you need to do is change the oil and filters if necessary. This will vary depending on how often you use your boat and what kind of engine it has, so be sure to consult your owner's manual. Generally speaking, though, you should change the oil every 50 hours of use or every year, whichever comes first.
Inspection of Electrical Systems
Once the oil and filters have been changed, it's time to check the electrical system. Start by checking all of the wires and connections for any signs of corrosion. Then, test the batteries to make sure they are holding a charge.
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Test your voltage meter
Radio
Running lights
Bilge pump
GPS
Depth finder, to name a few
Check Fuel Lines and Gas Tank
Checking the fuel lines and the gas tank will be the next step. Make sure that there are no leaks or cracks in the fuel lines. You should also check the gas tank for any rust or other damage.
Inspect Safety Gear
After you have checked the propeller, it's time to inspect the safety gear. Make sure that all of the life jackets are in good condition and that they fit properly. You should also check the fire extinguishers and make sure they are fully charged. Lastly, you should check all flares and make sure they are up to date. Here is our Emergency Kit Blog for more information.
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Life jackets
Flares
Emergeny kit
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
Check the Propeller
The last thing you need to do is check the propeller. Make sure that there is no damage or wear. You should also check the propeller for any build-up of barnacles or other debris.
Make Sure You Have Boat Insurance
Once you have done all of the above steps, the last thing you need to do is make sure you have boat insurance. Boat insurance will protect you in case of an accident or if your boat is stolen. It is important to ensure that you have adequate coverage for your boat.
Have a copy of your boater’s licence in your boat, long with a copy of your insurance and registration at all times
If you are looking for reliable boat insurance, look no further than MD Marine. We are dedicated to providing our customers with the best possible service. We offer a wide range of boat insurance policies so you can find the perfect one for your needs. Plus, when you get boat insurance with us, you get access to our Dock Links membership, where you can get discounts around Canada for places like restaurants and fun outings for the family!
Now that you have all the necessary information to get your boat ready for a fun season on the water, it's time to take action! Contact MD Marine today to learn more about our boat insurance and how we can help keep you and your loved ones safe while enjoying everything the open waters have to offer. We hope you have a wonderful boating season!
Here are some Boating Safety Equipment Requirements by the Canadian Red Cross to make sure you are safe this summer.
