As boating season approaches, sailors everywhere are preparing to get back out on the water. However, before you plan your first outing, you need to make sure you have taken all of the necessary steps to get your boat ready for action.
Do You Have to Dewinterize a Boat?
When boating season ends, most sailors take the time to prepare their boats for the winter. However, many of the boat maintenance tasks you must complete at this time will need to be reversed in order to take the boat back on the water. For example, winterizing a boat usually involves disconnecting the battery cables. Your boat won’t run until you have reconnected these cables.
How to Dewinterize a Boat
When it comes time to dewinterize boat and prepare it for the new season, remember each of the following tips:
Evaluate your fuel system.
Before you put your boat away for the winter, you should have filled the tank with gas to prevent condensation from forming. Before starting your boat again, check your fuel line for any cracks and ensure that it is properly attached. You should also change your fuel filter at this time.
Check your battery.
If you disconnected your boat’s battery cables before winter, you will need to reconnect them at this time. Be sure that your terminals aren’t corroded and clean them if you notice any signs of corrosion. If your boat’s battery requires water, you should take this opportunity to make sure it is full. Use a battery tester to make sure your battery is ready to go.
Fill your cooling system.
If you live in a colder climate, you should have emptied your cooling system when you winterized the boat in order to prevent freezing during the coldest months of the year. If so, you need to refill your cooling system before you operate your boat. Be sure to check your hoses for cracks at this time as well before you take your first trip.
Check your belts.
The belts on your boat need to be tight. Otherwise, they will begin to slip and will wear out too quickly. To check the belts, push on them and watch how much they move. You should only be able to push them down slightly. Your belts should also fit within their grooves snugly. If you find that your belts aren’t fitting properly, tighten them and/or replace them.
Check the oil and change the filter.
You may have changed the engine oil before you put your boat away for the winter. However, if you didn’t do this, you should change the oil before the new boating season begins. Make sure you change your oil filter before you take your boat out for the first time as well.
Key Takeaways
- Before you take your boat out for the new season, you need to dewinterize it.
- To dewinterize your boat properly, you need to check all of the important components for any signs of wear. You should also perform any necessary maintenance.
- All boat owners should also invest in proper insurance coverage to protect themselves and their investments.
Boating season is an exciting time for anyone who owns a watercraft. By following these tips, you can be sure that your boat is safe and ready to sail. However, even with the proper maintenance, your boat is still a risk. To protect yourself and your investment, be sure to invest in adequate boat or yacht insurance coverage. Please contact Marine Agency today to learn more.
