Get your boat ready for spring. De-winterize your vessel with these tips.
Wash and wax your boat
Clean and wax your boat in time for spring. Take it as an opportunity to remove the grunge and grime that built up over winter. This will help you make sure that your boat is in pristine condition before launching it out onto the water.
But whatever you do, don’t use non-marine cleaners. Cleaning items made for automobiles, for instance, can potentially damage the boat’s canvassing and vinyl.
Conduct a safety check
Inspect the boat’s navigation lights and the horn. Check safety equipment like your first aid kit, flares, fire extinguishers, and life jackets. Repair, replace, and re-stock these items as needed.
It’s also a good time to make sure your battery is fully charged – you don’t want to end up having to paddle to shore.
De-winterize the engine
Change the oil to prevent excessive wear and corrosion, which could potentially cause engine failure or loss of power. While you change the oil, don’t forget to replace the oil filter as well as the oil in the lower unit of the outboard.
The majority of owners change the oil and get outdrive service done on a yearly basis. Some experts recommend changing the oil every 50 hours of usage.
Examine the vinyl and canvas
Inspect your covers, seats, bimini top, and other canvas and vinyl items for dirt, mildew, and tears. Clean, repair, and replace them as necessary. As mentioned earlier, clean these materials using the right cleaning products.
Polish the brightwork
Metal and teak, also known as brightwork, can enhance your boat’s physical appearance. Polishing the brightwork can make your boat look like a million bucks. Otherwise, neglecting to care for metal and teak can cause pitting and ultimately have a negative impact on your boat’s integrity.
Clean the interiors
Whether you have a galley or an open deck, be sure to clear away any dirt and debris to maintain cleanliness as well as your boat’s visual appeal. Doing so not only ensures that your boat is in pristine condition; it also prevents accidents and injuries on board.
Put the drain plug back in
If you removed your drain plug to winterize your boat, make sure to put it back in to keep the boat from sinking. In addition to replacing drain plugs, don’t forget to reconnect any hoses that you removed last season, as well as install a brand-new impeller if necessary.
Test all electronics
Bring all your electronics back to the boat and test to see if all of them are still working properly. This includes your GPS, radio, and depth finder, just to name a few.
Keep the manufacturer’s manual close at hand
Read your manufacturer’s manual, which should contain the recommended guidelines for boat maintenance. Re-familiarize yourself with your boat – examine its features and components. You can also refresh your knowledge by taking boating classes, as well as obtaining a boat certificate if you still haven’t done so.
The Lake Norman, North Carolina offers plenty of boating opportunities. Call David Dunn at 704.999.3591 or send an email to David(dotted)Dunn(at)SothebysRealty(dotted)com to explore the local housing market today.