Tips to Prepare Your Boat for Spring

May 4, 2017
|In Education
|By McMahon Insurance

Having a spring ritual that includes inspection, tune-up and cleaning of your boat can help prevent a host of problems and help keep you and everyone aboard safe during your adventures.

Here are some tips to get your boat ready to hit the water:

1) Prepare for the Season Ahead

Use these pre-season days to plan for boating ahead, such as familiarizing yourself with your boat — its components, features and safety precautions.

2) Complete Your Pre-Launch Inspection and Maintenance

To help ensure a smooth, safe start to the boating season, have an American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC)-certified technician or mechanic perform the recommended maintenance on your vessel.

3) Get In, On and Out of the Water Safely

Once all tasks on your pre-launch checklist are complete, you can start your engine and get out on the water. It is important to:

  • Follow safe launching practices.
  • Monitor the engine temperature to make sure it is not overheating.
  • Monitor the cooling system to make sure it is operating correctly.
  • Ensure you and your passengers know and follow safe boating practices.

4) Remember: Every Vessel is Unique

The work required to get your boat water-ready will depend on, whether it is used in fresh or salt water, its size, manufacturer, model, and the state in which it is registered. Be sure to get the information you need, then develop and follow the right spring ritual to help ensure every trip of the boating season is safe and fun for all.

 

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