Is Your Boat Ready for Spring? Get Your Boat's Spring Commissioning Underway!
- Neptunian Sky
- Mar 18
- 3 min read
The start of spring is the best time of the year to get your boat’s spring commissioning underway! A thorough spring commissioning checklist is important because it helps boat owners tend to neglected tasks, check for winter damage, and prepare a boat for the upcoming season. By following a checklist, you can minimize the chances of something going wrong when out on the water. To spring commission your boat, start by removing winter storage covers, inspecting for damage, and de-winterizing the engine, plumbing, and electrical systems, check and refill fluids, and ensure all safety equipment is in good working order.
Here's a more detailed checklist:
1. Uncover and inspect:
Remove storage covers: Carefully remove any covers and inspect the hull, deck, and interior for any damage or issues that may have occurred during storage.
Clean and inspect: Give your boat a thorough cleaning, paying special attention to areas that may have accumulated dirt or debris during the winter months.
Check for damage: Look for any signs of damage, such as cracks, leaks, or loose fittings.
2. De-winterize engine, plumbing, and electrical systems:
Check and refill fluids: Ensure the engine has the correct amount of oil, coolant, and other fluids.
Change oil and filter: Perform a routine oil change and filter replacement.
Check belts and hoses: Inspect worn belts and hoses and replace them as needed.
Check and refill the cooling system: Ensure your cooling system is full and free of leaks.
Test the bilge pump: Make sure your bilge pump is working correctly and that the float switch is functioning properly.
Check stove and remote LPG tanks: Inspect for loose fittings, leaking hoses, and properly functioning shutoff systems.
Reconnect the battery: Ensure your battery is properly connected and charged.
Check and clean terminals: Clean and inspect battery terminals for corrosion.
Test all electrical systems: Ensure all lights, radios, and other electrical systems are working correctly.
3. Fuel System:
Check the fuel tank: Ensure there are no leaks and that the tank is properly ventilated.
Check fuel filters: Replace fuel filters if necessary.
Fill with fresh fuel: Fill the fuel tank with the freshest, highest-quality fuel available.
Add fuel stabilizer: Add a fuel stabilizer to help prevent fuel from going bad.
4. Safety Equipment:
Check flares: Ensure all flares are within their expiration dates and replace any that are expired. Consider using electronic flares, which are considered a USCG compliant nighttime visual distress signal.
Test fire extinguishers: Check fire extinguishers for proper pressure and ensure they are in good working order.
Check life jackets: Ensure life jackets are in good condition and properly sized and that you have enough onboard for all vessel operators and guests.
Check anchor and chain: Inspect the anchor and chain for damage and ensure they are in good-working order.
5. Antifouling:
Check bottom paint: If your boat spends time in the water, ensure the bottom paint is in good condition and apply a fresh coat if necessary.
6. Cleaning and Waxing:
Give your boat a good cleaning and waxing: This will help protect the hull and gel coat.
7. Steering and Controls:
Check steering and controls: Test the steering wheel to ensure it moves freely with full range of motion and that the engine (or rudder) is moving as it is supposed to.
Check for rust and grease buildup: Inspect mechanical steering systems for rust and excess grease buildup.
8. Final Check:
Conduct a final check: Before heading out on the water for the first time, conduct a final check to ensure everything is in good working order.
If you own a BILGE-B-DRY, Dry Bilge System, spring is the best time to make sure your low-profile bilge water pickups are performing efficiently. Replacing your pickups or pickup filter material every three months in season allows for easy cleaning and operation of your BILGE-B-DRY pump. Are you looking for daily sales or weekly specials on your spring commissioning accessories? Shop Neptunian Marine for sales on name-brand marine products!
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