It’s finally that time of year – the sun is shining, the weather is warming up and the water is calling for you. If you’re thinking about going out on the water for the first time this year, make sure that you prepare your boat for fun in the sun by following these correct procedures for its first journey of 2013.
Inspect your Vessel from Stem to Stern
The first thing you should do when you begin this process is to perform a thorough inspection of your boat. Check the hull for blisters and chips. Inspect propellers for dings or distortions. Clean your boat, polishing any metal or teak that needs a shine, and be sure that your boat is watertight. Also check the interior of your boat and clean off any mold or mildew that may have formed over the winter.
Check your Engine
If you didn’t change your oil when you stored your boat for winter, now is the time to take care of it. Also, you may want to check your spark plugs and fuel lines. Have your boat’s owner’s manual handy when performing this type of maintenance.
Evaluate and Refresh your Fluids
When you change your boat’s oil, also ensure that the other fluids in your boat are cared for. Flush your cooling system and check your battery fluids. Now is also the perfect time to give everything a good and thorough greasing.
Test your Battery
Nothing ruins a boat trip quite like a dead battery. Keep your battery charged, and take this opportunity to check your battery and make sure that it has a good charge. If your battery is more than three years old, you may want to think about replacing it altogether.
Assess your Accessories
Don’t forget about your boat’s accessories! Check your life vests and other safety equipment, including the expiration date on your flares and fire extinguisher. Also, inspect your anchor and its rope, as well as your on-board first aid kit and GPS.
Your boat’s trailer is also an important thing to inspect before you take to the water. Take a few minutes to check for any bends or cracks, and check out the springs and suspension as well. This type of preventative trailer maintenance can save you a lot of hassle in the long run. Remember, you don’t want to end up on the side of the road with a broken down trailer!
Remember to take a look at your boat’s most important accessory – your watercraft insurance! This policy can provide many types of coverage against losses, such as medical payments coverage, physical damage coverage, and liability coverage.
Here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance, we want to you to be able relax and enjoy your time on the water, so before you hit the road with your boat in tow, hit up one of our agents at 877-550-0025 to review your boat insurance policy. The call will only take a few minutes of your time, and will allow you the peace of mind on the water that nothing else can.
Photo credit: Derek Purdy / Foter.com / CC BY-ND
