Getting your power boat ready for spring launching

March 29, 2021| Safety

By: Larry Orlans

To make sure that your boating season is a lot of fun and is not interrupted by an unfortunate and potentially expensive breakdown, it is important that the proper steps are taken before launching it.

If your boat is serviced by a marina, be sure to request that it be fully inspected and that any necessary procedures be performed before you use it for the first time.

If you service it yourself, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, especially those for the engine. Use the proper tools and oils, fluids, etc., which are recommended in the owners’ manual.

The following is a series of checks that should be performed, not all of which may apply to your vessel, and be sure to check your owners’ manual for some which might not be listed here.

Boat maintenance and inspection

• Inspect all the rubber hoses for cuts, cracks, rot, or leaks.
• Inspect the prop for dings, pitting, or distortion.
• Check the entire steering system including cables, hydraulic fluid, or tiller.
• Inspect the entire hull for blisters, cracks, or distortions.
• Inspect and test the bilge pump, its hoses, and all clamps.
• If your fuel was not stabilized before storage, replace it with fresh fuel.
• Clean or replace the fuel and water separator filters.
• Check the battery for leaks and charge it fully, replace if necessary.
• Clean and tighten all the wiring connections to the battery and acid level.
• Check the bilge pump operation and inspect its hoses and clamps.
• Check the bilge blower and ducts if so equipped.
• If an inboard/outboard, check the rubber outdrive bellows for cracks or deterioration.
• Check proper operation of all helm gauges and alarms.
• Check the lower unit oil level.
• Check the engine zincs for wear and replace if necessary.
• Check that the drain plug is in.

Trailer maintenance and inspection

• Inspect tire treads for wear, and sidewalls for cracks. Check tire pressure and set to the maximum pressure shown on the tire sidewall. Spare also.
• Inspect wheel bearings and repack if necessary.
• Test brake lights and turn signals. Replace cracked or broken lenses.
• Inspect trailer brakes and brake fluid.
• Inspect and lube the winch. Check the winch cable.
• Inspect the two hitch chains.

General safety reminders

• Check all three navigation lights.
• Check the status of all life jackets, replace any worn or torn ones.
• Inspect the fire extinguisher pressure gauge. Replace any kidde brand with a plastic handle or nozzle.
• Check the first aid kit to replace any used items.
• Check the engine cut-off switch if so equipped.
• Check the dock lines for chafe and wear.
• Get a free vessel safety check from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadrons, where available.

Be sure to have on board 

• Boating license
• Boat registration
• N.J. boating safety certificate

More resources

Discover Boating - Getting Your Boat Ready for the Season

BoatUS - How To Get Your Boat Ready For Spring from BoatUS

Video: BoatUS - Spring Launch Safety Checklist 

 Larry Orlans is a U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Boating Safety Instructor and Auxiliary Operations Officer for Flotilla 15-10.