Getting your Boat Ready for Spring

As we start to see the other side of Winter, if you are like me, I’m sure you are thinking about leaving the state for somewhere warmer or grabbing something warm to drink next to the fire. Either way, soon enough we'll be looking forward to the spring and summer on Puget Sound.  

The one question that keeps arriving at the top of my mind is ‘Where’s my next Adventure?’ It’s most likely not in Prague or Brazil or Tokyo. It’s probably in our backyard; somewhere like Port Townsend or Roche Harbor or hopefully sometime soon, Vancouver. Luckily, we have so much to safely explore within reach.

With winter coming to a close and spring knocking on the door here some tips to make sure you have a fun, less stressful and safe summer on the water.

• Be sure to check your fire extinguishers to ensure they are in operational and if dated not expired

• Double check your PFDs to make sure they aren’t in need of replacement or cleaning.

• Replace any flares that have expired

• Test your smoke and CO2 detectors

• Haul out as necessary to paint and inspect hull or have a diver inspect and clean your hull

• Replace any zincs that need a fresh anode

• If you have outboards and didn’t get service at the end of the season it’s time to schedule that appointment before the yards are chalk full of your neighbors’ boats

• Inspect impellers and replace when necessary

• Deep clean your bilge, cushions, interiors to knock that green off of everything from winter

• Wax your boat to ensure your gel coat lasts for another decade

• Tighten all your screws and fasteners. The expansion and contraction over the winter and vibration while underway has caused a few of these to loosen up

• Test your bilge pumps to ensure they are working properly

• Test out and lubricate all your seacocks as they can seize if not operated

• Replace batteries in your handheld equipment

• De-winterize your freshwater system by flushing out anti-freeze a few times with freshwater

• Oil your interior wood finishes

• Clean and lubricate heads with application of vinegar followed by baby oil

As always if you have any questions, please let me know. 

Whether you spend your time in the desert, beach or in Washington this winter, please let me know if you’d like to spend the summer on the water.

Looking forward to seeing you out on the water this summer!