Spring Boat Prep Checklist: Get Your Boat Summer-Ready

The days are getting longer, the water's warming up and the snapper are moving in. Before you hit the ramp for the first time this season, an hour or two of prep can save you a ruined day, or a tow home. Here's our checklist for getting your boat summer-ready.

1. Hull and antifouling

A clean hull is faster, more fuel-efficient and better for the environment.

• Check the hull for growth, chips and damage. Pay attention to the waterline, keel and around the transducer.
• Recoat the antifouling if needed. If it's worn thin or the boat has been sitting on a mooring, it's time. Choose a hard antifoul for trailer boats and faster craft, or an ablative (self-polishing) type for boats that live in the water.
• Replace your anodes. If they're more than about half worn, replace them. Anodes protect your outboard, sterndrive and underwater metals from corrosion.
• Know the local rules. Several regional councils, including Bay of Plenty, have hull fouling rules for boats moving between harbours. A clean hull keeps you compliant.

Shop: Antifouling Paint | Anodes | Cleaners & Polishes

2. Batteries

Flat batteries are one of the most common reasons boats need help on the water.

• Charge fully and test. A battery that holds charge on the shelf can still fail under load, so have it load-tested if you're unsure.
• Clean the terminals. Remove corrosion, tighten the connections and apply terminal grease.
• Check the age. Most marine batteries last 3–5 years. If yours is older and sluggish, replace it before it lets you down.
• Consider a dual-battery setup. Pairing a starting battery with a deep-cycle battery for electronics means your fishfinder won't flatten your start battery.

Shop: Starting Batteries | Deep Cycle Batteries | Battery Chargers | Battery Accessories

3. Bilge pumps

Your bilge pump is your first line of defence against water on board.

• Test the pump and float switch. Pour water into the bilge and make sure it switches on automatically, not just manually.
• Clear the strum box and hoses. Leaves, fishing line and debris build up over winter.
• Check the bungs. Inspect the bungs and their seals, and carry a spare.
• Carry a manual backup pump. It's cheap insurance if the electrics fail.

Shop: Bilge Pumps & Switches | Manual Bilge Pumps | Bungs & Drainers

4. Trailer

More summer trips end on the side of the road than on the water.

• Check the wheel bearings. Jack each wheel up and check for play or grinding. Repack or replace bearings that are rough or rusty, since salt water is hard on them.
• Look over the tyres. Check tread, sidewall cracks and pressure, including the spare.
• Test the lights. Trailer lights take a beating from salt water, so check them all before you tow.
• Inspect the winch, strap and rollers. Replace frayed straps and seized rollers.
• Confirm your paperwork. Make sure the WoF and registration are current.

Shop: Trailer Parts | Trailer Winches | Jockey Wheels

5. Fuel and engine

Fuel left sitting over winter can cause real problems.

• Check for old or contaminated fuel. Fuel can go stale and absorb moisture. If it's been sitting for months, consider draining it and using a fuel stabiliser.
• Replace the water-separating fuel filter. It's a simple, cheap job that prevents expensive engine damage.
• Inspect the fuel lines and primer bulb. Look for cracks, softness or leaks, and check that the tank vent is clear.
• Service the outboard. Change the gearbox oil, check the water pump impeller and spark plugs, and flush with fresh water after every trip. If it's due for a full service, book it early because workshops get busy before Christmas.

Shop: Fuel Tank Filters & Fittings | Fuel Additives | Engine Oil & Lubricants | Flushing & Salt Removal

6. Safety gear

Safety gear is the most important check of all.

• Lifejackets. Make sure there's one for everyone, in the right sizes. Service inflatable lifejackets and check that the gas cylinders are screwed in tight and not corroded.
• Flares. Check the expiry dates and replace any that are out of date.
• EPIRB or PLB. Check the battery expiry date and make sure it's registered.
• VHF radio. Do a radio check, and make sure your call sign and MMSI are set up.
• Fire extinguisher and first aid kit. Make sure they're in date and stocked.
• Anchor and rope. Check the shackles, chain and rope for wear.

Shop: Inflatable Lifejackets | Flares | EPIRBs & PLBs | Fire Safety | First Aid Kits

7. Do a test run

Before your first big trip, take the boat out for a short run close to home. Run the engine at different revs, check that the bilge stays dry, and make sure the electronics and radio work. It's much better to find a problem in the harbour than 10 miles offshore.

Need a hand?

Pop into any of our five Smart Marine stores and our team can help you find the right parts, paint and safety gear to get you on the water this summer. Or shop online at smartmarine.co.nz.