Further Spring Boat Preparation
Engine and trailer maintenance for the upcoming season
Spring commissioning involves many different systems found on your boat. We explore maintenance of inboard engines and boat trailers in this article.
Proper spring boat maintenance and preparation will make a major difference in the safe performance of your boat for this upcoming season. This article discusses inboard engine and boat trailer maintenance for the upcoming boating season.
Boat preparation involves several areas of interest. They are:
- Vessel Exterior
- Hull Condition
- Vessel Interior
- Emergency Equipment
- Electrical Systems
- Outboard Engines and Outdrives
- Inboard Engines
- Boat Trailers
- Galley
- Head and Waste Treatment Systems
- Water Systems
- Sails and Rigging
Inboard Engines - Many of the tasks required to prepare your engine for use are routine and can be accomplished by many boaters. Most marinas and boatyards can provide this required service. Arrange yard time well in advance to avoid disappointment during the inevitable spring rush. Change your engine oil and filters. Check the transmission fluid level. Replace the filter element in your water separating fuel filter and be sure to drain any water present in the settling bowl. Inspect flexible fuel lines for chaffing and wear.
Most marine engines have zincs that are threaded into the engine block. Learn their locations and change them every spring. Check the tension of drive belts and consider proactively replacing them. Carry spares for the belts and filters used by your engine. Ensure the bilge blower functions correctly and check the condition of the flexible hoses attached to it. Check the raw water strainer on engines that are cooled in this manner. Failed exhaust manifold gaskets can caused unwanted flooding with some engines. Check the condition of the exhaust manifold and its gaskets.
Boat Trailers - Most boat trailer problems occur with their wheels and associated components. Maintenance should entail checking tire pressure, removing the wheels, checking the condition and functioning of brakes, pulling and cleaning the wheel bearings, repacking them with grease and replacing them. Two things can improve performance of boat trailer brakes and wheel bearings. The first thing you can do is install a fresh water flushing system that will allow the wheel components to be thoroughly cleaned after each use. The other is to use a Wheel Buddy bearing cover. This device keeps the bearings clean and constantly lubricated.
Check the rollers, pads, and bunks of your trailer. Clean and lubricate the winch. Inspect the condition of the winch strap or cable for wear. Lubricate the tongue jack and wheel. Inspect the safety chains and coupler. Finally test your trailer lights. Trailer and boat navigation lights seem to be a constant source of irritation for most of us. Unplugging your trailer lights prior to launching can reduce problems. More information can be found in the article titled Safety Trailering Your Boat.
Visit the other Boating and Sailing articles on spring boat preparation at Suite101:
- Spring Boat Preparation - Proper spring boat maintenance and preparation will make a major difference in the safe performance of your boat in this upcoming season
- More Spring Boat Preparation - Spring boat preparation depends on the proper maintenance of many vessel systems. This article addresses emergency equipment, electronics, and outboard engines
- Preseason Boat Preparation - Proper preparation of the different systems found on your boat will ensure a successful boating season. We explore care of head, galley, and water systems in this article
- Preseason Sailboat Preparation - Get your sailboat ready for the new boating season with a little care and maintenance. Here are a few things that you should look at on your vessel
