Preparing a Boat for Spring Launch

If you are like many boat owners, you took your boat out of the water during the winter months.  Sometimes storage fees are less than moorage fees and a boat can usually be better protected from winter weather "on the hard" than if it is left in the water.  Many kinds of maintenance, repairs, and upgrades are easier perform ''on the hard'' too.  If your boat is left in the water many but not all of the steps below will be applicable.  Boats left in the water may also need to have the hull inspected and perhaps cleaned of unwanted hitchhikers and algae which will require some diving under the boat unless it is hauled out.

The first step is usually unwrapping or uncovering the boat.  Many boats hauled out are shrink wrapped for the winter.  Others may simply be covered with a tarp or a boat cover. Boats left in the water may be protected with a boat cover or a tarp.  In any case the first step in getting a boat to use it to uncover it.  Once the covering is removed inspect the surface for any damage or moisture that may have gotten through or accumulated underneath the covering.  High humidity, often associated with areas where boats are found, can contribute to condensation inside waterproof covers.  Boats covered with a tarp will sometimes get damaged by the tarp rubbing against projecting surfaces.  Mark and note any damages so you can repair them before putting your boat in the water.  If you used a tarp to cover your boat, inspect it for wear and tear and make any needed repairs before putting it in storage so it will be ready to use again next year.  If it is worn or damaged beyond repair, discard it and buy a new one for next year.

Next up is a thorough cleaning.  Even though your boat has been protected from most environmental elements it will still need to be cleaned, inside and out, before you use it.  A good washing is all that is usually needed for the exterior.   A good coat of wax on the clean boat will help keep it looking nicer longer and provide some protection for the gelcoat or paint.    Don't wax the non-skid portions of the deck!  The interior will benefit from sweeping floors, vacuuming cushions, wiping down and sanitizing all hard surfaces, and cleaning cabinets, counters, appliances and plumbing fixtures.  If you see streaks or other signs of leakage on the ceiling or inside of the hull, make note of them so you can mediate the problem before it causes any more damage.  Spring cleaning is sometimes a good opportunity to repaint any areas that need it or you want to change for cosmetic or decorative reasons.  And don't forget the bottom!  Hopefully you cleaned the bottom while it was still damp when you took it out of the water last fall.  Now is a good time to make sure it is clean and check to see if it needs to be repainted.   If the old paint is badly worn or damaged it should definitely be repainted.  Always use a high quality bottom paint for underwater surfaces.  Bottom paint is engineered to help keep the hull clean.  A clean hull is a significant factor in performance, letting the boat to slip through the water uninhibited by junk stuck to the hull and allowing it to respond as best it can to the helm.  Speaking of the helm, don't forget to clean the rudder and lubricate any hinge points or other moving parts.

If you repaint the bottom, be sure to clean and sand it thoroughly and follow the paint manufacturer's recommendations for surface preparation.  If your boat is on a trailer or on stands in a boat yard there will be portions of the hull you cannot access.  For best results you need to lift and reposition the boat so you can prep and paint everything.  If that isn't possible, prep and paint all the areas you have access to.   Use an edge guard to paint as close as possible to the bunk boards or pads.  An old slat from a Venetian blind or a 6" or 8" sheetrock knife makes a pretty good make-shift edge guard to keep paint off the carpet on the bunk board.   Trailered boats often sit slightly differently on the bunk boards each time they are loaded so you may be able to gain at least partial access to the covered areas the next time you pull the boat out of the water.  When you repaint the bottom you should also consider painting the rudder and the propeller with bottom paint.  And don't forget the centerboard on sailboats that have them.

Any motor on a boat will need to be serviced according to the manufacturer's schedule and recommendations.  Typical pre-launch maintenance includes an oil change , checking air and fuel filters. and inspecting, lubricating and adjusting control cables and levers.   Old fuel should be drained and properly disposed of and the tanks filled with new fuel.  If you have trouble starting the engine after storage it will probably require the carburetor to be cleaned.  Old fuel, especially modern fuels with methanol added, deteriorate in just a few months leaving behind nasty deposits that can clog the jets and even gum up the float and foul fuel lines.  The E85 fuel sold for automobiles in many places is NOT recommended for outboard motors.

Anchors and rodes should be inventoried and inspected.  Both should be clean and have no visible signs of damage or excessive wear.  Both should be properly stowed without tangles where they can be easily accessed when needed.  A little surface rust is normal but you may want to clean it off and coat the metal parts with a little bit of oil to minimize them rusting again.

Dock lines and spring lines should also be checked.  Worn or damaged lines should be replaced.   If the ends are fraying, reset them.  Nylon lines can usually be melted to manage lose fibers.  Other lines may require wrapping with string or tape or heat-shrink tubing.  While you're at it, check your fenders, including the ropes that attach them, to be sure they will be suitable for another season of protecting your boat from the dock.  Frayed or damaged lines may fail leaving your boat to bang against the dock or break free and float away.  Remember, if your boat gets loose and causes damage to other boats or even the dock, you can be held financially responsible!

Tools, supplies, and provisions need to inventoried.  Worn. damaged, or missing tools should be replaced.  Used up, clogged, expired or missing supplies also need to be replaced.  Provisions (basic non-perishable food and hygiene supplies and medications and first aid supplies) also need be brought up to date.  Make sure your bilge pumps (electric and/or manual) are working properly.  This is also a good time to make sure everything is stowed properly where you know where it is and can get it when you need it.

If yours is a sailboat you will need to inspect the standing rigging.  That includes masts, booms, spars, stays, and shrouds.  Adjust as necessary and replace any frayed or damaged components.   Make sure all the mounting hardware is secure.   Also unfold and inspect the sails and check all the lines (halyards, sheets on the sails, docking lines, etc).  Check the winches and make sure all the cleats are secure to the deck.  Repair or replace any damaged or missing items.  Don't forget to check things like sail and tiller covers.  Inventory and inspect sail ties.  Repair or replace any damaged sail ties.

All safety items should be inventoried and inspected.  That would include navigation lights, life vests, throwable floation devices, and signaling devices (lights, flares, horns, flags, whistles and "day shapes").  Larger boats may have a dingy or life raft that needs to be inspected to be sure it is serviceable and correctly stocked.

If you have removed any components for winter storage (sails, rudder, cushions, dingy, etc) put them back onboard where they need to be.   For boats with cabins, check the berths to make sure the mattresses and cushions aren't damp or moldy and make sure you have clean, correct bedding on board.

If you have onboard plumbing, inspect all the tanks and visible lines and devices for leaks.  If necessary, sanitize and fill your fresh water tank and make sure waste holding tanks have the proper chemicals.  This applies to porta-pottys as well as permanent facilities.

Spring pre-launch is also a good time to install any new accessories you may want or need.  If the non-skid portions of the deck are worn it might also be a good time to repaint them with a good non-skid paint.  Doing so will make your boat safer and give it a fresh, almost new look.  Be sure to take care of any other damage to the deck or hull.

If your boat is on a trailer, you will want to check the tires and service the wheel bearings.  You will also want to check the wiring and lights and inspect the hitch and safety chains.  Then make sure the boat is properly secured to the trailer before attempting to move it. 

Non-perishable provisions should be inventoried and restocked as necessary.  You will want to wait until each trip to stock perishable supplies.

Ready for launch!