Believe it or not, there’s not much time before summer gets here and you’ll be itching to get your boat out onto the water. But, just because your boat was pristine when you put it in storage for the winter doesn’t mean it will be ready for sailing when the summer months arrive. There will definitely be maintenance tasks to perform and you may need to buy some Beneteau Group boat parts, so it’s better to get a jump on things sooner rather than later. Follow these tips from the experts of Lake Tahoe boat rentals to get your boat ready for summer.
Make a List of Parts That Need to be Replaced
Boat parts wear out and it’s extremely important that you pay attention to everything that might need to be replaced before boating season begins. You never want to be out on the water when a part fails because you might be stranded without a way to get back to shore. Have a boat mechanic inspect your boat to ensure everything is in good operational order and won’t be failing anytime soon.
Order any parts that are wearing out or that could wear out during the boating season in time to have them installed before you head out on the water for the first time. If you’re not sure if a part needs to be replaced or not, consult a boat mechanic because it’s better to err on the side of caution when it comes to equipment and mechanical devices on your boat.
Clean the Boat
Even boats that are covered for the winter need a good cleaning before you go boating for the first time each summer. Give it a good washing or have it professionally cleaned and waxed so it not only looks good but your paint job won’t suffer from dirt and dust either. If you have a below-deck cabin, dust all the surfaces, mop the floors, and vacuum the upholstery to get rid of all the must and dust from storage.
Empty the Bilge Pump
The bilge pump is designed to keep excess water out of your boat, so you want it empty before you take it out. It might have water from rain or melted snow in it from over the winter, so if it isn’t empty, pump it out.
Conduct a Safety Check
This step is particularly important because a safe boat is a fun boat. Make sure all the lights work, that the horn is still operational and that there are no cracks or other blemishes in the hull. Change all the batteries in the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and verify that you have enough life vests on the boat for every potential passenger on the boat. There should also be a fire extinguisher, throwable flotation devices, visual signaling devices, and sound signaling devices on board as well. Finally, check your radio to ensure it works so that you can call for help if you have an emergency while on the water.
Conclusion
Summer really isn’t that far away, so don’t wait to start getting your boat ready for those great times on the water.
