Tips For Taking Your Boat From Storage And Into The Water

With winter nearing its end, as a boat owner, you’re eagerly waiting to take your boat out from storage and get back on the water. Boat storage solutions make sense if you don’t have a safe and secure place to store your boat on your own property, but that doesn’t mean that you can simply take your boat from the unit to the water. Before you start thinking of fishing trips and boating with family and friends, there are a few things you should keep in mind when removing your boat from its winter storage.

Complete Inspection

You’ll want to kick things off by getting a complete inspection done. Look for any physical signs of damage that might have happened over the winter months. Are there any screws that aren’t in tightly? Is there anything that you notice as being out of place? Jot down your findings and share this info with a professional if you’re getting someone to do a complete boat inspection for you. Be sure to make any needed repairs.

Top Up on Safety Supplies

Before heading out into the water, you’ll want to top up on any safety supplies you may have used the previous boating season. Make sure you have enough life vests to accommodate all of your passengers. Also, check that the fire extinguisher and flares are on board and that their useful shelf life has not expired.

Clean it Up

You’ll want to give your boat a thorough clean inside and out, after having stored it away for several months. Cleaning your boat is an important part of its general maintenance and protection, so it’s especially important after being in storage. You’ll definitely enjoy your boating experience more if you’re cruising around in a clean boat.

Dewinterize Engine

It’s also important that you dewinterize your engine prior to hitting the water. This means replacing the spark plugs, replacing the fluids; checking, and possibly, replacing the hoses, belts and cables; and ensuring that the battery is in good working order. If you’re a DIY sort, you can handle these tasks on your own. Otherwise, you’ll want to hire someone to do the job right.

Boat storage solutions will come in handy when you need somewhere to keep your boat safe and secure during the fall and winter seasons. But you also need to keep in mind that there’s a science to getting your boat from the unit to the water. If you follow these tips, you’ll be ready for the water in no time.