Reactivate Your Boat After a Winter in Storage
After a long winter, there's nothing more rewarding than unveiling and preparing your boat for a summer filled with exciting and breathtaking trips on the water. The spring season has officially arrived, and now is the best time to check your boat carefully and thoroughly to ensure it functions safely and smoothly. Lake House Marine wants to offer a few key tips for preparing your boat for the summer. Explore our step-by-step recommendations to bring your boat back to optimal condition for loads of on-water fun after a long winter in storage.
Step 1: Remove all duct tape from exhaust flaps.
Step 2: Completely charge all batteries and install them in the boat. Be sure to follow all safety precautions with changing and/or installing batteries.
Caution: When batteries are stored over the winter, they will often require recharging. Only use an authorized battery charger that's compatible with your boat. Regardless of the season, care should always be given when charging batteries. Please consult the battery manufacturer for questions and concerns.
Step 3: Follow all instructions for reactivating the drive train and engine as directed in your Owner's Manual.
Note: Due to the intricate nature of engine and drive train activation, Lake House Marine recommends having an authorized Dealer perform this step.
Step 4: Reinstall all the drain plugs throughout the drive train and boat to avoid unwanted water intrusion.
Step 5: If pertinent, rejoin and verify that all hoses to the head, heater, wet bar, and the freshwater wash down are in good working condition with no leaks.
Step 6: Check for signs of nesting animals in the bilge and engine compartment. Clean as necessary.
Step 7: Check the entire engine system to measure the correct oil, fluid, and coolant levels. Add as necessary.
Step 8: Examine the complete engine for potential leaks or cracks caused by freeze damage.
Step 9: Install the rear drain plug and the bilge drain plug (if applicable) and check all hose clamps for tightness.
Step 10: Grease the propeller spline and connect the propeller.
Step 11: Carry out daily maintenance as outlined in your Owner's Manual. If this was not conducted before storage, perform annual maintenance as well.
Step 12: If your boat is equipped with a fresh water cooling system and was drained before storage, fill the system with new coolant as instructed in your Owner's Manual.
Step 13: With the boat in the water, cycle the key ON and then OFF two or three times, giving 10 seconds between key cycles, before cranking the engine. Start your engine. This will allow the fuel pump to prime the fuel lines. If the engine does not respond, allow a 2-minute cool-down for every 30 seconds of cranking. When the engine starts, keep an eye on the gauge readings and check for any leaks and abnormal sounds. When you are ready to go, keep speeds low for the first fifteen minutes, allowing the engine to reach normal operating temperatures.
Contact us at Lake House Marine
Preparing your boat for summer may be a multi-step process, but it's worth it if you're looking to enjoy the coming boating season to the fullest. You can always contact us at Lake House Marine for details on thorough summer boat preparation or for any equipment or accessories you need to ensure a summer of adventure and unforgettable experiences. Whatever you need, consider Lake House Marine - Your Home on the Water.