Whether your boat has been sitting on a trailer for winter or tied up in a marina, a thorough check before the season starts can prevent most of the breakdowns that ruin a day on the water. Use this pre-season boat checklist to work through engine, fuel, electrical, hull and safety items. Most jobs need only basic tools.
1. Engine and cooling
- Raw-water impeller: if it's more than a season or two old, replace it. See our impeller replacement guide. Kits such as the JMP 9000K impeller kit include the gasket you'll need.
- Thermostat: check it opens properly and replace the gasket if you remove the housing. For example, the Yanmar 3JH/4JH thermostat gasket.
- Oil and filters: change engine oil and oil filter if this wasn't done before lay-up. Check gearbox or lower unit oil for water (milky oil means a seal problem).
- Belts and hoses: look for cracks, glazing or soft spots, and check hose clamps for corrosion.
- Spark plugs (petrol): inspect or replace per the service schedule.
2. Fuel system
- Replace the fuel filter / water separator element and drain any water. See our guide to choosing marine fuel filters. Common options include the Racor S3227 petrol filter and the Racor 230R2 diesel separator.
- Inspect fuel lines, primer bulbs and connectors for cracks or leaks.
- Check tank vents are clear.
- If fuel has sat for months, consider whether it's still fresh. Old petrol can cause hard starting.
3. Corrosion protection
Sacrificial anodes protect your drive, shafts and props from galvanic corrosion. Replace them when about half worn, or if they look chalky and inactive. Kits such as the Mercruiser Bravo 1 anode kit and the Volvo Penta 290DP drive zinc anode kit make it simple. Make sure the mounting surfaces are clean bare metal so the anode has good contact.
4. Electrical
- Test batteries with a multimeter or load tester, and charge fully. Clean and tighten terminals.
- Check navigation lights, bilge pump and horn all work.
- Inspect wiring for chafe, corrosion or loose connections, especially in the bilge.
- Test the bilge pump float switch by lifting it by hand.
5. Bilge and pumps
Clean out the bilge so you can spot new leaks, and so oily water doesn't get pumped overboard. A bilge cleaner concentrate breaks down oil and grime. If you have a macerator or impeller-type bilge pump, check the impeller. The Ancor 2081 nitrile impeller suits many units.
6. Hull, deck and fittings
- Inspect the hull for cracks, blisters or impact damage.
- Check through-hull fittings and seacocks open and close freely.
- Check the drain bung and carry a spare.
- Inspect cleats, rails and bow rollers for loose fasteners.
- Check props for dings and make sure the prop nut and split pin are secure.
7. Anchor and ground tackle
Inspect chain, rope, shackles and the mousing on shackle pins. Refresh faded chain markers. Our anchor rigging guide covers what to look for.
8. Trailer (if applicable)
- Check wheel bearings, tyres (including the spare) and tyre pressures.
- Test trailer lights and brakes.
- Inspect rollers, skids, winch strap and safety chains.
9. Safety equipment
Safety equipment requirements vary by state and by how far offshore you go, so check your state's maritime authority (for example Maritime Safety Queensland) for current rules. As a minimum, check:
- Lifejackets are the right number and size, in good condition, and inflatable jackets are serviced on schedule.
- Flares and EPIRB are in date, with the EPIRB registered with AMSA.
- Fire extinguisher is charged and in date.
- Bailer, paddles or oars, and a first-aid kit are on board.
- Marine radio works and your licence is current.
10. Sea trial
Before your first big trip, take a short run close to the ramp or marina. Check cooling water flow, temperature, charging voltage and steering, and look for leaks in the bilge afterwards. Fix any small issue now, before it becomes a big one offshore.
Stock up before the rush
Big Burjos Marine carries impellers, filters, anodes, gaskets and maintenance supplies for most popular marine engines, shipped Australia-wide from our Coomera, QLD warehouse. Need help finding a part? Send us your engine details and we'll help match it.