As the days get hotter and longer, nothing is more appealing than hitting the water. Warm sun and pleasant water temperatures – it’s official: ski season is here!
After sitting dormant during winter, it’s time to get your boat out and prepare for the peak season. For optimal performance, you should do a few things to de-winterise your marine vessel before heading to the closest boat ramp.
If your boat has been in storage, here is how you can prepare it for the warmer months.
Service you boat
First and foremost, you want to ensure your boat is adequately de-winterised. This means organising a health check and service with your local marine mechanic. Whether it be a jet ski or race boat, a service will ensure it is tuned and ready for the upcoming season.
Many elements in a boat need to be checked by a professional. A mechanic can run a compression test, and check the water pump, battery, filters and fluids, among other things. These are vital to a safe running vessel.
Furthermore, they can make any mechanical repairs, replacing parts where necessary.
Organise any needed boat repairs
In addition to mechanical repairs, a boat repair can include cosmetic repairs to the exterior coat. Last season’s use can result in general wear on your vehicle, as well as bumps and accidents in storage. Although your boat is not as active, these minor activities could your vessel with a few dents, scratches and general paint or gel coat defects.
If you’ve noticed your boat requires a repair, it is good to get it sorted before heading to the water. This also includes the paint at the bottom of the boat. If ignored, this can cause corrosion, which could further damage your boat if used without the proper treatment beforehand.
Bodytech Marine only ever uses quality boat spray paint to get your boat or jet ski looking fresh. We also provide complete boat restorations for those with an older boat that has been in storage for longer periods.
Check your equipment inventory
In terms of your boat, one of the final things to check is the inventory you have on the vessel. There are a few items you should always have ready. As the new season arrives, make sure all things have been restocked and replaced if needed.
This includes:
- Life jackets
- Sunscreen
- Distress/sound signals
- Sunscreen
- Throwable flotation devices
- Fire extinguishers
- First-aid kit
- Waterproof buoyant torch
- Marine radio
- Paddles or oars
- Bailer or bucket with lanyard
- Anchor or chain/line
- Safety label
- Kill switch lanyard
- Navigation lights
If the items are present, ensure they haven’t met an expiry date and give them a clean so they’re ready to roll.
Ensure your boat trailer is good to go
Often overlooked, the boat trailer is just as important as the boat itself. Without the trailer, you couldn’t get your boat from storage to the water!
It is also important that your boat trailer is in good condition as this can be a significant hazard on the road if not. Not to mention, the trailer is made up of several parts, making it more complex to repair.
The best advice is to seek any boat trailer repair when you put your boat in for repairs or servicing. This will ensure your boat and trailer are both ready to go when you want to head to the water.
Looking to get your boat or jet ski sorted? Trust the professionals at Bodytech Marine. Our expert boat repair services will ensure your marine vessel is performing to its capabilities this water season.
Head to our website to explore our marine services or enquire to learn more.
