Warm weather is finally on the horizon, and if you're like most boaters, you've been counting down the days since fall. But before you back that trailer down the ramp, your boat needs some attention. Months of sitting in storage can take a toll on everything from the engine to the upholstery, and skipping a proper spring inspection is a fast track to a ruined first outing. Consider this your spring boat checklist: everything you need to get back on the water safely, all in one place.
- A thorough spring inspection catches small problems before they turn into expensive repairs or dangerous situations on the water.
- Your engine, battery, fuel system, and safety gear all need attention after months of winter storage.
- Don't forget the trailer, because blown tires and bad bearings strand more boaters than engine trouble does.
Start with the Hull and Exterior
Walk around your boat with fresh eyes. You're looking for cracks, blisters, gel coat damage, or anything that looks different from when you put it away. Clean the entire exterior with a marine-safe soap, and while you're scrubbing, pay close attention to areas around fittings and hardware where water likes to sneak in.
Once the hull is clean, a fresh coat of wax protects against UV damage and reduces drag in the water. One thing that trips people up year after year? The drain plug. Make sure it's secure and in good shape before launch day. You'd be surprised how many boats take on water because someone forgot this five-second step.
Engine, Fuel, and Battery
Your engine sat idle all winter, so it needs a proper wake-up call. Change the oil and replace the filters. Old oil collects moisture during storage, and running the engine on stale oil wears down moving parts faster than you'd expect.
Inspect every fuel line you can reach. Feel for soft spots, cracks, or bulging, and if anything smells like gasoline, that's a red flag. Wipe down connections with a clean rag and smell it afterward. Fuel odor means a leak that needs fixing before you go anywhere.
If you have a lead-acid battery, top it off with distilled water, then clean the terminals and give it a full charge. A voltmeter test will tell you whether it can still hold a charge or if it's time for a replacement. Batteries over three years old are usually worth swapping out as a precaution.
Electrical Systems and Safety Gear
Flip all the switches and test the lights on your boat. Navigation lights, cabin lights, the horn, fish finder, and radio all need a once-over. Corrosion builds up on electrical connections over the off-season, so look for green or white buildup around terminals. A wire brush and some dielectric grease handle most of it. Test your bilge pump in both automatic and manual modes while you're at it.
Pull out every life jacket and inspect each one. Watch for rips, torn straps, or waterlogged foam. Fire extinguishers should be up to date on their charge and expiration dates. Restock your first-aid kit, make sure the flares haven’t expired, verify that your registration and insurance documents are up to date, and check that the airhorn is working properly and easily accessible.
Propeller, Steering, and Interior
With the boat still on the trailer, give the propeller a close look. Dings, bent blades, and pitting all affect performance and fuel economy. Try wiggling the prop shaft, and if there's noticeable play, the cutlass bearing probably needs attention. Lubricate steering cables and confirm smooth operation. Stiff or jerky steering is a real safety concern when you need to react quickly.
Inside the boat, pop open all the compartments and hunt for mildew or moisture. Deep clean the upholstery and look under seats and around the helm for uninvited guests. Wasps and mice love building nests in stored boats, and discovering them mid-trip is no fun.
The Trailer Gets a Checkup Too
Inspect tire pressure and scan for sidewall cracking or worn tread. Low pressure at highway speeds leads to blowouts, and that's one of the most common reasons boaters get stranded on the roadside every spring. Grease the wheel bearings, test all trailer lights, and go over the braking system. If you don't carry a spare trailer tire, now is the time to fix that.
Before your first real outing, take a short shakedown run on your own. A quick 20-minute spin can reveal engine sounds, gauge readings, or steering issues that would have otherwise spoiled a full day on the lake.
Get Your Boat Spring-Ready at Reeder-Trausch Marine
If tackling this checklist feels overwhelming, or you'd rather spend your time on the water instead of under the boat, our service team at Reeder-Trausch Marine is here to help. We handle everything from oil changes and battery replacements to full spring commissioning, so your boat is ready when you are. Our technicians know Indiana waters and the wear patterns that come with Midwest winters. Whether you keep your boat at Raccoon Lake, Heritage Lake, or anywhere else in central Indiana, stop by our Rockville or Indianapolis location and let us get you back on the water with confidence this season.
