It's early April. The crocuses are sprouting and the sun warms your shoulders. There is a hint of summer in the air. This time of the year offers a great opportunity to get your boat ready for the summer sailing ahead. If you winterized your boat, now is the time to pull it out of storage and get it ready for the warmer weather. Below are just a few checks to prepare your boat during spring.
Check the battery. The normal life of a marine battery is 3 to 5 years. Refill the battery with fresh distilled water and check the charge. If the battery still holds a charge, then you're in good shape.
Test the boat's electrics. Go through every switch to make sure it works. Finally, check to make sure the automatic bilge pump is working.
Change the engine oil. Check your owner's manual for information on what weight oil to use in the engine. Check for leaks in fuel lines - repair and replace when necessary.
Fill the cooling system. If your boat has a closed cooling system like your family car, then you will need to flush the system and replace the antifreeze with a fresh mixture. While you're at it, inspect all cooling lines - repair and replace when necessary.
Inspect the safety gear. Ensure that you have the right number of flotation devices, read expiration dates on fire extinguisher's, test all lights in the cabin and on the deck, organize your paperwork, and check signaling equipment.
Review your insurance. Just as you wouldn't drive your car without first securing auto insurance, you should secure your boat insurance coverage. This can help you if there are accidents on your boat or damage done to the vessel.
Finding the right boat insurance for your needs doesn't have to be difficult. Talk to the team at Jack Stone Insurance Agency to get started on your reliable coverage.
