When owners prepare to put their boats away for winter, most use a checklist for maintenance items. In spring, with the excitement of a new boating season, the same cautions aren’t normally taken. The same attention should be put into spring efforts pre-launch.
“There are two very important things that every boater needs to double check before heading out for the first splash of the season: batteries and fuel,” Technical Marketing Manager for Yamaha, David Meeler, said. “First, check to make sure your batteries are fully charged and all connections are clean and tight. Second, smell your fuel. If you properly stabilized it in the fall before lay-up (like you always should), the fuel should still smell fresh. If it smells strongly of turpentine, replace it with fresh gas before heading to the water.”
Mercury and Yamaha offer these pointers:
- Lubricate the snaps and zippers on your boat cover and wash the top with a canvas cleaner.
- Verify the bilge pump is working and the plug is in.
- Inspect the battery terminals for corrosion and clean with a baking soda solution or a wire brush.
- Check that gear lube hasn’t settled over winter if it was changed in the fall. If it wasn’t changed, it should be.
- Use a hose to flush your engine and ensure it’s running correctly before launch. Verify there is a good stream of water coming from the exhaust. If not, the impeller should be changed. Manufacturers recommend regularly changing the impeller.
- Grease any points necessary on engine. Usually this is required on steering components on the motor. The propeller shaft should also be greased. Ensure lights and electrical switches are working.
- Test sonar and chartplotters. Check the VHF radio if you have one.
- Inspect the hull. On fibreglass, look for chips that are serious enough to require repairs. On aluminum, check rivets and welds for deterioration.
- Have a look at your anchor. Common issues include worn rope, or connections.
- Check flares for expiry dates, check that batteries are good in the required waterproof flashlight. Verify the fire extinguisher is still valid and
Originally published in the Walleye 2026 issue of Ontario Out of Doors magazine
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